Magellan Discoverer Inaugural Air-cruise
Join the inaugural expedition of the newly built Magellan Discoverer! Board a cruise from Punta Arenas, Chile to Antarctica, explore the Paeninsula, and fly back from King George Island to Punta Arenas.
Hiking & Snowshoeing
Hotel & Transfer
Package
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Expedition Highlights
Join a unique celebratory expedition on board Magellan Discoverer.
Witness Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica's extraordinary wildlife, from curious penguins to breaching whales, lounging seals and more.
When weather allows it, step ashore on the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, walking where few have ventured.
Experience the thrill of Zodiac excursions, navigating between glaciers and through pristine polar waters.
Learn from expert polar guides during daily presentations and guided landings at remarkable sites in Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica.
Sail aboard our boutique expedition ship, enjoying premium comfort while exploring Earth's last frontier.
Itinerary at a Glance
Join the inaugural voyage of the newly built Magellan Explorer! Be part of the celebration while visiting Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica.
Day 1
Start of the air-cruise
Your journey begins in Punta Arenas, Chile. . Sail along the Strait of Magellan towards Cape Froward, the southernmost tip of the American landmass, and continue south. These areas are home to Magellanic penguins, cormorants and other seabirds.
Day 2
Explore Southern Patagonia
Escorted by Peale's dolphins, the ship will navigate along the Glacier Alley, offering an opportunity for a Zodiac excursion at the Garibaldi Glacier.
Day 3
Beagle Channel
After spending some free time in Ushuaia, the ship sets sail along the Beagle channel towards Antarctica.
Day 4 - 5
Drake Passage
Sail the Drake Passage and reach the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica.
Day 6 - 8
Explore Antarctica
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience on each landing.
Day 9
Scheduled return flight from Antarctica
Return to King George Island and board the 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).
Day 10
End of the air-cruise
After breakfast, a transfer takes you to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
your Small ship
The Inaugural Air-Cruise is available on on board Magellan Discover.
A Cutting-Edge Ship Designed Exclusively for Antarctic Exploration
This custom-built expedition vessel, designed for Antarctic air-cruises, features hybrid diesel-electric propulsion, advanced technologies, and a sophisticated design. It meets the latest Polar Code standards and will begin service in 2026. The vessel offers five accommodation categories with private balconies, a panoramic lounge, a presentation room with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, and various amenities such as a spacious dining room, bar, library, meeting room, gym, sauna with open views, and a medical clinic. The top deck includes a 360° walking track for wildlife viewing and scenic views.
For complete air-cruise pricing details review our 2026-27 Air-Cruise Brochure.
Inaugural Air-Cruise inclusions
Pre- and Post-Voyage Info
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
Airport - Hotel Transfers
Group transfers in Punta Arenas, between the hotel and airport, as described in the itinerary description.
Expedition Cruise
Cruise on board Magellan Discoverer from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Antarctica, and in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Hotel in Punta Arenas
One hotel night stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel on Day 9 of this expedition, day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
Antarctic Flight
Flight back from King George Island to Punta Arenas, Chile, as indicated in the itinerary description of this program.
Excursions & Activities
Guided shore landings and Zodiac excursions in Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica, as well as lectures and entertainment on board your boutique vessel.
Meals & 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.
Contingency Plan & More
Contingency plan, loan of waterproof boots for landings in Antarctica, and IAATO passenger fee.
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 marine wildlife.
Hiking & Snowshoeing
A Hiking and Snowshoeing Guide leads a small group of adventurers who wish to explore further while on land as they gain elevation and explore the landscape.
Hotel & Transfer Package
Most air-cruises start and end in Punta Arenas. Should you wish to arrive in Punta Arenas a day earlier or spend an extra night after you return from Antarctica, we offer a convenient Hotel and Transfer Package.
The package includes accommodation at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar and combines perfectly with your Antarctic air-cruise. With a single check-in you will ensure that the hotel room for your extra night in Punta Arenas is the same as that included in your air-cruise itinerary.
Upcoming Departure
Only one departure is available for the Inaugural Air-Cruise on board Magellan Discoverer.
Download Brochures
Download our trip collections available for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 Antarctic travel seasons.
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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