Embark on a 10-day inaugural cruise aboard the Magellan Discoverer, starting in Punta Arenas and exploring the natural wonders of Antarctica. Begin with a scenic cruise through the Strait of Magellan, passing Cape Froward while spotting penguins, seabirds, and other wildlife. In Patagonia, sail through Glacier Alley and take a Zodiac excursion to the Garibaldi Glacier. Continue through the Beagle Channel and cross the Drake Passage, reaching the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Spend three days exploring ice-filled fjords, striking icebergs, and Antarctica's pristine landscapes with guided Zodiac landings and wildlife encounters. Return to King George Island for a flight back to Punta Arenas, where a comfortable night’s stay awaits before departure.
Highlights
Begin at Strait of Magellan, pass by Cape Froward and spot diverse wildlife
Sail through Glacier Alley and enjoy an excursion to the Garibaldi Glacier
Navigate iconic waters to Antarctica like the Beagle Channel and Drake Passage
Spend days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Conclude the adventure with a scenic flight back to Punta Arenas
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Your adventure starts in Punta Arenas, Chile. After boarding the ship in the afternoon, you are greeted by the Expedition Team. Attend a welcome briefing to get important details about your voyage. The ship then sails along the Strait of Magellan towards the stunning Cape Froward, the southernmost tip of the Americas, and continues south through the Magdalena Channel’s fiords. Along the way, you can spot Magellanic penguins, cormorants, and other seabirds in their natural habitat.
Escorted by Peale's dolphins, the ship navigates through the Cockburn, Brecknock, and Ballenero channels, offering stunning views of the islands and mountain ranges of Tierra del Fuego. As you sail, enjoy informative shipboard presentations about the region. In the afternoon, the ship enters the western side of the Beagle Channel, moving through the breathtaking Glacier Alley in De Agostini National Park, where massive glaciers flow from the Darwin Ice Field into the sea. By late evening, you arrive at Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
You wake up in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina, and enjoy a catamaran tour exploring the Lighthouse at the End of the World, along with the Sea Lion and Cormorant islands. After some free time to stroll along Ushuaia’s main street, the ship sets sail towards Port Williams on Navarino Island. Once there, explore the southernmost town in the world and visit the Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum, where you learn about the Yagan people, the canoe nomads who once inhabited this remote region.
As you journey through the Drake Passage toward the South Shetland Islands, enjoy a variety of informative lectures and presentations. Join expert guides as you keep an eye out for wildlife, either from the lounge or the outdoor decks. You might spot impressive seabirds like albatrosses and petrels, along with various whale species migrating south to Antarctica.
Once you cross the Antarctic Convergence, the surroundings change dramatically. Stay alert with your camera ready to capture the first icebergs and the initial glimpse of Antarctic land.
Sail between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, navigating through ice-filled fjords and among stunning icebergs. Each day, you will embark on a Zodiac expedition to explore the breathtaking landscape. The Expedition Team will adjust the itinerary to take full advantage of the ever-changing natural conditions, ensuring that each landing offers a unique and memorable experience.
Day 9: Disembark | Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $4000 plus the adventure activities must be paid in full at the time of booking., and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship
Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition
IAATO passenger fee
Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
Comprehensive Pre- and Post-voyage Information Materials
Lectures and entertainment onboard.
Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
Dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
All guided shore excursions.
Group transfers from the airport and hotel on day one for guests arriving in Punta Arenas and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise itinerary.
Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
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.
One night stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on day nine, which is the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Beverages purchased at the bar
Parkas are not provided on your cruise. Please bring your own windproof, waterproof, insulated parka with you. You will want to make sure it is roomy enough to fit warm layers underneath. Click here for information about parka rentals for Antarctica voyages.
All participants in an Antarctica 21 expedition are required to have a travel insurance policy. A comprehensive policy is recommended but, at a minimum, Medical Evacuation coverage up to $100,000 USD is required.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Adventure Life has a great team. They were very knowledgeable and responsive and helped us choose the right Arctic Expedition for us. We would recommend them.
Kbear
4 months ago
Friendly representative, ease of booking and bountiful information along the way.
Gary Brodarick
5 months ago
Erin was really helpful during the booking process! She met with me, answered all my questions and made the booking process really easy!
Adrianne Trogden
7 months ago
This was a life changing trip of a lifetime and exceeded my expectations. No details were left out during the planning of this trip by Adventure Life. The entire crew on the ship could not have been more helpful and kind. Everyone went out of their way to make this trip as pleasurable as possible.
