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antarctic expedition vessels

Antarctica Air-Cruise Expeditions

Days Icon 6 to 10 days
Location icon Antarctica
Budget icon From USD 5,995 p.p.

Tour Summary

Explore Antarctica aboard a boutique Antarctic expedition vessel designed for immersive polar discovery. These air cruise journeys combine a direct flight to King George Island with guided exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula and beyond. Travelers can choose between three distinct itineraries: a classic Peninsula voyage, a Polar Circle expedition reaching 66° South, or a shorter Antarctica Express option. Each expedition vessel offers expert-led Zodiac landings, daily shore explorations, wildlife encounters, and flexible routing shaped by conditions. Ideal for travelers seeking expedition depth without the traditional Drake Passage crossing, these voyages maximize time exploring Antarctica’s extraordinary landscapes.

Highlights

  • check Antarctic Wildlife Encounters

    Spot penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds thriving in one of Earth’s most pristine ecosystems.

  • check Zodiac Landings & Guided Exploration

    Navigate ice-filled fjords and step onto remote Antarctic shores with expert polar guides.

  • check The Antarctic Circle Experience

    On select departures, sail farther south in pursuit of the legendary Antarctic Circle.

  • check Expedition Comfort at Sea

    Explore aboard a refined expedition vessel with immersive lectures and panoramic polar views aboard.

Prices

Prices, based on number of guests, start at:
Express Air-CruiseUSD 5,995 p.p.
Classic Air-CruiseUSD 15,995 p.p.
Polar Air-CruiseUSD 24,995 p.p.
This Cruises can only be booked under request. Inquire

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Antarctica Express Air-Cruise (6 Days - 5 Nights)
  • Day 1: Embarkation in Ushuaia & Beagle Channel Crossing

    Night View of Ushaia City, Argentina at the end of the Antarctic Expedition

    Your Antarctica Express air cruise begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, where you board your expedition vessel in the afternoon. Sail through the legendary Beagle Channel, framed by the wild landscapes of Tierra del Fuego, toward Puerto Williams, Chile — the southernmost town in the world. Weather permitting, explore its remote surroundings before continuing south toward the iconic waters of Cape Horn, gateway to Antarctica.

    • Activity Activity:Arrival.
    • Meal Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Double or single cabins at:
      Ocean Nova
      Magellan Explorer
      Magellan Discoverer
  • Day 2: Cape Horn & Crossing the Drake Passage

    View of Cape Horn The Southern Island of Chile

    After sailing overnight through Nassau Bay, wake to sweeping views of legendary Cape Horn at the edge of Tierra del Fuego. Weather permitting, step ashore by Zodiac on this rarely visited island before continuing your Antarctica Express air cruise across the Drake Passage, following the historic route of Sir Francis Drake toward the White Continent aboard your expedition vessel.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring.
    • Transport Transport:Zodiac.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Double or single cabins at:
      Ocean Nova
      Magellan Explorer
      Magellan Discoverer
  • Day 3: Drake Passage Toward Antarctica

    A vast, deep blue sea with white-capped swells stretches toward a distant horizon, where the first faint silhouette of a jagged Antarctic iceberg begins to emerge under a moody, overcast sky in the Drake Passage.

    As your expedition vessel sails the Drake Passage toward King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, join expert-led presentations that deepen your understanding of the Southern Ocean. Scan the horizon from the lounge or open decks for soaring albatrosses, petrels, and migrating whales as you make your way toward Antarctica.

    • Activity Activity:Sailing. Onboard Presentations.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Double or single cabins at:
      Ocean Nova
      Magellan Explorer
      Magellan Discoverer
  • Day 4: Drake Passage & First Landings in Antarctica

    Group of penguins swimming at the antartic sea.

    After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, feel the shift as colder waters bring your first icebergs and glimpses of the Antarctic continent. Enter the South Shetland Islands, sailing through ice-filled bays alive with seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Step ashore by Zodiac for your first penguin colony encounter, often exploring into the luminous Antarctic evening light.

    • Activity Activity:Wildlife Watching. Hiking.
    • Transport Transport:Zodiac.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Double or single cabins at:
      Ocean Nova
      Magellan Explorer
      Magellan Discoverer
  • Day 5: Farewell Antarctica & Return to Chile

    King george Island

    Arrive at King George Island and disembark at Fildes Bay. Transfer past Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to board your charter flight back to Punta Arenas. As Antarctica fades behind you, reflect on your expedition before transferring to your hotel. Evening meals in Punta Arenas are at leisure and not included in the program.

    • Activity Activity:Transfer out.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar.
  • Day 6: Departure from Punta Arenas

    Elevated view of colorful rooftops in coastal Punta Arenas overlooking the Strait of Magellan under a blue sky

    After breakfast, transfer to Punta Arenas Airport for your onward flight. As your Antarctica Express Air Cruise concludes, depart with a deeper understanding of the White Continent and memories shaped by sea crossings, wildlife encounters, and life aboard your expedition vessel.

    • Activity Activity:Departure.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.

Itinerary Map

Itinerary Map
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise (8 Days - 7 Nights)
  • Day 1: The Classic Air-Cruise Kicks Off in Chile

    Elevated view of colorful rooftops in coastal Punta Arenas overlooking the Strait of Magellan under a blue sky

    Welcome to Chile! Your classic Antarctica Peninsula cruise begins in the charming city of Punta Arenas, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and expedition leaders at Explorers House. We’re kicking things off with a cozy dinner and a full briefing of our upcoming adventure. Good food, great company, and the excitement of what’s to come! Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before your flight to Antarctica.

    • Activity Activity:Pre-trip briefing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar.
  • Day 2: Arrive at King George Island

    King george Island

    Begin your journey with a two-hour charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. Step onto Antarctic soil and breathe in crisp polar air before crossing past Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station. A Zodiac transfer then brings you to your expedition vessel, where your cruise truly begins.

    • Activity Activity:Transfer in.
    • Transport Transport:Plane. Car. Zodiac.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Double or single cabins at:
      Ocean Nova
      Magellan Explorer
      Magellan Discoverer
  • Days 3 - 6: Exploring Antarctica

    Travelers Exploring the Antartica

    Sail between the South Shetland Islands and the western Antarctic Peninsula, cruise past sculpted icebergs and through dramatic fjords, then land by Zodiac with expert polar guides to encounter penguins, seals, and whales up close. Each cruise adapts to conditions, visiting highlights such as the Antarctic Sound, Gerlache Strait, and Penola Strait for a dynamic, immersive experience.

    • Activity Activity:Hiking. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Zodiac.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Double or single cabins at:
      Ocean Nova
      Magellan Explorer
      Magellan Discoverer
  • Day 7: Fly Back to Punta Arenas from Antarctica

    The Boat Magellan Explorer sailing across the Antarctica.

    Return to King George Island and say farewell to Antarctica before boarding your chartered flight back to Punta Arenas. As your expedition vessel leaves the White Continent behind, take in a final glimpse of its glaciers and peaks. After landing in Chilean Patagonia, transfer to your hotel for the night. Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure, offering time to explore local restaurants and reflect on your Antarctic adventure.

    • Activity Activity:Transfer out.
    • Transport Transport:Plane. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar.
  • Day 8: Farewell to Patagonia

    Departure Punta Arenas

    After breakfast, transfer to Punta Arenas Airport for your onward flight. As your classic Antarctica air-cruise concludes, you leave Chilean Patagonia carrying the memory of ice-filled fjords, penguin colonies, and the vast silence of the White Continent. Your journey may be over, but the perspective it offers travels home with you.

    • Activity Activity:Departure.
    • Transport Transport:Car. Plane.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.

Itinerary Map

Itinerary Map
Polar Circle Air-Cruise (10 Days - 9 Nights)
  • Day 1: The Polar Air-Cruise Kicks Off in Chile

    Departure Punta Arenas

    Welcome to Chile! Your journey begins in the charming city of Punta Arenas, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and expedition leaders at Explorers House. We’re kicking things off with a cozy dinner and a full briefing of our upcoming adventure. Good food, great company, and the excitement of what’s to come! Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before your Antarctic flight.

    • Activity Activity:Pre-trip briefing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar.
  • Day 2: Arrive at King George Island

    King george Island

    Begin your trip with a two-hour charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. Step onto Antarctic soil and breathe in crisp polar air before crossing past Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station. A Zodiac transfer then brings you to your ship, where your cruise truly begins.

    • Activity Activity:Transfer in.
    • Transport Transport:Plane. Car. Zodiac.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Double or single cabins at:
      Ocean Nova
      Magellan Explorer
  • Day 3 - 8: Antarctic Circle Expedition

    View of a Glacier at Elephant Island at the Antarctica Expedition

    Sail past towering icebergs and through ice-filled fjords along the South Shetland Islands and western Antarctic Peninsula. Disembark daily by Zodiac to hike remote landing sites and explore hidden coves with expert polar guides. As you navigate the Gerlache and Penola Straits and into Crystal Sound, the goal is clear: attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle. With flexible routing shaped by real-time conditions, each voyage offers a rare, in-depth perspective of Antarctica’s wild, ever-changing environment.

    • Activity Activity:Hiking. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Zodiacs.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Double or single cabins at:
      Ocean Nova
      Magellan Explorer
  • Day 9: Fly Back to Punta Arenas from Antarctica

    The Boat Magellan Explorer sailing across the Antarctica.

    Return to King George Island and board your charter flight back to Punta Arenas, leaving the ice behind. Upon arrival in southern Chile, transfer to your hotel for a well-earned night’s rest. Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included, giving you the freedom to choose how you celebrate the journey.

    • Activity Activity:Transfer out.
    • Transport Transport:Plane. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar.
  • Day 10: Farewell to the Antarctic Circle

    Elevated view of colorful rooftops in coastal Punta Arenas overlooking the Strait of Magellan under a blue sky

    After breakfast in Punta Arenas, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. As your Antarctica experience concludes, you leave with rare memories of the White Continent, the Peninsula’s vast icefields, and the extraordinary wildlife that defines Earth’s southernmost frontier.

    • Activity Activity:Departure.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.

Itinerary Map

Itinerary Map

General information

Magellan Explorer

Class: Luxury Class
Capacity: 76 passengers
Type: Ice class LR PC6
Length: 90.7 m
Breadth: 16.2 m
Cabins: 37 cabins
AC & WiFi: yes

Available Itineraries:

  1. Antarctica Express Air-Cruise (6D/7N)
  2. Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise (8/7N)
  3. Polar Circle Air-Cruise (10D/9N)

Magellan Discoverer

Class: Luxury Class
Capacity: 76 passengers
Type: Ice class LR PC6
Length: 90.7 m
Breadth: 16.2 m
Cabins: 37 cabins
AC & WiFi: yes

Available Itineraries:

  1. Antarctica Express Air-Cruise (6D/7N)
  2. Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise (8/7N)

Ocean Nova

Class: First Class
Capacity: 67 passengers
Type: Ice class 1B, EO (Hull Ice 1A)
Length: 73 m
Breadth: 11 m
Cabins: 33 cabins
AC & WiFi: yes

Available Itineraries:

  1. Antarctica Express Air-Cruise (6D/7N)
  2. Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise (8/7N)
  3. Polar Circle Air-Cruise (10D/9N)
  • Magellan Explorer Deck Plan

    Magellan Explorer Deck Plan
  • Magellan Discoverer Deck Plan

    Magellan Discoverer Deck Plan
  • Ocean Nova Deck Plan

    Ocean Nova Deck Plan

Inclusions

  • Group transfers from the airport and hotel.
  • Ship cruise and flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica, and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each air-cruise itinerary.
  • Guided shore landings and Zodiac excursions in Antarctica, as well as lectures and entertainment on board your boutique vessel.
  • Daily buffet breakfast and lunch, and à la carte dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
  • Contingency plan, loan of waterproof boots for landings in Antarctica, and IAATO passenger fee.
  • All meals included on board the cruise, from lunch on day one to breakfast on the final day.

Exclusions

  • Flight to Chile.
  • Flight out from Argentina.
  • Gratuities for guide and crew.
  • Travel and health insurance.
  • Optional excursions and optional activity (sea kayaking and snowshoeing) surcharges.

Accommodations

Magellan Explorer Antartic Cruise

Magellan Explorer

Aerial view of Cabo de Hornos Hotel

Cabo de Hornos Hotel

Magellan Discoverer Antarctic Cruise

Magellan Discoverer

Ocean Nova Polar Cruise

Ocean Nova

  • What are polar expedition vessels and how are they different from traditional cruise ships?

    Polar expedition vessels are purpose-built ships designed for navigating remote regions like Antarctica. Smaller than traditional cruise ships, they allow flexible routing, Zodiac landings, and closer wildlife encounters, delivering immersive Antarctic adventures rather than a standard sightseeing cruise experience.

  • What makes these Antarctic adventures different from other Antarctica trips?

    These Antarctic adventures combine an exclusive charter flight with expedition cruising, avoiding the full Drake Passage crossing in certain itineraries. Guests explore in small groups with expert guides, enjoy daily Zodiac excursions, and experience a flexible route shaped by weather and wildlife conditions.

  • What is the polar circle air cruise and does every itinerary reach the Antarctic Circle?

    The polar circle air cruise is a specialized itinerary designed to sail farther south in an attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle. While the Classic and Express routes explore the Peninsula, only the Polar Circle itinerary specifically aims to reach this iconic latitude.

  • Which itinerary is right for me: Classic, Express, or Polar Circle?

    The Express suits travelers with limited time seeking a condensed Antarctica experience. The Classic balances depth and efficiency. The Polar Circle itinerary is ideal for seasoned explorers wanting to venture farther south for a more ambitious expedition experience.

  • What level of comfort can I expect on board?

    Depending on departure, you will sail aboard a premium expedition vessel offering comfortable cabins, expert-led lectures, refined dining, and panoramic lounges. These ships prioritize intimate exploration while maintaining high standards of service, safety, and comfort in remote polar regions.

Additional Information

  • The Antarctica Express Air-Cruise aboard the Magellan Discoverer is available as a reverse itinerary from March 4 to 10, 2027.
  • To enter Chile, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.
  • Cabins are subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Prices are subject to seasonal surcharges during Christmas, New Year’s, and Holy Week.
  • Prices are subject to change depending on cabin availability.
  • It is suggested to have valid travel and medical insurance. Please inform the team of any known medical conditions you have.
  • Rebecca Adventure Travel reserves the right to change the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions, availability, National Park regulations or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.

Advantages of Booking with Rebecca Adventure Travel

  • Impactful Travel: Develop meaningful connections that enrich both travelers and host cultures.
  • Empowering Locals: Support family-owned accommodations, involving local communities and contributing to local economies.
  • Sustainable Travel: Preserve cultures and environments for future generations with our Huella Positiva.
  • Travel With Trust: We are here for you every step of the way with solid insurance, certifications, and rebooking facilities.
  • Personalized Travel Curator: Ensures your trip meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

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