Inaugural Air-Cruise
Highlights
- Cruise Chile’s Glacier Alley and Strait of Magellan, passing glaciers, penguins, and Peale’s dolphins along the dramatic route.
- Experience the excitement of sailing the Drake Passage one-way and fly back to avoid the repetition of the return crossing.
- Cruise by Zodiac through icy fjords and giant icebergs—each Antarctic landing unveils a stunning frozen world.
This unusual 10-day air-cruise begins in the southern reaches of Patagonia from Punta Arenas cruising through the wildlife-rich Strait of Magellan and Glacier Alley—an awe-inspiring stretch of Southern Patagonia flanked by colossal glaciers and frequented by Peale’s dolphins, seabirds, and Magellanic penguins. After a short stop in Ushuaia, you’ll then traverse the legendary Beagle Channel en route to Antarctica, and sail the infamous Drake Passage—itself a rite of passage for any hardy explorer.
Once in Antarctic waters, your days unfold in thrilling fashion: navigating by Zodiac among towering icebergs and visiting ever-changing landing sites along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Guided by expert naturalists and polar specialists, you may encounter penguin colonies, seals hauled out on ice floes, and perhaps even whales breaking the surface in the krill-rich fjords.
On your way back to Punta Arenas, rather than sail, you’ll skip the potentially rocky return Drake Passage crossing and instead swiftly fly back from King George Island, maximizing your comfort and experience by avoiding any route repetition.
This voyage is a gateway to Earth’s final frontier—a surreal realm of silence, scale, and splendor that few ever reach. Whether witnessing a glacier calve with thunderous force or walking where early explorers once tread, you’ll be swept up in the majesty of the moment. Ideal for travelers short on time but long on curiosity and spirit, this air-cruise rewards you with an extraordinary mix of scenery, wildlife, and emotional impact—leaving you forever changed by the sheer wonder of the polar world.
Standard Activities
About the Inaugural Air-Cruise
This unusual 10-day air-cruise begins in the southern reaches of Patagonia from Punta Arenas cruising through the wildlife-rich Strait of Magellan and Glacier Alley—an awe-inspiring stretch of Southern Patagonia flanked by colossal glaciers and frequented by Peale’s dolphins, seabirds, and Magellanic penguins. After a short stop in Ushuaia, you’ll then traverse the legendary Beagle Channel en route to Antarctica, and sail the infamous Drake Passage—itself a rite of passage for any hardy explorer.
Once in Antarctic waters, your days unfold in thrilling fashion: navigating by Zodiac among towering icebergs and visiting ever-changing landing sites along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Guided by expert naturalists and polar specialists, you may encounter penguin colonies, seals hauled out on ice floes, and perhaps even whales breaking the surface in the krill-rich fjords.
On your way back to Punta Arenas, rather than sail, you’ll skip the potentially rocky return Drake Passage crossing and instead swiftly fly back from King George Island, maximizing your comfort and experience by avoiding any route repetition.
This voyage is a gateway to Earth’s final frontier—a surreal realm of silence, scale, and splendor that few ever reach. Whether witnessing a glacier calve with thunderous force or walking where early explorers once tread, you’ll be swept up in the majesty of the moment. Ideal for travelers short on time but long on curiosity and spirit, this air-cruise rewards you with an extraordinary mix of scenery, wildlife, and emotional impact—leaving you forever changed by the sheer wonder of the polar world.
Itinerary Day to Day
Start of the air-cruise
Your journey begins in Punta Arenas, Chile. Sail along the Strait of Magellan towards Cape Froward, the southernmost tip of the American landmass, and continue south. These areas are home to Magellanic penguins, cormorants and other seabirds.
Explore Southern Patagonia
Beagle Channel
Drake Passage
Explore Antarctica
Scheduled return flight from Antarctica
End of the air-cruise
Route Map
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 marine wildlife.
A Hiking and Snowshoeing Guide leads a small group of adventurers who wish to explore further while on land as they gain elevation and explore the landscape.
The Hiking & Snowshoeing excursion is a group activity led by an expert Hiking & Snowshoeing Guide. Depending on the conditions of the terrain, some excursions may require the use of snowshoes and/or trekking poles, which are provide by Antarctica Cruises. To take part in the activity participants must be physically fit and at least 15 years old. Previous experience is not required.
What's Included
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Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
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Group transfers in Punta Arenas, between the hotel and airport, as described in the itinerary description.
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Cruise on board Magellan Discoverer from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Antarctica, and in the Antarctic Peninsula.
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One hotel night stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel on Day 9 of this expedition, day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
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Flight back from King George Island to Punta Arenas, Chile, as indicated in the itinerary description of this program.
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Guided shore landings and Zodiac excursions in Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica, as well as lectures and entertainment on board your boutique vessel.
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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.
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Contingency plan, loan of waterproof boots for landings in Antarctica, and IAATO passenger fee.
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Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
What's Excluded
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International flight.
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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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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.
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Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program.
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent
In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica - Basecamp
Antarctic Circle Expedition (18D)
Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake
Spirit of Antarctica
Highlights of Antarctica
Wild Antarctica: Fly-Sail (13D)