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Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise

Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise

The Classic Antarctica air-cruise is our most popular Antarctica expedition itinerary. Once arriving by flight to Antarctica, you will sail between the South Sh

All operators are IAATO members

Trip Amenities

Solo Cabins Available Wifi Free Satellite WiFi Included Airport Transfer

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2026-2027 Season

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8 days

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The Classic Antarctica air-cruise is our most popular Antarctica expedition itinerary. Once arriving by flight to Antarctica, you will sail between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Enjoy seeing ice-filled fjords and spectacular icebergs, while spotting penguins, seals, and whales that call the White Continent home. The Classic Antarctica air-cruise is available on all our expedition ships.

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise

    Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you are welcomed by Antarctica21 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.

  2. Day 2: Scheduled Flight to Antarctica

    A two-hour exclusive chartered flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the aircraft, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then board a transfer vehicle and pass Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.

  3. Day 3: Exploring Antarctica

    Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of educational presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.

  4. Day 4: Exploring Antarctica

    Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides.

  5. Day 5: Exploring Antarctica

    Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides.

  6. Day 6: Exploring Antarctica

    Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides.

  7. Day 7: Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica

    Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the chartered flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).

  8. Day 8: End of the Air-Cruise

    After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

What's Included

Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
Group transfers from the airport and hotel on Day 1 for guests arriving in Punta Arenas and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise itinerary.
Welcome dinner on Day 1 at Explorers House in Punta Arenas.
Two nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on Day 1 and the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
Ship cruise and flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica, and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each air-cruise itinerary.
Guided shore landings and Zodiac excursions in Antarctica, as well as lectures and entertainment on board your boutique vessel.
Daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
Contingency plan, loan of waterproof boots for landings in Antarctica, and IAATO passenger fee.
Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.

What's Not Included

Meals in Punta Arenas on Day 7 are at your leisure and not included in the program.

Cabin Types

Cabin TypeAvailability

Deluxe Suite

Available

Deluxe Veranda Cabin

Available

Penthouse Suite

Available

Porthole Cabin

Available

Single Veranda Cabin

Available

Triple Suite

Available

Veranda Cabin

Available

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Trip Overview

Duration

8 days

Travel Mode

fly


Departure Date

Jan 4, 2027

Return Date

Jan 11, 2027


Departure Port

King George Island

Return Port

King George Island

Activities

Zodiac Cruising

Antarctica Landing & Hiking

Photography Workshop

Polar Plunge

Multi Day Kayaking Program

Magellan Explorer

Magellan Explorer

100 passengers

Magellan Explorer: Expedition ship with capacity for up to 100 passengers. Features dining room, bar, lounge, library, gym, sauna, & Zodiacs for shore landings.

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