A land that holds 90% of Earth’s ice, Antarctica stuns visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty. See peaceful bays dotted with colossal icebergs; cruise along deep fjords and see massive glaciers; be amazed by sharp snowy peaks that jut out of the sea.
The Classic Antarctica air-cruise is our most popular Antarctica expedition itinerary. Once arriving by flight to Antarctica, you will sail between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Enjoy seeing ice-filled fjords and spectacular icebergs, while spotting penguins, seals, and whales that call the White Continent home. The Classic Antarctica air-cruise is available on all our expedition ships.
• Our most popular itinerary
• A complete Antarctic experience
• Frequent departures
Inclusions
Antarctica21-exclusive group transfers airport/hotel on Day 1.
1-night accommodation with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel 4* or similar, with a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1.
1-night accommodation with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel 4* or similar on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
Special access to Explorers House in Punta Arenas.
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.
4-night on board of the Magellan Explorer or Ocean Nova.
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.
Exclusions
International flights – Meals other then specified – Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar – Internet connection on board the ship – Gratuities – Personal expenses – Visa if required – Travel insurance.
Additional Information
Optional activity: Sea kayaking (see rates in the price grid)
Experience Antarctica from the unique vantage point of a sea kayak. The majestic landscape, the icebergs, and the wildlife look different as you paddle quietly through the icy waters.
The sea kayaking program is an optional small-group experience limited to a maximum of 10 participants. The group enjoys multiple excursions throughout the voyage, under the guidance and leadership of an experienced Kayak Master. Every day in Antarctica, your Kayak Master will work with the Expedition Team to look for the best kayaking opportunities based on suitable and safe weather conditions. A dedicated safety Zodiac will support the group. Each kayaking excursion will be approximately one and a half hours. The Kayak Master will strive to offer some time at the landing site so you can also explore on land.
To take part in the kayaking program, you must have previous experience and know how to swim. The minimum age for participation is 16 years. Space is limited.
Note
• You must plan to arrive with a flight that is scheduled to land in Punta Arenas no later than 2 PM on Day 1 of the itinerary. The same deadline applies to travelers arriving directly at the hotel on Day 1.
• The afternoon of day 1, all travelers must attend a mandatory safety and Antarctic guidelines briefing and an information session covering important and practical details. You will also receive guidance on sizing and the delivery process for your expedition boots. Participation in these activities is essential for the success of the expedition.
• Travelers who miss the 2 PM arrival deadline will be considered “no-show”, and they will not be able to participate in the expedition and will receive no refund.
• We strongly suggest that any travel plans made for the last day of the expedition do not start until the late afternoon and that a flexible air ticket be held for your journey home in case you need to change your travel arrangement following a delay of the return flight from Antarctica.
• The maximum weight allowed on the flights to and from Antarctica is 20 kg (44 lbs) per person, including hand luggage. Excess luggage will be kept in custody in Punta Arenas and returned to travelers after their time in Antarctica.
DAY 1 PUNTA ARENAS
Meals : Dinner
Accommodation : Punta Arenas for 1 night
DAY 2 SCHEDULED FLIGHT TO ANTARCTICA
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : On board of Magellan Explorer or Ocean Nova for 4 nights
DAYS 3-6 EXPLORING ANTARCTICA
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.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 SCHEDULED RETURN FLIGHT FROM ANTARCTICA – PUNTA ARENAS
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Punta Arenas for 1 night
DAY 8 PUNTA ARENAS - END OF AIR-CRUISE
Meals : Breakfast
Prices per person, in CA$, starting from, double Occupancy | Air-cruise | ||
Abord of Ocean Nova | Twin Cabin | Single Cabin** | Triple Cabin* |
Departures 2024-2025 | |||
December 2, 7, 12 and 17, 2024 | 20359 | 26259 | 16959 |
December 22 and 27, 2024 | 23339 | 32499 | 20089 |
Sea kayaking supplement | +1319 | ||
*Triple occupancy **Single occupancy |
Prices per person, in CA$, starting from, in double occupancy | Air-Cruise | ||||||
Abord of Magellan Explorer Departures 2024-2025 | Porthole Cabin | Veranda Cabin | Deluxe Veranda Cabin | Suite | PH Suite | Single Cabin** | Triple Suite* |
November 26, 2024 December 1, 6, 11 and 16, 2024 | 23599 | 29499 | 32459 | 36889 | 39839 | 39839 | 26559 |
December 21, 26 and 31, 2024 | 27769 | 33969 | 36929 | 41359 | 44319 | 44319 | 29549 |
January 14, 19 and 31, 2025 February 5, 10, 15 and 20, 2025 | 26589 | 32499 | 35449 | 40619 | 42839 | 42839 | 29249 |
February 25, 2025 March 2, 2025 | 23629 | 29549 | 32499 | 36929 | 39889 | 39889 | 26589 |
Sea kayaking supplement | +1469 | ||||||
*Triple occupancy **Single occupancy |
Booking conditions
• An initial deposit of $CA 6350 per person is required to book a cabin.
• Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure.
Cancellation policy
• Cancellation received up to 190 days prior to departure: there will be a full refund of the deposit received, less a $CA 1850 per person processing fee that will be retained.
• Cancellation received between 189 and 130 days prior to departure: there will be no refund of the deposit paid.
• Cancellation received less than 130 days prior to departure: 100% non-refundable.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***
SHIPS
Magellan Explorer
Magellan Explorer is a modern expedition vessel custom-built for our Antarctic air-cruises. The ship was constructed in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications and launched in 2019.
For our air-cruises, Magellan Explorer has seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole Cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins, except four, have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, an individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with a shower.
The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the ship´s bow, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 zodiacs that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.
Cabins
Single Cabin: 210 sq. ft / 19 sq. m – Cabin with sitting area and balcony.
Penthouse Suite: 360 sq. ft / 33 sq. m – Suite with sitting room, balcony and bedroom area.
Suite: 480 sq. ft / 44 sq. m – Two-room suite with sitting room, balcony and bedroom.
Deluxe Veranda Cabin: 240 sq. ft / 22 sq. m – Cabin with sitting area and balcony.
Veranda Cabin: 210 sq. ft / 19 sq. m – Cabin with sitting area and balcony.
Porthole Cabin: 200 sq. ft / 18 sq. m – Cabin with sitting area and Porthole.
Triple Suite: 480 sq. ft / 44 sq. m – Suite with two bedrooms, balcony, and sitting area.
Ocean Novar
Ocean Nova is a sturdy and nimble expedition vessel. This ship was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland. It has an ice-strengthened hull that is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica. Fully renovated in 2006, the ship has benefitted from annual upgrades and improvements since then.
The ship´s outside cabins offer three categories of accommodation: dedicated Single Cabins, Twin Cabins, and Triple Cabins. All cabins feature a picture window, a writing desk with a chair, a wardrobe, an individually controlled heating system, and a private bathroom with a shower.
In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and a presentation room, Ocean Nova also has a spacious dining room, a bar, a library, a small gym, and an infirmary. The ship has a fleet of 7 Zodiacs that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.
Cabins
Single Cabin: 87 sq. ft / 8 sq. m – One lower single bed.
Twin Cabin: 106 sq. ft / 10 sq. m – Two twin beds or one queen bed.
Triple cabin: 150 sq. ft / 14 sq. m – Two lower beds and one upper bed.