Antarctic Air-Cruises - 6-10 DaysOn most Antarctic cruises, you spend 2 days sailing south to get there and then 2 days coming back, sometimes through rough seas of the Drake Passage. On an air-cruise, it only takes 2 hours to cover that distance! That can be a big relief for people who tend to experience sea-sickness and discomfort when sailing. By saving that much travel time, that allows you to have more time to combine your Antarctic adventure with an exploration of Chile and the Chilean Patagonia.
You have 2 different ships with different comfort levels to choose from. From the brand new Magellan Explorer or the dependable Ocean Nova, we are sure you can find something to suit you. |
Wilderness adventures that combine a flight to Antarctica with a boutique expedition cruise!
Once you arrive to Antarctica, the small expedition ships carry a maximum of 71 guests. Disembarkation is efficient so you can enjoy more time ashore. Everybody can get in zodiacs and go ashore at the same time - no waiting for others to come back before you go.
For the flights to and from Antarctica, there is only 1 flight per departure and the cruise people get priority. A BAE-146 aircraft manufactured by British Aerospace is used. It is a high-wing aircraft with very short runway requirements, which makes it particularly suited for landing and take-off in Antarctica. The aircraft is expertly operated by Aerovias DAP, which has more than 20 years of experience flying in Patagonia and Antarctica.
For the flights to and from Antarctica, there is only 1 flight per departure and the cruise people get priority. A BAE-146 aircraft manufactured by British Aerospace is used. It is a high-wing aircraft with very short runway requirements, which makes it particularly suited for landing and take-off in Antarctica. The aircraft is expertly operated by Aerovias DAP, which has more than 20 years of experience flying in Patagonia and Antarctica.
Special Promotions
Stop dreaming about Antarctica and start planning your trip!
- Transform your Antarctic dreams into reality with our Air-Cruise Early Booking Promotion! Available until March 31, 2025, this exclusive offer grants you a significant saving of $2,000 USD per person on selected departures during our 2025-26 air-cruise season.
Promotion Terms & Conditions
- Applies to selected 2025-26 Classic Antarctica Air-Cruises as indicated.
- Available only on new individual reservations confirmed with a $4,000 USD deposit per person by March 31, 2025.
- The promotion may be available for group bookings on a case-by-case basis. T
- he offer cannot be combined with any other offer or discount (such as loyalty discount, family discount, child discount, etc.).
- The offer is capacity-controlled and will expire when the allocated space is sold out.
- Operator reserves the right to discontinue or extend this offer at any time.
- All prices are per person and expressed in USD
About the Boats
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2024-2025
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2025-2026
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Classic Antarctica 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
DAY 1 · Start of the Air-Cruise ANTARCTICA 21 staff welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your voyage 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 Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel. DAY 3-6 · 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 lectures and presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests. No journey is the same as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places. 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). DAY 8 · End of the Air-Cruise After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight. Antarctica Express 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
The Antarctica Express Air Cruise is for the travelers with limited time and budget but who just want to check off their list some iconic places like Cape Horn, the Drake Passage and Antarctic Peninsula. And it is a great itinerary for clients that will have once-of-their-lifetime opportunity to travel to Patagonia, combining Argentina and Chile, checking off their list Buenos Aires, El Calafate (Perito Moreno Glacier), Ushuaia, Cape Horn, the Drake Passage, Antarctica, Torres del Paine NP, Santiago, Valparaiso, for instance, in only 3 weeks or so. DAY 1 · Start of the Air-Cruise Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board your ship in the afternoon 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. 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. 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 lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica. 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 seabirds, 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. DAY 5 · Antarctica and scheduled return flight 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 not included in the program). DAY 6 · End of the Air-Cruise After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight. Antarctica and South Georgia Air-Cruise
16 DAYS / 15 NIGHTS Travel to the extremes of the Southern Hemisphere in the footstep of explorer Ernest Shackleton! Enjoy views of spectacular mountains, towering icebergs, and abundant wildlife in Antarctic and in South Georgia. DAY 1 · Start of the Air-Cruise Our staff welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel and attend a mandatory briefing. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers. DAY 2 · Scheduled flight to Antarctica A two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Explore the area before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel. DAY 3-5 · 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. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. No journey is the same as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. You will explore several spots in the Gerlache Strait that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Day 6 · Elephant Island Sailing north, we hope to stop at Elephant Island. It was here that the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on to South Georgia. While the stormy conditions of this area rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship. Day 7-8 · Sailing to South Georgia As we sail northward, our historian and our naturalists offer a series of presentations. There is time to socialize in the ship’s lounge, while keeping an eye out for the region’s abundant birdlife. Day 9-11 · South Georgia The island of South Georgia is a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, massive glaciers, grassy uplands and deep fjords. Visit the former whaling outpost of Grytviken, where you may pay your respects at the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton. At St. Andrew’s Bay be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 king penguins. At Cooper Island, the nesting home of thousands of black-browed albatrosses, see a large colony of macaroni penguins. If the weather is favorable, visits are also planned at Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay. Day 12-14 · Sailing towards South America As the ship heads to South America, the program of presentations continues. Use this time to enhance your understanding of the region and its history. Day 15 · At sea and Beagle Channel Approach the South American continent and sail along the Beagle Channel. Take in the beauty of Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island as you make your way to Ushuaia. Day 16 · Ushuaia, Argentina Arrival to Ushuaia, where your journey ends. Optional Extras
Every day you are in Antarctica, your Kayak Master will work with the Expedition Team to look for the best kayaking opportunities within the trip’s schedule, based on suitable and safe weather conditions. The group will be supported by a dedicated safety Zodiac. Each kayaking excursion will be approximately one and a half hours in duration. At the end of the excursion the Kayak Master will strive to offer the group some time at the landing site so you can explore. To take part in the kayaking program you must have previous kayaking experience. The minimum age for participation is 16 years. The rate is $995 USD per person on Magellan Explorer and $895 USD per person on Ocean Nova. . The sea kayaking option is available on all Classic Antarctica Air-Cruises and all Polar Circle Air-Cruises. Payment of the participation fee is due at time of reservation. In the case of cancellation 120 days or more prior to departure, ANTARCTICA 21 will refund 50% of the participation fee. In the case of cancellation 119 days or less prior to departure, there will be no refund.
To take part in the hiking and snowshoeing program you do not need previous experience. However, your level of physical fitness should be good. Minimum age for participation is 12 years. Hiking & Snowshoeing in Antarctica is bookable on board the ship on most departures at $85 USD per person per excursion.
The package is available pre-expedition and post-expedition and includes: - Group airport transfers - 1 night hotel accommodation - Breakfast - Drink voucher Per-person price Single accommodation: $280 USD, Double accommodation: $175 USD, Triple accommodation: $150 USD |
Polar Circle 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS
DAY 1 · Start of the Air-Cruise ANTARCTICA 21 staff welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your voyage 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 efficiently 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. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel. DAY 3-8 · 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. From the glass-enclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of the expedition is to sail far south in the attempt of reaching the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team sets 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 expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places. Each voyage is unique and each is 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 the Air-Cruise After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight INCLUDED IN THE RATE
• For Air-Cruises starting in Punta Arenas, group transfers airport/hotel on Day 1. • For Air-Cruises starting in Punta Arenas, 1 overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar, with a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1. • 1 overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on the Day of the Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica. • Transfers airport/hotel on the Day of the Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica, and transfers hotel/airport on last Day of the Air-Cruise Program. • Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage. • Ship cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage. • Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board ship offering a wide choice of dishes. • Daily served dinner on board ship offering a choice of three main courses. • Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship • Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board 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. • Contingency Plan as described below. • IAATO passenger fee. SPECIFICALLY NOT INCLUDED IN THE RATE • 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 insurance. • Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.). • Gratuities. • Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable DEPOSIT
An initial deposit of $ 3,000 USD per person is required to book a cabin, except for Antarctica Express Air-Cruises, where the deposit is $ 1,500 USD per person. The balance is due in full 120 days prior to departure. CHILDREN Children are admitted from the age of 8 years if accompanied by a fully responsible adult. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for children up to 12 years of age SINGLE TRAVELLERS Single travelers can choose between: * Booking a dedicated Single cabin. No supplement is applied for single use of dedicated single cabins. * Booking a twin cabin for single use. An 85% supplement will be added to the rate per person when booking in a limited number of Porthole and Veranda Cabins on Magellan Explorer or Twin Cabins on Ocean Nova. A 100% supplement applies when booking all other categories. · Sharing a cabin with another passenger of the same gender. This is available on Magellan Explorer in Porthole and Veranda Cabins, on Ocean Nova in Twin Cabins. Operator will take care of finding the matching companion. Passengers who book a Twin Cabin on a shared basis are accommodated in single rooms at the hotel in Punta Arenas for which they must pay a Single Hotel Room Supplement that varies based on the departure selected. Please inquire at time of reservation. Note: Single travelers who use CPAP machines or other assistive devices, as well as those who have conditions that can be disruptive to others (loud snoring, sleepwalking etc.) can only book their air-cruise in a Single Cabin or in a Twin Cabin for single use. They cannot book on a twin-share basis. ABOUT YOUR ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
If you are joining an Air-Cruise starting in Punta Arenas, you must plan to arrive with a flight that is scheduled to land in Punta Arenas no later than 2 PM on Day 1 of the itinerary. The same deadline applies to travellers arriving directly at the hotel on Day 1. That afternoon, all travellers must attend a mandatory safety and Antarctic guidelines briefing, and an information session covering important practical details. You must also attend a fitting session for your expedition boots. Participation in these activities is essential for the success of the expedition. Travellers who miss the 2 PM arrival deadline will be considered “no-show”. They will not be able to participate in the expedition and will receive no refund. Remember that scheduling tight connections is never wise when travelling to remote places with limited services. Protect your travel investment by building some buffer in your travel plans in case of problems with luggage delivery, flight delays etc. In case your flight into Punta Arenas is delayed for reasons beyond your control, the operator will do everything possible to accommodate your late arrival. However, the operator cannot assume any responsibility for any resulting complications, including your inability to join the expedition. For Antarctica Express Air-Cruises: boarding in Ushuaia is between 3 PM and 4 PM. At 4 PM boarding will close. The operator strongly suggests that a flexible air ticket be held for your journey home in case you need to change your travel arrangement following a delay of the return flight from Antarctica. Please ask your travel consultant for assistance. See also the sections on possible flight delays and related contingency plans further down. PARTICIPATION FORM Participants are required to fill and sign an on-line Participation Form, and to return it at least 120 days prior to departure. MEDICAL INSURANCE Operator requires participants to be adequately covered by a travel insurance policy that covers aero-medical evacuation from Antarctica as a result of a medical emergency during the trips, including emergencies related to pre-existing health conditions. ITINERARY Every effort will be made to adhere to the planned program. However, with this type of adventurous travel to Antarctica, changes to the itinerary may occur due to severe and unpredictable weather. We need to emphasize the fact that weather conditions are unpredictable and that safety is always the paramount concern on any Antarctic voyage. For this reason the operator reserves the right to change the itinerary described due to weather conditions or other factors beyond it's control without consulting the participants. CANCELLATION INSURANCE Operator strongly urges participants to be adequately covered by trip cancellation and interruption insurance. BAGGAGE AND BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE The maximum luggage weight allowed on flights to and from Antarctica is 20 kg (44 lbs.) per passenger, including hand luggage. Luggage will be weighed. For trips starting and ending in Punta Arenas, luggage exceeding this weight limit can be left in custody with operator. This luggage custody service is not available for Antarctica Express Air-Cruises. POSSIBLE FLIGHT DELAYS AND CONTINGENCY PLAN Flights to and from Antarctica operate based on weather conditions. While historically only a minority of flights have experienced a delay, you should be prepared for that possibility. In the unlikely event that the flight to Antarctica cannot take place on the scheduled day due to unfavorable weather conditions, we will apply a Contingency Plan. The Contingency Plan is included in the cost of your expedition. The primary goal of the plan is to provide an engaging and comfortable travel experience while we adapt to the weather. A change in the flight schedule can impact travel to Antarctica or return back to Punta Arenas, and the plan includes a range of activities determined by the circumstances. Additionally, the Contingency Plan offers you financial protection by providing a refund should weather conditions prevent us from reaching Antarctica. In case the outbound flight to Antarctica is moved forward In some cases it may be necessary to move forward the Antarctic flight to the afternoon or evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. This will result in early departure from Punta Arenas and early arrival in Antarctica. In case the outbound flight to Antarctica is delayed The group will remain in Punta Arenas while waiting for an improvement in the weather and for the opportunity to fly to Antarctica. Included are accommodation at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar, meals, and guided excursions to local attractions. If by 2 PM on Day 4 of the itinerary it is still impossible to reach Antarctica, the trip will be interrupted and the cruise fare will be refunded. In case the return flight to Punta Arenas is moved forward In those cases when the forecast suggests the likelihood of unfavorable weather conditions in Antarctica persisting for several days, the flight back to Punta Arenas may be moved forward to the previous evening as a way to avoid a protracted delay in Antarctica. Accommodation at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar is included upon arrival. All other inclusions will remain per the original itinerary. In case the return flight to Punta Arenas is delayed The group will remain in Antarctica and wait for the opportunity to fly to Punta Arenas. Included are meals and accommodation on the ship, and local excursions. Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, the trip will end at the airport. Travellers are responsible for any expenses associated with the rescheduling of their airline tickets or onward travel plans. Entry visas and entry fees Travelers should check the entry requirements of the countries visited during their trip, based on their nationality. Antarctica Express AirCruises visit Argentina and Chile so the requirements of both countries should be considered. Preferred seats For extra comfort, clients can purchase a limited number of Preferred Seats on their Antarctic flight. Preferred Seats offer a guaranteed aisle or window seat at the front of the aircraft (guaranteed empty middle seat), priority boarding in Punta Arenas, and an amenities kit. |