ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION
Landscapes
The land that holds 90% of the Earth's ice caps awe visitors with its stunning beauty. See tranquil bays dotted with enormous icebergs; traverse deep fjords and admire massive glaciers; marvel at sharp, snow-capped peaks rising from the sea.
Adventure
Feel the sea water on your cheeks as you sail towards the shore in a Zodiac inflatable boat. Follow in the footsteps of the first explorers as you trek across the Antarctic land. Take advantage of optional sea kayaking, hiking and snowshoeing programs to discover this extraordinary world from different perspectives.
Wild life
Penguins, whales, seals and seabirds gather in Antarctica and South Georgia during the austral summer. Present in huge numbers, they allow you to immerse yourself in their world and find endless inspiration for photography.
Memories
It is a privilege and an honor to set foot on the seventh continent. You will bring back unforgettable stories, and your journey will inspire curiosity and awe, creating inspiring tales that will be cherished and told for years to come.
AIR-SEA CRUISE TO ANTARCTICA
Antarctica21 has discovered a new way to travel to Antarctica – faster, more intimate,
providing direct access to the White Continent. Before Antarctica21, travelers who wanted to reach the Antarctic Peninsula had only one option: a two-day cruise through the infamously turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. Since 2003, boutique wilderness expeditions have offered a more comfortable alternative.
Flying over the Drake Passage
The two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas – Chile’s gateway to Patagonia – directly to Antarctica, where your expedition ship awaits. No rough sailing. No seasickness. Just a quick and complete immersion in an Antarctic adventure.
Discover Antarctica
Small expedition ships are like private yachts, providing access to areas of the Antarctic coast that are inaccessible to larger vessels. With fewer guests, embarkation and disembarkation are quicker, meaning you can make the most of your time ashore, enjoying every moment of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Key benefits
- Comfort - Avoid Storms on the Drake Passage
- Speed – reaching Antarctica in a short time
- Size – exclusive experience in small groups on intimate ships
WHAT MAKES ANTARCTICA21 SPECIAL?
As a niche specialist, he is 100% focused on creating unique Antarctic adventures.
- Air travel experts – Antarctica21 pioneered the concept of air cruises to Antarctica, which remains their core business. As specialists, they are excellent at coordinating air and sea operations in changing weather conditions. They have completed over 300 fly and cruise expeditions – more than any other company – and they share this experience with every guest.
- Antarctica is a close neighbor – The company was founded in Punta Arenas, Chile, the gateway to the first explorers of Antarctica. As a local company in this remote region, it has established a solid infrastructure and an extensive network of key contacts to support each expedition.
- Explorers House: A Warm Welcome – Just a few blocks from your hotel is Explorers House, Antarctica21’s new, exclusive base in Punta Arenas. Resembling a private club, it was created with your comfort in mind. Here you will receive pre-trip training, stock up on essential gear, and prepare for your upcoming adventure.
- Air superiority – unlike other companies, Antarctica21 organizes a single flight for all participants of the expedition to and from Antarctica. It also has priority access to the flight window, which allows you to choose the optimal time depending on weather conditions. For you, this means more efficient organization and a lower risk of weather-related delays.
- Boutique ships – Small expedition ships can accommodate up to 76 guests, meaning a quicker, more efficient disembarkation in Antarctica. So you spend more time exploring and less time waiting.
- High staff to guest ratio – on each expedition, the Antarctica21 team consists of at least 12 experienced polar guides. Their main goal is to provide you with an unforgettable experience. The team has a deep understanding of the unique geography, natural history, wildlife and ecology of the region, and they are passionate about sharing their knowledge.
- Antarctica21 App – designed to enhance your journey from start to finish. The app offers exclusive content and features for guests on board the Magellan Explorer. It is your travel companion, packed with information, news and educational materials to make your trip even more inspiring and comfortable.
Read about other luxury cruises and expedition ships around the world
Route – classic cruise to Antarctica with flight (8 days/7 nights)
Day 1 / Start of the cruise
You must arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile by 14:00 PM, whether you join the expedition at the airport for transfer to your hotel or meet the team directly at your hotel. In the afternoon, you will be met at the Explorers House for a mandatory briefing, which will provide important information about the flight and an overview of basic guidelines for visiting Antarctica. You will then head to a welcome dinner and meet other adventurers while enjoying regional cuisine.
Day 2 / Flight to Antarctica
Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, part of the South Shetland Islands. Stepping off the plane, you'll experience the first breath of crystal-clear Antarctic air.
You will then board a transfer vehicle that will take you past the Chilean Frei Station and the Russian Bellingshausen Station on the way to shore. There, a waiting Zodiac pontoon will take you aboard a boutique expedition vessel that will be your base for this unforgettable journey.
Day 3-6 / Discovering Antarctica
A cruise through the South Shetland Islands and the West Coast of the Antarctic Peninsula is a unique journey through ice-filled fjords and past spectacular icebergs. You will be accompanied by seabirds, penguins, seals and whales that will make this landscape even more magical.
Each day, you’ll disembark via Zodiac inflatable boat to explore this rugged landscape with expert polar guides. On board, you’ll enjoy an inspiring program of educational presentations, breathtaking views from the lounge, and sharing experiences with other guests.
Every expedition is unique, and the key to success in Antarctica is flexibility. The Expedition Team plans the route on an ongoing basis to make the most of the changing opportunities that nature offers.
While the exact program will vary from trip to trip, you’ll visit locations that provide the best overview of the diverse Antarctic environment. The cruise may take in locations such as the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache Strait, and the Penola Strait.
Day 7 / Planned return flight from Antarctica
Return to King George Island and say goodbye to Antarctica before boarding your flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Please note that meals in Punta Arenas are at your own expense and not included in the program).
Day 8 / End of the air cruise
After breakfast, transfer to Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Magellan Explorer – innovative technology, modern design
Magellan Explorer is a modern expedition ship, designed specifically for air-sea cruises to Antarctica. It was built in Chile, in accordance with the latest Polar Code requirements, and began operating in 2019.
Magellan Explorer offers seven categories of accommodation on its air-sea cruises, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins, except those with round windows, have private balconies. Most double cabins have two single beds that can be combined into one king-size bed. Each cabin has a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a seating area and a private bathroom with shower.
On board the ship there is a glass observation lounge and presentation room with modern audiovisual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a conference room, a gym, a sauna and a medical clinic. A spacious observation deck at the front of the ship leads to the bow, which is accessible to guests, allowing for close contact with marine fauna. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac pontoons, ideal for disembarking and nature observation.
The fitness center on board the Magellan Explorer was designed and equipped by specialists from Anytime Fitness, the only company in the world offering boutique gyms on all seven continents.
Sample cruise dates and prices:
20-27.11.2026 – 8 days/7 nights – from $15,995 per person (Porthole Cabin)
30.11-07.12.2026 – 8 days/7 nights – from $18,995 per person (Porthole Cabin)
10-17.12.2026 – 8 days/7 nights – from $18,995 per person (Porthole Cabin)
January 11-18, 2027 – 8 days/7 nights – from $22,995 per person (Triple Veranda Cabin)
08-15.02.2027 – 8 days/7 nights – from $22,995 per person (Triple Suite)
Book with CARTER to receive a special promotion off the official price!
For more dates contact us: travel@carter.eu
Plane
The flights are operated by three similar aircraft: the BAE 146-200, the AVRO RJ 85 and the AVRO RJ 100. These aircraft were manufactured in the UK by British Aerospace (later part of BAE Systems). They are high-winged aircraft with a short take-off run, making them particularly suitable for such destinations. The operator is Aerovías DAP, a company with over 40 years of experience flying over Patagonia and Antarctica.
Inclusions and exclusions
Included in the price:
- Group airport/hotel transfers organised exclusively by Antarctica21 on the first day of travel.
- One night at the Hotel Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas or similar, with breakfast and welcome dinner with drinks on the first day of your trip.
- One night at the Hotel Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas or similar accommodation, with breakfast, on the day of your planned return from Antarctica.
- Special access to Explorers House.
- Group airport/hotel transfers organised exclusively by Antarctica21 on the day of the planned return from Antarctica and group hotel/airport transfers organised by Antarctica21 on the last day of the air-sea cruise.
- Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and return, according to the cruise program.
- Daily breakfast and lunch buffet on board the ship, offering a variety of dishes.
- Dinner is served daily on board the ship with a choice of one of three main courses.
- Wine, beer, juices and soft drinks served during lunch and dinner on board.
- Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks available on board the ship throughout the expedition.
- All shore excursions are guided.
- Lectures and entertainment on board ship.
- Comprehensive information materials before and after the cruise.
- Rental of waterproof boots for landings in Antarctica.
- Access exclusive content on the Antarctica21 app on board the Magellan Explorer.
- Contingency plan.
- IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) passenger fee.
Not included in the price:
Anything not listed in the "What's Included" section. For example:
- Accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the Itinerary and Contingency Plan. Dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
- Drinks purchased at the ship's bar.
- Internet connection on board ship.
- Individual travel insurance.
- Additional expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
- Tips.
- Chilean and/or Argentine visas, passport costs and any arrival and/or departure taxes, if applicable.
Additional activities before and after the cruise
Before the cruise, participants will arrive from Poland in Santiago de Chile. Two-night accommodations at the Ritz Carlton Santiago 5-star lux hotel, a high floor with views of the Andes, with access to the panoramic Club Lounge (premium drinks and wines/spirits, snacks included). After a rest, a half-day guided tour of Santiago followed by lunch at the fish market. The next morning, departure from Santiago for Punta Arenas.
After the cruise, participants will depart for Santiago with LATAM in the morning. Arrival in Santiago in the early afternoon and transfer to a beautiful hotel nestled in the vineyards for the next two nights. Relaxation, delicious food, hiking, wine tasting, and a spa. VIK is one of the world's best vineyards. https://www.worldsbestvineyards.com/list/1-50. According to Forbes magazine, it is number 3 in the world: https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanneshurvell/2023/07/12/worlds-50-best-vineyards-revealed/.
It enjoys a spectacular location in the Cachapoal Valley region. The spa offers, among other things, a wine bath.
Set amidst the mountains of the Colchagua Valley and surrounded by a vineyard, Vik Chile offers luxury accommodation with full board, approximately 160 km from Santiago. The hotel features an infinity pool with panoramic views of the mountains and vineyards, as well as 2 restaurants and a spa and wellness centre using products made from grapes. Guests will also receive a private tour of the Vik vineyard and winery, as well as a wine tasting session with one of Viña Vik's expert sommeliers.
*4 nights in Santiago + VIK hotel are not included in the cruise price. There is also the option to extend your stay by another 3 nights in the Atacama Desert or Easter Islands.
Other routes Antarctica21
Cruise with flight to the Arctic Circle
10 days / 9 nights
- An in-depth expedition where you'll see more and go further
- A voyage south with an attempt to cross the Arctic Circle
- Limited number of dates
- Price from $15 per person
Cruise with flight to Antarctica and South Georgia
18 days / 17 nights
- Discover the beauty of Antarctica and South Georgia
- See South Georgia's iconic wildlife, including king penguins
- Price from $17 per person
Antarctica Express Flight
6 days / 5 nights
- An affordable introduction to Antarctic exploration, with the chance to see Cape Horn
- Observation of a variety of seabirds such as albatrosses and giant petrels
- Limited number of dates
- Price from $4 per person
Attention: All prices are per person, based on triple occupancy.
Why choose a trip to Antarctica with CARTER?
The first explorer to reach the South Pole was Roald Amundsen in 1911. Do you dream of an expedition to the South Pole or a tailor-made trip to remote King George Island in the Shetland Islands? For over two decades, the boutique travel agency has been operating. CARTER offers tailor-made trips to Antarctica. Come with us on an inspiring journey of a lifetime to the seventh continent!
Antarctica is a continent full of secrets and extraordinary landscapes, which attracts more and more travelers from all over the world. Exploration trips to this remote area guarantee visitors unique experiences that are remembered for years. Antarctic expeditions combine adventure, learning and closeness to nature. The attractions in Antarctica are as fascinating as its nature, and our participants can admire majestic glaciers and amazing ice formations.
Antarctica is surrounded by the Southern Ocean and is the most distant continent from other regions of the world; it lies about 1000 km from the nearest land, South America. Despite the very harsh climate in Antarctica we can find rich flora such as fungi, mosses and lichens and fauna such as emperor penguins, elephant seals, leopard seals, seals, many species of fish, crustaceans and cephalopods. The emperor penguin is the largest representative of its order, it reaches up to 135 cm in height and can weigh up to 45 kg. The ocean waters surrounding the continent are abundant in whales such as the humpback whale and killer whale.
Nature and ornithology enthusiasts will be delighted as they will discover fascinating natural phenomena and learn about unusual bird species such as wandering albatrosses, giant petrels, terns and skuas.
Traveling to Antarctica is a unique opportunity to discover one of the most untouched corners of the Earth. Preparing a tailor-made trip requires good planning and knowledge of local realities. Thanks to our professional travel organizers from CARTER you can count on support at every stage of your journey and information on responsible tourism.
Author: Travel Agency CARTER®
