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Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise

Discover these two distant and beautiful destinations, a true adventure experience. Be a guest in this wild corner of the Earth.

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Itinerary Overview

Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise

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.

Starting from

$15,995 USD

/ per person

Promotions Available

Itinerary type

Antarctic Air-Cruise

Dates

March

Duration

18 Days / 17 Nights

Departure City

Punta Arenas, Chile

Ship Options

Magellan Explorer

Optional Extras

Kayaking in Antarctica Hiking & Snowshoeing Hotel & Transfer Package

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Expedition Highlights

Spot penguins, seals, and whales in their natural Antarctic habitat.

Encounter vast king penguin colonies in South Georgia

Explore the dramatic landscapes of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.

Experience exciting landings on remote Antarctic shores by Zodiac.

Join daily guided excursions led by expert polar guides.

Cruise through secluded fjords, surrounded by pristine natural beauty.

Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise

Itinerary at a Glance

Embark on a unparalleled expedition combining the Antarctic Peninsula, Elephant Island and South Georgia. Fly direct to Antarctica and spend days exploring the Peninsula with our expert polar guides. As we sail north, on 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. In South Georgia, visit the world’s largest King penguin colonies and see the nesting grounds of thousands of albatrosses and elephant seals.

A reverse itinerary of the Antarctica & South Georgia air-cruise is also available.

Fly South (2026-27 & 2027-28)

Fly North (2027-28)

2028-29 Season

Itinerary Description (Fly South)

Start in

Punta Arenas, Chile

End in

Ushuaia, Argentina

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 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 that South Georgia has the highest concentration of wildlife per square meter on the planet. If the weather is favorable, we hope to visit Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plain, Drygalski Fjord, 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.

Expand Itinerary

Collapse Itinerary

Itinerary Description (Fly North)

Start in

Ushuaia, Argentina

End in

Punta Arenas, Chile

Day 1

Start of the Air-Cruise

Our staff welcomes you in Ushuaia, Argentina, at the pier. Board your ship in the afternoon and sail along the Beagle Channel towards South Georgia.

Day 2-4

Sailing to South Georgia

As we sail toward South Georgia, our historians and our naturalists offer a series of presentations. There is time to socialize in the ship’s lounge, while keeping an eye out for the region’s birdlife.

Day 5-9

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. Depending on conditions, possible stops can include St. Andrew’s Bay where you could be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 king penguins and Cooper Island to see the nesting home of thousands of black-browed albatrosses and a large colony of macaroni penguins. If the weather is favorable, visits are also planned at Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay.

Day 10-11

Sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula

As the ship heads to Antarctica, the program of presentations continues. Use this time to enhance your understanding of the region and its history.

Day 12

Elephant Island

Sailing south, 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 stormy conditions rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship.

Day 13-16

Exploring Antarctica

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula and sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. 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. You will explore several sites in the Gerlache Strait that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

Day 17

Scheduled return flight from Antarctica to Punta Arenas

Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. A 2-km (1.25-miles) walk takes you through Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to the aircraft. Bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the 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 18

End of the Air-Cruise

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Expand Itinerary

Collapse Itinerary

Itinerary Description

Start in

Punta Arenas, Chile

End in

Punta Arenas, Chile

Day 1

Start of the Air-Cruise

Arrive in Punta Arenas,and attend a briefing and a welcome dinner at Explorers House with your fellow travelers.

Day 2

Scheduled Flight to Antarctica

Fly to King George Island and board your boutique expedition vessel in Antarctica

Day 3-6

Explore 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.

Day 7

Elephant Island

Sailing north, we hope to stop at Elephant Island, where the crew of hackleton’s Endurance found refuge while Shackleton and five handpicked men carried on to South Georgia.

Day 8-9

At sea, sailing to South Georgia

Day 10-13

Explore South Georgia

The island features 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. Explore Drygalski Fjord and discover macaroni penguin colonies and South Georgia's largest glacier.