Fly the Drake Passage. Sail the White Continent.
For many, the legendary two-day sea crossing across the rough Drake Passage is the only thing standing between them and Antarctica. Our boutique Antarctica air cruise options change everything. By replacing four days of rough open-ocean sailing with a smooth, two-hour private flight, you step directly into the heart of the polar wilderness.
Why Choose an Antarctica Air Cruise?
- Save Precious Time: Reach Antarctica from Punta Arenas, Chile, in just two hours instead of a multi-day open-sea crossing.
- Maximized Exploration: Every single day of your itinerary is dedicated to active, land-based polar exploration.
- Boutique Scale: With a strict cap on passenger numbers, you enjoy fast, efficient Zodiac deployments and a deeply personalized journey.
The Fleet: Next-Generation Polar Ships
Our custom-built boutique vessels serve as your luxurious basecamp at the edge of the world. Engineered to meet the latest stringent Polar Code specifications, they blend rugged adventure readiness with sleek, modern Scandinavian design.
- Magellan Explorer
- Boutique Capacity: Carries fewer than 100 guests on air-cruise operations, ensuring every passenger can land simultaneously under strict Antarctic tourism rules.
- Comfort Features: Features a spacious glass-enclosed observation lounge, a state-of-the-art presentation room, an outdoor barbecue area, and private balconies in most staterooms.
- Technical Excellence: Equipped with heavy-duty bow thrusters and state-of-the-art retractable stabilizers for smooth navigation through icy fjords.
- Magellan Discoverer
- The Next Evolution: A brand-new sister ship joining the active fleet to offer unparalleled comfort and cutting-edge environmental technology.
- Sustainability Forward: Features advanced heat-recovery systems and is engineered to leverage low-emission fuel solutions like e-Fuels to dramatically minimize its carbon footprint.
- Premium Fleet Comfort: High-end staterooms, expansive fitness facilities, and dedicated science spaces for interactive polar education.
The Aviation Bridge: Flying Over the Drake
Your journey across the stormy southern waters happens comfortably above the clouds. We utilize specialized high-wing aircraft tailored precisely for the unique conditions of polar flight.
BAE 146 / AVRO RJ100 Aircraft
- Short Runway Capability: Engineered specifically for short, unpaved runways like the gravel airfield at Chile’s Frei Station on King George Island.
- Four-Engine Safety: Powered by four dependable turbofan engines, offering maximum safety margins for remote, long-range routes.
- Comfortable Interior: Outfitted with an aerodynamic, high-wing configuration that provides panoramic views as you descend over ice fields and glaciers.
Explorers House: Your Premium Basecamp
Your journey begins long before you touch down on the ice. Located in downtown Punta Arenas, Chile, Explorers House is an exclusive, purpose-built staging sanctuary designed to prepare you for the expedition ahead.
- Interactive Gear & Staging: Access expert-led briefings, try on polar parkas, and complete your mandatory safety orientations in absolute comfort.
- Elite Lounge Amenities: Unwind in premium library spaces, enjoy curated regional refreshments, and meet your expert expedition guides.
- History & Education: Explore a private collection of historical Antarctic artifacts and maps that chart the heroic age of polar exploration.