The Quest For The Polar Circle Fly & Cruise

Explore the Heart of Antarctica on an In-Depth 10 Day Polar Circle Air-Cruise

Punta Arenas, Chile

10 Days

January & February

From $22,795

A Polar Circle Air-Cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that takes you deep into the heart of Antarctica. This expedition involves flying over the Drake Passage and then landing on King George Island, where you will board the MV Magellan Explorer that will take you on a journey through the frozen continent.

As you sail through the icy waters, you will have the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Antarctic landscape, from towering glaciers to shimmering icebergs. You will also have the chance to observe a wide variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales.

One of the highlights of the Polar Circle Air-Cruise is the chance to visit the Antarctic Circle. Only a few travelers have the opportunity to go this far south. In addition to attempting to reach the Antarctic Polar Circle, this Air-Cruise offers a range of activities that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the Antarctic experience. These might include guided hikes through icy terrain, visits to scientific research stations, kayaking and opportunities to observe penguin colonies and other wildlife in their natural habitats.

Polar Circle Air-Cruise Highlights

A rare and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reach and visit the Antarctic Polar Circle.
Unlike traditional cruises that sail to the Antarctic Peninsula, an air cruise allows you to fly directly to the continent. You’ll have the opportunity to witness stunning aerial views of Antarctica and its dramatic landscapes before even setting foot on land.
Small group experience! Our cruises have fewer passengers than traditional cruises, which means a more intimate and personalized experience.
Air cruises are designed to maximize your time in Antarctica, which means you’ll visit multiple locations during your trip. You’ll have the opportunity to explore different areas of the continent and see a variety of wildlife and landscapes.

You’ll have the chance to do plenty of zodiac landings, hiking, and even kayaking along massive glacier faces.
Your air cruise will be led by expert guides who have extensive knowledge of the region. They will share their expertise on the wildlife, geology, and history of Antarctica, enhancing your overall experience.
Antarctica is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. You’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with these animals in their natural habitat.
The MV Magellan Explorer is equipped with luxurious cabins and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

The Voyage

Day 1 Welcome to Punta Arenas, Southern Chile. Your expedition commences with a welcome briefing in the afternoon followed by a welcome dinner in the evening. Overnight in a hotel in Punta Arenas.

Day 2 The adventure begins as you fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. Here you will board MV Magellan Explorer by Zodiac and set sail exploring.

Days 3 – 8 Our expedition days will be spent exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands with the aim to cross the Antarctic Circle during the voyage. The days will be spent exploring by Zodiacs to view wildlife and make landings at sites of interest. This extended trip will offer an opportunity to venture further south and explore more. We will encounter an abundance of wildlife close up, giant icebergs and glaciers. In the evenings you will learn about Antarctica from our expert guide team.

Day 9 Return flight to Punta Arenas. Overnight in a hotel in Punta Arenas.

Day 10 Transfer from the hotel to the airport or continue your stay in Punta Arenas.

Polar Circle Air-Cruise Day by Day

Day 1

Start of the Air-Cruise, Punta Arenas

Arriving in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM allows for a comfortable transition from the airport to the hotel, with ample time to settle in and prepare for the upcoming adventure. The transfer to the hotel is provided and takes the stress out of navigating a new city after a long flight.

The mandatory briefing at Explorers House is an essential part of the experience, ensuring that all travelers are informed and prepared for the journey ahead. The briefing likely covers topics such as safety procedures which are all important considerations when visiting a remote and sensitive region like Antarctica.

After the briefing, travelers gather for a welcome dinner, where they can meet their fellow adventurers and enjoy a typical regional menu. This is a great opportunity to socialize, ask questions, and get excited about the upcoming adventure.

Day 2

Flight to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands

As travelers exit the airplane, they are immediately greeted with the clear and crisp Antarctic air. Walking 2-km (1.25-miles) to reach the shore and board a Zodiac is an excellent way to stretch your legs after the flight, and it’s also an opportunity to take in the stunning scenery of the South Shetland Islands.

Passing by Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station is a reminder that while the Antarctic is a remote and pristine wilderness, it’s also a place where humans have conducted research and exploration for many decades.

You will then board a Zodiac that takes you and the other guests to your expedition vessel, the MV Magellan Explorer.

Days 3 – 8

Exploring South Shetland Islands and the West Coast

The opportunity to sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs while surrounded by incredible wildlife such as seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales is an unforgettable experience. We will disembark by Zodiac each day to explore the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula in small groups, hiking to extraordinary sites and taking part in exploratory excursions.

Reaching the Polar Circle is the goal for this expedition. The expedition team plans the specific voyage route based on local conditions and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, allowing for maximum flexibility and the best chance of success. Antarctica is a notoriously unpredictable environment, with constantly changing weather and ice conditions. Therefore, flexibility is key to ensuring a successful voyage.

Day 9

Return Flight to Punta Arenas

Day 9 of the air-cruise marks the end of the expedition and a return journey to Punta Arenas. We return to King George Island, where we bid farewell to the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica. It’s a bittersweet moment, as the memories of the adventure will last a lifetime, but it’s time to say goodbye to this remote and beautiful part of the world.

After boarding the return flight to Punta Arenas, our guests will have time to reflect on the incredible experiences they’ve had and the new friendships they’ve made.

Day 10

End of the Air-Cruise

After breakfast on the final day of the air-cruise, you will be transferred to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight. This marks the end of the expedition, and you will return home with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

Inside This Antarctica Air-Cruise

Our trips are aimed at anyone with a passion for exploring Antarctica with a small group of like minded individuals on a comfortable small ship cruise and include :

Exploration

We will explore areas within the Polar Circle that are very rarely visited. This is a chance to experience a true, untouched wilderness in a small group.

Stunning Scenery & Wildlife

We will encounter mighty glaciers, cruise tranquil steep-sided fjords and spend time outside exploring the beautiful untouched wilderness.

Climate Compensated

Caring for the environment is what we do. For this Antarctica cruise we plant trees in Greenland to offset the emissions. As a member of AECO, we follow strict guidelines to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife and natural sites.

Expedition Leader and Guide

An aspect of our journeys is to learn about the place you are visiting. Our onboard guides are the core of what we do and will share their passion and knowledge of Antarctica throughout the trip. We offer the best guide to guest ratio available.

Zodiac landing craft for shore landings

Shore landings are the essence of every expedition and your guides will take you exploring on a daily basis. The vessel is equipped with landing craft that can be used to reach remote beaches so you can experience the wilderness firsthand.

Expedition Vessel With 73 Guests

We believe the best way to experience an environmentally sensitive place such as the Antarctic is with a small group of travelers. New expedition cruise ships now take up to 350 passengers, we believe smaller is better.

Your Ship - MV Magellan Explorer

Step aboard MV Magellan Explorer, a modern expedition vessel built for adventure

With a Polar Class 6 ice-class (Lloyd’s Register PC6), the Magellan Explorer is the world’s first expedition ship custom designed for Antarctic air-cruise operations. Launched in 2019, it is one of the most modern purpose built expedition ships in Antarctica with the massive benefit that it takes just 73 guests.

The ship serves as a sophisticated and stylish base for her guests’ travels, blending expedition expertise with boutique hospitality. The Magellan Explorer has been built from the ground up to be the best platform for air-cruise operations. Several international polar expedition experts contributed to the ship’s design in order to improve visitors’ expedition experiences.

The Magellan Explorer is incredibly stable, even in a heavy motion sea. To decrease its environmental impact, the ship is outfitted with an energy-recovery technology that recycles engine heat to warm up the ship and its water supply.

up to 73 passengers guarantee a very intimate polar experience
built in accordance with the most recent Polar Code criteria, with a Polar Class 6 ice-class (Lloyd’s Register PC6)
stabilizers, bow and stern thrusters, and ice-detecting radar for safe and comfortable navigation
equipped with an energy-recovery technology that recycles engine heat to warm up the ship and its water supply
glass-enclosed observation lounge
sauna and fitness center on board
high food quality and excellent hospitality staff
modern interior design that offers comfort, flair, and efficiency

guests can choose from seven different types of accommodations, including dedicated single cabins
spacious cabins, ranging in size from 40 m² to 20 m²
private balcony in all suites and most cabins
10 Zodiac boats
service oriented Expedition team = considering individual guest interests
bow access to offer the guests proximity to marine wildlife
well-stocked bar and meeting room for briefings and educational events
the dining room can seat all guests and expedition staff at once
there is also a library, a gift shop, a protected outdoor barbecue area, a gym, and a sauna

See Ship

Antarctica Cruise Dates and Prices

Prices quoted are per person in US Dollars. Twin and double cabins are based on double occupancy.

$

Date	Trip Name	Duration	Vessel	Cabin A	Cabin B	Cabin C	Cabin D	Cabin E	Cabin F	Cabin G
1 - 12 January 2024	Antarctica Explorer	12 Days	MV Polar Pioneer	US$ 15,990	US$ 14,790	US$ 13,790	US$ 12,870	US$ 11,490	n/a	n/a	Book
11 - 18 December 2024	Antarctica Discovery Fly Cruise	8 Days	MV Magellan Explorer	US$ 19,795	US$ 17,995	US$ 21,995	US$ 23,995	US$ 27,495	US$ 28,995	US$ 28,995	Book
31 December 2024 - 7 January 2025	Antarctica Discovery Fly Cruise	8 Days	MV Magellan Explorer	US$ 19,995	US$ 18,795	US$ 22,995	US$ 24,995	US$ 27,995	US$ 29,995	US$ 29,995	Book
24 January - 2 February 2025	Antarctica Polar Circle Fly Cruise	10 Days	MV Magellan Explorer	US$ 24,995	US$ 22,795	US$ 26,995	US$ 29,795	US$ 32,995	US$ 36,495	US$ 36,495	Book
5 - 12 February 2025	Antarctica Discovery Fly Cruise	8 Days	MV Magellan Explorer	US$ 19,795	US$ 17,995	US$ 21,995	US$ 23,995	US$ 27,495	US$ 28,995	US$ 28,995	Book

On Magellan Explorer departures kayaking is available for an additional $995 per person.

If you have any questions about our Polar Circle Air-Cruise please get in touch

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Useful Information

50 Interesting Antarctica Facts to Inspire Your Visit

Here are 50 of our favourite facts about Antarctica to help entice you into visiting this beautiful frozen continent. Read More >>

Wildlife of Antarctica I Animals You can See on an Antarctic Micro Cruise

Antarctica is home to a stunning variety of wildlife from emperor penguins to seals and birdlife. Check out our Antarctica wildlife guide >>

What Makes a Secret Atlas Small Ship Expedition Unique?

We are obsessed with small group polar exploration and we see low group numbers as the vital ingredient. See what makes our expeditions unique >>

Air-Cruises FAQ

Trip notes and what’s included / excluded

Departure Location	Punta Arenas, Chile
Arrival Location	Punta Arenas, Chile
Trip Style	Exploration
Physical Rating	Easy
Maximum Group Size	73
Accommodation	Twins, Doubles, Suites & Singles
Duration	10 Days
Time of Year	January & February
Included	7 Nights on Magellan Explorer 2 Nights in Cabo de Hornos hotel (or similar) in Punta Arenas Welcome dinner and drinks on day 1 Return flights between Punta Arenas and King George Island, Antartica Ship expedition as indicated in itinerary All guided excursions by Zodiac Daily buffet breakfast and lunch onboard ship 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. Lectures and onboard entertainment. Loan of waterproof boots IAATO passenger fee Contingency plan for bad weather Breakfast on the final day
Not Included	Kayaking (available at extra cost) Anything that is not specifically listed under the “Included in the Rate” Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar. Internet connection on board the ship. Personal travel insurance. Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.). Gratuities (at your own discretion) Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable. Flights to and from Punta Arenas.

Payment Options & Information

We offer payment via the following methods:

Credit card
Payment by bank transfer

Please let us know at the time of booking your preferred method.

You have the option to pay in full at time of booking or pay in the following instalments:

30% deposit is taken at the time of booking

30% 6 months before departure

40% 90 days prior to departure

It is mandatory you take out comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking that also covers cancellation.

Solo Travellers

Solo travellers are welcome on all our voyages. We often host solo travellers, particularly on our photo voyages so the chances are you won’t be the only one. We offer the following accommodation options:

Single cabins available on select voyages on Polar Pioneer and Magellan Explorer and subject to availability.
Option to share a twin cabin with another traveller of the same gender if single cabins are unavailable.

Booking terms

This trip is operated by a trusted Secret Atlas partner and is subject to our terms and conditions of travel. You can read the full booking terms here.

What Our Customers Say

On each Antarctica cruise we welcome customers from all corner of the globe, with a variety of different ages and backgrounds all united in their passion to experience what the frozen content has to offer

Pan – Business Executive from Italy

‘This is the closest you can come to a real expedition. We saw glaciers seals, whales, walruses and polar bears’

From an early age Pan dreamed of visiting the Arctic. At the age of 42 he made that dream come true by joining Secret Atlas on an expedition micro cruise.

Read his story

Annie – Interior Designer from the USA

‘The micro cruise experience felt like being on your own private boat. The crew were fantastic’’

Annie had always wanted to go an expedition in Svalbard and joined us as a solo traveler..

Read her story