Classic Luxury
Antarctica
M/V Magellan Explorer
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.
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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
The latest edition to the Antarctica21 fleet, the Magellan Explorer, is the company’s first custom-built vessel for their air-cruise operation to the White Continent. Traditionally, visitors to Antarctica spend two days making the crossing from South America to the Antarctic Peninsula by boat, sailing across the stormy and seasick-inducing Drake Passage. Antarctica21 offers an alternative, involving a two-hour flight and direct boarding in Antarctica. Not only does this save passengers from a rough crossing, but it also saves them an extra two-days, either to press further south, perhaps crossing the Antarctic Circle or to spend in Chile before or after their trip.
Full of contemporary boutique style and warm hospitality, the Magellan Explorer carries a maximum of 69 passengers, meaning it is small enough to comply with the latest environmental regulations that limit the number of visitors in one Antarctic location to 100. This means that larger boats need to rotate passengers visiting the many attractions of the Antarctic, while the Magellan Explorer is free to explore unhindered. Built in Chile to the latest Polar Class 6 ice-class specifications, this strong and agile boat includes ice-detecting radar equipment, a high quality stabilising system and an environmentally-friendly heat recovery system that recycles the engine heat to warm the ship and water supply.
There is a wide range of cabin options including dedicated single cabins. The décor is contemporary, comfortable and stylish with standard amenities that include en-suite bathroom with shower, storage closet, individually-controlled heating system and seating areas. Many of the cabins include a private balcony. The spacious dining room serves a buffet-style breakfast and lunch with table service dinner. There is also a barbeque deck for outdoor dining if the weather permits, a well-stocked bar and 24-hour complimentary beverages. The ship has 10 Zodiac boats for excursions and wildlife viewing and polar activities including sea kayaking and snowshoeing are also available.
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Top tip:
“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!”
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Plan your tripExperiences
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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.