Overview

Embark on a unparalleled expedition combining the Antarctic Peninsula, Elephant Island and South Georgia. Fly direct to Antarctica and spend days exploring the Peninsula with our expert polar guides. As we sail north, on our way to South Georgia, you will follow in the footsteps of famous Antarctic explorers, like Ernest Shackleton, and learn about their daring southerly adventures. In South Georgia, visit the world’s largest King penguin colonies and see the nesting grounds of thousands of albatrosses and elephant seals.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 |  Start of the Air-Cruise

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you are welcomed by Antarctica21 staff and transferred to your hotel. Before 2 PM, you are expected at Explorers House for your check-in, for a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.

Day 2 | Scheduled flight to Antarctica

A smooth two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your adventure begins as you exit the airplane, and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. A short vehicle transfer takes you to the shore of Fildes Bay where a Zodiac takes you to your boutique expedition vessel.

Day 3-6 | Exploring Antarctica

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and 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 everchanging 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 Gerlache Strait, the Penola Strait, and the Antarctic Sound.

Day 7 |  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 8-9 |  Sailing to South Georgia

As we sail northward, our historian and our naturalist guides 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.

Days 10-13 |  Exploring 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. At the peak of the breeding season, it is said that South Georgia has the highest concentration of wildlife per square meter on the planet. If the weather is favourable, we hope to visit Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plain, Drygalski Fjord, and Elsehul Bay.

Days 14-16 |  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.

Days 17 | 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.

Days 18 |  Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrival to Ushuaia, where your journey ends.

Magellan Explorer is a modern expedition vessel custom built for Antarctic fly-cruise expeditions. The ship was constructed in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications and launched in 2019.



For air-cruises, Magellan Explorer has seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole Cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins, except four, have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, an individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with a shower.

The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the ship’s bow, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiacs that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.

Why we love it

Wildlife Encounters

Activities

Stunning Scenery

Bucket List Trip

Gallery

All images courtesy of ©Antarctica21