MAGELLAN EXPLORER (8 days/7 nights or 15 days/14 nights)
MAGELLAN EXPLORER
Our History
Antarctica21 has been offering expeditions aboard small ships since 2003. As a boutique specialist we dedicate 100% of our resources
to the organization of your Antarctic and sub-Antarctic trip of a lifetime.
Antarctica21 is a boutique specialist focused on the design and delivery of adventurous yet comfortable small-scale expeditions. We aim to offer our guests the optimum balance between active exploration of remote Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic environments, and a high-quality hospitality experience.
Antarctica21 is a Member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), a member organization founded in 1991 to advocate, promote and practice safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic.
Veteran sea captains, an international team of polar guides and academics, and a team of seasoned travel professionals come together to create the Antarctica21 experience. With passion, creativity and dedicated teamwork, we handcraft every expedition to be unique and personal.
ITINERARIES
Ushuaia, Cape Horn & the Falklands (Malvinas)
Highlights :
- A chance to visit Cape Horn ·
- The Falklands (Malvinas) ·
- Combines perfectly
Day 1 / Ushuaia, Embarkation
Your journey begins at the pier in Ushuaia, Argentina, with an 8 PM embarkation. Board your ship and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world, where the ship will clear formalities for Cape Horn approach.
Day 2 / Cape Horn
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. Sail and explore the area in depth before setting course north towards the Falkland Islands.
Day 3 / At sea
As you sail through the South Atlantic en route to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales.
Day 4 / West Falklands (South)
Ruggedly beautiful and remote, places such as New Island, Weddell Island or West Point are located at the extreme west of the Falklands’ archipelago. Dramatic cliffs contrast with sheltered sandy bays and natural harbors. They host large concentration and great diversity of wildlife. Some of the best wildlife experiences are just a short distance from the settlements.
Day 5 / West Falklands (North)
Named after HMS Carcass, which visited in the late 18th century, the terrain is varied with rocky ridges, steep cliffs, open plains, white sand beaches and coves. Saunders is the second largest offshore island and has very varied terrain, from rocky hills to sweeping shorelines. It is an important Bird area and has exceptional wildlife. All five breeding species of penguin can be spotted here along with black-browed albatross and many other birds. Ushuaia, Cape Horn & the Falklands (Malvinas) Highlights · A chance to visit Cape Horn · The Falklands (Malvinas) · Combines perfectly with a visit to Patagonia
Day 6 / The Falkland
Sound You cruise down the Falkland Sound, sightseeing its rough and untouched landscapes. We immerse ourselves in the past and recent history of the islands. You visit settlements and meet the locals, getting to know the culture of farming families. As we stop at sites that were active battlefields during the 1982 conflict, our historians introduce us to regional geopolitics.
Day 7 / Port Stanley
Join our expedition team on guided walking tours in town or to Gipsy Cove. Or take the option to explore on your own and absorb the local atmosphere, grabbing lunch at the pub, visiting the maritime museum, the church, hunting for souvenirs or walking down Ross Road, paying tribute at the war memorials at the waterfront. Note: Small-group day tours and half-day tours can be purchased on board the ship to visit Volunteer Point (by 4×4 vehicle or helicopter), battlefield tours (by 4×4 vehicle), and others. Options will be presented on board.
Day 8 / Disembarkation
Transfer to the airport at Mt. Pleasant will be provided from the ship according to the scheduled flight. Note: The reverse program starts at the airport in Mount Pleasant, with a transfer and embarkation in Port Stanley on Day 1. It ends on Day 8 at the pier in Ushuaia with disembarkation at 5 PM. An itinerary description is available on request.
The Falklands (Malvinas) and South Georgia
Highlights :
- A rich wilderness experience
- The Falklands (Malvinas)
- In-depth visit to South Georgia
Day 1 / Port Stanley, embarkation
Pick up at the airport in Port Stanley, town visit, and embarkation.
Day 2 / Saunders Island, Carcass Island
During a morning visit to Saunders Island we enjoy the long white-sand beach. A wilderness experience, the main attractions there are rockhopper penguins, nesting black browed albatross, and sub-Antarctic gentoo penguins. In the afternoon we visit Carcass Island. There is an option for an easy hike to the settlement, bird watching, and a typical Falklands tea experience.
Day 3 / New Island, Weddell Island
We visit New Island, a classic West Falklands experience, with albatross & penguin colonies. The Falklands (Malvinas) and South Georgia Highlights · A rich wilderness experience · The Falklands (Malvinas) · In-depth visit to South Georgia Depending on local conditions, in the afternoon we could visit Weddell Island.
Day 4 / Bleaker Island
Morning landing at Bleaker Island. This is a natural reserve with a famous bird area featuring a large variety of birds. In the afternoon we head to South Georgia.
Day 5-6 / At Sea
As we sail toward South Georgia, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales.
Day 7 / Elsehul Bay
Depending on sea conditions over the previous days, arrival is planned for the afternoon. Provided we receive approval from the South Georgia Government, we plan to do an evening Zodiac cruise at Elsehul Bay.
Day 8 / Grytviken, Fortuna Bay
Our first landing is at Grytviken. We clear Customs and then visit the historical site, with the museum and Ernest Shackleton’s grave. In the afternoon, we land at Fortuna Bay / Stromness to see king penguins. Here we learn more about Shackleton and his expedition. There is also an optional 2-3 hour “Shackleton walk”.
Day 9 / Gold Harbour, Cooper Bay
In the morning we plan a landing at Gold Harbour. This is a spectacular location with king penguins, elephant seals and hanging glaciers. There are also sooty albatross here. In the afternoon, we visit Cooper Bay to see macaroni penguins during a Zodiac cruise.
Day 10 / St Andrews Bay, Ocean Harbour
St Andrews Bay is the destination of our morning excursion. We see the largest king penguin colony, and elephant seal bulls. In the afternoon, we plan a Zodiac cruise and landing at Ocean Harbour. The highlights here are a shipwreck and remains of the whaling industry.
Day 11 / Prion Island, Salisbury
Plain In the morning we plan to visit Prion Island to see the nesting wandering albatross. In the afternoon, we head to Salisbury Plain for more king penguins and stunning landscapes.
Day 12-14 / At Sea
As we make our way back to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) our program of lectures and presentations continues.
Day 15 / Port Stanley, disembarkation
Upon arrival at Port Stanley we disembark and transfer to the airport for the ongoing flight.
VESSEL
Magellan Explorer
Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel custom build for our Antarctic and sub-Antarctic expeditions. She was built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications. Magellan Explorer has capacity for 100 passengers in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole cabins feature private balconies. Most cabins have two twins beds that can be configured as on king-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with shower. The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-ofthe-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the bow of the ship, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching. The fitness centre aboard Magellan Explorer has been designed and built by the professionals at Anytime Fitness, the world’s only fitness company with boutique gyms in all seven continents.
INCLUSIONS
Included in the Rate
- Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
- Ship cruise as indicated in the itinerary corresponding to each expedition.
- Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
- Daily served dinner on board ship offering a choice of three main courses.
- Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board.
- Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition.
- Loan of waterproof boots for landing.
- All guided shore excursions.
- Lectures and entertainment on board.
- Landing fees and IAATO passenger fee.
Specifically not Included in the Rate
- Flights, accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary corresponding to each voyage.
- Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
- Gratuities.
- Visas for Chile, Argentina, and/or the UK, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.