Travel Type
Cruise
Duration
10 Days/9 Nights
Country
CHILE & EASTER ISLAND
An in-depth Antarctic Adventure to remember forever. Go where few have gone before, visit the Antarctic Circle.
The Polar Circle air-cruise is one of the most adventurous expeditions that we offer. 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.
• An in-depth expedition, explore farther, and see more
• Sail farther south to try and reach the Antarctic Circle
• Limited number of 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 vice versa as indicated in the program.
6-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.
1
DAY 1 PUNTA ARENAS - START OF THE AIR-CRUISE
Antarctica21 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.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Punta Arenas for 1 night
2
DAY 2 PUNTA ARENAS - 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.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : On board of Magellan Explorer or Ocean Nova for 6 nights
3 - 8
DAYS 3-8 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.
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.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9
DAY 9 SCHEDULED RETURN FLIGHT FROM ANTARCTICA - PUNTA ARENAS
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. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Punta Arenas for 1 night
10
DAY 10 PUNTA ARENAS - END OF AIR-CRUISE
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Meals : Breakfast
Let us bring your dream vacation to life!
Simply ask your travel agent to reach out to one of our destination specialists for a personalized quote at the best available rate.
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
Antarctica21 operates Fly & Cruise Expeditions to Antarctica.
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 Nova
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.
Polar circle air-cruise – Detailed itinerary
Polar circle air-cruise – Detailed itinerary
