The Classic Antarctica air cruise offers an 8-day adventure, starting in Punta Arenas, Chile, where travelers fly directly to Antarctica. Upon arrival at King George Island, travelers board a Zodiac to reach the Magellan Discoverer. Over the next few days, explore the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Sail through ice-filled fjords, encounter diverse wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales, and enjoy daily Zodiac landings led by expert guides. Afterward, travelers return to King George Island and take a flight back to Punta Arenas, where travelers enjoy an overnight stay before flying home. This journey offers a rare, up-close experience of Antarctica's pristine wilderness.

Highlights

Fly directly to King George Island in Antarctica for a seamless adventure
Spot wildlife through the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Sail through ice-filled fjords and observe Antarctica's landscapes
Enjoy daily landings in Zodiac boats guided by expert naturalists

Activities

Places Visited

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.

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile

Accommodation
1 Dinner

Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, you transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you attend a briefing that covers important details about your cruise trip and provides essential guidelines for visiting Antarctica. In the evening, you join your fellow adventurers for a welcome dinner, where you enjoy a traditional regional menu and get to know one another.

Please note: Passengers must be at their hotel in Punta Arenas no later than 2 PM. Pick-up at the Punta Arenas airport and transfer to the hotel cannot be guaranteed for travelers arriving 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

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Your Antarctic adventure starts with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, located in the South Shetland Islands. Once you step off the plane, the crisp Antarctic air greets you. You then walk a 2-km (1.25-mi) route, passing Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, before reaching the shore. From there, you board a Zodiac to take you to your expedition vessel.

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 3-6: Explore Antarctica

Accommodation
4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners

Cruise through the South Shetland Islands and the western Antarctic Peninsula, navigating ice-filled fjords and passing impressive icebergs. Along the way, encounter wildlife like penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds. Each day, disembark by Zodiac to explore, guided by expert polar guides. Onboard, participate in engaging lectures and presentations while enjoying panoramic views from the glass-enclosed lounge, sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.

Since each journey is unique, flexibility plays a key role in success. The Expedition Team adapts the route to take advantage of the changing natural conditions, ensuring an exceptional experience every time. While the exact itinerary may vary, expect to visit remarkable locations such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, and the Lemaire Channel, among others.

Day 7: Disembark at King George Island | Fly to Punta Arenas, Chile

Accommodations
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding your flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. This evening's meals are at your leisure and not included in the program.

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

Day 8: Return Home

1 Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for 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

Name: Antarctica Cruises & Tours
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.8 (407 reviews)