Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Highlights
- Soar across the Drake Passage by charter flight, landing directly on Antarctic soil for faster, smoother access.
- Cruise amid towering icebergs & glaciers, encountering penguins, seals, & whales in their breathtaking habitat.
- Join expert guides on Zodiac excursions & lectures, unveiling Antarctica’s pristine beauty and polar wonders.
Skip the stormy seas and fly straight into the heart of Antarctica on this seamless 8-day Classic Air-Cruise adventure. Beginning in Punta Arenas, Chile, you’ll board an exclusive charter flight to King George Island, setting foot on the White Continent within just two hours—a rare privilege that spares you the long Drake Passage crossing while maximizing your time among Antarctica’s awe-inspiring landscapes.
From your boutique expedition vessel, sail between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, where sculpted icebergs drift through tranquil fjords and snow-clad peaks shimmer in the polar light. Each day offers a new discovery: Zodiac landings on penguin-dotted shores, close encounters with breaching whales, and moments of pure silence broken only by the crackle of shifting ice. On board, insightful lectures from your Expedition Team deepen your appreciation of this fragile and fascinating ecosystem.
This voyage offers both comfort and adventure in equal measure—perfect for travelers seeking to experience Antarctica’s magic without the extended sea journey. You’ll return home with a profound sense of accomplishment, having stood on the world’s most remote continent, surrounded by a realm few ever reach, and carrying with you memories of serenity, wonder, and wild, untamed beauty.
Ships
Magellan Explorer
Ocean Nova
Magellan Discoverer
Standard Activities
About the Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Skip the stormy seas and fly straight into the heart of Antarctica on this seamless 8-day Classic Air-Cruise adventure. Beginning in Punta Arenas, Chile, you’ll board an exclusive charter flight to King George Island, setting foot on the White Continent within just two hours—a rare privilege that spares you the long Drake Passage crossing while maximizing your time among Antarctica’s awe-inspiring landscapes.
From your boutique expedition vessel, sail between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, where sculpted icebergs drift through tranquil fjords and snow-clad peaks shimmer in the polar light. Each day offers a new discovery: Zodiac landings on penguin-dotted shores, close encounters with breaching whales, and moments of pure silence broken only by the crackle of shifting ice. On board, insightful lectures from your Expedition Team deepen your appreciation of this fragile and fascinating ecosystem.
This voyage offers both comfort and adventure in equal measure—perfect for travelers seeking to experience Antarctica’s magic without the extended sea journey. You’ll return home with a profound sense of accomplishment, having stood on the world’s most remote continent, surrounded by a realm few ever reach, and carrying with you memories of serenity, wonder, and wild, untamed beauty.
Itinerary
Start of the Air-Cruise
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM, where you are welcomed by the 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.
Scheduled Flight to Antarctica
Exploring Antarctica Cruise
Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica
End of Air-Cruise
Save $1,000 USD per person on selected departures.. Book by November 30, 2025 to savings.. Conditions apply.
Book a group of 5 or more under one reservation and enjoy a 10% savings. This limited-time offer applies to seven departures during our 2025-26 season.
This exclusive promotion provides a $2,000 USD savings per person on selected Classic Antarctica air-cruises on board the new Magellan Discoverer in all accommodation categories except Triple Veranda Suite during our 2026-27 season.
Save Up To $5,000 USD Per Person With Our 2027-28 Air-Cruise Early Booking Promotion
Our 2027-28 Early Booking Promotion offers savings of $5,000 USD per person to guests reserving Suites, and $2,500 USD per person to guests reserving all other categories of accommodation in single and double...
Save $1,000 USD per person on selected departures.. Book by November 30, 2025 to savings.. Conditions apply.
Terms & Conditions
- — The offer cannot be combined with any other offer or discount (such as loyalty discount, family discount, child discount, etc.).
- — The offer is capacity-controlled and will expire when the allocated space is sold out.
- — We keep the right to discontinue or extend this offer at any time.
- — All prices are per person and expressed in USD.
Book a group of 5 or more under one reservation and enjoy a 10% savings. This limited-time offer applies to seven departures during our 2025-26 season.
Terms & Conditions
- — The offer is capacity controlled. The promotion is available only on a limited number of cabins per departure.
- — The promotion will expire on November 30, 2025, or when the inventory allocated to the promotion is sold out, whichever comes first.
- — The promotion cannot be combined with any other offer or discount (such as the loyalty discount, child discount, etc.).
- — We keep the right to discontinue or extend this promotion at any time.
This exclusive promotion provides a $2,000 USD savings per person on selected Classic Antarctica air-cruises on board the new Magellan Discoverer in all accommodation categories except Triple Veranda Suite during our 2026-27 season.
Terms & Conditions
- — A $2,000 USD per person price reduction applies to selected Classic Antarctica aircruises sea voyages during the 2026-27 season
- — The promotion applies to all accommodation categories, except Triple Veranda Suite, on board Magellan Discoverer.
- — The promotion is capacity-controlled and is available on a limited number of cabins per departure.
- — The promotion will expire on January 30, 2026, or when the inventory allocated to the promotion is sold out, whichever comes first.
- — The promotion applies only to new individual reservations. The promotion may be available for group bookings on a case-by-case basis.
- — The promotion cannot be combined with any other offer or discount (such as the early booking promotion, loyalty discount, child discount, etc.).
- — Antarctica Cruises reserves the right to discontinue or extend this promotion at any time.
- —
Save Up To $5,000 USD Per Person With Our 2027-28 Air-Cruise Early Booking Promotion
Our 2027-28 Early Booking Promotion offers savings of $5,000 USD per person to guests reserving Suites, and $2,500 USD per person to guests reserving all other categories of accommodation in single and double occupancy.
The promotion applies to all available Classic Antarctica and Polar Circle air-cruise departures aboard Magellan Discoverer and Magellan Explorer and is available until January 30, 2026. Conditions apply.
Terms & Conditions
- — Applies to all available 2027-28 Classic Antarctica and Polar Circle departures aboard Magellan Discoverer and Magellan Explorer.
- — The $5,000 per person savings apply to Grand Veranda Suites on Magellan Discoverer, and Penthouse Suites and Deluxe Suites on Magellan Explorer. The $2,500 per person savings apply to all other categories of accommodation except Triple Cabins, on both vessels.
- — The offer is capacity controlled. The promotion is available only on a limited number of cabins per departure.
- — The promotion will expire on January 30, 2026, or when the inventory allocated to the promotion is sold out, whichever comes first.
- — The promotion applies only to individual reservations. The promotion may be available for group bookings on a case-by-case basis.
- — We keep the right to discontinue or extend this offer at any time.
- — The promotion cannot be combined with any other offer or discount (such as the loyalty discount, child discount, etc.).
- — Except where modified by the promotion, the Terms and Conditions of Sale apply.
Our Sea Kayaking program is an exclusive experience under the guidance and leadership of an experienced Kayak Master, who takes our guests on a sea journey through icy waters while observing massive glaciers and aquatic wildlife.
What equipment is provided?
• Double or single kayak
• An adjustable paddle
• Top-quality dry suit
• Booties, pogies and warm hat
• Spray skirt and life vest
What equipment should I bring?
• Thermal under layer
• Comfortable pants and few crew neck tops
• Two pairs of waterproof gloves
• Thermal socks
• Warm hat and neck gaiter
Prices
Ocean Nova: $895 USD per person
Magellan Explorer: $995 USD per person
The Hiking & Snowshoeing program is an optional small-group experience offered on board the ship as a
one-off excursion. A Hiking & Snowshoeing Guide leads the group.
Every day you are in Antarctica, the Hiking & Snowshoeing Guide will work with the Expedition
Leader to look for the best hiking or snowshoeing opportunities within the trip’s schedule, based on
suitable and safe weather conditions. Each excursion will be approximately one and a half hours in
duration. Depending on the conditions of the terrain, some excursions may require the use of snowshoes
and/or trekking poles, which will be provided.Participants can select the excursions they want to join, paying a per-excursion fee.
The activity can be booked and paid on board the ship. To take part in the Hiking & Snowshoeing program, you do not need previous experience. However, your level of physical fitness should be good. The minimum age for participation is 12 years.
What equipment is provided?
• Light-weight adjustable walking poles
• Adjustable snowshoes (when required)
What equipment should I bring?
• Thermal socks and underwear
• Several zip-up top layers
• Waterproof pants and jackets
• Waterproof gloves, warm hat, scarf
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
What's Included
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Exclusive group transfers airport/ hotel on Day 1.
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One overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar, with a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1.
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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.
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Enjoy special access to Explorers House.
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Exclusive group transfers airport/ hotel on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica, and group transfers hotel/airport on the last day of the air-cruise.
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Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and vice versa
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Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
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Dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
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Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board.
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Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship throughout the expedition.
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All guided shore excursions.
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Lectures and entertainment on board.
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Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
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Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
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IAATO passenger fee.
What's Excluded
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Mandatory travel insurance.
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Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary.
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Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).
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Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
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Internet connection on board the ship.
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Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
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Gratuities.
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Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica - Basecamp
Antarctic Circle Expedition (18D)
Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake
Spirit of Antarctica
Highlights of Antarctica
Crossing The Circle: Southern Expedition
Antarctic Wildlife Adventure (21D)
Antarctic Peninsula: Fly the Drake