Antarctica

Antarctica Express (Fly/Sail)

7 Days aboard Magellan Discoverer. From AUD $10,617pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details

Overview

Why we love this cruise:

An introductory and affordable boutique expedition in Antarctica:

• Quick access via air to Antarctica

• A taste of the White Continent

• Ideal for the time-conscious traveler

This expedition is available on Magellan Explorer, Magellan Discoverer, and Ocean Nova.

Explore the pristine beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula aboard our small expedition ships, immersing yourself in breathtaking landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and unforgettable moments at the world’s edge.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Sail among breathtaking icebergs and through ice-filled fjords.
  • Spot penguins, seals, and whales in their natural Antarctic habitat.
  • Explore the dramatic landscapes of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
  • Experience exciting landings on remote Antarctic shores by Zodiac.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise
  • Day 2: Scheduled Flight to Antarctica
  • Day 3: Exploring Antarctica
  • Day 4 and 5: Drake Passage
  • Day 6: Cape Horn and Puerto Williams
  • Day 7: End of the Air-Cruise

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Ship Information

For more information on the Magellan Discoverer please view the ship page.

View Magellan Discoverer

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you are welcomed by staff and transferred to your hotel. Before 2 PM, you are expected at Explorers House for your check-in, for a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.

Dinner included.

Day 2: Scheduled Flight to Antarctica

The adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, where you board the expedition vessel to start your Antarctic exploration.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 3: Exploring Antarctica

Explore the stunning beauty of the South Shetland Islands. Sail through ice-filled bays, observing sea birds, penguins, seals, and whales. Board a Zodiac for a memorable shore visit to a penguin colony and take advantage of the extended daylight for evening exploration.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4 and 5: Drake Passage

Sail north through the Drake Passage while enjoying lectures and presentations. Watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or outside decks, spotting magnificent sea birds, like albatrosses and petrels, as well as various whale species.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 6: Cape Horn and Puerto Williams

Weather permitting, board a Zodiac to explore the legendary Cape Horn. Then, continue the journey along the Beagle Channel to Puerto Williams, Chile, the world's southernmost town. Explore the area before sailing to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 7: End of the Air-Cruise

Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina, marking the end of your journey.

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 04 Mar 2027
DatesCabinFromAdditional
04 Mar 2027 - 10 Mar 2027 AUD$10617ppExpand to view prices
Triple Veranda SuiteAUD$10617ppContact us
Family Veranda SuiteAUD$13273ppContact us
Deluxe Veranda CabinAUD$13273ppContact us
Grand Veranda SuiteAUD$15617ppContact us
Single Veranda CabinAUD$15617ppContact us

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Triple Veranda Suite

Approx. Size: 560 ft² / 52 m²
Two-room suite with sitting area and balcony

Triple  Veranda Suite
Triple Veranda Suite
Deluxe Veranda Cabin

Approx. Size: 280 ft² / 26 m²
Cabin with sitting area and balcony

Deluxe  Veranda  Cabin
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
Family Veranda Suite

Approx. Size: 560 ft² / 52 m²
Two-room suite with sitting area and balcony

Family  Veranda Suite
Family Veranda Suite
Grand Veranda Suite

Approx. Size: 409 ft² / 38 m²
Suite with sitting area and balcony

Grand  Veranda Suite
Grand Veranda Suite
Single Veranda Cabin

Approx. Size: 280 ft² / 26 m²
Cabin with sitting area and balcony

Single  Veranda  Cabin
Single Veranda Cabin

Magellan Discoverer Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Passengers: 76 guests for Antarctic air-cruises
  • Staff & Crew: 67
  • Breadth: 17.2 m
  • Length: 94 m
  • Draft: 4.3 m
  • Lifeboats: 2 Fully enclosed, capacity 57 Persons (both equipped to serve as rescue boats)
  • Propulsion: 2 x 1,800 kW
  • Ice class: PC6
  • Cruising speed: 13 knots in open water

What's included?

  • Ship cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula, per the itinerary.
  • Daily buffet breakfast and lunch onboard, offering various dishes.
  • Daily served dinner onboard, with a choice of three main courses.
  • Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks with meals onboard.
  • Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks available throughout the expedition.
  • All guided shore excursions.
  • Lectures and entertainment onboard.
  • Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information materials.
  • Loan of waterproof boots for Antarctic landings.
  • Contingency Plan for possible flight delays.
  • IAATO passenger fee.
  • Group airport/hotel transfers on Day 1.
  • One overnight stay with breakfast at Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar in Punta Arenas, with a welcome dinner on Day 1.

What's not?

  • Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers not specified in the itinerary or Contingency Plan.
  • Beverages purchased at the ship’ s bar.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Extra expenses (communications, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
  • Gratuities.
  • Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport fees, and any arrival/departure taxes.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Antarctica

On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Antarctica Express (Fly/Sail)

7 Days aboard Magellan Discoverer. From AUD $10,617pp.