Highlights
The Polar Circle air-cruise is one of the most adventurous expeditions. Our main objective on this air-cruise expedition is to try and reach the Antarctic Polar Circle located at approximately 66° south of the equator. The Expedition Team handcrafts every voyage depending on the Antarctic weather and each day of the Polar Circle air-cruise is filled with ample opportunities to explore.
About the Polar Circle Air-Cruise
The Polar Circle air-cruise is one of the most adventurous expeditions. Our main objective on this air-cruise expedition is to try and reach the Antarctic Polar Circle located at approximately 66° south of the equator. The Expedition Team handcrafts every voyage depending on the Antarctic weather and each day of the Polar Circle air-cruise is filled with ample opportunities to explore.
Itinerary Day to Day
Start of the Air-Cruise
Our staff members welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel, visit Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers from around the world.
Scheduled flight to Antarctica
A smooth two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane, and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then walk 2-kms (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.
Exploring Antarctica
Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Our expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history, and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment.
Enjoy spectacular views, from the glass-enclosed lounge, while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of this expedition is to sail far south in the attempt to reach the Polar Circle.
The Expedition Team plans the specific voyage route based on local conditions and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache and Penola Straits, and the Crystal Sound. Each voyage is unique, and crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
Scheduled return flight from Antarctica
Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night.
End of Air-Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Deals
This offer saves guests $1,500 USD per person on selected Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise expeditions aboard Ocean Nova and Magellan Explorer.
Enjoy a small-ship adventure with access to world-class guides, exotic wildlife, and all the beauty of Antarctica.
The offer is available until June 30, 2024.
This offer saves guests $1,500 USD per person on selected Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise expeditions aboard Ocean Nova and Magellan Explorer.
Enjoy a small-ship adventure with access to world-class guides, exotic wildlife, and all the beauty of Antarctica.
The offer is available until June 30, 2024.
Terms & Conditions
- — All prices are per person and expressed in USD.
- — Single supplements apply.
- — Available only on new individual reservations confrmed with a $3,500 USD deposit per person by October 31, 2023.
- — Applies to all 2024-25 Classic Antarctica Air-Cruises aboard Ocean Nova.
- — The offer cannot be combined with any other offer or discount (such as loyalty discount, child discount, etc).
- — The offer is capacity-controlled and will expire when the allocated space is sold out.
- — The right to discontinue or extend this offer at any time is reserved.
Extra Activities
Kayaking
Hiking and Snowshoeing
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
-
Exclusive group transfers airport/ hotel on Day 1.
-
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.
-
Enjoy special access to Explorers House.
-
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.
-
Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and vice versa
-
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.
What's Excluded
-
Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary.
-
Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program.
-
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.
Related Itineraries
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica - Basecamp
Antarctic Circle Expedition
Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake
Classic Antarctica
Spirit of Antarctica
Antarctica
Highlights of Antarctica
Prime Season Antarctica
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
Get in touch with us via phone or form today and you’ll be assigned a dedicated Antarctica specialist who’ll be with you every step of the way to help you choose, book and plan the right Antarctica cruise for you. Here’s how it works:
Listen & Match
We’ll carefully listen to your aspirations and curate an impartial shortlist of personalized polar cruise recommendations—and pre- and post-cruise extensions—to match your desired experience.
Reserve & Relax
Next we’ll place a free, no obligation, 24-hour cabin hold on your preferred cruise option whilst we discuss the final details. Book and relax safe in the knowledge you’ll be paying the lowest price guaranteed.
Prepare & Travel
Then we’ll provide you with our expert packing advice, insider travel tips, and more to ensure you are fully prepared for—and maximize your enjoyment of—your once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition.