🗺️ Antarctica is the last untouched sanctuary on Earth, a remote and almost sacred land. It belongs to no nation and no individual, only to wind, ice and ocean, and to the penguins, whales and seabirds that call it home. Its romance and grandeur are etched into ancient glaciers and the quiet rhythms of polar life. A majestic yet comfortable Antarctic expedition awaits every nature-loving explorer.

🏷️ We are launching a dedicated Antarctica Cruise Series, where we will explore a range of high-quality routes, expedition vessels and practical travel guidance in detail, bringing you closer to this extraordinary corner of the planet.

For a seamless Antarctic experience, Antarctica 21 (A21) stands out as the pioneer of air-cruise expeditions.

A21 operates an exclusive air-cruise model, departing from Punta Arenas in Chile. In just two hours, you can cross the Drake Passage. From the air, the vast ocean and scattered ice floes form a striking abstract landscape beneath you.

A21 holds priority boarding rights for the flights to Antarctica. When multiple departures are scheduled, their guests are given precedence, allowing for a smooth and efficient start to the journey.

Their aircraft accommodates 76 passengers, matching the capacity of their expedition vessels. This ensures that all travellers can be transported together, making the process both efficient and well organised.

Their advantage continues on land. With small expedition ships designed for flexibility, all guests can disembark at the same time. There is no need to wait in rotation, which means more time ashore to explore, photograph and fully immerse yourself in the landscape.

This is one of A21’s most popular expedition programmes. Your journey begins in Punta Arenas, at the southern tip of South America, where you will meet the expedition team. At their dedicated exploration centre, you will attend a briefing, review your equipment and meet fellow travellers over a welcome dinner.

The following day, as your aircraft lands on the polar runway of King George Island, the cabin door opens to reveal the crisp, unmistakable air of Antarctica. What once took early explorers months of perilous sailing can now be reached in just two hours, a remarkable transformation in the history of exploration.

Only two hours earlier, you were still within the cityscape of Punta Arenas. From the window, you may have watched albatrosses gliding above restless seas. Upon arrival, you step onto permafrost terrain, passing research stations from Chile, Russia and beyond, their weathered red structures standing against the ice. Zodiac boats await nearby, ready to transfer you to your expedition vessel, your home in Antarctica.

Each day, the expedition leader adjusts the route according to ice and weather conditions. You may encounter humpback whales in the Gerlache Strait or watch chinstrap penguins moving across the snow beneath the icy domes of Penola Strait. Ancient black ice, formed over millennia, may even be placed in your glass, where trapped air bubbles crackle softly as they melt.

Landings on the seventh continent, Zodiac cruises, scientific lectures and even polar plunges are woven throughout the journey. You will encounter wildlife, witness ancient glaciers, explore historic sites and experience the raw power of nature.

As your return flight lifts into the sky, the view from your window brings the journey full circle. The aircraft’s shadow glides across ice and tundra, and what you carry home is more than photographs. It is a lasting memory of Antarctica’s pure, luminous blue.

Trip Summary

Duration: 8 days 7 nights

Departure / Return: Punta Arenas, Chile

Vessels: Magellan Discovery & Magellan Explorer

Travel Style: Fly-Sail

Travel Period: Multiple departures available from December 2026 to March 2027

Daily Itinerary

| Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile

| Day 2: Fly to Antarctica and begin exploration

| Day 3-6: Antarctic exploration

| Day 7: Depart Antarctica and fly back to Punta Arenas

| Day 8: Journey concludes

Magellan Explorer is a modern expedition vessel custom-built for the Antarctic air-cruises. The ship was constructed in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications and launched in 2019.

Magellan Explorer has seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole Cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins, except four, have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, an individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with a shower.

The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the ship’s bow, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife.

The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiacs that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching. The fitness center aboard Magellan Explorer has been designed and built by the professionals at Anytime Fitness, the world’s only fitness company with boutique gyms on all seven continents.

With a maximum of 76 guests and 14 experienced expedition staff, the ship offers one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios (1:5) in the industry.

Many people assume Antarctica is too distant, too expensive or too demanding. Yet those who make the journey often discover that every effort is worthwhile. The immense glaciers, the charm of penguin chicks and the clarity of the icy seas create a sense of wonder and calm that few places on Earth can match.

In the coming series, we will introduce more Antarctic routes and expedition vessels. If this journey has captured your interest, we invite you to follow along for future features and insights.

* We offer bespoke Antarctic travel packages departing from Beijing, with our 14-day Antarctic Peninsula & Chile programme starting at 189,800 RMB per person.

For departure options and pricing from other countries or regions, or tailored itinerary, please contact our team, we are ready to help secure your preferred departure for this unforgettable polar adventure!