Polar Circle Air-Cruise
Highlights
- Skip the rough seas of the Drake Passage and soar straight to Antarctica for faster, smoother exploration.
- Sail amid iceberg-filled fjords, penguin colonies, and whale-rich waters en route to the legendary Polar Circle.
- Journey toward the elusive Polar Circle, exploring remote landing sites few travelers have ever set foot on.
Embark on the Polar Circle Air-Cruise, a pioneering 10-day journey that blends the thrill of Antarctic exploration with the comfort of skipping the Drake Passage. Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you’ll take a spectacular two-hour flight directly to King George Island—your gateway to the White Continent. From there, board your boutique expedition vessel and set sail through the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, bound for the legendary Polar Circle.
Each day brings a new chapter of discovery—Zodiac cruises among towering icebergs, shore landings to encounter bustling penguin colonies, and awe-inspiring hikes across pristine, frozen landscapes. From the ship’s glass-enclosed lounge, watch as the ever-changing scenery unfolds: snow-draped peaks, sculpted ice, and mirror-still waters frequented by whales and seals.
This voyage takes place in the heart of the Antarctic summer, when wildlife activity peaks and daylight stretches endlessly across the horizon. Guided by expert polar naturalists, you’ll delve deep into this untamed wilderness while learning about its unique ecology and history of exploration.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle—a feat achieved by only a select few—marks the emotional climax of your journey, a moment of pure exhilaration and quiet reverence for Earth’s southernmost frontier. Ideal for adventurous spirits seeking the ultimate polar experience, this air-cruise delivers both comfort and conquest, leaving travelers forever changed by the profound beauty and solitude of the Antarctic realm.
Ships
Ocean Nova
Magellan Explorer
Magellan Discoverer
Standard Activities
About the Polar Circle Air-Cruise
Embark on the Polar Circle Air-Cruise, a pioneering 10-day journey that blends the thrill of Antarctic exploration with the comfort of skipping the Drake Passage. Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you’ll take a spectacular two-hour flight directly to King George Island—your gateway to the White Continent. From there, board your boutique expedition vessel and set sail through the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, bound for the legendary Polar Circle.
Each day brings a new chapter of discovery—Zodiac cruises among towering icebergs, shore landings to encounter bustling penguin colonies, and awe-inspiring hikes across pristine, frozen landscapes. From the ship’s glass-enclosed lounge, watch as the ever-changing scenery unfolds: snow-draped peaks, sculpted ice, and mirror-still waters frequented by whales and seals.
This voyage takes place in the heart of the Antarctic summer, when wildlife activity peaks and daylight stretches endlessly across the horizon. Guided by expert polar naturalists, you’ll delve deep into this untamed wilderness while learning about its unique ecology and history of exploration.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle—a feat achieved by only a select few—marks the emotional climax of your journey, a moment of pure exhilaration and quiet reverence for Earth’s southernmost frontier. Ideal for adventurous spirits seeking the ultimate polar experience, this air-cruise delivers both comfort and conquest, leaving travelers forever changed by the profound beauty and solitude of the Antarctic realm.
Itinerary
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
Exploring Antarctica
Scheduled return flight from Antarctica
End of Air-Cruise
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.
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...
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.
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.
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
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
