Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise Magellan Explorer
Overview
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. Classic Antarctica is the most popular itinerary for Antarctica Expeditions. After reaching Antarctica by air, you will travel along the west coast of Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Enjoy the stunning sights of icebergs and fjords laden with ice, while also meeting the wildlife that lives on the White Continent, such as penguins. All expedition ships offer the Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise.Small Ship Cruising
- Guaranteed Departures
- Small Ship Cruise
- Unique Itineraries
Itinerary
Arrival in Punta Arenas. Guests attend a mandatory briefing followed by a welcome dinner at Explorers House.
Meal Plan: Only Dinner
Scheduled flight to Antarctica. A two-hour flight transports guests to King George Island, where they board the expedition vessel.
Antarctic exploration. The voyage covers the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Each day includes Zodiac landings led by expert polar guides, allowing guests to explore Antarctic landscapes and observe wildlife such as penguins, seals, seabirds, and whales. Educational talks and briefings take place on board throughout the journey.
Antarctic exploration. The voyage covers the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Each day includes Zodiac landings led by expert polar guides, allowing guests to explore Antarctic landscapes and observe wildlife such as penguins, seals, seabirds, and whales. Educational talks and briefings take place on board throughout the journey.
Antarctic exploration. The voyage covers the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Each day includes Zodiac landings led by expert polar guides, allowing guests to explore Antarctic landscapes and observe wildlife such as penguins, seals, seabirds, and whales. Educational talks and briefings take place on board throughout the journey.
Antarctic exploration. The voyage covers the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Each day includes Zodiac landings led by expert polar guides, allowing guests to explore Antarctic landscapes and observe wildlife such as penguins, seals, seabirds, and whales. Educational talks and briefings take place on board throughout the journey.
Return flight to Punta Arenas. Guests disembark on King George Island and fly back to Chile. A hotel transfer and overnight stay are included. Dinner is at leisure. Note: You can eat at Punta Arenas as you please. This is not part of the tour.
After breakfast, guests are transferred to the airport for onward travel.
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
Engage with diverse wildlife, including seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales.
Enjoy a delightful dinner showcasing local cuisine.
Navigate amidst ice-filled fjords and magnificent icebergs.
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.
Classic Antarctica is the most popular itinerary for Antarctica Expeditions. After reaching Antarctica by air, you will travel along the west coast of Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Enjoy the stunning sights of icebergs and fjords laden with ice, while also meeting the wildlife that lives on the White Continent, such as penguins. All expedition ships offer the Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise.
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














