M/V Magellan Explorer
Antarctica
A contemporary & comfortable expedition ship, custom built for a range of itineraries
At a Glance
The world’s first custom-built ship designed for Antarctic air-cruise trips
- An air-cruise saves two days crossing the stormy Drakes Passage allowing passengers to board the Magellan Explorer directly in Antarctica
- Contemporary boutique style accommodation
- Dedicated single cabins available
Please click here to see a deck plan
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Best time to Visit
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Antarctic weather is a lesson in extremes. Antarctica is the world’s coldest, windiest and driest continent. During the summer months the winds abate considerably and the weather is surprisingly comfortable, averaging between 20 and 50F. Summertime also means 18-24 hours of sunlight which allows life to flourish for a brief summer period. Long days also allow extensive exploration by small ship cruise to Antarctica. Antarctic weather allows for a short season of cruising from November to March each year.
Insider's View
“Choosing the Magellan Explorer and flying over the Drake means you cut travel time and get straight to the Antarctic Peninsula – definitely the way to do it in my opinion!”
“Food on the Magellan Explorer is top class and a BBQ served out on deck is such a special experience you’re sure never to forget!"
“Dedicated single cabins means the Magellan Explorer is a great option for solo travellers.”
To start planning your holiday to M/V Magellan Explorer
Description
An exciting and beautiful new addition to Antarctica21's fly-cruise operation, the M/V Magellan Explorer means that guests can fly over the infamous Drake Passage, cutting four days at sea to now sail the Antarctic peninsula in ultimate comfort and style.
Accommodation
M/V Magellan is the first small-ship (it only accommodates 70 passengers) built specifically for Antarctic expeditions since 2003, Antarctic exploration doesn't get much more personal than this.
Please click here to see a deck plan.
| Grand Suite | The Grand Suites are located on deck 4 and are 440 square foot/ 40 square metres. They have 2 twin beds or 1 king size bed and two private balconies with sitting area. All cabins on board the Magellan Explorer feature a wardrobe, comfortable sitting area, individually controlled heating and a private bathroom with shower. |
| Deluxe Veranda Cabin | The Deluxe Veranda Cabins are located on deck 4 and are 220 square foot/ 20 square metres. They have 2 twin beds or 1 king size bed and a private balcony with sitting area. All cabins on board the Magellan Explorer feature a wardrobe, comfortable sitting area, individually controlled heating and a private bathroom with shower. |
| Triple Suite | The Triple Suites are located on deck 4 and are 440 square foot/ 40 square metres. They have 2 twin beds and 1 queen size sofa bed and 2 private balconies and sitting area. All cabins on board the Magellan Explorer feature a wardrobe, comfortable sitting area, individually controlled heating and a private bathroom with shower. |
| Porthole Cabin | The Porthole cabins are located on deck 3 and are 220 square foot/ 20 square metres. They have 2 twin beds or 1 king size bed. All cabins on board the Magellan Explorer feature a wardrobe, comfortable sitting area, individually controlled heating and a private bathroom with shower. |
| Veranda Cabin | The Veranda Cabins are located on deck 4 and are 220 square foot/ 20 square metres. They have 2 twin beds or 1 king size bed and a private balcony with sitting area. All cabins on board the Magellan Explorer feature a wardrobe, comfortable sitting area, individually controlled heating and a private bathroom with shower. |
| Penthouse Suite | The Penthouse Suites are located on deck 5 and are 330 square foot/ 30 square metres. They have 2 twin beds or 1 king size bed and a private balcony with sitting area. All cabins on board the Magellan Explorer feature a wardrobe, comfortable sitting area, individually controlled heating and a private bathroom with shower. |
| Single Cabin | The Single Cabins are located on deck 3 and are 220 square foot/ 20 square metres. They have 1 king size bed and a private balcony with sitting area. All cabins on board the Magellan Explorer feature a wardrobe, comfortable sitting area, individually controlled heating and a private bathroom with shower. |
Facilities
| Dining | There is a spacious and stylish dining room, modern bar as well as a library, meeting room, gym, sauna and medical clinic. |
| Observation Lounge | Guests on board the Magellan Explorer can enjoy views from the glass-enclosed observation lounge and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment in the presentation room. |
Activities
| Zodiac Excursions | Expedition staff on board will aim for the maximum amount of disembarkations permitted per day, including shore landings and zodiac excursions. The Magellan Explorer has a fleet of 10 zodiacs that are perfectly suited to navigating amongst glaciers and watching wildlife. |
| Sea Kayaking | For those with some prior experience of sea or open-water kayaking, there is the opportunity to explore Antarctica in a double kayak for an additional cost. Taken out in small groups, this offers guests the chance to enjoy the immense silence of Antarctica, explore its more secluded corners and more intimate experiences with wildlife away from motors. |
| Snowshoeing | Sign up in advance and don your snowshoes to make fresh prints in the snow and literally head off the beaten track! Snowshoeing in Antarctica is slightly more strenuous than your average walk but also offers spectacular views. |
| Polar Plunge | Whilst not for the faint hearted, the polar plunge is truly a once in a lifetime experience! Don your swimming gear and prepare to jump into Antarctica's icy waters. One of Antarctica21's resident photographers will be waiting to catch the moment and the crew will have a hot drink ready for your return back on board. |
Floorplans
MV Magellan Explorer Deck Plan
Experiences
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Exploring the Lemaire Channel
Boasting some of the most spectacular mountain scenery and icebergs, the Lemaire Channel is a truly beautiful part of the Antarctic Peninsula to explore, both on your ship and on Zodiac excursions.
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Fly to King George Island
Fly from Punta Arenas to Antarctica and you cross the legendary Drake Passage in just a few hours, arriving into the South Shetland Islands to meet your ship at King George Island.
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South Shetland Islands
Sailing around the South Shetland Islands offers an opportunity to observe some of the continent’s most iconic wildlife species and a landscape of spellbinding beauty.
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Spectacular South Georgia
Longer Antarctic expeditions include time exploring South Georgia, arguably the highlight of your cruise. With breathtaking scenery, huge congregations of king and macaroni penguins and amazing birdlife, there is so much to discover here.
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The Drake Passage
The stretch of sea between the southern tip of South America and Antarctica is the Drake Passage, an often turbulent stretch of sea that marks the beginning and end of your journey south. Take in the midnight sunset and watch albatrosses fly alongside you.
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The Falkland Islands
With clear skies, seamless horizons and large numbers of penguins and albatross to be found on white sand beaches and amongst tufts of vibrant tussock grass, The Falkland Islands are rich in natural beauty and a visit here is culturally fascinating too.
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Visiting Port Lockroy
Port Lockroy is a British-built research station situated on Goudier Island and restored into a museum about the early explorers in 1996. A fascinating place to explore, and plenty of gentoo penguins outside to entertain you, too.
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Whales & Seals
Whilst most visitors find the penguins the primary draw in terms of Antarctic wildlife, the marine life includes numerous species of seal and whale. Species include humpback whales, orcas, elephant and leopard seals, and Antarctic fur seals.
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Zodiac excursions
One of the real highlights of an Antarctic cruise is getting out on the water in small Zodiac vessels, the ideal way to get up close to the icebergs, wildlife and marine life.
- 100% financial protection
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator