Antarctica travelers Zodiac cruising amongst massive icebergs in icy blue and turquoise waters on a sunny day in Port Charcot.
Front of small dark jet with penguin painted face used on Polar Circle Air Cruise.
Two whales flip their tails above the water with an iceberg in the distance in antarctica, as part of the polar circle air cruise
A group of black white penguins with orange beaks and feet dive into the polar water from a white snowy iceberg in Antarctica
Tandem kayakers paddle in sync in a red kayak with yellow paddles & bright-colored clothes in calm water in Antarctica.
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Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

Polar Circle Air Cruise

Fly over Cape Horn and the famous waters of the Drake Passage to more quickly begin your sailing adventure across the Antarctic Circle. This 10-day Polar Circle Air Cruise takes you to one of the most remote places on earth: the coldest, highest, windiest, driest and most inhospitable continent of Antarctica. Sail where few others have gone while enjoying spectacular views and an expedition team that takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature. 

Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, watching for seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day to hike and explore the White Continent with expert polar guides. Visit sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point and other magnificent places, while always keeping an eye on the goal of reaching the Polar Circle.

This expedition expertly merges education, experience and science. Participate in interactive workshops, open discussions, photography workshops and Citizen Science programs that collect data in support of scientists around the world. Collect phytoplankton samples, document migrating whales, gather photos of wildlife with polar tags and conduct seabird surveys.

This 10-day itinerary includes flying to and from Antarctica by air, then cruising by ship along the Antarctic Peninsula as far south as the Polar Circle. Your flight is aboard a BAE 146, AVRO RJ 85 or AVRO RJ 100 jet. Each aircraft features high wings and engineering for very short runway requirements, perfect for landing in Antarctica. By flying over Cape Horn and the legendary waters of the Drake Passage, you will enjoy more time exploring the dramatic Antarctic continent.

Your vessel is either the 67-guest Ocean Nova or the 76-guest Magellan Explorer. The strong and agile Magellan Explorer offers luxury Antarctica cruises from her stylish interiors, combining excellence in expedition and boutique hospitality.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica, including even more Antarctica fly cruises.



Itinerary

Polar Circle Air Cruise Itinerary

Fly over Cape Horn and the famous waters of the Drake Passage to more quickly begin your sailing adventure across the Antarctic Circle. This 10-day Polar Circle Air Cruise takes you to one of the most remote places on earth: the coldest, highest, windiest, driest and most inhospitable continent of Antarctica. Sail where few others have gone while enjoying spectacular views and an expedition team that takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature.

Polar Circle Air Cruise route map to Antarctica.
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Day 1
Arrive Punta Arenas, Chile

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2:00pm and transfer to your hotel. Transfer to your hotel, visit Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers from around the world.

Accommodations

Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Fly to King George Island & Embark

A smooth 2-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 on your way to the shore, where you board a Zodiac that takes you to your boutique expedition vessel.

Accommodations

Magellan Explorer, Ocean Nova

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 8
Explore 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. Expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, history and many wonders of the Antarctic environment. From the glass-enclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing the day’s adventures with fellow guests over a drink.

The goal of the expedition is to sail south in an attempt of reaching the Polar Circle. The expedition team sets 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 Antarctic Sound, 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.

Accommodations

Magellan Explorer, Ocean Nova

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Disembark King George Island & Fly to Punta Arenas

Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica while boarding the flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. Except for breakfast, meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included.

Accommodations

Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar

Meals

breakfast

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Day 10
Depart Punta Arenas, Chile

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

For Air Cruises starting in Punta Arenas, group transfers airport/hotel on Day 1; for Air Cruises starting in Punta Arenas, 1 overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar, with a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1; one overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on the day of scheduled return flight from Antarctica; group transfers airport/hotel on the day of scheduled return flight from Antarctica, and group transfers hotel/airport on last day of the Air Cruise program; exclusive access to the Explorers House Expedition Center in Punta Arenas; flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage; ship cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage; daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board ship offering a wide choice of dishes; daily served dinner on board ship offering a choice of three main courses; wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship; coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition; all guided shore excursions; lectures and entertainment on board; comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material; loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica; Contingency Plan as described in material; IAATO passenger fee; standard internet connection on board the ship (premium service for Penthouse Suite guests).

Exclusions

Accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage; dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica; beverages purchased at the ship’s bar; insurance of any kind; extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.); gratuities; visas for Chile and/or Argentina; passport expenses; any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable; and optional activities.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $3,500(2024-25) or $4,000(2025-26) is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 180 days – full refund except for $1,000
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 90% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 92.5 % of total trip cost
59 to 30 days – 95% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

If full payment has not yet been received at 120 days prior, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid amount is due immediately.

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Polar Circle Air Cruise begins and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan your flight to arrive to Punta Arenas by 2:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. The same deadline applies to travelers arriving directly at the hotel on Day 1. Travelers who miss their arrival deadline will be considered “no-show.” They will not be able to participate in the expedition and will receive no refund. In the afternoon, all travelers must attend a mandatory safety and Antarctic guidelines briefing, an information session covering important practical details and fitting session for expedition boots. Participation in these activities is essential for the success of the expedition. Depart from Punta Arenas anytime on the final day of your trip, however, AdventureSmith strongly suggests that a flexible air ticket be held for your journey home in case you need to change your travel arrangement following a delay of the return flight from Antarctica. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Upon arrival at Frei Base airfield on King George Island, a bus will bring travelers to the Zodiacs for ship embarkation (note: travelers may be required to walk approximately 1 mile, 20-30 minutes; if you think that you will not be able to walk this distance, then please inform your Adventure Specialist). Checked luggage will be transferred to the vessel by staff.

The maximum weight allowed on the flights to and from Antarctica is 20 kg (44 lb.) per passenger, including hand luggage(2024-25); or 25kg (55 lb.) checked luggage(2025-26): 20kg (44 lb.) checked luggage and 5kg (11 lb.) hand luggage. For Polar Circle Air Cruises, excess luggage will be kept in custody in Punta Arenas and will be handed over to travelers upon their return from Antarctica. The baggage weight limit is a technical requirement imposed by the flight operation. Unfortunately, it is not possible to purchase extra allowance. Note that at certain points during the expedition you will be required to handle your own luggage. Seats are not assigned on the charter flights between Chile and Antarctica.

Activities

Kayaking is available on all Ocean Nova departures at $895(2024-25) or $695(2025-26), or on all Magellan Explorer departures at $995(2024-25) or $895(2025-26). To take part in the program participants must have previous kayaking experience. Minimum age is 16 to participate, and the group is limited to a maximum of 10 participants(2024-25), or 20 participants with two groups of 10 alternating days (starting in 2025-26). Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.

Snowshoeing is available on selected departures at $85 per person per excursion and can be booked and paid for on board the ship. All snowshoeing excursions are a maximum of 12 participants (minimum age 12).

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Single cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at an 85% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select Porthole and Veranda Cabins (Magellan Explorer) or Twin Cabins (Ocean Nova) upon availability; all other categories incur a 100% supplement. Sharing a cabin with another passenger of the same gender is also an option (same cabin categories apply). Passengers who book a Twin Cabin on a shared basis are accommodated in single rooms at the hotel in Punta Arenas and must pay a Single Hotel Room Supplement that varies based on departure selected. 

Note: Single travelers who use CPAP machines or other assistive devices, as well as those who have conditions that can be disrupting to others (loud snoring, sleepwalking etc.) can only book their Air Cruise in a Single Cabin or in a Twin Cabin for single use. They cannot book on a twin-share basis.

Families & Children

Children are admitted from the age of 8 years if accompanied by a fully responsible adult. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for children up to 11 years of age; also for family groups of 6 or more travelers (special booking conditions apply).

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 USD per person. In addition to the emergency evacuation insurance, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions and the wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flights to and from Antarctica operate based on weather conditions. While historically only a minority of flights have experienced a delay, be prepared for that possibility by reading this trip’s Contingency Plan. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Contingency Plan

In the unlikely event that the flight to Antarctica cannot take place on the scheduled day due to unfavorable weather conditions, a Contingency Plan, included in the cost of your expedition, will apply. The primary goal of the plan is to provide an engaging and comfortable travel experience while adapting to the weather. A change in the flight schedule can impact travel to Antarctica or the return back, and the plan includes a range of activities determined by the circumstances. Additionally, the Contingency Plan offers financial protection by providing a refund should weather conditions prevent you from reaching Antarctica. Please read the full Contingency Plan and contact your Adventure Specialist for more details.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Jan 01 - Jan 10, 2025
Ocean Nova • 10 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity two brown snowshoes depicting snowshoeing activity offered
From $15995USD
Per Person
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Jan 24 - Feb 02, 2025
Magellan Explorer • 10 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity two brown snowshoes depicting snowshoeing activity offered
From $22795USD
Per Person
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Feb 16 - Feb 25, 2025
Ocean Nova • 10 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity two brown snowshoes depicting snowshoeing activity offered
From $15995USD
Per Person
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Jan 01 - Jan 10, 2026
Ocean Nova • 10 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity two brown snowshoes depicting snowshoeing activity offered
From $15995USD
Per Person
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Jan 30 - Feb 08, 2026
Magellan Explorer • 10 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity two brown snowshoes depicting snowshoeing activity offered
From $24995USD
Per Person
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Feb 01 - Feb 10, 2026
Ocean Nova • 10 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity two brown snowshoes depicting snowshoeing activity offered
From $15995USD
Per Person
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Fly Round Trip
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity Kayaking
two brown snowshoes depicting snowshoeing activity offered Snowshoeing
Accommodations

Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ocean Nova

The 67-guest Ocean Nova is a comfortably compact and nimble expedition vessel cruising the Antarctic. Options to fly over the Drake Passage and then board the Ocean Nova make her itineraries appealing.

Expedition Ship
Magellan Explorer

The 76- to 96-guest Magellan Explorer is a brand new expedition ship built specifically for Antarctica fly cruises. This polar class 6 vessel features stylish design with technical advances for smooth and safe expeditions.

Testimonial

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Penguins, Whales, Seals & Spectacular Ice Formations"

We thoroughly enjoyed all the land activities --- penguins, whales, seals, and spectacular ice formations. The Zodiacs were an excellent way to see all of this.

Overall
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Accommodations
4 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
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Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

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5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Patagonia Wildlife Safari

Discover the magic at the end of the world on a 4- to 7-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari! No matter the length of your stay, you will be blown away by the unlimited beauty of the world heritage site Torres del Paine National Park.

From $1235USD
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7 Day Land Tour
Torres Del Paine Trek

The trails amongst the famous Torres del Paine craggy mountains are among the world's classic trekking routes. By day, explore nature in its raw form while winding through these exceptional mountains. By night, enjoy the cozy luxury of EcoCamp's unique dome accommodations, or camping.

From $1940USD
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5 Day Cruise
Patagonian Explorer - Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

Spend 5 days cruising Patagonia aboard 210-guest Stella or Ventus Australis from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Punta Arenas, Chile, and visit remote fjords, penguin colonies on Magdalena Island and the rarely visited Condor Glacier in Agostini Sound.

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