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Polar Circle Air Cruise

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Magellan Discoverer
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On this 10-day Polar Circle Air Cruise roundtrip Punta Arenas aboard the Magellan Discoverer, reach the Antarctic Polar Circle at 66° south. In Punta Arenas, Chile, you attend a briefing and enjoy a welcome dinner before flying to King George Island. Here, you board a Zodiac to reach your expedition vessel and begin exploring fjords, icebergs, and wildlife-rich coasts. Over six days, you sail through the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, participating in Zodiac excursions, guided hikes, and engaging presentations by polar experts. The flexible itinerary aims to sail south toward the Polar Circle, adapting to nature’s conditions. The trip concludes with a flight back to Punta Arenas, offering an Antarctic adventure.
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Highlights
  • Fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, bypassing the Drake Passage
  • Spot penguins, seals, and seabirds while exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Guided Zodiac trips and shore landings, offering breathtaking landscapes
  • Attend expert-led presentations, learn about Antarctica’s history and wildlife
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, and transfer to your hotel. Attend an important briefing covering details of your Antarctic journey and essential visitor guidelines. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local cuisine while getting to know your fellow travelers from around the globe.

Please note: Passengers must be at their hotel in Punta Arenas no later than 2 PM.   Weather at King George Island will drive the overall schedule of this trip, so there's a slight chance you might fly to Antarctica this evening!  

Day 2: Fly to King George Island | Embark

A two-hour flight seamlessly transports you from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. Upon arrival, breathe in the crisp Antarctic air as your adventure begins. Explore the vicinity of Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station before boarding a Zodiac to join your expedition vessel and set sail.

Please note: Flexibility is key to any successful Antarctic adventure, particularly a fly cruise.  If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator will follow their well-established contingency plan, which can be read here. On average, about 85% of flights occur on this day, as scheduled. But travelers should be aware of the contingencies that Antarctica21 has developed over its two decades of providing fly cruises.

Day 3-8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

Navigate ice-filled fjords and glide among magnificent icebergs, sharing the waters with seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Explore the South Shetland Islands and the western Antarctic Peninsula with daily Zodiac excursions, complemented by guided hikes to remarkable locations otherwise unreachable. Expert polar guides enrich the experience with captivating presentations, offering insights into wildlife, history, and the wonders of the icy landscape. Unwind in the glass-enclosed lounge, reliving the day's adventures with fellow travelers as you take in breathtaking views.

The expedition’s ultimate goal is to venture far south, striving to reach the Antarctic Polar Circle. The route is crafted dynamically by the Expedition Team, adapting to local conditions and seizing unique opportunities presented by nature. Possible destinations include iconic sites like Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, and Prospect Point. Every voyage is tailored to offer a comprehensive glimpse into the diverse and awe-inspiring Antarctic environment.

Day 9: Disembark at King George Island | Fly to Punta Arenas, Chile

Upon returning to King George Island, you say goodbye to Antarctica and board your flight back to Punta Arenas. After landing, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Evening meals are not included in the program, giving you the freedom to explore local dining options at your leisure.

Please note: If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator will follow their well-established contingency plan, again.   

Day 10: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Following breakfast, you are transferred to Punta Arenas airport to catch your onward flight.

Please note: Flights arranged for later in the day provide more buffer against any of those potential flight delays out of King George Island.

Ship/Hotel

Magellan Discoverer

Punta Arenas - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

2026-2027 Air-Cruise Early Booking Savings 26359
Save big on 2026-27 air-cruises! Get $5,000 off per person for Suites or $2,500 off for other accommodations on Classic Antarctica and Polar Circle trips aboard Magellan Discoverer and Magellan Explorer. Book by December 31, 2024. 

This offer is subject to availability for new bookings and cannot be combined with other discounts. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to Feb 5, 2027 departure

Per person starting at
$29,795 2-3 travelers
Triple Veranda Suite
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
Family Suite
Grand Veranda Suite
Single Veranda Cabin
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 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.
  • Standard internet service is provided on a complimentary basis. Guests booked in Penthouse Suites on Magellan Explorer and Grand Veranda Suites on Magellan Discoverer enjoy complimentary premium internet service
  • 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.
  • Two nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on day one and on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
  • Welcome dinner on day one at the hotel in Punta Arenas.
  • 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.
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 
  • 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.
  • Kayaking option should be booked upon reservation (10 spots available for 2024/25 season and 20 spots for the 2025/26 season)
  • Hiking & Snowshoeing Option (Booked and paid on board)

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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