Departing from Ushuaia, the Magellan Explorer charts a course through the Beagle Channel and toward the legendary Cape Horn. Cross the mythical waters of the Drake Passage and spend a day in one of the most spectacular places on earth - Antarctica!
Antarctica
Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise
6 Days aboard Magellan Explorer. From AUD $9,992pp.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Experience a comfortable small ship expedition of maximum 100 passengers
- Sail one way across the Drake Passage to Antarctica
- Short visits to penguin colonies
- Capture the breathtaking scenery of the Southern Continent
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia and board ship
- Day 2: Cape Horn and Drake Passage
- Day 3: Drake Passage
- Day 4: Drake Passage and Antarctica
- Day 5: Antarctica and Scheduled return flight to Punta Arenas
- Day 6: Transfer to the Punta Arenas airport
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: Arrive in Ushuaia and board ship
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board Magellan Explorer and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail to Cape Horn.
Day 2: Cape Horn and Drake Passage
After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, you awake in full view of legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on this famous and rarely visited island. Back on board, set sail towards Antarctica and cross the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer.
Day 3: Drake Passage
As you sail through the Drake Passage en route to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica.
Day 4: Drake Passage and Antarctica
After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the first sight of Antarctic land. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Taking advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight, exploration will continue well into the evening.
Day 5: Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas
Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay and explore the area, such as the Chilean Base Frei and the Russian Base Bellingshausen. Bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas, Chile. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night.
(Note: meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and are not included in the program.)
Day 6: Depart to Punta Arenas
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Next Departure Date: 18 Nov 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Nov 2025 - 23 Nov 2025 | AUD$9992pp | ||
| Triple Suite | AUD$9992pp | Contact us | |
| Porthole Cabin | AUD$11325pp | Contact us | |
| Veranda Cabin | AUD$12492pp | Contact us | |
| Deluxe Veranda Cabin | AUD$12992pp | Contact us | |
| Grand Suite | AUD$14325pp | Contact us | |
| Penthouse Suite | AUD$14992pp | Contact us | |
| Single Cabin | AUD$14992pp | Contact us | |
| 17 Nov 2026 - 22 Nov 2026 | AUD$9992pp |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Triple Suite
40m², located on deck 4, 2 single beds and 1 queen-size sofa bed, 2 private bathrooms, separate living area with sofa and coffee table, desk and chair sets, 2 armchairs with side tables, balcony with sitting area, telephone, hairdryer, minibar and snack station & coffee maker.
Porthole Cabin
20m², located on deck 3, 2 single beds or 1 king bed, desk and chair, 2 armchairs with side table, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB, safe, telephone, hairdryer, private bathroom with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
Veranda Cabin
20m², located on deck 3, 2 single beds or 1 king bed, desk and chair, 1 armchair with side table, private balcony with sitting area, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, telephone, hairdryer, private bathroom with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
20m², located on deck 4, 2 single beds or 1 king bed, desk and chair, 1 armchair with side table, private balcony with sitting area, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, telephone, hairdryer, larger private bathroom with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
Penthouse Suite
30m², located on deck 5, 2 single beds or 1 king bed, separate sitting area with sofa and coffee table, desk and chair, 2 armchairs, private balcony with sitting area, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, closed-circuit TV screen, telephone, hairdryer, larger private bathroom with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
Grand Suite
40m², located on deck 4, 2 single beds or 1 king- bed, separate living area with queen-size sofa bed and coffee table, desk and chair sets in both living and bedroom areas, 2 armchairs with side tables, 2 private balconies with sitting areas, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, telephone, hairdryer, 2 large private bathrooms with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
Single Cabin
20m², located on deck 3, one king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area, desk and chair, 1 armchair with side table, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, telephone, hairdryer, private bathroom with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
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Magellan Explorer Deckplan
Specifications
Plane Specifications (not valid on cruise only departures)
- Model: BAE 146-200
- Engines: 4 turbofans Honeywell ALF 502R-5
- Length: 28,55 m
- Wingspan: 26,34 m
- Cruise Speed: 465 mph (750 km/h)
- Service Ceiling: 31,200 ft (9.500 m)
- Capacity: 73 passengers
Ship Specifications
- Expedition Staff & crew: 60
- Passengers: 100 maximum (maximum of 73 for air-cruise operations)
- Gross tonnage: 4,900
- Ice-class: LR PC6
- Length: 90.7m
- Breadth: 16.2m
- Draft: 4.3 m
- Propulsion: 2 main engines, total 3440 kW
- Cruising speed: 14 knots
- Flag: Bahamas
Whats included?
- On-board accommodation
- Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas
- 1 post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas
- Group transfers
- Activities/shore excursions as specified
- Standard beverages during lunch & dinner
- Lectures and presentations by expedition leaders and naturalist staff
- Waterproof boots on loan
- Pre-departure material
- Service charges and port taxes
What’s not included?
- International airfares
- Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Expedition gear
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
- Expedition jacket - US$349 per person
- Preferred seating on flight - US$495 per person
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.
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