Magellan Discoverer Inaugural Air-Cruise
Overview
Begin your Antarctic quest in Punta Arenas and voyage through remote southern fjords, along the legendary Beagle Channel, and across the formidable Drake Passage to reach the white wilderness of Antarctica. Encounter untouched landscapes, dramatic ice formations, and diverse wildlife. With flexible daily landings led by an expert team, each day presents new surprises and moments of awe in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.Small Ship Cruising
- Guaranteed Departures
- Small Ship Cruise
- Unique Itineraries
Itinerary
The journey begins in Punta Arenas, Chile. After boarding, the vessel navigates through the Strait of Magellan toward Cape Froward, the southernmost point of the American mainland, continuing south into remote waters.
Meal Plan: Only Dinner
Southern Patagonia exploration. While sailing along Glacier Alley, guests may encounter Peale’s dolphins. Weather permitting, a Zodiac excursion is planned at Garibaldi Glacier to observe the dramatic icy landscape up close.
Beagle Channel. Time is allocated to explore Ushuaia independently before the ship departs, navigating the Beagle Channel enroute toward Antarctica.
Drake Passage crossing. The ship sails across the Drake Passage, approaching the South Shetland Islands as Antarctic waters draw nearer.
Drake Passage crossing. The ship sails across the Drake Passage, approaching the South Shetland Islands as Antarctic waters draw nearer.
Antarctica exploration. The expedition focuses on the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Navigation through ice-filled fjords and among large icebergs is combined with daily Zodiac landings. Routes and landing sites are adapted daily based on weather, ice conditions, and wildlife activity, ensuring each voyage is unique.
Antarctica exploration. The expedition focuses on the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Navigation through ice-filled fjords and among large icebergs is combined with daily Zodiac landings. Routes and landing sites are adapted daily based on weather, ice conditions, and wildlife activity, ensuring each voyage is unique.
Antarctica exploration. The expedition focuses on the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Navigation through ice-filled fjords and among large icebergs is combined with daily Zodiac landings. Routes and landing sites are adapted daily based on weather, ice conditions, and wildlife activity, ensuring each voyage is unique.
Return flight from Antarctica. The ship reaches King George Island, where guests board a scheduled flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, a transfer is provided to the hotel. DinnEnd of the air-cruiseer in Punta Arenas is at leisure.
After breakfast, a group transfer takes guests to Punta Arenas airport, concluding the air cruise.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Inclusions
Ship-based expedition as described in the selected itinerary
Scheduled flight between Punta Arenas and King George Island (as applicable)
Airport–hotel–airport group transfers in Punta Arenas (for itineraries starting or ending there)
One hotel night in Punta Arenas before and/or after the expedition (as per itinerary)
Welcome dinner at Explorers House (for Punta Arenas starts)
Daily breakfast and lunch on board
Three-course dinners on board
Wine, beer, soft drinks, and juice during meals on board
Coffee, tea, water, hot chocolate, and snacks throughout the voyage
All guided Zodiac excursions and shore landings
Lectures and educational programs on board
Loan of waterproof boots for Antarctic landings
Access to app content on board
IAATO passenger fee
Contingency Plan
Internet access (standard or premium, depending on cabin category)
Exclusions
International or domestic flights to/from Punta Arenas or Ushuaia
Meals in Punta Arenas not specifically listed as included
Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar
Personal travel or medical insurance
Optional activities not included in the base itinerary
Laundry, communications, souvenirs, or personal expenses
Gratuities
Visa fees or passport-related expenses
Arrival or departure taxes, if applicable
Notes
Highlights
Navigate through the Beagle Channel and Glacier Alley
Encounter penguin colonies and icebergs up close by Zodiac
Cross the famed Drake Passage
Explore the remote Antarctic Peninsula with expert guides
Discover the vibrant marine life of Southern Patagonia
Magellan Explorer is the first expedition ship meticulously designed for Antarctic air cruise operation. It represents a convergence between top-tier expeditions and boutique hotel hospitality.
The Magellan Explorer was designed by a team of designers, engineers and naval architects who worked together to create a robust, yet agile vehicle. Magellan has incorporated intelligent, sustainable and tailored solutions to enhance the guest experience. This will position Magellan at the centre of air-cruise endeavour.
Interior Design
Interiors designed to provide utmost luxury and modern aesthetics invite guests to relax and enjoy the journey. Enrique Concha & Co. of Santiago de Chile, a renowned design studio, carefully curated each aspect from colours, materials and lighting to enhance your onboard experience.
Cabins and Suites
Magellan Explorer air cruises can accommodate up to 73 passengers in seven different categories. All cabins have private balconies, except for Porthole Cabins. In most double cabins, twin beds can be configured into a larger bed. The accommodation includes a closet, an individually-controlled heating system, a comfortable sitting area and a bathroom with heated floors and a shower.
Destination Experience from the Inside
Magellan Explorer’s public areas are designed with care to create a connection between the vessel and its environment. Accessible bow provides guests with a close proximity to water, allowing for unmatched wildlife photography and observation. A forward-facing lounge, bar and educational program, led by experts, create a memorable experience. Outdoor observation decks provide sweeping panoramas, encouraging close engagement with natural landscapes. Dining in the dining room is a scenic experience with its large windows. A meeting room is available, as are a library themed on Antarctica, a gift store, and an outdoor BBQ area with a shelter. There's also a sauna and gym.
Magellan Explorer Features
The ship is Polar Class 6 ice class (Lloyd's Register, PC6). The ship's stabilizers, bow thrusters and stern propellers ensure comfortable navigation and manoeuvrability. An ice-detecting system and an energy recovery system reduce the environmental impact of the vessel by reusing the heat produced by the engine to warm up the vessel.
OPTIONAL / ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Sea Kayaking Program (must be booked in advance)
Hiking & Snowshoeing excursions (booked on board)
Private charter flights
Cabin upgrades
Single-use cabin supplements
Additional hotel nights in Punta Arenas
Private transfers
