Itinerary Overview

Polar Circle Air-Cruise

The Polar Circle air-cruise is one of our most adventurous itineraries. Our main goal on this expedition is to attempt to reach the Antarctic Circle located at approximately 66° south of the equator. The Expedition Team crafts every voyage depending on the Antarctic weather and each day of the Polar Circle air-cruise is filled with ample opportunities to explore.

Starting from
$15,995 USD
/ per person
Promotion Available
Itinerary type
Air-Cruise Expedition
When
January and February
Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
Departure City
Punta Arenas, Chile
Ship Options
Magellan Discoverer
Magellan Explorer
Ocean Nova
Optional Extras
Kayaking
Hiking Snowshoing
Hotel & Transfer
Package
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Expedition Highlights

Journey farther south through pristine waters in an attempt to reach the Antarctic Circle.

Explore deeper into Antarctica's untouched wilderness.

Enjoy Zodiac excursions to remote bays and landing sites rarely visited.

Step foot on remote Antarctic shores.

Experience extended daylight hours perfect for photography and exploration.

Cruise through channels filled with spectacular icebergs.

Polar Circle Air-Cruise

Itinerary at a Glance

An extended 10-day journey venturing toward the Antarctic Circle, offering intrepid travelers a deeper exploration of the White Continent's most remote and spectacular regions.

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Itinerary Description
Start at
Punta Arenas, Chile
End in
Punta Arenas, Chile
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 two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane, and 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.

Day 3-8

Exploring Antarctica

Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Our expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging

Enjoy spectacular views, from the glass-enclosed lounge, while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of this expedition is to sail far south in the attempt to reach the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team plans the specific voyage route based on local conditions and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Gerlache and Penola Straits, and the Crystal Sound. Each voyage is unique, and crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

Day 9

Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica

Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight 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, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Boutique Expedition Vessels

Choose your ship

The Polar Circle air-cruise is available on two of our expedition ships. Review which small vessel is best for your Antarctic cruise.

A State-of-the-Art Polar Vessel with Modern Design

76 Guests | 60 Staff & Crew

This custom-built expedition vessel, launched in 2019, was designed for Antarctic air-cruises and meets the latest Polar Code specifications. It offers seven accommodation categories, with most cabins featuring private balconies. The ship includes a spacious observation lounge, a presentation room with advanced audiovisual equipment, a stylish dining room, bar, library, meeting room, gym, sauna, and medical clinic. A forward-facing observation deck leads to the ship's bow, providing close access to marine wildlife.

For complete Air-Cruise pricing details review our brochure.

Starting from
$24,995 USD
per person based on double cabin
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A Small Vessel Built for Adventure

67 Guests | 46 Staff & Crew

Ocean Nova is a sturdy and nimble expedition vessel, with an ice-strengthened hull that is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica. The ship offers three accommodation categories: Single Cabins, Twin Cabins, and Triple Cabins.In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge, it also features a spacious dining room, a bar, a library, a small gym, and an infirmary. The vessel has a fleet of seven Zodiacs that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.

For complete Air-Cruise pricing details review our brochure.

Starting from
15,995 USD per person
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Included in this itinerary

Antarctic Air-Cruise inclusions

Pre- and Post-Voyage Info

Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.

Airport - Hotel Transfers

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 at Explorers House

Welcome dinner on Day 1 at Explorers House in Punta Arenas.

Hotel 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.

Antarctic Flight & 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.

Excursions & Activities

Guided shore landings and Zodiac excursions in 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.

Enhance Your Journey

Optional Extras

For your air-cruise, you can choose a few additional services to enhance your expedition experience with us.

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.

A Hiking & Snowshoeing Guide leads a small group of adventurers who wish to explore further while on land as they gain elevation and explore the landscape.

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 & 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.

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Sea voyage

2025-26 Patagonia & Chilean Fjords Early Booking

8 Days / 7 Nights

Save $1,000 USD per person on your Patagonia & Chilean Fjords sea voyage on board Magellan Explorer.

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2025-26 Air-Cruises Early Booking Promotion

8 Days / 7 Nights

Save $1,500 USD per person on selected Classic Antarctica air-cruises on Magellan Explorer.

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Sea voyage

2026-27 Sea Voyages Early Booking Promotion

8 Days / 7 Nights

Save up to $1,500 USD per person on our Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic sea voyages! Book before June 30, 2025.

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Find Your Expedition

Upcoming Departures

Our Polar Circle air-cruises are available across multiple seasons onboard our polar vessels.

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More About Our Expeditions

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Download our trip collections available for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.

Visit Antarctica & Sub-Antarctic Destinations

Keep exploring our range of expeditions

Antarctica21 operates Fly & Cruise Expeditions to Antarctica and Sea Voyages to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia, and Patagonia & Chilean Fjords. Our trips are boutique wilderness adventures taking you to Antarctica and beyond.

Hear it from our guests

Traveler 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
Classic Antarctica Expedition, December 2021

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A young fur seal in Antarctica