Why We Like This Ship
- The first small-ship (under 100 passengers) built specifically for Antarctic expedition travel since 2003
- Designed and operated by the original pioneers of the Antarctic Fly & Cruise concept
- Limited to a maximum of only 76 passengers per fly-cruise departure, Antarctic exploration doesn't get much more personal.
- Spacious, well appointed suites, many with floor to ceiling windows and outside balconies
- Adventure activities, such as kayaking and snowshoeing are available to guests
- Built to the latest Polar Code specifications she carries a Polar Class 6 ice-class (Lloyd’s Register PC6)
- For passenger comfort the ship features state-of-the-art stabilizers
- To minimize fuel consumption, a waste heat recovery system recycles the heat produced by the ship’s engines and repurposes it to power the ship’s heating system and to warm the water used on board
The Magellan Explorer
Voyages Aboard Magellan Explorer
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
From One to One Hundred
Swoop has catered for travellers of every group size. Whether you’re adventuring solo or bringing a group of over 100. We can help.
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- Working with over 30 different ships to find you the most solo-friendly ships, with the lowest single supplements, and the best solo deals available. Discover More
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- With over 100 collective years of Polar experience our team will help you find your perfect trip, so you’re on the right ship, in the right cabin, and at the right point of the season. Discover More
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- We’ve worked with all sizes of groups, from large families to small schools. Travelling with Swoop means you’ll be the best prepared customers on the voyage and you pay nothing extra for this service. Discover More
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- We are experienced charter consultants that can build tailored experiences for both part and full charters of vessels. Discover More
Photos of Magellan Explorer

Alex says
I was thrilled to sail on and thoroughly inspect the Magellan Explorer in December 2021. The eye-catching design looks stunning amidst the ice and the small passenger capacity meant my experience of Antarctica was incredibly intimate, maximising my time exploring off the ship.
Alex Mudd Polar Specialist
Cabin Categories
All double cabins have two twin beds that can be configured as one bed. All cabins feature a private bathroom and a sitting area.
When operating sea voyages, the ship's capacity is 96 passengers.
*Grand Suites will be known simply as "Suites" for trips from November 2024 onwards.
Please note that the above measurements are approximate averages and exact cabin size can vary.
Grand Suites
- 44 m2 / 480 sqft - located on deck 4
- 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed
- Separate living area with queen-size sofabed and coffee table
- Desk and chair sets in both living and bedroom areas
- 2 armchairs with side tables
- 2 private balconies with sitting areas
- 2 larger private bathrooms with separate shower
- Grand Suites will be known simply as "Suites" for trips from November 2024 onwards.
Triple Suite
- 44 m2 / 480 sqft - Located on Deck 4
- 2 twin beds (can be merged into a king size bed for couples) and 1 queen-size sofa bed (max. occupancy 3 people)
- The sofa bed for the third guest is located in a separate additional bedroom area for increased privacy
- Desks and chair sets in both living and bedroom areas
- 2 armchairs with side tables
- 2 private balconies with sitting areas
- 2 private bathrooms with shower

What our customers think of Magellan Explorer
Review:
Onboard Communications & Facilities
There are satellite telephone and internet services on board, available at an additional charge to guests. Please note that due to the nature of our expedition and the locations we travel to, services may slow or delayed services compared to those you might expect at home.
Find Your Antarctic Ship
Choosing the right ship is crucial, given the amount of time you'll spend on board. Swoop is experienced at helping match our customers to exactly the right ship.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 150 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
1-855-369-8288