Magellan Explorer
Magellan Explorer is one of the finest small scale, Antarctic expedition ships. Custom built for Antarctic operations and with capacity for only 76 passengers, the ship provides a true expedition style adventure, with all the comforts and amenities you would find in a wilderness lodge.
Almost all cabins can be made as a twin or double and have their own sitting room (varies in size depending on the room category), private bathroom with shower and heated floors. With exception of the Porthole cabins (entry level), all cabins enjoy a private balcony. For friends or families travelling together, there are triple suites.
The ship has a spacious and stylish dining room, well stocked bar, library with many reference books on Antarctica, gym, sauna and medical clinic. A glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state of the art audio visual equipment allows passengers to learn about this lesser known part of the world as they cruise, as well as a forward-facing observation deck leading to the ships bow, offering greater proximity to marine wildlife and a superb spot for photography.
When it comes to experiencing Antarctica itself, a smaller ship like Magellan Explorer offers several advantages, enhancing the overall adventure and exploration. This includes enhanced access through narrow channels and shallower waters, closer wildlife encounters, a smaller environmental impact, greater community feel onboard and a more flexible, personalised experience.
Days are spent a little like when on safari, with two 2-3 hour land or water based activities available each day (weather dependant). Ten zodiacs are available for watching the high concentration of wildlife on the peninsula and marine mammals. Snow shoeing and hiking groups will be split into fitness levels and for the more adventurous kayaking is available. Gliding between the glaciers in silence is an experience like no other. For the brave, the polar plunge is literally both breath-taking and a once in a lifetime experience! It is well noted however, that whilst keeping active is a great way to explore as much of the area as you can, we would highly recommend you take time to simply sit and listen to the sounds around you. The creaking glaciers, the chirping penguin chicks, the blow or splash of a whale.
Passengers are invited to interactive workshops and history lessons onboard and to walk in the footsteps of the explorers when visiting some of the old ports, whaling and research stations.
Wildlife in the area is plentiful and varied as the Austral summer (November – March) is both the feeding and breeding season. Whales migrate south to feed on krill, abundant in the cold waters of Antarctica, breed and give birth to their young. Species you can look forward to seeing include Minke, Orcas, Humpback and, if you are very lucky, Blue Whale. Penguins too can be found in their thousands including Chinstrap, Adeline, Gentoo and Macaroni whilst semi aquatic mammals include Leopard, Weddelll, Crabeater and Elephant seals. There is always something to enjoy, including constant jaw dropping scenery with soaring Artic terns, Albatros and blue eyed shags amongst many of the other bird species.
There are a variety of air-cruse set departure dates starting and ending in Chile. By flying to / from Antarctica is saves on much time crossing the Drakes Passage. As the Antarctic summer is short, each month is dramatically different. Please reach out to us directly to discuss these options and what would be best suited to you.
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