Antarctica & South Georgia Fly/Sail Cruise
17 Days - Magellan Explorer
Travel in the footsteps of explorer Ernest Shackleton to the extremes of the Southern Hemisphere! Visit the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia aboard Magellan Explorer. Enjoy views of spectacular mountains and towering icebergs, and visit extraordinary snowy landscapes and remote penguin rookeries.
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Home » 17 Day Magellan Explorer: Antarctica & South Georgia Fly/Sail Cruise
Itinerary Highlights
- Skip the unpredictable Drake Passage crossing and fly to King George Island
- Sail through ice-filled fjords and spectacular icebergs
- Enjoy the company of a variety of seabirds, seals and whales
- Stop over in Elephant Island and learn of the history of Shackleton's journey
- Stand amidst hundreds and thousands of King penguins on the majestic island of South Georgia
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas
- Day 2: Scheduled Flight to Antarctica
- Day 3-5: Exploring Antarctica
- Day 6: Elephant Island
- Day 7-10: Sailing to South Georgia
- Day 11-12: South Georgia
- Day 13-15: Sailing toward South America
- Day 16: At Sea and Beagle Channel
- Day 17: Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas
Our staff members welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel, visit Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers.
Day 2: Scheduled Flight to Antarctica
A two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. You then walk 2-km (1.25-mi) to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your expedition vessel.
Day 3-5: 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. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. 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 ever-changing opportunities provided by nature. You will explore several spots in the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Sound that offers the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
Day 6: 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 stormy conditions rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship.
Day 7-10: Sailing to South Georgia
As we sail northward, our expert 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 birdlife.
Day 11-12: 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. Each visit is unique. If the weather is favorable, visits are also planned at Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay.
Day 13-15: 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 16: At Sea and Beagle Channel
Approach South America and sail along the Beagle Channel. Take in the beauty of Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island as you head to Ushuaia.
Day 17: Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrival to Ushuaia, where your journey ends at the pier upon disembarkation.
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
![deck plan](../../images/image_local/9403/web_standard_magellanic-explorer-ship-deck-plan.jpg)
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?
- 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas
- Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
- Group transfers to ship
- On-board accommodation
- All meals during the voyage
- 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
- Optional extras*
- Expedition gear
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
*Optional extras
- Sea kayaking - US$895 per person
- Hiking & Snowshoeing - US$85 per person (per excursion)
- Expedition jacket - US$349 per person
- Preferred seating on flight - US$245 per person one way