Magellan Explorer
BOAT INFORMATION
Flag
Bahamas
Builder
N/A
Address
Av. Pedro de Valdivia Norte 0129, Oficina 202 7520265 Providencia, Región Metropilitana Chile
Website
Year of Creation
2019
Boat Brand
International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), Latin American Travel Association (LATA), Fedetur, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Austro Chile
Key sites/activities En route:
Sites: Antarctica, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), and the Chilean Patagonia
Activities: Wildlife observations, zodiac cruising, hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, land excursions, polar plunge, citizen science program, entertaining Polar expert-led lectures on board
HIGHLIGHTS
History
Antarctica21 was founded in 2003 with a pioneering spirit and a vision to make Antarctica accessible to adventurous travelers while providing a unique and comfortable experience. The company was established by a team of entrepreneurs and travel enthusiasts who recognized the challenges and opportunities of reaching one of Earth’s most remote and pristine destinations.
The founders identified that traditional sea voyages to Antarctica were lengthy and often marred by the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. They innovated by combining air travel to a remote gravel runway in Antarctica with small-ship cruising, thereby reducing travel time and making the journey more comfortable and efficient. This approach revolutionized Antarctic tourism, allowing more people to experience the continent’s majestic landscapes and unique wildlife without the extended sea crossing.
Latest Renovations
Complete refurbishment of the lounge, including new floors, new furniture and layout, new curtains, and a new projector. Refurbishment of the library, with over one hundred new books in various languages. Refurbishment of the Lab Meeting Room, with new tables and new screens installed. Installation of new blackout curtains throughout the ship. Restocking of the gift shop with many new, attractive products for sale.
Main strengths, special touch
Antarctica21’s main benefits with it’s expeditions to Antarctica are speed, comfort, and ship size.
Flying to Antarctica offers speed and comfort. We are one of only a handful of companies in the world offering this option. Additionally, Antarctica21 stands out from all other operators by offering ships with a capacity of a maximum of 76 guests, ensuring both operational efficiency and an intimate experience for our guests. Unlike operators of larger vessels, we transport all passengers on a single Antarctic flight, which speeds up the logistics and minimizes weather-related delays and complications. In an operational context where weather conditions determine the operation of Antarctic flights, we are the only company with priority access to the best flight windows. This is achieved through an exclusive agreement with DAP Airlines, the only commercial aviation company organizing Antarctic flights between Chile and King George Island. This exclusive agreement allows us to operate more efficiently, avoiding the complications faced by companies with larger groups. Those companies require multiple flights to carry their guests to their vessels in Antarctica, with slower, more complex logistics.
Additionally, due to Antarctic Treaty regulations, when in Antarctica, larger ships must stagger the disembarkation of guests by groups that take turns, with no more than 100 guests ashore at any one time. Guests must wait for their turn, reducing the time available for exploration on land. On the other hand, Antarctica21 guests maximize their time ashore, immersing themselves in their Antarctic adventure without complication or delay.
Children’s corner
Antarctica21 welcomes on its air-cruises children 8 years of age and older, and on its sea voyages children 12 years of age and older, if they comply with the requirements applicable to all passengers and that an adult taking full responsibility for the minor accompanies them. Antarctica21 reserves the right to modify the age reference of the children it welcomes on its air-cruises and sea voyages based on an evaluation of weight and height.
Fun facts
Purpose-Built for Antarctic Air-Cruises: Unlike many ships adapted for other uses, Magellan Explorer was built from the ground up for polar travel, launching in 2019. Its size, features, and capabilities are tailored for an intimate, efficient guest experience and more extended autonomy (without returning to a port) in Antarctica.
Made In Chile: The vessel, designed and built in Chile, reflects Antarctica21’s strong connection to its roots, making it one of the few expedition vessels with such a distinctive origin.
Unique Experiences
• Antarctic Science Programs: Guests can participate in Citizen Science programs and collect samples from Antarctica to support ongoing Antarctic research.
• Outdoor deck barbecue in Antarctica (weather permitting)
• Polar Plunge: Take a dip in Antarctic waters (weather permitting)
• Fine dining on board
• Exclusive access to the Bridge
Boat Features
Routes
Air-Cruises
• Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
8 Days / 7 Nights | Start & End: Punta Arenas, Chile
The most popular itinerary, this trip includes round-trip flights to Antarctica and sailing between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore ice-filled fjords, spot penguins, seals, and whales, and marvel at breathtaking icebergs.
• Polar Circle Air-Cruise
10 Days / 9 Nights | Start & End: Punta Arenas, Chile
This adventurous journey aims to reach the Antarctic Polar Circle at 66° south. The Expedition Team tailors each voyage to weather conditions, offering daily opportunities to explore this remote region.
• Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise
18 Days / 17 Nights | Start: Punta Arenas, Chile & End: Ushuaia, Argentina
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, Elephant Island, and South Georgia, retracing the steps of explorers like Shackleton. Visit massive penguin colonies, hike, kayak, and snowshoe in stunning polar landscapes.
• Antarctica Express Air-Cruise
6 Days / 5 Nights | Start: Ushuaia, Argentina & End: Punta Arenas, Chile (reverse itinerary available)
A quick, budget-friendly option offering a visit to Cape Horn, cruising the Drake Passage, landing in Antarctica, and flying back.
Sea Voyages
• Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia
17 Days / 16 Nights | Start & End: Punta Arenas, Chile
Visit the Falklands and South Georgia, home to gentoo and rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses, and elephant seals. Explore local settlements, massive king penguin colonies, and glaciers.
• Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia & Antarctica Sea Voyage
20 Days / 19 Nights | Start: Punta Arenas, Chile & End: Ushuaia, Argentina
Sail to the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica. Spot diverse wildlife like rockhopper penguins and albatrosses, visit king penguin colonies, and explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
• Patagonia & Chilean Fjords Sea Voyage
9 Days / 8 Nights | Start: Ushuaia, Argentina & End: Puerto Montt, Chile (reverse itinerary available)
Cruise through Chilean Patagonia’s glaciers, fjords, and islets. Visit Puerto Cisnes, San Rafael Glacier, Puerto Eden, and Tierra del Fuego, surrounded by marine wildlife and striking natural beauty.
