Destinations
Ships & Aircraft
Explorers House（https://www.antarctica21.com/explorers-house）
Plan Your Trip
Our Company
No items found.
Agent Area（https://www.antarctica21.com/agent-area）Quote & Book（https://www.antarctica21.com/booking/find-your-expedition）
Destinations
Ships & Aircraft
Explorers House（https://www.antarctica21.com/explorers-house）
Plan Your Trip
Our Company
Press Releases（https://www.antarctica21.com/press）
No items found.
Agent Area（https://www.antarctica21.com/agent-area） Book（https://www.antarctica21.com/booking/find-your-expedition）
Quote & Book（https://www.antarctica21.com/booking/find-your-expedition）
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Skip the Drake Passage and embark on an intimate adventure for an unmatched exploration in the Seventh Continent.
See Itinerary
Overview
Highlights
Itinerary
Ships
Inclusions
Optional Extras
Upcoming Departures
Quote & Book（https://www.antarctica21.com/booking/find-your-expedition）
Itinerary Overview
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
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.
Starting from
$13,795 USD
/ per person
Savings Available
Itinerary Type
Antarctic Air-Cruise
When
From late November to early March
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Departure City
Punta Arenas, Chile
Ship Options
Magellan Discoverer Magellan Explorer
Optional Extras
Sea Kayaking Hiking & Snowshoeing Hotel & Transfer Package
Download Brochure（https://www.antarctica21.com/travel-tips-antarctica/brochures）Quote & Book（https://www.antarctica21.com/booking/find-your-expedition）
01
00
Expedition Highlights
Journey past towering icebergs and through ice-filled fjords in Antarctica's most scenic waterways.
Witness Antarctica's extraordinary wildlife, from curious penguins to breaching whales and lounging seals.
When weather allows it, step ashore on the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, walking where few have ventured.
Experience the thrill of Zodiac excursions, navigating between glaciers and through pristine polar waters.
Learn from expert polar guides during daily presentations and guided landings at remarkable Antarctic sites.
Sail aboard our boutique expedition ship, enjoying premium comfort while exploring Earth's last frontier.
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Itinerary at a Glance
Our most popular Antarctic expedition delivers an unforgettable 8-day journey, combining a swift flight over the Drake Passage with an intimate exploration of the White Continent.
Itinerary Description
Start in
Punta Arenas, Chile
End in
Punta Arenas, Chile
Day 1
Start of the Air-Cruise
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you are welcomed by Antarctica21 staff and transferred to your hotel. Before 2 PM, you are expected at Explorers House for your check-in, for a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.
Day 2
Scheduled Flight to Antarctica
A two-hour exclusive chartered flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the aircraft, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then board a transfer vehicle and pass 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.
Day 3 - 6
Exploring Antarctica
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of 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 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.
Day 7
Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica
Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the chartered flight back 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).
Day 8
End of the Air-Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Expand Itinerary
Collapse Itinerary
Boutique Expedition Vessels
Choose Your Ship
The Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise is available on all of our expedition ships. Find which small vessel is best for your Antarctic cruise.
Magellan Discoverer
Magellan Explorer
A Cutting-Edge Ship Designed Exclusively for Antarctic Exploration
Max. 88 Guests | 67 Staff & Crew
This custom-built expedition vessel, designed for Antarctic air-cruises, features hybrid diesel-electric propulsion, advanced technologies, and a sophisticated design. It meets the latest Polar Code standards and will begin service in 2026. The vessel offers five accommodation categories with private balconies, a panoramic lounge, a presentation room with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, and various amenities such as a spacious dining room, bar, library, meeting room, gym, sauna with open views, and a medical clinic. The top deck includes a 360° walking track for wildlife viewing and scenic views.
For complete air-cruise pricing details review our brochure.（https://www.antarctica21.com/travel-tips-antarctica/brochures）
Starting from
$23,795 USD per person based on double cabin
More About This Vessel（https://www.antarctica21.com/ship/magellan-discoverer）Quote & Book（https://www.antarctica21.com/booking/find-your-expedition）
01
00
A State-of-the-Art Polar Vessel with Modern Design
Max. 88 Guests | 60 Staff & Crew
This custom-built expedition vessel, launched in 2019, was designed for Antarctic air-cruises and meets the latest Polar Code specifications. It offers seven accommodation categories, with most cabins featuring private balconies. The ship includes a spacious observation lounge, a presentation room with advanced audiovisual equipment, a stylish dining room, bar, library, meeting room, gym, sauna, and medical clinic. A forward-facing observation deck leads to the ship's bow, providing close access to marine wildlife.
For complete air-cruise pricing details review our brochure.（https://www.antarctica21.com/travel-tips-antarctica/brochures）
Starting from
$15,995 USD
per person based on double cabin
More About This Vessel（https://www.antarctica21.com/ship/magellan-explorer）Quote & Book（https://www.antarctica21.com/booking/find-your-expedition）
01
00
Included in this itinerary
Antarctic Air-Cruise Inclusions
Pre- and Post-Voyage Info
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
Airport - Hotel Transfers
Group transfers from the airport and hotel on Day 1 for guests arriving in Punta Arenas and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise itinerary.
Welcome Dinner at Explorers House
Welcome dinner on Day 1 at Explorers House in Punta Arenas.
Hotel in Punta Arenas
Two nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on Day 1 and the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
Antarctic Flight & Cruise
Ship cruise and flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica, and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each air-cruise itinerary.