Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise – 8 Days
Aboard Magellan Discoverer – 76 passengers
This is one of the most popular Fly the Drake trips operated by the true pioneers of fly cruising. A two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas, the Chilean gateway to Patagonia, directly to Antarctica, where you then board your expedition ship. You will have 4 full days to sail between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Enjoy seeing ice-filled fjords and spectacular icebergs, while spotting penguins, seals, and whales that call the White Continent home.
Highlights
- Fly over the Drake both ways to save time and avoid potential rough sea crossings.
- Sailing on a boutique ship with just 76 passengers onboard means more time on shore and less waiting time.
- Have the chance to see 3 species of brushtail penguins, seals and whales.
- Frequent departure dates
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival into Punta Arenas, Chile
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM, where you are welcomed by a staff member and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you are welcomed at Explorers House to attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.
Day 2: Scheduled flight to Antarctica
A 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 board a transfer vehicle and pass 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.
Day 3-6: Exploring Antarctica
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of educational presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience every time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several sites that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache Strait, and the Penola Strait.
Day 7: 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).
Day 8: End of the air-cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Please note the itinerary and route map are only tentative outlines of what you may experience. No specific itinerary, routing or landing sites can be guaranteed in advance. Where the ship actually sails will depend on a lot of factors including, but not limited to, the weather & ice conditions and the captain & expedition leader. Every trip is different, which adds to the excitement of expedition cruising in the polar regions. Trips with flights to and/or from Antarctica have a higher risk of having a trip delay or interruption due to weather.
Route Map
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Cabin Descriptions
Grand Veranda Suite
The premier suites onboard featuring a private balcony, living area with sofa bed, walk in closet, desk & chair, fridge, safe, coffee maker, TV and bathroom with shower en suite. The bed can be configured as either one king-size bed or two twin beds.
409 ft² / 38 m²
Family Veranda Suite
These two room suites accommodate four guests. They feature a connecting door between both cabins, private balconies and two bathrooms with showers en suite. Additional features include desks & chairs, benches and coffee tables, closets, fridges, safes, coffee makers and TVs. The beds are set up as either as one king-size or two twins.
560 ft² / 52 m²
Deluxe Veranda
The most abundant cabin category on the ship, the Deluxe Veranda cabins are found on deck 4 & 5. They feature a private balcony, desk & chair, bench & coffee table, closets, fridge, coffee maker, safe, TV and bathroom with shower en suite. The bed can be configured as either one king-size bed or two twin beds.
280 ft² / 26 m²
Triple Veranda Suite
Accommodating 3 guests, Triple Veranda Suites are essentially two connecting Deluxe Veranda cabins. The suites have a connecting door between both cabins, private balconies
and two bathrooms with showers en suite. Additional features include desks & chairs, benches and coffee tables, closets, fridges, safes, coffee makers and TVs. The beds can be configured as either one king-size bed or two twin beds. There are just 2 Triple Veranda Suites (located midship on deck 4) and they will sell out far in advance.
560 ft² / 52 m²
Single Veranda
Located on deck 3, Single Veranda cabins feature a king bed, private balcony, desk & chair, bench & coffee table, closets, fridge, coffee maker, safe, TV and bathroom with shower en suite.
280 ft² / 26 m²
Deck Plan
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip group transfers Punta Arenas airport / hotel on Day 1 and Day 8.
- One night at the Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas or similar with breakfast on Day 1.
- One night at the Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas or similar with breakfast on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica (Day 7).
- Special access to Explorers House where you will enjoy a welcome dinner on Day 1.
- Roundtrip group transfers hotel / Punta Arenas airport on the day of the scheduled flights to / from Antarctica (Day 2 & Day 7).
- Roundtrip flights between Punta Arenas and Frei Station on King George Island, Antarctica scheduled for Day 2 & Day 7.
- Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship, offering a variety of dishes.
- Three-course dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
- Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board.
- Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship throughout the expedition.
- All guided shore excursions.
- Lectures and entertainment on board.
- Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
- Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
- Access to exclusive content on the onboard app.
- For Grand Veranda Suites, complimentary premium internet service. For all other categories, complimentary standard internet service. Conditions apply.
- Contingency Plan as described in the terms and conditions.
- IAATO passenger fee.
Exclusions:
Anything that is not specifically listed under the “Included in the Rate” section. For example:
- Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage. Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
- Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
- Gratuities.
- Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
