Antarctica & South Georgia
18 Days - Magellan Explorer
Join us for a remarkable experience that takes you through the western Antarctic Peninsula, through Elephant Island to South Georgia. The South Georgia and Antarctica air-cruise allows you to sail through the nutrient-rich waters and, each day, disembark with our expert polar guides having time to either hike, snowshoe, or kayak in bays nearby. As we make our way to South Georgia, you will follow in the footsteps of famous Antarctic explorers, like Ernest Shackleton, and learn about their daring southerly adventures. After reaching South Georgia, visit some of the largest colonies of penguins in the world, including the king penguin, and see the nesting grounds of thousands of albatrosses.
from NZD $27578pp
Home » 18 Day Magellan Explorer: Antarctica & South Georgia
Itinerary Highlights
- Stunning glaciers and icebergs in Antarctica.
- Abundant wildlife including penguins, seals, and whales in South Georgia.
- A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore remote and untouched landscapes.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise
- Day 2: Scheduled flight to Antarctica
- Day 3 - 6: Exploring Antarctica
- Day 7: Elephant Island
- Day 8 - 9: Sailing to South Georgia
- Day 10 - 13: Exploring South Georgia
- Day 14 - 16: Sailing towards South America
- Day 17: At sea and Beagle Channel
- Day 18: Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise
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. At Explorers House, enjoy local gastronomy as you meet your fellow adventurers.
Day 2: Scheduled flight to Antarctica
A smooth two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your adventure begins as you exit the airplane, and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. A short vehicle transfer takes you to the shore of Fildes Bay where a Zodiac takes you to your boutique expedition vessel.
Day 3 - 6: Exploring Antarctica
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of educational presentations and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests. 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 everchanging 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 Gerlache Strait, the Penola Strait, and the Antarctic Sound.
Day 7: Elephant Island
Sailing north, we hope to stop at Elephant Island. It was here that the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on to South Georgia. While the stormy conditions of this area rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship.
Day 8 - 9: Sailing to South Georgia
As we sail northward, our historian and our naturalist guides offer a series of presentations. There is time to socialize in the ship’s lounge while keeping an eye out for the region’s abundant birdlife.
Day 10 - 13: Exploring South Georgia
The island of South Georgia is a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, massive glaciers, grassy uplands, and deep fjords. Visit the former whaling outpost of Grytviken, where you may pay your respects at the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton. At St. Andrew’s Bay be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 king penguins. At Cooper Island, the nesting home of thousands of black-browed albatrosses, see a large colony of macaroni penguins. At the peak of the breeding season, it is said to have the highest concentration of wildlife per square meter on the planet. If the weather is favorable, visits are also planned at Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay.
Day 14 - 16: Sailing towards South America
As the ship heads to South America, the program of presentations continues. Use this time to enhance your understanding of the region and its history.
Day 17: At sea and Beagle Channel
Approach the South American continent and sail along the Beagle Channel. Take in the beauty of Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island as you make your way to Ushuaia.
Day 18: Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrival to Ushuaia, where your journey ends.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
08 Mar 2026 - 25 Mar 2026 | NZD $27578pp | ||
Porthole Cabin | NZD $27578pp | Contact us | |
Triple Suite | NZD $31026pp | Contact us | |
Veranda Cabin | NZD $34474pp | Contact us | |
Deluxe Veranda Cabin | NZD $37922pp | Contact us | |
Grand Suite | NZD $43095pp | Contact us | |
Penthouse Suite | NZD $46543pp | Contact us | |
Single Cabin | NZD $46543pp | Contact us | |
07 Mar 2027 - 24 Mar 2027 | NZD $31026pp | ||
Porthole Cabin | NZD $31026pp | Contact us | |
Triple Suite | NZD $32750pp | Contact us | |
Veranda Cabin | NZD $37922pp | Contact us | |
Deluxe Veranda Cabin | NZD $41371pp | Contact us | |
Grand Suite | NZD $46543pp | Contact us | |
Single Cabin | NZD $49991pp | Contact us | |
Penthouse Suite | NZD $49991pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Triple Suite
40m², located on deck 4, 2 single beds and 1 queen-size sofa bed, 2 private bathrooms, separate living area with sofa and coffee table, desk and chair sets, 2 armchairs with side tables, balcony with sitting area, telephone, hairdryer, minibar and snack station & coffee maker.
Porthole Cabin
20m², located on deck 3, 2 single beds or 1 king bed, desk and chair, 2 armchairs with side table, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB, safe, telephone, hairdryer, private bathroom with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
Veranda Cabin
20m², located on deck 3, 2 single beds or 1 king bed, desk and chair, 1 armchair with side table, private balcony with sitting area, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, telephone, hairdryer, private bathroom with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
20m², located on deck 4, 2 single beds or 1 king bed, desk and chair, 1 armchair with side table, private balcony with sitting area, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, telephone, hairdryer, larger private bathroom with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
Penthouse Suite
30m², located on deck 5, 2 single beds or 1 king bed, separate sitting area with sofa and coffee table, desk and chair, 2 armchairs, private balcony with sitting area, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, closed-circuit TV screen, telephone, hairdryer, larger private bathroom with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
Grand Suite
40m², located on deck 4, 2 single beds or 1 king- bed, separate living area with queen-size sofa bed and coffee table, desk and chair sets in both living and bedroom areas, 2 armchairs with side tables, 2 private balconies with sitting areas, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, telephone, hairdryer, 2 large private bathrooms with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
Single Cabin
20m², located on deck 3, one king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area, desk and chair, 1 armchair with side table, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, telephone, hairdryer, private bathroom with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
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Magellan Explorer Deckplan
Specifications
Plane Specifications (not valid on cruise only departures)
- Model: BAE 146-200
- Engines: 4 turbofans Honeywell ALF 502R-5
- Length: 28,55 m
- Wingspan: 26,34 m
- Cruise Speed: 465 mph (750 km/h)
- Service Ceiling: 31,200 ft (9.500 m)
- Capacity: 73 passengers
Ship Specifications
- Expedition Staff & crew: 60
- Passengers: 100 maximum (maximum of 73 for air-cruise operations)
- Gross tonnage: 4,900
- Ice-class: LR PC6
- Length: 90.7m
- Breadth: 16.2m
- Draft: 4.3 m
- Propulsion: 2 main engines, total 3440 kW
- Cruising speed: 14 knots
- Flag: Bahamas
Whats included?
- For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, exclusive group transfers airport/hotel on Day 1.
- For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, one night at the Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas or similar with breakfast and a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1.
- One night at the Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas or similar with breakfast on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
- For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, enjoy special access to Explorers House.
- Exclusive group transfers airport/hotel on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica, and 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 corresponding to each voyage.
- Ship cruise as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
- Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a variety 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.
- Access to exclusive content on the app on board Magellan Explorer.
- Contingency Plan as described on page 39.
- IAATO passenger fee.
What’s not included?
- Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage. Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
- Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
- Internet connection on board the ship.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
- Gratuities.
- Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
Notes
Optional Extras:
- Kayaking: $895