Polar Flight on Ice Runway, Antarctica

Fly-Cruise Antarctica

  • EXPERT-LED CRUISE

Travel to the Antarctic Peninsula, cutting out the conventional two-day ship sailing across the unpredictable waters of the Drake Passage, opting instead for a two-hour flight from Chilean Patagonia

On arrival in the South Shetland Islands, board a small ice-strengthened expedition vessel for an in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula. Although we would generally recommend the slower travel option, approaching the great white continent by sea, this itinerary works well for those who are short on time or anxious about four days of sailing crossing the Drake Passage.

Cruise onboard the Magellan Explorer, developed by international polar expedition experts. Alternative dates are available onboard the Ocean Nova.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Scenic flight 1

Private Charter Flight

Take a private charter flight from Chile, arriving in Antarctica in less then three hours.

Macaroni Penguins, Falkland Islands 2

Polar Wildlife

View varied and plentiful wildlife up close; from penguins to seals and whales.

Golden sun over the Drake Passage 3

Skip the Drake Shake

Avoid two days of sailing across the unpredictable Drake Passage.

Magellan Explorer, Exterior View, Antarctica 4

Intelligent Design

Magellan Explorer was designed with experience, safety and sustainability in mind.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • Day 1

    Punta Arenas

  • Day 2

    Punta Arenas - King George Island

  • Days 3 - 6

    Sailing the Antarctic Peninsula

  • Day 7

    King George Island - Punta Arenas

  • Day 8

    Punta Arenas

Day 1

Punta Arenas

Arrive in Punta Arenas in time for the evening pre flight briefing at 1400. Dine with other guests for a welcome dinner before overnighting in Punta Arenas.

Day 2

Punta Arenas - King George Island

Board a privately chartered plane in Chilean Patagonia for a scenic two and a half-hour flight over the infamous Drake Passage, spotting cruising vessels beneath you as you go. Upon landing at the Chilean air base at Frei on King George Island in the south Shetland Islands, board a zodiac to transfer to your small expeditionary vessel.

Days 3 - 6

Sailing the Antarctic Peninsula

Spend the next four days exploring the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Cruise the South Shetland Islands before crossing the Bransfield Straight – sail along ice-filled fjords passing towering icebergs and spotting the huge variety of wildlife. Daily zodiac excursions with expert guides will be planned around the weather and wildlife – visit penguin colonies, explore research stations and maybe post a letter from Port Lockroy. Whilst onboard enjoy expert presentations and the ever changing views.

Day 7

King George Island - Punta Arenas

Return to King George Island for your flight back to Punta Arenas.

Day 8

Punta Arenas

Depart Punta Arenas or maybe extend your stay in Patagonia.

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

Kayaking, Icebergs, Antarctica
Kayaking in Antarctica
Walking with Penguins, Antarctica
Walking with Penguins, Antarctica

Adventure in Antarctica

Depending on the specific departure, you might find yourself taking a dip in the hot geothermal springs of Pendulum Cove, walking inside the ruins of a Norwegian Whaling Station or bimbling amongst chinstrap penguins on Half Moon Island. With each day comes another unique disembarkation, from zodiac safaris to wildlife hikes, ensuring snow-covered boots and hefty appetites at days’ end. We can also arrange small group sea kayaking for those who might like to try and spot a breaching whale up close.

Crabeater seal, Antarctic Peninsula
Crabeater seal, Antarctic Peninsula

Discover Endemic Species

Thriving in this enchanting territory that contains more than 90% of the planet’s land ice, the wildlife in Antarctica is abundant and diverse. From gentoos to macaroni penguins, crabeater seals and humpbacks to king cormorants and minke whales. On-board expert polar guides are always on hand to identify species, and engaging on-board lectures are designed to impart their knowledge of the creatures of Antarctica.

MV Magellan Explorer, Antarctic Peninsula
Magellan Explorer, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
BBQ Deck, MV Magellan Explorer, Antarctic Peninsula
Magellan Explorer, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

Small Ship Sailing

Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula in an exclusive group of no more than 73 people. Restrictions on the number of passengers allowed at any one site mean that those travelling on larger ships may have long waits before excursions. In choosing this smaller ship option, bypass taking turns to disembark in favour of spending valuable time exploring the epic proportions and abundant wildlife of the peninsula.

Serrano River, Torres del Paine, Chile
Serrano River, Torres del Paine, Chile

Extend to Torres del Paine

In shaving a total of four whole days off of your journey time to and from Antarctica, more days are freed to explore the south of Chile! We recommend a journey to Patagonia, particularly Torres del Paine National Park, to experience this iconic landscape and perhaps hike to the base of its three granite towers. For a wildlife-centric trip, consider joining a puma-tracking adventure.

How does this holiday make a positive impact?

Travel is a great educator. Get hands on with the Citizen Science Program supporting research facilities and providing invaluable data to the scientific community. This could be anything from counting penguins and taking ocean samples to cloud mapping or taking photo identification images for the whale data bank. An enriching experience offering a new perspective to your travels.

The Magellan Explorer complies with the most stringent tier III emission standards – it is equipped with an energy-recovery system that recycles the heat produced by the engines which in turn warms the ship and its water supply.

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Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Magellan Explorer £££££

  • Antarctica

The 100-passenger Magellan Explorer launched in December 2019 specialising in fly-cruise itineraries to Antarctica. During Antarctic fly cruise itineraries the ship will operate with a maximum of 76 passengers. Specific measures have been taken to minimize Magellan Explorer’s carbon footprint, including state-of-the-art low emission engines. There are 50 spacious passenger suites and cabins in five categories, including dedicated single cabins. All double cabins have twin beds that can be configured as one queen-size bed. 42 cabins feature a large window and a private balcony, while eight lowest grade cabins have a porthole. All cabins have a private bathroom and a sitting area.

View Boat

Ocean Nova £££££

  • Arctic

Built in 1992 in Denmark and designed to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland, Ocean Nova has since undergone an extensive refurbishment of cabins. There is an upper glazed observation deck which is perfect for wildlife viewing, a large dining room, a library and a small gym. She carries a fleet of seven zodiacs and offers easy zodiac access from her side step rather than a gangway. The 240-foot-long vessel has capacity for 72 passengers accommodated in comfortable outside cabins over two decks, and all cabins have a picture window and private bathrooms.

View Boat

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