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Magellan Explorer
Punta Arenas or Ushuaia to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas
Overview
Join us for a remarkable experience that takes you through the western Antarctic Peninsula, through Elephant Island to South Georgia. Sail through the nutrient-rich waters and, each day, disembark with our expert polar guides having time to either hike, snowshoe or kayak in bays nearby. As we make our way to South Georgia, you will follow in the footsteps of famous Antarctic explorers, like Ernest Shackleton, and learn about their daring southerly adventures. After reaching South Georgia, visit some of the largest colonies of penguins in the world, including the king penguin, and see the nesting grounds of thousands of albatrosses.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
Our staff members welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel, visit Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers.
A two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. You then walk 2-km (1.25-mi) to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your expedition vessel.
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature. You will explore several spots in the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Sound that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
Sailing north, we hope to stop at Elephant Island. It was here that the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on to South Georgia. While stormy conditions rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship.
As we sail northward, our expert guides offer a series of presentations. There is time to socialize in the ship’s lounge, while keeping an eye out for the region’s birdlife.
The island of South Georgia is a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, massive glaciers, grassy uplands and deep fjords. Visit the former whaling outpost of Grytviken, where you may pay your respects at the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton. At St. Andrew’s Bay be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 king penguins. At Cooper Island, the nesting home of thousands of black-browed albatrosses, see a large colony of macaroni penguins. Each visit is unique. If the weather is favorable, visits are also planned at Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay.
As the ship heads to South America, the program of presentations continues. Use this time to enhance your understanding of the region and its history.
Approach South America and sail along the Beagle Channel. Take in the beauty of Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island as you head to Ushuaia.
Arrival Arrival to Ushuaia, where your journey ends at the pier upon disembarkation.
Every effort will be made to adhere to the planned program. However, with this type of adventurous travel to Antarctica, changes to the itinerary may occur due to severe and unpredictable weather. We need to emphasize the fact that weather conditions are unpredictable and that safety is always the paramount concern on any Antarctic voyage. **Note: Our February 2022 departure begins in Punta Arenas and ends in Ushuaia as detailed below, however, our November 2022 departure is the same itinerary but in reverse, beginning in Ushuaia and ending in Punta Arenas.
Magellan Explorer
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90.7 m - 298 ft. Passenger Capacity: 100 (only 69 passengers for Air-Cruise operations) Built: 2018 MV Magellan Explorer features 50 passenger suites and cabins in five categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. The cabins are very spacious, ranging in size from 40 m2 (440 sq. ft.) to 20 m2 (220 sq. ft.). All double cabins have two twin beds that can be configured as one queen-size bed, offering great flexibility to our guests. 42 cabins feature a large window and a private balcony, while 8 cabins feature a porthole. All cabins feature a private bathroom and a sitting area. Public areas include a large, forward-facing observation lounge, an observation deck, a dining room that accommodates all guests and expedition staff in a single sitting, two meeting rooms, a gift shop, a protected outdoor barbecue area, a gym, and a sauna. The bow of the ship is accessible to guests to offer expansive views during exploration. Optional adventure activities, such as kayaking and snowshoeing, are available. Specific measures have been taken to minimize MV Magellan Explorer’s carbon footprint, including state-of-the-art engines that meet MARPOL’s stringent Tier III emission standards. To minimize fuel consumption, a waste heat recovery system recycles the heat produced by the ship’s engines and repurposes it to power the ship’s heating system and to warm the water used on board.
Highlights
• Each day you can disembark your expedition vessel by zodiac and explore the landscapes together with our expert polar guides. • You can join our kayaking program to visit the beautiful bays and parts of the coast where our ship cannot go. • As you sail the austral waters of the southern oceans on your way to South Georgia you may see migrating whales. • Fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the White Continent and start your expedition directly in Antarctica. • Enjoy a wide range of delicious dining options with views that will delight you as you dine. • Enjoy amazing views like these Icebergs in South Georgia. • South Georgia is home to some of the most interesting wildlife in the world, like the Northern giant petrel.
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