Antarctica and South Georgia Air-Cruise

Itinerary Highlights

Traveling aboard a world class expedition vessel, the Magellan Explorer, this itinerary is a dream come true for animal lover’s. Fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the White Continent and start your expedition directly in Antarctica. Your experience will take you through the western Antarctic Peninsula, through Elephant Island to South Georgia. Sail through the nutrient-rich waters and, each day, disembark with our expert polar guides having time to either hike, snowshoe or kayak in bays nearby. As we make our way to South Georgia, you will follow the footsteps of famous Antarctic explorers, such as Ernest Shackleton, and learn about their daring southerly adventures. Once reaching South Georgia, often called an Antarctic oasis or “the Galapagos of the Poles”, you will witness a sea blanket of penguins, including the king penguins and macaroni penguin mecca. Over 100,000 breeding pairs of king penguins are found on South Georgia as they have claimed this island as a major breeding spot. South Georgia is also home to the southern elephant seal, the Antarctic fur seal and the albatross. As you witness such close encounters with wildlife, one will appreciate the unique advantage of traveling on our 73-passenger vessel, which offers a boutique-style wilderness adventure rather than just a cruise.

 Refer to the downloadable brochure above for vessel and departure details.

Itinerary Details

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, right before 2PM, where you will be transferred to your hotel and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your voyage 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 with drinks.

Overnight at Cabo de Hornos Hotel, Punta Arenas (Dinner)

A two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. A 2-km (1.25-mi) walk takes you to the shore where you board a Zodiac to embark your vessel.

Overnight aboard the Magellan Explorer (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

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 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. You will explore several spots in the Gerlache Strait that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

Overnight aboard the Magellan Explorer (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Sailing north, we will pay a visit to Elephant Island if weather permits for a shore landing. It was here that the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on to South Georgia. While stormy conditions rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship.

Overnight aboard the Magellan Explorer (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

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 birdlife.

Overnight aboard the Magellan Explorer (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

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 favourable, visits are also planned at Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay.

Overnight aboard the Magellan Explorer (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

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.

Overnight aboard the Magellan Explorer (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Approach South America and sail along the Beagle Channel. Take in the beauty of Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island as you head to Ushuaia.

Overnight aboard the Magellan Explorer (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Arrival to Ushuaia, where your journey ends at the pier upon disembarkation.

(Breakfast)

• 15 nights accommodation as per program (based on double/twin occupancy; single and triple occupancy is available)

• All transfers and transport as per the program (Day 1 & 16)

• Flight from Punta Arenas, Chile to Frei Station on King George Island

• All guided shore excursions

• Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica and South Georgia

• Daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner on board

• Daily served dinner on board offering a choice of three main courses

• Snacks and soft drinks on board

• IAATO passenger fee

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international flights not described above, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• There are a lot of questions to ask yourself when planning a trip to Antarctica. The one we hear most often is – when is the best time to travel to Antarctica? Summer in Antarctica is a narrow window of time between November and March, so your trip really depends on when you can travel and where your interests lie. Each summer month in Antarctica offers traveler’s a unique perspective and, of course, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• November – The early season of the Antarctic summer is when Penguins are numerous, just in time for mating season. It is a busy time for these birds as they build their nests, search for partners and start their families. Also, the continent is just coming out of winter, so ice and snow are still abundant. If you want to see some bigger icebergs, this is a great time to visit.

• December – This is the most popular season to visit Antarctica. There are plenty of Penguin chicks to spot and seals are active as it is their mating season. It’s important to remember to plan early for this month as it is booked quickly as many people look forward to seeing the seventh continent during this time of year.

• January – During this month you can expect “warmer” weather as it is the peak of the summer season in Antarctica. The average temperature in the Antarctica Peninsula area during the austral summer is about 0º C (32º F). You will see baby penguin chicks being fed by their parents who just returned from the sea with food. This time of year also has about 20 hours of sunlight giving you plenty of time to explore during your trip.

• February – As we get later into the season, you can expect whales to start appearing in the waters of Antarctica. It’s also a wonderful time of year for photographers as the light in February is optimal for landscape photography. 

• March – End of the summer season is here. Penguin chicks are older and ready to venture into the cold waters. All the wildlife is active at this time of year, so seals and whales are also expected to be nearby. It’s also a time where there are less people traveling to Antarctica, so you will not see many other ships during your time here.

• As you will be arriving into Punta Arenas, we strongly encourage an extension trip to southern Patagonia, as Punta Arenas is the gateway to the heart of Patagonia and the iconic granite towers, Torres del Paine. We recommend a total of 4 nights to explore this region. If time permits, further exploration of Argentina Patagonia can be arranged as you will be arriving into Ushuaia.

• For your air-cruise, you can choose a few additional add-ons to enhance your expedition experience in the Antarctica. These suggestions come with a supplemental cost: Sea Kayaking and Hiking & Snowshoeing Program.