Antarctica Express - Fly and Cruise - M/V Magellan Explorer

Antarctica, Argentina - Trip code MEAE Polar
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
896Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
i
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Fly back from Antarctica...this is the perfect trip to give you a glimpse into the untamed landscapes of

Why we love this trip
  • Antarctica. By flying back to Chile at the end of the trip, you can maximise your time amid the breathtaking landscapes and with wildlife such as whales, sea birds and penguins. It's a great value voyage for those with limited time, or to combine with a longer trip to Argentina and Chile.
  • A short, action - packed trip - gain an insight into Antarctica and its ice-filled bays and glaciers
  • Fly from Antarctica in just two hours - maximising your time on the White Continent
  • Incredible wildlife - see penguins, seals and sea birds up-close on land and from your Zodiac

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 5

    Lunch: 4

    Dinner: 4

  • Trip staff

    Expedition Crew

    Naturalist(s)

  • Transport

    M/V Magellan Explorer

    Zodiac

  • i

    Accommodation

    4 nights premium boat

    1 nights comfortable hotel

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Relaxed

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Ushuaia

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board the Ocean Nova between 15:00 and 16:00 and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore your surroundings before setting sail to Cape Horn.

Accommodation:

M/V Magellan Explorer

Grade: Premium Boat

Meals Provided: Dinner

Day 2 - Cape Horn and Drake Passage

After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, you awake in full view of legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on this famous and rarely visited island. Back on board, we set sail towards Antarctica and cross the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer.

Accommodation:

M/V Magellan Explorer

Grade: Premium Boat

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Drake Passage

As you sail through the Drake Passage en route to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, enjoy an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica.

Accommodation:

M/V Magellan Explorer

Grade: Premium Boat

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Drake Passage and Antarctica

After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the first sight of Antarctic land. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Taking advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight, exploration will continue well into the evening.

Accommodation:

M/V Magellan Explorer

Grade: Premium Boat

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - King George Island to Punta Arenas

Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay and explore the area, such as the Chilean Base Frei and the Russian Base Bellingshausen. Bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas, Chile. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night.

Accommodation:

Hotel in Punta Arenas to be confirmed

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Tour ends Punta Arenas

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Antarctica

Climate

Polar Temperatures during Antarctic season: Min.: -15°C; Max. 12°C; Average 0°C.

Time difference to GMT

-3

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Argentina

Climate

Argentina has a climate that ranges from subtropical in the north to cold in the temperate south. The Andes has erratic rainfall and flash floods from December to May. From June to September spring like sunny days temper the cold nights.

Time difference to GMT

-3

Plugs

Two types are used in Argentina: 3 Pin Flat or 2 Pin Round (Types C and I)

Religion

Predominantly Roman Catholic.

Language

Spanish is the main language throughout this region, along with a number of indigenous dialects, of

Budgeting and packing

Clothing


Dress on board is informal. Pack comfortable, casual clothing for all activities. Wind and waterproof outer layers are essential, and themost important piece of clothing you will bring is a parka. Beware of tight clothing that leaves no room for trapped air, which is an excellent insulator. Wool, silk and some of the new synthetic fibres, like polar fleece, retain heat better than cotton.
Parkas
You should look for a lightweight, roomy, wind and water-resistant parka with some insulation. Bright colors are more visible - and thus safer - in polar environments.
Gloves
Keeping your hands warm and dry can be a challenge. Thin polypropylene gloves can be worn underneath warm outergloves. This allows you some protection from the cold when removing your gloves to operate your camera etc. We strongly recommend that you bring more than one pair of gloves, in case one gets wet (or lost).
Hat/Cap
Warm, woollen hat/cap to protect your ears, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection, such as a balaclava.
Trousers
Water-resistant trousers of coated nylon or, even better, Gore-Tex® are essential for your comfort. They can be worn over your regular clothes to keep you warm and dry. We suggest that you purchase trousers a few sizes larger than you normally wear as you will be wearing them over other clothing. Gore-Tex® or similar fabrics are excellent for keeping out wind and water without trapping excess heat. Rain gear and Gore-Tex® products can be found in any outdoor sport clothing store. In addition to your waterproof trousers, warm ski pants are suggested if you have them. Warm trousers such as jeans, corduroys etc are also good.
Socks
Warm wool socks worn over a thin pair of silk, polypropylene socks should provide enough warmth and insulation for your feet. Bring several pairs of socks, since you will inevitably get your feet wet.
Outer Clothing
Woollen, knit or cotton sweaters/tops, polar fleece tops (medium weight), several cotton turtlenecks and T-shirts for layering on and off the ship.
Underclothing
Thermal underwear is highly recommended as it will keep you warm without adding bulk. Most polar travellers prefer a lightweight version.

Footwear

As most landings in Antarctica are wet landings, the best footwear is knee-high waterproof boots. You will not need to carry them with you, as you will be provided with a pair of thermal rubber boots to use, before arriving in Antarctica. Ensure you take some comfortable shoes or trainers for relaxing in whilst on board.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

The maximum weight allowed on the flights to and from Antarctica is 20 kg (44 lbs) per passenger, including hand luggage. For Antarctica Express Air-Cruises, excess luggage will be disembarked at Port Williams and will be sent to Punta Arenas by air cargo at the traveller's expense. It will be available for pick up in Punta Arenas upon the traveller's 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.

Equipment

Sunglasses and sun cream
Personal toiletries
A refilllable water bottle
Books/reading material
Camera and memory cards (and something to protect the camera when out in the elements)
Seasickness remedy
Walking poles
A hairdryer is available in each cabin.

Tipping

Local crew
Tipping is collected at the end of the voyage and is divided among the crew. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion, but as a generally guideline, we suggest US$12 per person per day.
International Departure Taxes
Airport Departure Tax - USD $5.00 from Ushuaia, USD $18.00 from Buenos Aires

Antarctica

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Foreign Exchange
Recommended Currency For Exchange
A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. It is advisable to take a minimum of US$200-500 of your total spending money in cash, in mixed denominations (notes should be in good condition).
Where To Exchange
Banks or Forex offices in major cities.
ATM Availability
Cash can be drawn on credit or debit cards from ATMs in major cities
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are useful and can be used in many places, but may be subject to a service charge. The ship accepts Visa and Mastercard.
Travellers Cheques
Travellers Cheques can be difficult to exchange and are not accepted aboard.

Argentina

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£11
Dinner price
£20
Beer price
£3-4
Water price
£2
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Argentine Peso (ARS)
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Argentina's economy is in a messy state at the moment. Payment on credit or debit cards is not always accepted in shops and restaurants. Where it is accepted, the 'official' exchange rate will be used, which is highly volatile but often extremely unfavourable. Shops may even charge a higher amount for payment on a card. We strongly recommend taking a minimum of US$ 400-500 of your total spending money in cash, mostly in $50 or $100 dollar bills. Smaller bills are not always widely accepted, even by exchange bureaus. Better exchange rates are given by taking USD cash, which your Tour Leader will assist you to exchange. Otherwise, ATMs are found both at the airport and in the cities, if you would prefer to withdraw local currency at a higher exchange rate on your card.
Where To Exchange
Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
Available in Buenos Aires and in the cities, but the official exchange rate to withdraw from an ATM may be higher than when exchanging cash. If travelling to Patagonia, the ATM machines are not always reliable with chip and pin cards, and we recommend carrying back up cash.
Credit Card Acceptance
Payment on credit or debit cards is not always accepted in shops and restaurants. Where it is accepted, the 'official' exchange rate will be used, which is highly volatile but often extremely unfavourable. Shops may even charge a higher amount for payment on a card.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

M/V Magellan Explorer, Zodiac

Ship description

The MV Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel, custom-built for Antarctic air-cruises. She was built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications and carries a Polar Class 6 ice-class. Due to start service in the 2019 Antarctic season, the ship accommodates 69 passengers in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins have a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area and a private bathroom with shower. Most cabins, with the exception of porthole cabins, also have a balcony. The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, well-stocked bar, a library, gym and sauna. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the bow of the ship and offers a fantastic viewpoint, from which to observe the passing marine wildlife.


Cabins

Prices are based on the use of outward facing, twin share Porthole Cabins. They are spacious and comfortable, with private facilities and a porthole. The MV Magellan Explorer offers single, twin/doubles and triple suites, all with en suite facilities. Call us for further details of cabin choices and we will talk you through the options.

Ship dining

Daily buffet breakfast and lunch are served on board the ship, offering a wide choice of dishes. For dinner, you will be offered a choice of three main courses. Wine, beer, juice and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner and are included in the cost of the trip. Complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water and snacks are available throughout the day.

Argentina

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The  water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.

Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements. Information can change at any time.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


Although no visas are required for citizens of UK, CAN, USA, AUS and NZ visa waivers may apply. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.

All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

Please note that flights on the tour may transit through the USA. According to US law, passengers will have to disembark, collect luggage and clear immigration before re-boarding for the onward flight.
Holders of the UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and several EU country passports can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if they hold a machine readable passport. They must also be entering the country by sea or air on a carrier participating in the visa waiver scheme, holding a return/onward ticket. As well as being machine readable, if your passport was issued on or after 26 October 2005, it must contain both a digital photograph of the holder and also an integrated circuit chip that stores biographic information.

All passengers travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme must provide their details online no later than 72 hours prior to travel. British travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely to be detained and sent home. In addition to passport information, you must also supply the full address of your first night's accommodation in the USA. This information can be obtained from your joining instructions which are sent out approximately 3 weeks before travel.

Anyone applying for ESTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to travel under the Visa Waiver system will be charged a fee of 14USD (9GBP).

For more information, and to apply online, please visit the following website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Once obtained, the application will be valid for a period of two years, or for the validity of your passport (whichever is shorter).
For more information about who is eligible for the VWP, or any other questions you may have regarding your eligibility, or machine readable passports, please contact your local consular office, or visit www.usembassy.org.uk
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.

Argentina: Although a visa is not required by Australian, American and Canadian passengers to enter Argentina there is a reciprocal payment to be made.
The fee must be paid online prior to entering the country. The receipt generated at the time
of online payment must be printed and given to local migration authorities together with passport upon passengers arrival to Argentina.
These payments are as follows: Australian - US$100; Canadian - US$70; American US$131. The fee can be paid at http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesibleingles


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Antarctica

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Argentina

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Yellow fever is only recommended for those travelling to Iguazu falls. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Polar information
Ship information
The MV Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel, custom-built for Antarctic air-cruises. She was built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications and carries a Polar Class 6 ice-class. Due to start service in the 2019 Antarctic season, the ship accommodates 69 passengers in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins have a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area and a private bathroom with shower. Most cabins, with the exception of porthole cabins, also have a balcony. The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, well-stocked bar, a library, gym and sauna. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the bow of the ship and offers a fantastic viewpoint, from which to observe the passing marine wildlife.


Award Winning Explore Leaders
Find out more
Price Guarantee Promise
Find out more
Airport Transfers
Find out more
Print Trip Notes

Table of contents

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Got it!