Polar Circle Air-Cruise

Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise

Staff members welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel, visit Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers from around the world.

Day 2: Scheduled flight to Antarctica

A smooth two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane, and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then board a transfer vehicle and pass Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.

Day 3 to 8: Exploring Antarctica

Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Our expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history, and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment.

Enjoy spectacular views, from the glass-enclosed lounge, while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of this expedition is to sail far south in the attempt to reach the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team plans the specific voyage route based on local conditions and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache and Penola Straits, and the Crystal Sound. Each voyage is unique, and crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

Day 9: Scheduled return flight from Antarctica

Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).

Day 10: End of Air-Cruise

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

• Ship cruise as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
• Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
• For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, exclusive group transfers airport/ hotel on Day 1 and last day of the expedition.
• For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, one night at the Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas or similar with breakfast.
• One night at the Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas or similar with breakfast on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
• For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, enjoy special access to Explorers House where you will enjoy a welcome dinner on Day 1.
• Exclusive group transfers airport/ hotel on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica, and exclusive group transfers hotel/airport on the last day of the air-cruise.
• Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship, offering a variety of dishes.
• Three-course dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
• Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board.
• Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship throughout the expedition.
• All guided shore excursions.
• Lectures and entertainment on board.
• Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
• Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
• Access to exclusive content on the app on board Magellan Explorer and Magellan Discoverer.
• For Penthouse Suites on board Magellan Explorer and Grand Veranda Suites on Magellan Discoverer, complimentary premium internet service. For all other categories, complimentary standard internet service. Conditions apply.
• IAATO passenger fee.

• Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage. Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
• Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
• Personal travel and medical insurance.
• Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
• Gratuities.
• Visas for Chile, Argentina and/or United Kingdom (for South Georgia), passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
• Any items not mentioned as included.

Optional Activities:

• Sea Kayaking: US$995