DURATION
17 Days/16 Nights
PRICING
WHEN
Nov 17, 2023
DESTINATION
SOUTH GEORGIA
ANTARCTICA
TYPE
PER CABIN
South Georgia & Antarctica Air Cruise
Antarctica is probably the most inhospitable and thrilling site on the entire planet. It is also home to a wide number of animal species that fight every day to survive in this surreal environment. Our Antarctica Express expedition takes you through the most prolific areas, where you will get a close-up view of the most iconic areas and wildlife in small expedition vessels that are more like private yachts, offering direct access to areas along the Antarctic shore that larger ships simply can’t reach.
We have been working in Antarctica for several years, and we can confirm that Air cruises are the most efficient and effective way to explore this continent, especially in a short itinerary like this one. Our Air Cruises allows you to get faster to Antarctica, without passing through the thrilling and challenging Drake Passage. This way, we ensure that this trip is perfect for all age travelers.
Both of our vessels, Ocean Nova and Magellan Explorer, are designed to explore deeply the waters of Antarctica in total luxury and comfort. You will be able to enjoy scenic views of Antarctica from the upper deck of the vessel while enjoying a refreshing glass of wine or you can join your fellow travelers in the large variety of activities you can enjoy in this fantastic place, such as kayaking, hiking, and snowshoeing, among others. We recommend you contact us to select the best dates and itineraries in Antarctica, so we can help you craft a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Trip Highlights
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Travel with the most experienced and prepared group of expedition leaders in Antactica.
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Explore the picturesque and remote áreas of Antactica in the most complete itinerary in the market.
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Enjoy views of the outstanding animal species that inhabit this otherworly place.
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Best food on board guaranteed.
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Avoid the rough Waters of the Drake Passage by flying over, guaranteing the most comfortable experience while visiting the Antarctic.
Find your ideal Antarctica cruise
Ship Description
Magellan Explorer
A contemporary exploration ship specially designed for our air cruises to Antarctica, the Magellan Explorer. The ship was launched in 2019 after being built in Chile to the most recent Polar Code criteria.
Magellan Explorer offers seven different types of accommodations, including single rooms, for our air voyages. Except for Porthole Cabins, every accommodation has a private balcony. Except for four, all double cabins include two twin beds that may be combined to form a king-size bed. Every cabin has a closet, a heating system that is independently regulated, a sitting space, and a private bathroom with a shower.
The ship has a glass-enclosed observation lounge, a presentation room with cutting-edge audio-visual technology, a large dining room with stylish furnishings, a fully equipped bar, a library, a conference room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical center. Visitors can approach the ship’s bow via the observation deck that faces forward and provides close proximity to aquatic life. Ten Zodiac boats that are perfect for wildlife viewing and disembarking are available on the cruise.
The world’s first fitness firm with boutique gyms on all seven continents, Anytime Fitness, hired experts to design and construct the fitness center aboard Magellan Explorer.
Tecnical Specifications
- Breadth: 16.2 m
- Draft: 4.3 m
- Propulsion: Diesel engines, 3,440 kW
- Ice Class: LR PC6
- Cruising Speed: 14 knots in open water
- Passengers: 76 maximum on air-cruises
- Expedition Staff & Crew: 60
- Lifeboats: 2, fully enclosed, capacity of 160 (in addition to 8 life rafts, the capacity of 160)
- Length: 90.7 m
Deck Plans
Itinerary
Day 1
Start of the Air-Cruise
Our staff welcomes you in Ushuaia, Argentina, at the pier. Board your ship in the afternoon and sail along the Beagle Channel towards South Georgia.
Day 2 - 4
Sailing to South Georgia
Our historians and naturalists will offer us a series of presentations regarding the places we will visit and the wildlife we expect to see during our voyage. We will have time to socialize in the ship’s lounge while we enjoy the landscapes of this region and its fantastic birdlife.
Day 5 - 8
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.
Depending on conditions, possible stops can include St. Andrew’s Bay, where you could be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 king penguins, and Cooper Island to see the nesting home of thousands of black-browed albatrosses and 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 9 - 10
Sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula
As the ship heads to Antarctica, the program of presentations continues. Use this time to enhance your understanding of the region and its history.
Day 11
Elephant Island
Sailing south, 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 stormy conditions rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship.
Day 12 - 15
Exploring Antarctica
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula and sail 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 sites in the Gerlache Strait that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
Day 16
Antarctica and scheduled return flight
Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. A 2-km (1.25-miles) walk takes you through Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to the aircraft. Bid farewell to Antarctica as you board 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 17
End of the Air-Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Prices
DURATION
17 DAYS / 16 NIGHTS
PRICE FROM
$ 15,995.00
Single Supplement
Request a quote
CONTACT US
*Domestic Air prices are estimated and may change due to cost variation by the airlines.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
In-house support services are provided by New Paths Expeditions.
Complete pre-departure documents.
Hotel accommodation the day before embarking on the vessel.
For air cruises starting in Punta Arenas, Antarctica21 exclusive group transfers airport/ hotel on Day 1.
For air cruises starting in Punta Arenas, one overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar, with a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1.
One overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
For air cruises starting in Punta Arenas, enjoy special access to Explorers House.
Antarctica21-exclusive group transfers airport/ hotel on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica, and Antarctica21-exclusive group transfers hotel/airport on the last day of the air cruise.
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 as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
Dinner is served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner on board.
Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the 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 on page 39.
IAATO passenger fee.
Exclusions
Anything that is not specifically listed under the “Included in the Rate” section. For example:
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.
Internet connection on board the ship.
Personal travel 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.
Wildlife
Antarctica is one of the world’s driest, coldest, and darkest locations. It is a frozen desert of breathtaking beauty and isolation.
Yet, wildlife is thriving even in this huge wasteland. Practically everyone who embarks on an Antarctica cruise does so with the express intention of taking in the region’s diverse array of animals.
Some of the most well-known creatures on the planet, such as Emperor Penguins, Leopard seals, Orcas, Albatrosses, and Blue whales, can be found in the world’s coldest region.
Antarctica experiences a massive influx of marine animals during the summer that is unmatched by anyplace else on the planet.
You cannot sit two feet from a penguin or experience a whale’s blow hole spray anywhere else in the world. Visitor experiences with wildlife on cruises to Antarctica are unmatched.
Extensions
Buenos Aires Pre-Extension
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires
Day 2: Full exploration of Buenos Aires and Gala Tango Clases
Day 3: Fly to Ushuaia to embark your vessel
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to fly to Ushuaia and embark your vessel
START YOUR ADVENTURE HERE:
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