Magellan Explorer - Fly the Drake
Magellan Explorer is a modern expedition vessel custom-built specifically for Antarctic air-cruises. The ship was constructed in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications and launched in 2019.
For air-cruises, Magellan Explorer has seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole Cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins, except four, have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, an individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with a shower.
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, 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 ship´s bow, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiacs that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.
Ship Specifications:
- Maximum # of Guests: 76 on air-cruises
- Expedition Staff & Crew: 60
- Ice Class: LR PC6
- Year Launched: 2019
- Cruising Speed: 14 knots in open water
- Length: 90.7 m
- Minimum age: 8 years old
- Minimum age for adventure options: 16 years old for the kayaking program & 12 years old for snowshoeing/hiking
Access to the brand new Explorers House:
Explorers House is an exclusive facility in Punta Arenas where our team helps you prepare for your expedition. You can attend briefings, try on expedition gear, practice wearing a life jacket, and learn how to board a Zodiac. At Explorers House you can interact with our team, review checklists, and get answers to any questions you may have about your trip, so you will be ready and confident when you arrive in Antarctica.
Explorers House also functions as our own private club. It provides a modern environment where you can relax with a cup of coffee, review a wonderful collection of Antarctic books, and get to know your travel companions as excitement over the upcoming adventure builds. Explorers House was designed by renowned architects and was built using green building practices. It features a commercial solar panel system to produce electricity and heat.
Aircraft used for the flights to / from Antarctica:
We use three similar aircraft for flight operations: the BAE 146-200, the AVRO RJ 85, and the AVRO RJ 100. These aircraft were manufactured in the United Kingdom by British Aerospace (which later became part of BAE Systems) and take a maximum of 76 passengers. They are high-wing aircraft with short runway requirements, which make them particularly suited for this kind of destination. It is operated by Aerovías DAP, which has more than 25 years of experience flying in Patagonia and Antarctica.
Ship Gallery
Trips and Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Single Travelers:
- Can book a dedicated single cabin at Single Veranda prices above.
- Can book a Twin Cabin for single use at 1.85x the per person share price in Porthole & Veranda Cabins. For all other categories the single use price is 2x the per person price.
- If willing to share a cabin, we can match you with another passenger of the same gender in either a Porthole or Veranda Cabin. Passengers who book a twin cabin on a shared basis are accommodated in single rooms at the hotel in Punta Arenas. Those passengers must pay a Single Hotel Room Supplement which is $790/person for the 2024-25 season and $830/person for the 2025-26 season. Note: Single travelers who use CPAP machines or other assistive devices, as well as those who have conditions that can be disrupting to others (loud snoring, sleepwalking, etc.), can only book their air-cruise in a Single Cabin or a Twin Cabin for single use. They cannot book on a twin-share basis.
Adventure Options:
- Full Kayaking program: $995/person for 2024-25 season & $895/person for 2025-26 season. Experience required and must be booked in advance as spots are limited. Starting the 2025-26 season there will be 2 separate groups of 10 kayakers, with each group kayaking on an alternating basis.
- Snowshoeing/Hiking: $85/person per excursion, only bookable onboard the ship
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime. Please contact us for the real time availability & prices.
Cabin Descriptions
Penthouse Suite
Suite
Two-room suite with bedroom, sitting room, two bathrooms and two balconies. The bedroom can be arranged with 1 king or 2 twin size beds, except in Suite #405 which has a queen bed. The sitting area has a queen sized sofa bed. Located on deck 4.
Approx. size: 480 sq. ft (44 sq. m)
Deluxe Veranda
Cabin with sitting area, bathroom and balcony. Most cabins can be arranged with either 1 king or 2 twin size beds. Cabin #409, 412 & 420 have 1 fixed queen bed. Located on deck 4.
Approx. size: 240 sq. ft. (22 sq. m)
Veranda
Cabin with sitting area, bathroom and balcony. Can be arranged with 1 king or 2 twin sized beds. Located on deck 3.
Approx. size: 210 sq. ft (19 sq. m)
Porthole
Cabin with sitting area, bathroom and porthole. Can be arranged with either 1 king or 2 twin beds. Located on deck 3.
Approx. size: 200 sq. ft (18 sq. m)
Triple Suite
Suite with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two balconies. The main bedroom can have either 1 king or 2 twins and the second bedroom has a queen size sofa bed. Located on deck 4. There is only 1 Triple Suite on the ship and it sells out very far in advance.
Approx. size: 480 sq. ft (44 sq. m)
Single Veranda
Cabin with sitting area and balcony. Located on deck 3.
Approx. size: 210 sq. ft (19 sq. m)
Deck Plan
