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Magellan Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition vessel custom-built for Antarctic air-cruises, combining comfort with exploration and wildlife.

Designed to provide optimal comfort and a modern style, the public spaces are constructed to create a connection with their destinations. Ship features include a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with advanced audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a library, and a meeting room.

At the forward-facing observation lounge and bar, expert polar guides will deliver educational programmes while the outdoor observation deck offers expansive views and close contact with the natural environments you sail through. The spacious dining room provides large windows for sightseeing while enjoying a delicious meal. The ship also has a gym and a sauna.

With a capacity of up to 96 guests, Magellan Explorer has several categories of rooms, including dedicated single cabins. All double cabins except two have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed, most cabins have two twin beds that can be configured as one queen-size bed and all cabins except porthole cabins feature private balconies. All cabins feature an individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with a shower and heated floors. The grand suite comprises two deluxe veranda cabins, with one cabin transformed into a separate living area with a queen-size sofa bed and coffee table.

The ship has a fleet of ten Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the ship’s bow, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. 

Built to the latest Polar Code specifications, the ship carries a Polar Class 6 ice-class and for comfortable navigation and manoeuvrability, the ship features stabilisers and bow and stern thrusters. To reduce the environmental footprint, the vessel is equipped with an energy-recovery system that recycles the heat produced by the engines to warm up the ship and its water supply.

View suggested itineraries

Key info

wildlife trips

Magellan Explorer offers the following cabin classes:

Twin porthole cabin with private facilities

  • Location: Deck 3
  • Beds: 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed
  • External view: Two porthole windows
  • Facilities: Private bathing facilities, Hairdryer, Shower

Veranda cabin with private facilities

  • Location: Deck 3
  • Beds: 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed
  • External view: Private balcony
  • Facilities: Private bathing facilities, Shower, Lounge

Deluxe veranda cabin with private facilities

  • Location: Deck 4
  • Beds: 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed
  • External view: Private balcony
  • Facilities: Private bathing facilities, Hairdryer, Shower, Kettle, Lounge

Penthouse suite with private facilities

  • Location: Deck 5
  • Beds: 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed
  • External view: Private balcony
  • Facilities: Private bathing facilities, Hairdryer, Shower, Kettle, Lounge

Grand suite with private facilities

  • Location: Deck 4
  • Beds: 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed
  • External view: Private balcony
  • Facilities: Private bathing facilities, Hairdryer, Shower, Kettle, Lounge

Wildlife trips

This cruise vessel is featured in the following itineraries:

Classic Antarctic Fly-Sail

This trip takes the easiest way to Antarctica and flies from Punta Arenas in southern Chile, to save time and enjoy an aerial view of the Drake Passage. This active adventure involves daily landings by Zodiac inflatable, and with ever-changing ice and weather conditions, each voyage is unique. Find out more about Classic Antarctic Fly-Sail

  • Destination: Antarctica
  • Price (exc. flights): 8 days from £11,125
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

Classic Antarctica

This voyage is a perfect introduction to the Antarctic, visiting prime wildlife sites along the Peninsula and in the nearby South Shetland islands. Encounter huge rookeries of gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguins, beaches adorned with wallowing elephant seals, and whales and dolphins along the way. Find out more about Classic Antarctica

  • Destination: Antarctica
  • Price (exc. flights): 10-13 days from £5,645
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

Great Antarctic Voyage

This ultimate Antarctic experience marries the phenomenal wildlife of the sub-Antarctic islands of the Falklands and South Georgia to the pristine beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore dramatic wilderness areas and visit huge penguin colonies, all amongst hauntingly beautiful polar scenery. Find out more about Great Antarctic Voyage

  • Destination: Antarctica, Falkland Islands
  • Price (exc. flights): 19-22 days from £12,900
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

Polar Circle Fly-Sail

Flying to the South Shetlands over Cape Horn and avoiding the rough waters of the Drake Passage, this itinerary offers the easiest way to travel to Antarctica. Sailing down the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, the voyage passes spectacular icebergs in the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Find out more about Polar Circle Fly-Sail

  • Destination: Antarctica
  • Price (exc. flights): 9-11 days from £14,570
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

South Georgia & Falklands Wildlife Extravaganza

One of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth, South Georgia is overflowing with an abundance of wildlife. This incredible expedition combines wildlife-rich South Georgia with the remote Falkland Islands, home to vast numbers of seabirds and mammals, making this the ultimate wildlife extravaganza. Find out more about South Georgia & Falklands Wildlife Extravaganza

  • Destination: Antarctica, Falkland Islands
  • Price (exc. flights): 17 days from £8,460
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • S
    • O
    • N
    • D

Ultimate Patagonia Wildlife Cruise

Discover Chilean Patagonia, where Andean peaks, glaciers, and remote fjords provide the backdrop for extraordinary wildlife encounters. From the icy waters of San Rafael Glacier to the windswept Strait of Magellan, this small ship expedition reveals penguin colonies, seabird rookeries, and numerous marine mammals. Find out more about Ultimate Patagonia Wildlife Cruise

  • Destination: Chile, Argentina
  • Price (exc. flights): 9 days from £4,995
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • A
    • S

Whales & Dolphins of Antarctica & the Chilean Fjords

EXCLUSIVE VOYAGE

Journey to the far south on this exclusive whale and dolphin expedition, travelling at the most rewarding time for cetacean activity in Antarctica. Aboard our privately chartered ship, explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the dramatic, glacier-carved channels of the Chilean Fjords. Find out more about Whales & Dolphins of Antarctica & the Chilean Fjords

  • Destination: Antarctica, Chile
  • Price (inc. flights): 22 days from £18,995
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • M

Festival of Wildlife Falklands & South Georgia

Exclusive voyage

Our Festival of Wildlife takes us on an epic voyage to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia where one of the world’s most impressive wildlife spectacles awaits. Voyage on the Magellan Explorer with a leading team of naturalists, photographers, and artists as we watch penguins, whales and more. Find out more about Z) Festival of Wildlife Falklands & South Georgia

  • Destination: Falkland Islands, Antarctica
  • Price (exc. flights): 18 days from £13,250
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • O