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This is the most popular cruise as it is a complete exploration of Antarctica and it has the most frequent departures. Both Magellan Explorer and Ocean Nova operate this journey.

Please note it does not cross the Polar circle, if you are keen to tick this off your bucket list, consider the Polar Circle Air-Cruise. It is however, the voyage with the most departure in the season.

Get in touch by calling us on 0207 112 0019 or email to check the latest offers and availability.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Punta Arenas with welcome briefing and dinner

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM, where you are welcomed by Antarctica21 staff and transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon, you are welcomed at Explorers House to attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise 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.

Day 2 - Fly 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. You then walk 2-km (1.25-miles), passing Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.

You will board either Magellan Explorer or Ocean Nova (in the cabin category of your choice) as this itinerary is operated by both ships.

Day 3 to 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 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 ever-changing 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 Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache Strait, and the Penola Strait.

Day 7 - Return flight to Punta Arenas

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 - Departure

Today after breakfast you will be taken by shared transfer to Punta Arenas airport for you onward flight.

DETAILS -

This expedition cruise starts from £10,600 per person.

Children policy: Children are admitted from the age of 8 years if accompanied by an adult who will take responsibility and sign a waiver.

Single travellers: you can choose to book a dedicated single cabin with no supplement or a twin cabin for single where a supplement will be applied. You can also share a cabin with another passenger of the same gender: this is available on Magellan Explorer in Porthole and Veranda Cabins and on Ocean Nova in Twin Cabins. We 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. Those passengers must pay a Single Hotel Room Supplement that varies based on the departure selected.

What's included?

INCLUDED
  • 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 served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
  • Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks 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. · IAATO passenger fee.
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Santiago
The capital of Chile is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city worth spending a few nights in. My favourite places are Lastarria and Bellavista neighbourhood, where you can find plenty of bars, restaurants and boutique shops to keep you entertained, and still close enough to the city's highlights.
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The Atacama Desert will surely not disappoint you if you are looking for out of this world landscapes! San Pedro de Atacama is the gateway town to this world wonder, and with plenty of desert lodges for all budgets, 3 nights or more in the region are a must!

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