Antarctica

Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise

6 Days aboard Magellan Explorer. From AUD $9,992pp.
Details

Overview

Departing from Ushuaia, the Magellan Explorer charts a course through the Beagle Channel and toward the legendary Cape Horn. Cross the mythical waters of the Drake Passage and spend a day in one of the most spectacular places on earth - Antarctica!

Itinerary Highlights

  • Experience a comfortable small ship expedition of maximum 100 passengers 
  • Sail one way across the Drake Passage to Antarctica
  • Short visits to penguin colonies 
  • Capture the breathtaking scenery of the Southern Continent 

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia and board ship 
  • Day 2: Cape Horn and Drake Passage
  • Day 3: Drake Passage
  • Day 4: Drake Passage and Antarctica
  • Day 5: Antarctica and Scheduled return flight to Punta Arenas
  • Day 6: Transfer to the Punta Arenas airport

Travelling 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: Arrive in Ushuaia and board ship

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board Magellan Explorer and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail to Cape Horn.

Dinner included.

Day 2: Cape Horn and Drake Passage

After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, you awake in full view of legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on this famous and rarely visited island. Back on board, set sail towards Antarctica and cross the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 3: Drake Passage

As you sail through the Drake Passage en route to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Drake Passage and Antarctica

After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the first sight of Antarctic land. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Taking advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight, exploration will continue well into the evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5: Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas

Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay and explore the area, such as the Chilean Base Frei and the Russian Base Bellingshausen. Bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas, Chile. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night.

(Note: meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and are not included in the program.)

Breakfast included.

Day 6: Depart to Punta Arenas

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

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 18 Nov 2025
DatesCabinFromSpecial Offer
18 Nov 2025 - 23 Nov 2025 AUD$9992ppExpand to view prices
Triple SuiteAUD$9992ppContact us
Porthole CabinAUD$11325ppContact us
Veranda CabinAUD$12492ppContact us
Deluxe Veranda CabinAUD$12992ppContact us
Deluxe SuiteAUD$14325ppContact us
Penthouse SuiteAUD$14992ppContact us
Single Veranda CabinAUD$14992ppContact us
17 Nov 2026 - 22 Nov 2026 AUD$9992ppExpand to view prices

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Triple Suite

Approx. Size: 480 ft2 – 44 m2
Details: Suite with two bedrooms, balcony, and sitting area

Triple Suite
Triple Suite
Porthole Cabin

Approx. Size: 200 ft2 – 18 m²
Details: Cabin with sitting area and porthole

Porthole Cabin
Porthole Cabin
Veranda Cabin

Approx. Size: 210 ft2 – 19 m2
Details: Cabin with sitting area and balcony

Veranda Cabin
Veranda Cabin
Deluxe Veranda Cabin

Approx. Size: 240 ft2 – 22 m2
Details: Cabin with sitting area and balcony

Deluxe Veranda Cabin
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
Penthouse Suite

Approx. Size: 360 ft2 – 33 m2
Details: Suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom area

Penthouse Suite
Penthouse Suite
Deluxe Suite

Approx. Size: 480 ft2 – 44 m2
Details: Two-room suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom

Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suite
Single Veranda Cabin

Approx. Size: 210 ft2 – 19 m2
Details: Cabin with sitting area and balcony

Single Veranda Cabin
Single Veranda Cabin

Magellan Explorer Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Passengers: 100 max
  • Lifeboats: 2, fully enclosed, capacity of 160 (in addition to 8 life rafts, capacity of 160)
  • Breadth: 16.2 m
  • Propulsion: Diesel engines, 3,440 kW
  • Cruising speed: 14 knots in open water
  • Staff & crew: 60
  • Length: 90.7 m
  • Draft: 4.3
  • Ice class: LR PC6

Whats included?

  • On-board accommodation 
  • Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas 
  • 1 post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas 
  • Group transfers 
  • Activities/shore excursions as specified
  • Standard beverages during lunch & dinner
  • Lectures and presentations by expedition leaders and naturalist staff
  • Waterproof boots on loan
  • Pre-departure material 
  • Service charges and port taxes

What’s not included?

  • International airfares 
  • Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable 
  • Travel insurance
  • Expedition gear 
  • Gratuities 
  • Any items not mentioned as included

Notes

  • Expedition jacket - US$349 per person 
  • Preferred seating on flight - US$495 per person

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.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise

6 Days aboard Magellan Explorer. From AUD $9,992pp.