Our moderate trips require an average level of fitness. Itineraries may include walks or short hikes of up to two to three hours with little elevation gain, sustained walking at higher altitudes, and/or other similar level physical activities. Many activities are optional.
How We Rate Our Trips
Easy: Our easy tours generally require fairly little exertion. Each day will involve walking, sightseeing and general travel-related activities such as getting in/out of vans, planes, boats, and zodiacs.
Moderate: Our moderate trips require an average level of fitness. Itineraries may include walks or short hikes of up to two to three hours with little elevation gain, sustained walking at higher altitudes, and/or other similar level physical activities. Many activities are optional.
Difficult: Our difficult trips may involve hiking over uneven terrain, with some hikes including significant elevation gain or loss and at higher elevations (up to 12,000 ft). Itineraries may include three to six hour hikes and other activities such as horseback riding, mountain bicycling, rafting and kayaking, which require no previous experience. On many trips, passengers may elect to skip a day's activity, depending on logistics.
Most Difficult: Our most difficult expeditions are for the adventurer who is in good physical condition. Itineraries may involve multi-day hiking and trekking excursions over steep, rugged terrain and/or where altitude may exceed 14,000 feet. Many trips include camping in remote areas and/or high altitude sites in varying temperature and weather conditions. Trips may also involve many days of demanding Class IV-V rapids, longer sea kayaking trips, horseback riding, and/or mountain bicycling. Training for the physical demands of these tours is highly encouraged.
The 298-ft (90.7m) M/V Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel custom build for Antarctic Air-Cruise Expeditions. She was built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications to start service in 2019. The Magellan Explorer has a maximum passenger capacity of 100, which is limited to 73 passengers for her Antarctica expeditions, further increasing the comfort afforded to her Antarctic explorers. The smaller group size allows for fast and efficient disembarkation, so travelers ma... READ MORE >>
The 298-ft (90.7m) M/V Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel custom build for Antarctic Air-Cruise Expeditions. She was built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications to start service in 2019. The Magellan Explorer has a maximum passenger capacity of 100, which is limited to 73 passengers for her Antarctica expeditions, further increasing the comfort afforded to her Antarctic explorers. The smaller group size allows for fast and efficient disembarkation, so travelers may take full advantage of more time ashore for wildlife observation – often having the capability to include additional and/or longer excursions. The Magellan Explorer complies with the latest SOLAS (Safety of Life At Sea) regulations, has Lloyds Register ice class rating: LR PC6 and travels at a cruising speed of 14 knots.
The ship features include a spacious forward-facing and glass-enclosed observation lounge and the bow of the ship is accessible to guests; together with the outdoor observation deck it offers expansive views and close contact with the natural environment during exploration. Additional features include a well-stocked bar that is also used to deliver briefings, a presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a library, a meeting room, a gift shop, a gym, a sauna, a medical clinic, a spacious and stylish dining room that accommodates all guests and expedition staff in a single sitting and a protected outdoor barbecue area. Breakfast and some lunches are served buffet-style. The rest of the meals are by table service. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate are available around the clock. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the bow of the ship, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The vessel is manned by a 60-member expedition staff and crew. The expedition team includes an expedition leader, expedition leader assistant, guides/naturalists/Zodiac drivers and a doctor. The 73 passengers are accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins except two have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching. Adventure activities, such as kayaking and snowshoeing, are available on the longer departures and a unique Antarctic vehicle named “Bigfoot”, especially designed and built to adapt to the changeable conditions of the Antarctic Terrain, assists in quick and efficient Antarctic baggage transport.
Itinerary
Itinerary (Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise)
DAY 1: Arrive Punta Arenas, Chile
DAY 2: Punta Arenas - King George Island - Embark
DAY 3 - 6: Antarctica Peninsula
DAY 7: King George Island - Disembark - Punta Arenas
DAY 8: Punta Arenas - Santiago
Itinerary (Polar Circle Air-Cruise)
DAY 1: Arrive Punta Arenas, Chile
DAY 2: Punta Arenas - King George Island - Embark
DAY 3 - 8: Antarctica Peninsula
DAY 9: King George Island - Disembark - Punta Arenas
DAY 10: Punta Arenas - Santiago
Itinerary (Antarctica & South Georgia Air Cruise Ushuaia to Punta Arenas)
DAY 1: Ushuaia - Embark
DAY 2: Beagle Channel
DAY 3 - 5: Sailing to South Georgia
DAY 6 - 9: South Georgia
DAY 10 - 11: At Sea
DAY 12: Elephant Island
DAY 13 - 15: Exploring Antarctica
DAY 16: King George Island - Disembark - Punta Arenas
DAY 17: Punta Arenas - Santiago
Itinerary (Falkland Islands & South Georgia )
DAY 1: Arrive Port Stanley - Embark
DAY 2: Saunders Island & Carcass Island
DAY 3: New Island & Weddell Sea
DAY 4: Bleaker Island
DAY 5 - 6: At Sea
DAY 7: Elsehul Bay
DAY 8: Grytiviken & Fortuna Bay
DAY 9: Gold Harbour & Cooper Bay
DAY 10: St. Andrews Bay & Ocean Harbour
DAY 11: Prion Island & Salisbury Plain
DAY 12 - 14: At Sea
DAY 15: Disembark - Port Stanley
Itinerary (Antarctica Express Air Cruise Ushuaia to Punta Arenas)
DAY 1: Ushuaia - Embark
DAY 2: Cape Horn - Drake Passage
DAY 3: Drake Passage
DAY 4: Drake Passage - South Shetland Islands
DAY 5: King George Island - Disembark - Punta Arenas
-Pre & Post-Antarctica flight hotel nights included. -Please inquire for single supplement pricing. A solo traveler willing to share a cabin with another passenger (or passengers) of the same gender can avoid the single supplement. -Contact us for details on optional activities available on your particular departure.
-Pre & Post-Antarctica flight hotel nights included. -Please inquire for single supplement pricing. A solo traveler willing to share a cabin with another passenger (or passengers) of the same gender can avoid the single supplement. -Contact us for details on optional activities available on your particular departure.
-Pre & Post-Antarctica flight hotel nights included. -Please inquire for single supplement pricing. A solo traveler willing to share a cabin with another passenger (or passengers) of the same gender can avoid the single supplement. -Contact us for details on optional activities available on your particular departure.
PORTHOLE CABIN (3), two twin beds convertible to a king bed, two armchairs w/side table, desk/chair, private facilities w/premium bathroom amenities, bathrobe & slippers, safe, combo Euro-American outlets w/USB port, telephone, two portholes, 200 ft2 -18 mt2
VERANDA CABIN (7), two twin beds convertible to a king bed, armchair w/side table, desk/chair, private facilities w/premium bathroom amenities, bathrobe & slippers, safe, combo Euro-American outlets w/USB port, telephone, balcony w/sitting area, 210 ft2 -19 mt2
Deck 4
TRIPLE VERANDA SUITE (1), two-room suite two twin beds (or one king) and one queen-sized sofa bed, armchair, desk/chair in both living areas, coffee maker, daily snack selection, included mini-bar restocked daily, two larger private facilities w/premium bathroom amenities, bathrobe & slippers, safe, combo Euro-American outlets w/USB port, telephone, two balconies w/sitting areas, 480 ft2 -44 mt2
DELUXE VERANDA SUITE (12) two twin beds convertible to a king bed, armchair w/side table, desk/chair, coffee maker, daily snack selection, included mini-bar restocked daily, larger private facilities w/premium bathroom amenities, bathrobe & slippers, safe, combo Euro-American outlets w/USB port, telephone, balcony w/sitting area, 240 ft2 -22 mt2
GRAND VERANDA SUITE (7), two-room suite with two twin beds convertible to a king bed, separate sitting area w/queen-sized sofa bed & coffee table, two armchairs w/side tables, desk/chair in both living areas, coffee maker, daily snack selection, included mini-bar restocked daily, larger private facilities w/premium bathroom amenities, bathrobe & slippers, safe, combo Euro-American outlets w/USB port, telephone, two balconies w/sitting areas, 480 ft2 -44 mt2
Deck 5
PENTHOUSE VERANDA SUITE (3) two twin beds convertible to a king bed, separate sitting area w/sofa & coffee table, two armchairs, closed-circuit TV Screen, desk/chair, coffee maker, daily snack selection, included mini-bar restocked daily, larger private facilities w/premium bathroom amenities, bathrobe & slippers, safe, combo Euro-American outlets w/USB port, telephone, balcony w/sitting area, 360 ft2 -33 mt2
Beds can be configured as either one king-size bed (2.1 × 2.0 mt. / 82" × 78") or two twin beds (1.05 × 2.0 mt. / 41" × 78")
Magellan Explorer Deck Plan (click for enlargement)
Marisa, we've been back a week and I'm writing to say how wonderful our trip was. Thanks you for all your guidance and planning. Buenos Aires was so interesting. Our tour guide, Alejandro, was top notch-- and very funny. The hotel was in a good location and the all-day tour in Ushuaia was memorable. The ship was well-run and the food was both interesting and plentiful. The crew was professional. The expedition leaders were kind, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. I can't give you credit for the fantastic weather and incredible scenery but it was an amazing trip. Thank you. - Susan Ogden/Rose Marie Wilson (Akademik Ioffe)
The trip was fantastic of course! South Georgia is an amazing place! After docking at Ushuaia, the driver was waiting there on the pier and coordinated well with the ship and the port officials, provided me with useful materials and delivered me to the Alto Andino. I liked the Alto Andino. It was quiet, clean and has a nice secure luggage store, which I used when I arrived, as it was too early to check in. They did let me check in early, shortly after lunch, when a room became available. And, when I came back to the hotel after dinner with friends, there was a message from my driver about the pickup time for departing to the airport. The transfer at BA went without a hitch, nice driver and nice car, and being Saturday, light traffic as well! Anyway, thank you! Your planning and support is greatly appreciate and I will be sure to let my friends know about your great company! - Philip H. Walters (South Georgia In Depth onboard Akademik Sergey Vavilov)
Carrie and Jonathan, we arrived back from Antarctica over the weekend. I just wanted to thank both of you for arranging such an outstanding trip! The guides, hotels, and logistics were all excellent—and we thoroughly enjoyed it all. Fortunately, despite my foot injury, I was able to fully partake in all the sightseeing and activities and didn’t feel that I had to curtail anything I wanted to do. We’ll be sure to contact you for future trips in South America. - Nancy Voye (Antarctic Peninsula onboard NG Explorer)
Carrie and Justin, I just wanted to send the two of you a message to thank you for all your help putting together our trip to the Antarctic. The trip was absolutely fantastic – definitely the best trip we have ever taken! I would strongly recommend the Akademik Ioffe team to anyone that asks. The places we visited and the excursions we were able to participate in were definitely first-rate, and I would credit the staff for making this happen. They selected great places to visit, and really made each zodiac or on-shore excursion a special experience. The Antarctic is just mind-blowing. We did get south of the Circle – which sounds like it was a bit of an accomplishment – and had really great weather for the entire trip. So again, thanks for making a totally fabulous trip a reality for us. -Ron & Bonnie Milzer (Antarctic Circle Voyage onboard Akademik Ioffe)
“Our trip was amazing! All of our guides were friendly and professional. Our guide’s knowledge and communication skills were exceptional! He was a fabulous tour guide and we really enjoyed hiking the Inca Trail with him. We always had the best campsites, other hikers were often jealous of where our camp was set up and would ask which company was handling our trip. Our guides were excellent on the rafting trip. The food was excellent!
Jerri Lipple – TX
Peru Raft, Bike & Hike with Amazon extension
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Marisa, we've been back a week and I'm writing to say how wonderful our trip was. Thanks you for all your guidance and planning. Buenos Aires was so interesting. Our tour guide, Alejandro, was top notch-- and very funny. The hotel was in a good location and the all-day tour in Ushuaia was memorable. The ship was well-run and the food was both interesting and plentiful. The crew was professional. The expedition leaders were kind, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. I can't give you credit for the fantastic weather and incredible scenery but it was an amazing trip. Thank you. - Susan Ogden/Rose Marie Wilson (Akademik Ioffe) 
