Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia & Antarctica

The Magellan Explorer stands as a pioneer in modern polar travel, designed specifically to facilitate Antarctica21’s fly-cruise expeditions. By combining a high-tech Polar Class 6 ice hull with the aesthetics of a boutique hotel, this vessel allows you to bypass the turbulent Drake Passage by air and board directly in Antarctica. While the ship can physically hold more passengers, occupancy is capped at just 73 guests for air-cruises. This deliberate limitation ensures that every traveler can disembark for shore landings at the same time—eliminating the rotation shifts common on larger ships—giving you maximum time on land to photograph penguin colonies and hike glaciated peaks.

On board, the experience is defined by intimate luxury and forward-thinking design. Almost all cabins feature private balconies, allowing you to wake up to the crackle of brash ice right outside your window. Between excursions, you can retreat to the glass-enclosed observation lounge, work out in a gym designed by Anytime Fitness, or warm up in the sauna with panoramic views of the polar landscape. Sustainability is also central to the ship’s engineering, utilizing a sophisticated heat recovery system to recycle engine heat for the ship’s water supply and heating. From the single-seating dining room serving premium Chilean wines to the fleet of 10 Zodiacs ready for adventure, the Magellan Explorer offers a seamless blend of rugged capability and refined comfort.