Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise
Join us for a remarkable experience that takes you through the western Antarctic Peninsula, through Elephant Island to South Georgia. The South Georgia and Antarctica air-cruise allows you to sail through the nutrient-rich waters and, each day, disembark with our expert polar guides having time to either hike, snowshoe, or kayak in bays nearby. As we make our way to South Georgia, you will follow in the footsteps of famous Antarctic explorers, like Ernest Shackleton, and learn about their daring southerly adventures. After reaching South Georgia, visit some of the largest colonies of penguins in the world, including the king penguin, and see the nesting grounds of thousands of albatrosses.
Hiking & Snowshoeing
Hotel & Transfer Package
Expedition Highlights
Spot penguins, seals, and whales in their natural Antarctic habitat.
Encounter vast king penguin colonies in South Georgia
Explore the dramatic landscapes of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
Experience exciting landings on remote Antarctic shores by Zodiac.
Join daily guided excursions led by expert polar guides.
Cruise through secluded fjords, surrounded by pristine natural beauty.
Itinerary at a glance
Embark on a unparalleled expedition combining the Antarctic Peninsula, Elephant Island and South Georgia. Fly direct to Antarctica and spend days exploring the Peninsula with our expert polar guides. As we sail north, on our way to South Georgia, you will follow in the footsteps of famous Antarctic explorers, like Ernest Shackleton, and learn about their daring southerly adventures. In South Georgia, visit the world’s largest King penguin colonies and see the nesting grounds of thousands of albatrosses and elephant seals.
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.
Day 2
Scheduled flight to Antarctica
A smooth two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your adventure begins as you exit the airplane, and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. A short vehicle transfer takes you to the shore of Fildes Bay where a Zodiac takes you to your boutique expedition vessel.
Day 3-6
Exploring Antarctica
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and 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. No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the everchanging opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience every time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several sites that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Gerlache Strait, the Penola Strait, and the Antarctic Sound.
Day 7
Elephant Island
Sailing north, we hope to stop at Elephant Island. It was here that the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on to South Georgia. While the stormy conditions of this area rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship.
Day 8-9
Sailing to South Georgia
As we sail northward, our historian and our naturalist guides offer a series of presentations. There is time to socialize in the ship’s lounge while keeping an eye out for the region’s abundant birdlife.
Day 10-13
Exploring South Georgia
The island of South Georgia is a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, massive glaciers, grassy uplands, and deep fjords. Visit the former whaling outpost of Grytviken, where you may pay your respects at the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton. At St. Andrew’s Bay be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 king penguins. At Cooper Island, the nesting home of thousands of black-browed albatrosses, see a large colony of macaroni penguins. At the peak of the breeding season, it is said that South Georgia has the highest concentration of wildlife per square meter on the planet. If the weather is favorable, we hope to visit Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plain, Drygalski Fjord, and Elsehul Bay.
Day 14 - 16
Sailing towards South America
As the ship heads to South America, the program of presentations continues. Use this time to enhance your understanding of the region and its history.
Day 17
At sea and Beagle Channel
Approach the South American continent and sail along the Beagle Channel. Take in the beauty of Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island as you make your way to Ushuaia.
Day 18
Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrival to Ushuaia, where your journey ends.
your Cruise ship
The Antarctica and South Georgia Air-Cruise is available on Magellan Explorer, our new and most modern polar vessel.
Sail with the Magellan Explorer
Featuring a modern design and innovative technologies, this expedition vessel was custom-built for our Antarctic air-cruises.
For complete Air-Cruise pricing details review our brochure.
Antarctic Air-Cruise inclusions
Pre- and Post-Voyage Info
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
Airport and Hotel Transfers
Group transfers from the airport and hotel on the day of the scheduled Antarctic flight and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise.
One Hotel Night in Punta Arenas
A night stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
Welcome Dinner at Explorers House
Welcome dinner on day one at the Explorers House in Punta Arenas.
Ship Cruise
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.
Daily Meals and Beverages
Daily buffet breakfast and lunch, and à la carte dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
Gear and Contingency Plan
Loan of waterproof boots for landings in Antarctica, contingency plan, and IAATO passenger fee.
Guided Excursions and Activities
All guided shore excursions, as well as lectures and entertainment on board.
Exclusive Access to Explorers House
Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
Optional Extras
For your air-cruise, you can choose a few additional add-ons to enhance your expedition experience with us.
Sea Kayaking
Our Sea Kayaking program is an exclusive experience under the guidance and leadership of an experienced Kayak Master, who takes our guests on a sea journey through icy waters while observing massive glaciers and aquatic wildlife.
Hiking & Snowshoeing
Our Sea Kayaking program is an exclusive experience under the guidance and leadership of an experienced Kayak Master, who takes our guests on a sea journey through icy waters while observing massive glaciers and aquatic wildlife.
Hotel and Transfer Package
Our Sea Kayaking program is an exclusive experience under the guidance and leadership of an experienced Kayak Master, who takes our guests on a sea journey through icy waters while observing massive glaciers and aquatic wildlife.
Take advantage of our promotions
Upcoming Departures
Our Antarctica & South Georgia air-cruises are available across multiple seasons on board Magellan Explorer.
See our brochures for more details
Download our trip collections available for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.
Keep exploring our range of expeditions
Antarctica21 operates Fly & Cruise Expeditions to Antarctica and Sea Voyages to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia, and Antarctica. Our trips are boutique wilderness adventures taking you to Antarctica and beyond.
Travelers Reviews
’Expedition leader and staff more than exceeded my expectations – so qualified, intelligent, passionate and patient. By the end of our few days, they felt like old friends. I’ll really miss them and the environment they created for me and my family.’’
Lucy M - Traveler from USA
Experience the Extraordinary
From dramatic landscapes to close wildlife encounters, every journey to the White Continent is unique. Let's start planning yours together.
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