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The Polar Circle air-cruise is one of the most adventurous expeditions that we offer. Our main objective on this air-cruise expedition is to try and reach the Antarctic Polar Circle located at approximately 66° south of the equator. The Expedition Team handcrafts every voyage depending on the Antarctic weather and each day of the Polar Circle air-cruise is filled with ample opportunities to explore.
Highlights
• Try and reach the polar circle, going farther south than most Antarctic explorers.
• Spend your time exploring outdoors by participating in our kayaking or hiking and snowshoeing programs.
• In the company of our expert polar guides, learn about the majestic wildlife that calls Antarctica home during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months.
• Fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the White Continent and start your expedition directly in Antarctica
• With different sized tables and no pre-assigned seating, you can choose to sit privately or join other travelers.
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Day 1 Start of the Air-Cruise
Antarctica21 staff members welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel, visit Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers from around the world.
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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 Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane, and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then walk 2-kms (1.25-miles), passing Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.
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Days 3 - 8 Exploring Antarctica
Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Our expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history, and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment.
Enjoy spectacular views, from the glass-enclosed lounge, while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of this expedition is to sail far south in the attempt to reach the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team plans the specific voyage route based on local conditions and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache and Penola Straits, and the Crystal Sound. Each voyage is unique, and crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
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Day 9 Scheduled return flight from Antarctica
Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight 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).
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Day 10 End of the Air-Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
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Please Note:
Every effort will be made to adhere to the planned program. However, with this type of adventurous travel to Antarctica, changes to the itinerary may occur due to severe and unpredictable weather. We need to emphasize the fact that weather conditions are unpredictable and that safety is always the paramount concern on any Antarctic voyage.
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01 January, 2026 to 10 January, 2026
150 ft2 – 14 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, 2 lower twin beds and 1 upper bed.
106 ft2 – 10 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, and 2 lower twin beds.
87 ft2 – 8 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, single lower bed.
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30 January, 2026 to 08 February, 2026
Size: 220 ft2 -20 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed
Size: 440 ft2 -40 mt2. 2 twin beds and 1 queen-size sofa bed, 2 private balconies with sitting area
Size: 220 ft2 -20 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king size bed, private balcony with sitting area
Size: 220 ft2 -20 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area
Size: 330 ft2 -30 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area
Size: 220 ft2 -20 mt2. 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area
Size: 440 ft2 -40 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed, 2 private balconies with sitting area
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01 February, 2026 to 10 February, 2026
150 ft2 – 14 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, 2 lower twin beds and 1 upper bed.
106 ft2 – 10 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, and 2 lower twin beds.
87 ft2 – 8 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, single lower bed.
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05 February, 2027 to 14 February, 2027
560 ft²
52 m²
Two-room suite with sitting
area and balcony
560 ft²
52 m²
Two-room suite with sitting
area and balcony
280 ft²
26 m²
Cabin with sitting area
and balcony
280 ft²
26 m²
Cabin with sitting area
and balcony
409 ft²
38 m²
Suite with sitting area
and balcony
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13 February, 2027 to 22 February, 2027
Size: 220 ft2 -20 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed
Size: 440 ft2 -40 mt2. 2 twin beds and 1 queen-size sofa bed, 2 private balconies with sitting area
Size: 220 ft2 -20 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king size bed, private balcony with sitting area
Size: 220 ft2 -20 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area
Size: 330 ft2 -30 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area
Size: 440 ft2 -40 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed, 2 private balconies with sitting area
Size: 220 ft2 -20 mt2. 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area
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Magellan Discoverer
Magellan Discoverer
Vessel Type: Small Ship Expedition
Length: 94 m
Passenger Capacity: 76
Built: 2026
Antarctica21's New State-Of-The-Art Polar Vessel
We are thrilled to announce an exciting development in the world of Antarctic exploration. Building on our legacy of providing boutique, small-ship expeditions to the White Continent, Antarctica21 is proud to introduce the latest addition to our fleet: Magellan Discoverer, set to embark on voyages in the 2026-27 Antarctic season.Magellan Discoverer is a promise of innovative design and environmental stewardship, crafted as a sister ship to the esteemed Magellan Explorer. While mirroring its sibling in elegance and style, Magellan Discoverer charts its own course with remarkable enhancements.
Magellan Discoverer will be built at the ASENAV shipyard in Valdivia, Chile, the same shipyard that built Magellan Explorer.
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Magellan Explorer
Magellan Explorer
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 90.7 m - 298 ft.
Passenger Capacity: 100 (only 69 passengers for Air-Cruise operations)
Built: 2018
MV Magellan Explorer features 50 passenger suites and cabins in five categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. The cabins are very spacious, ranging in size from 40 m2 (440 sq. ft.) to 20 m2 (220 sq. ft.). All double cabins have two twin beds that can be configured as one queen-size bed, offering great flexibility to our guests. 42 cabins feature a large window and a private balcony, while 8 cabins feature a porthole. All cabins feature a private bathroom and a sitting area.
Public areas include a large, forward-facing observation lounge, an observation deck, a dining room that accommodates all guests and expedition staff in a single sitting, two meeting rooms, a gift shop, a protected outdoor barbecue area, a gym, and a sauna. The bow of the ship is accessible to guests to offer expansive views during exploration. Optional adventure activities, such as kayaking and snowshoeing, are available.
Specific measures have been taken to minimize MV Magellan Explorer’s carbon footprint, including state-of-the-art engines that meet MARPOL’s stringent Tier III emission standards. To minimize fuel consumption, a waste heat recovery system recycles the heat produced by the ship’s engines and repurposes it to power the ship’s heating system and to warm the water used on board.
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Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 73 metres
Passenger Capacity: 86
Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2005
The ice-strengthened expedition ship Ocean Nova was built in Denmark in 1992 with high ice class to serve Greenland’s west coast. In 2004 to 2005 she was completely refurbished and has now a career as a small and comfortable expedition ship. The Ocean Nova accommodates 86 passengers in single, double and triple cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The double cabins have either two lower beds or upper and lower beds. The triple cabins have upper and lower beds. In your cabin you will also find a desk with chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment.
In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and in the panorama lounge you can enjoy a drink with a breathtaking view of the surrounding polar landscape. This is where PolarQuest’s on board specialists entertain and educate you with lectures on polar biology, history, geology and conservation. There is also a library with panoramic views and a good selection of polar books. On board there is a satellite phone, gym and medical doctor. Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to see or search for from the spacious observation decks. The ship has North European officers and there is a friendly and informal atmosphere on board. Travelling with this small expedition ship offers an entirely different experience and perspective than you can get on a larger and more conventional cruise ship.
Ice Class: Ice 1B, E0 (Hull Ice 1A)
Optional tours/excursions/packages available. Please get in touch for more information.
