Passengers stand outside on the ice in front of a large ship that's part of the antarctica air cruise expeditions

A white snowy landscape on a overcast day, a white charter plane sits on an empty runway ready for Antarctica Air cruises.

A zodiac full of guests from the antarctica air cruise passes in front of a pyramid shaped iceberg

A group of sea kayaks pose in the ocean in front of icebergs in antarctica

Two penguins walk through snowy drifts on a blue sky day in antarctica

$11495^USD

Starting At

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Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

Antarctica Air Cruise

Experience Antarctica without crossing the stormy Drake Passage on this classic 8-day air cruise. A 2-hour plane flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island allows guests to arrive in Antarctica by air and explore by ship without the torment of too many days on rough seas. From King George Island, board the ship and cruise among the South Shetland Islands and along the Antarctic Peninsula. Experience daily shore landings and visits to amazing wildlife sites of the White Continent with expert Antarctic naturalist guides leading you through and lecturing about the Antarctic Continent.

An expedition like this merged 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 cruise operates round-trip flights across the Drake Passage 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. Then continue the expedition aboard the 67-guest Ocean Nova or the 76-guest Magellan Explorer. The newest ship to operate this trip is Magellan Explorer, an ideal base for luxury Antarctica cruises due to her high ice class rating, safety features, long-range ability, spacious cabins and boutique feel.

With many departures to choose from, travelers can craft the right timing to fly to Antarctica and cruise for their needs. Enjoy included round-trip flights over the Drake Passage and a comprehensive introduction to Antarctica, with possible visits to places such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island and the Lemaire Channel.

Read on for details about this trip, or to learn more about AdventureSmith’s many Antarctica cruise itineraries, including Falkland Islands and South Georgia cruises and other cruises with flights to Antarctica.

Classic Antarctica Air Cruise Itinerary

The 8-day Classic Antarctica Air Cruise operates round-trip from Punta Arenas, Chile, with flights to and from King George Island and a focus on cruising the Antarctic Peninsula.

Route map of Antarctica Air Cruise, operating roundtrip from Punta Arenas, Chile, with a flights to and from King George Island and stops along the Antarctic Peninsula.

Day 1

Arrive Punta Arenas, Chile

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2:00pm where you will be met and transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon, attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about the voyage and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors (hosted at Explorer House). Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.

Accommodations

Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar

Meals

dinner

Day 2

Fly to King George Island & Embark

The Antarctic adventure begins with a 2-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. Exit the airplane to the first experience of clear Antarctic air. Walk approximately 1 mile to the shore, where a Zodiac is waiting to bring you to the expedition vessel after exploring the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station.

Accommodations

Magellan Explorer, Ocean Nova

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 3 - 6

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 while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing stories of daily adventures with fellow guests.

The voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel or many other magnificent places. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, generally plan to explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

Accommodations

Magellan Explorer, Ocean Nova

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7

Disembark King George Island & Fly to Punta Arenas

Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival transfer to the included hotel for the night. Meals in Punta Arenas are at one’s leisure and not included.

Accommodations

Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar

Meals

breakfast

Day 8

Depart Punta Arenas, Chile

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

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Group transfers airport/hotel on Day 1; one overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar, with a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1; for cruises ending in Punta Arenas, one overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on day of scheduled return flight from Antarctica; group transfers airport/hotel on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica, and group transfers hotel/airport on last day of the Air Cruise program; flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage; exclusive access to the Explorers House Expedition Center; ship cruise in Antarctica 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.

Exclusions

Accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage; for cruises ending in Punta Arenas, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica; beverages purchased at the ship’s bar; personal 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 $3,000 ($3,500 for the 2024-25 season) 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 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 main Antarctica 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 flights 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. For the main Antarctica air cruise, 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(2023-24 & 2024-25) or on all Magellan Explorer departures at $995(2023-24 & 2024-25) per person. 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. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.

Snowshoeing is also available on all 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 12 years of age.

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. 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.