8 Day Antarctic Air Cruise
8 days from USD 14,795 per person.
The itinerary below covers the Antarctica air cruise from Punta Arenas, Chile, aboard the Ocean Nova and Magellan Explorer. Alternative itineraries are also available; please ask us for details and which route best suits your specific requirements.
- Fly from Chile to Antarctica in two hours and avoid a two-day boat journey
- Make landings with Adelie and Gentoo penguins
- Kayak among the ice floes
- Enjoy excellent service from a team of top guides
- Meet elephant seal, leopard seal, orca and whale
Itinerary
PLEASE NOTE: the itinerary shown below is for guidance only. The final itinerary, landing sites and activities will be determined by weather conditions, ice conditions, wildlife sightings and permits.
Day 1: Punta Arenas
You’ll arrive in Punta Arenas (we can also organise your itinerary in Patagonia for you – read more below) and be met by Antarctica21 staff. You’ll be driven to the hotel, where all cruise guests will receive a briefing about the coming days to ensure you’re fully prepared for this unique journey. In the evening, a traditional Chilean dinner awaits you in the restaurant.
Day 2: Flight to Antarctica.
You will be taken to Punta Arenas airport to check in for your flight to King George Island. A two-hour flight will transport you to a completely different world! We recommend booking a window seat to enjoy the unforgettable views. Upon arrival at the Kings George airstrip, you’ll disembark and walk approximately 2 kilometres to reach your ship. You’ll walk past two research stations, one run by Chile and the other by Russia. After a short journey by zodiac, you’ll reach the ship, where the crew will be waiting for you. You’ll settle into your cabin and the adventure can begin.
Days 3–6: Antarctica
During these days, the ship will explore the waters between the South Shetland Islands and the western Antarctic Peninsula. The exact route and landing sites will be determined by weather conditions and the state of the ice and snow, so flexibility is essential. Your itinerary may include landings on the South Shetland Islands, in the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlach Strait and the Penola Strait. Landings are made by zodiac, which takes you to the mainland to take part in various activities. Activities such as kayaking and snowshoe hikes can be booked at an additional cost.
Whatever the route may be, you’ll enjoy ice-filled fjords, navigating amongst the icebergs. The ship is followed by large flocks of petrels (Antarctica is home to no fewer than 27 subspecies!), albatrosses, skuas and terns. You may be lucky enough to spot some of the ocean’s giants: humpback whales, minke whales, as well as dolphins and orcas. Various species of penguin are found throughout the region, with the gentoo penguin and the Adélie penguin being the most commonly sighted. Fur seals, elephant seals and leopard seals are other popular species. Read more here about the wildlife you can see in Antarctica. Polar guides will accompany you on your excursions and provide a wealth of detailed information about the wildlife spotted, as well as geological and climatic background. This information isn’t limited to the field, as expert-led lectures are held on board the ship in the evenings.
During your stay in Antarctica, there are various ways to plan exciting activities, such as snowshoe walks (included), kayaking trips and diving (please ask us for the additional costs for these).
Day 7: Flight to Punta Arenas
The ship docks at King George Island, and you walk back to the airstrip. One last time, you watch the white Antarctic landscape disappear beneath you, and two hours later you land back on the Chilean mainland in Punta Arenas. You will be taken to your hotel.
Day 8: end
The programme ends after breakfast. Perhaps you’ll continue your journey through Chile to Torres del Paine, or cross the border to explore Argentine Patagonia. Naturally, we can also help you with your onward itinerary – after all, that’s what we specialise in!
Travel price
From USD 14,795 per person
- The price in euros is determined on the day of booking
- Based on accommodation in a shared double cabin on board the Ocean Nova
- Subject to the expedition vessel, cabin availability and flight date from Punta Arenas
Included:
- 1 night’s accommodation before, and 1 night’s accommodation after the air cruise programme in Punta Arenas
- Welcome dinner on day 1
- Shared transfers between the hotel and Puna Arenas Airport, and vice versa
- Return flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica
- Expedition cruise as described
- All meals during the trip, wine, beer, soft drinks and fruit juice at lunch and dinner, plus snacks, coffee and tea
- All Zodiac excursions and landings during the trip
- A programme of lectures and workshops on board, led by naturalist guides and crew
- Wearing rubber boots
- All port charges and IAATO passenger fee
- information pack
Not included:
- Travel, accommodation and meals before and after the expedition cruise
- Departure and arrival taxes levied by the local authorities
- cancellation and travel insurance (highly recommended)
- personal expenses, such as laundry, drinks at the bar, internet and telephone charges, and tips
- costs for activities subject to an additional charge, such as snowshoeing and kayaking
- Public levy Calamity Fund travel; €2.50 per booking
- SGR contribution of €5 per person per booking
Price list - 2024–2025 season
The 8-day Antarctica Air Cruise, as described above, is scheduled as follows for the 2024–2025 season:
| The Maggellan Explorer | The Ocean Nova |
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Request a travel proposal
Would you like to join this expedition cruise? We can, of course, organise the above cruise for you, as well as your land programme in Chile and/or Argentina before and after the cruise. Please feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04, send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl or request a bespoke quote below. We’d be happy to help.
Back to expedition cruises to Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands