The Classic Antarctica air-cruise is our most popular Antarctica expedition itinerary. Once arriving by flight to Antarctica, you will sail between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Enjoy seeing ice-filled fjords and spectacular icebergs, while spotting penguins, seals, and whales that call the White Continent home.
Antarctica
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
8 Days aboard Magellan Discoverer. From AUD $31,444$29,025pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details
Overview
Save up to A$2419 pp
Book by 30 June 2025
Itinerary Highlights
- Sail through ice-filled fjords and icebergs, spotting penguins, seals, and whales.
- Disembark daily to explore unique landscapes with expert polar guides.
- Attend engaging presentations while enjoying panoramic views and sharing your adventures with fellow guests.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise
- Day 2: Scheduled Flight to Antarctica
- Day 3 to 6: Exploring Antarctica
- Day 7: Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica
- Day 8: End of Air-Cruise
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.
Ship Information
For more information on the Magellan Discoverer please view the ship page.
View Magellan DiscovererTravelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM, where you are welcomed by staff and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you are welcomed at Explorers House to attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.
Dinner included.
Day 2: Scheduled Flight to Antarctica
George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the airplane, 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.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 3 to 6: Exploring Antarctica
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of educational presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience every time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several sites that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache Strait, and the Penola Strait.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 7: Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica
Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back 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).
Breakfast included.
Day 8: 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.
Breakfast included.
Next Departure Date: 22 Dec 2026
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Dec 2026 - 29 Dec 2026 | AUD$37573pp | ||
| Triple Veranda Suite | Save up to A$2419 | ||
| Family Veranda Suite | Save up to A$2419 | ||
| Deluxe Veranda Cabin | Save up to A$2419 | ||
| Grand Veranda Suite | Save up to A$2419 | ||
| Single Veranda Cabin | Save up to A$2419 | ||
| 27 Dec 2026 - 03 Jan 2027 | AUD$37573pp | ||
| 01 Jan 2027 - 08 Jan 2027 | AUD$34670pp | ||
| 06 Jan 2027 - 13 Jan 2027 | AUD$34670pp | ||
| 11 Jan 2027 - 18 Jan 2027 | AUD$34670pp | ||
| 16 Jan 2027 - 23 Jan 2027 | AUD$34670pp | ||
| 21 Jan 2027 - 28 Jan 2027 | AUD$34670pp | ||
| 26 Jan 2027 - 02 Feb 2027 | AUD$34670pp | ||
| 31 Jan 2027 - 07 Feb 2027 | AUD$34670pp | ||
| 12 Feb 2027 - 19 Feb 2027 | AUD$34670pp | ||
| 17 Feb 2027 - 24 Feb 2027 | AUD$34670pp | ||
| 22 Feb 2027 - 01 Mar 2027 | AUD$34670pp | ||
| 27 Feb 2027 - 06 Mar 2027 | AUD$29025pp |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Triple Veranda Suite
Approx. Size: 560 ft² / 52 m²
Two-room suite with sitting area and balcony
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
Approx. Size: 280 ft² / 26 m²
Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Family Veranda Suite
Approx. Size: 560 ft² / 52 m²
Two-room suite with sitting area and balcony
Grand Veranda Suite
Approx. Size: 409 ft² / 38 m²
Suite with sitting area and balcony
Single Veranda Cabin
Approx. Size: 280 ft² / 26 m²
Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Magellan Discoverer Deckplan
Specifications
- Passengers: 76 guests for Antarctic air-cruises
- Staff & Crew: 67
- Breadth: 17.2 m
- Length: 94 m
- Draft: 4.3 m
- Lifeboats: 2 Fully enclosed, capacity 57 Persons (both equipped to serve as rescue boats)
- Propulsion: 2 x 1,800 kW
- Ice class: PC6
- Cruising speed: 13 knots in open water
What's included?
- 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.
What's not included?
- 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.
Notes
Optional Activities:
- Sea Kayaking: US$995
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Antarctica
On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.
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