Polar Circle Air-Cruise

An in-depth Antarctic Adventure to remember forever.

Sail Further South

Go where few have gone before, visit the Antarctic Circle.

Polar Circle

Duration

10 Days/9 Nights

Departure city

Punta Arenas, Chile

Itinerary Type: Air-Cruise

  • Icon of Flight
    Flight
  • Icon of Sailing
    Sailing
  • Icon of Flight Return
    Flight Return

Optional extras

  • Icon of Kayaking Program
    Kayaking Program
  • Icon of Hiking Program
    Hiking Program
  • Icon of Preferred Seating
    Preferred Seating

Ship options

Prices reflect 2021/22 season, and lowest to highest cabin categories. For all pricing see here.

Itinerary at a Glance

The Polar Circle air-cruise is one of the most adventurous expeditions that we offer. Our main objective on this air-cruise expedition is to try and reach the Antarctic Polar Circle located at approximately 66° south of the equator. The Expedition Team handcrafts every voyage depending on the Antarctic weather and each day of the Polar Circle air-cruise is filled with ample opportunities to explore.

  • Day 1: Punta Arenas Arrival Antarctica21 staff members welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers from around the world.
  • Day 2: Flight to Antarctica A smooth two-hour flight takes you efficiently from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then walk 2-km (1.25-mi) passing Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.
  • Days 3 - 8: Exploring Antarctica Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Our expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment. From the glass-enclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of the expedition is to sail far south in the attempt of reaching the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team plans the specific voyage route based on local conditions and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Garlache and Penola Straits, and the Crystal Sound. Each Polar Circle Air-Cruise is unique and crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
  • Day 9: Return Flight to Punta Arenas Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).
  • Day 10: End of Air-Cruise After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
  • Please note: This itinerary is offered on both our 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons.

    Book your Antarctic Circle expedition today!
Map of Polar Circle Air-Cruise Itinerary by Antarctica21

Photo Album: Polar Circle

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Try and reach the polar circle, going farther south than most Antarctic explorers.

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Spend your time exploring outdoors by participating in our kayaking or hiking and snowshoeing programs.

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In the company of our expert polar guides, learn about the majestic wildlife that calls Antarctica home during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months.

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Fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the White Continent and start your expedition directly in Antarctica

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With different sized tables and no pre-assigned seating, you can choose to sit privately or join other travelers.

Choose Your Ship

The Polar Circle air-cruise is available on two of our expedition ships. Review which ship is best for your trip.

Ocean Nova

Sturdy and nimble, this ship was built to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland and is ideally suited for Antarctic expeditions.

Prices reflect 2021/22 season, and lowest to highest cabin categories. For all pricing see here.

From %min_price% USD pp based on DBL Cabin

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Sail as far as the Antarctic Circle in comfortable accommodations.

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Built for the ice-choked waters of Greenland, this ship can go where most cannot.

Image of An Ideal Base for Explorers

Enjoy a glass-enclosed observation lounge, a spacious dining room, and other welcoming features while on board.

Magellan Explorer

Featuring a modern design and innovative technologies, this expedition vessel was custom-built for our Antarctic air-cruises.

Prices reflect 2021/22 season, and lowest to highest cabin categories. For all pricing see here.

From %min_price% USD pp based on DBL Cabin

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Magellan Explorer was custom-built for Antarctic air-cruises.

Image of Spacious and Stylish Design

Public spaces that are perfect for relaxing and wildlife watching.

Image of Expert Polar Exploration

Enjoy access to the expansive bridge and learn about polar navigation.

Image of Beautiful & Cozy Cabins

Enjoy views of the unforgettable landscapes from your bed.

Optional Trip Extras

For your air-cruise, you can choose a few additional add-ons to enhance your expedition experience with us.

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Preferred Seating: For an extra level of comfort, travelers can purchase Preferred Seats on their Antarctic flight.
2021/22 Preferred Seating Promotion Book upon reservation, price $495 USD pp.
Learn More

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Sea Kayaking Program: See Antarctica from the unique vantage point of a sea kayak.
Reserve at booking, price: $895 USD per person (for the entire trip).
Learn More

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Hiking and Snowshoeing Program: Gain greater mobility and see more of the Antarctic landscape while hiking and snowshoeing.
Book onboard, price: $85 USD per person/excursion.
Learn More

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Hotel and Transfer Package: This package is available pre-expedition and post-expedition and includes group airport transfers, 1-night hotel accommodation, breakfast and drink voucher.
For pricing, please inquire at time of reservation.

Ready to Start Planning?

Antarctica is like no other place on Earth, and we would love to welcome you there. Complete this short form to receive a customized quote from our team and start planning your Antarctic air-cruise today!

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