Magellan Explorer
Specifically built for Antarctic fly-cruise operations, the Magellan Explorer carries a maximum of 76 guests. Many of the spacious suites have outside balconies.
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Antarctica21 are the original inventors of the Fly & Cruise concept, replacing the two day voyage across the Drake Passage with a two hour flight. As well as an unparalleled depth of operational experience gained over more than 20 years in the air as well as the sea, they also run two of the smallest expedition ships, offering a truly boutique polar cruise, plus their exclusive Explorers House in Punta Arenas for their guests.
Swoop’s partnership with Antarctica21 goes back to our earliest days of operating, and the closeness of our relationship means that we have long been one of their most trusted and important global partners.
Proudly working with every operator in the industry
Swoop says
The Swoop-Antarctica21 partnership pivots around the deep confidence we have placing our guests in their trust. This stems directly from their consistency in delivering high-quality experiences over many seasons in one of the world’s most challenging operational environments.
Otto Lock Antarctica Specialist
Who are Antarctica21?
Antarctica 21 (originally Antarctica XXI) was founded in 2003 with the mission to introduce a new concept to Antarctic tourism: operating the continent’s first Fly & Cruise expedition. Since then, Antarctica21 have remained industry leaders in this field, with a superb operational record, and their small ships that give an intimate boutique polar experience.
A proudly Chilean company, Antarctica21 have been regularly named among Chile's Best Managed Companies. In 2019 they were certified as carbon neutral, and they have led the way in sustainability by commissioning the Magellan Discoverer (South America’s first hybrid-electric polar vessel), as well as trialling the use of eFuels in their zodiacs.
Why Swoop loves working with Antarctica21
- Antarctica21 were one of Swoop’s first polar partners – with some team members having worked together since before our two companies were founded.
- Our relationship is so close that we’ve had team members join us from Antarctica21, while other Swoopers have left the office to work for them as polar guides.
- Antarctica21's specialises in Fly & Cruise trips, and their relentless focus on this core product has given them unbeatable operating experience in flying our guests to the White Continent with maximum ease.
- When Antarctica21 say they operate small ship cruises, they mean it: their Fly & Cruise trips carry fewer than 80 guests, so all guests can fly in and out on one plane, making for smooth logistics.
- With such small ships, guests benefit from maximum amount of time possible off the ship to enjoy Antarctica, including optional kayaking and snowshoeing for active travellers.
- Antarctica21 run Explorers House, their stylish and exclusive Punta Arenas home for guests to get ready for their trips or wait for flights, with pre-departure dinners and briefings.
- Like Swoop, Antarctica21 put sustainability at the core of their business, with their new hybrid electric ship Magellan Discover, and their pioneering the use of carbon neutral eFuels for their zodiacs.
- Antarctica21 are recognised as having one of the most loyal expedition teams in the business, so travelling with them is like being invited to join an onboard family.
What Swoop travellers think about Antarctica21
Antarctica21 trips scored 4.5/5 from 259 reviews
Antarctica21's ships
Magellan Discoverer
This ship's revolutionary new design combines the environmental benefits of a hybrid fuel system with the intimate experience of a small expedition ship.
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Ocean Nova
Built to ply the ice-choked waters of Western Greenland, the very popular Ocean Nova is a capable and comfortable ship carrying just 67 passengers.
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Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
Swoop works with every major Antarctic operator
Swoop’s unrivalled network of trusted partners across the polar fleet make it easy to find your dream Antarctic adventure.
Our expertise means we can offer impartial advice on which operator, ship, and departure is best for you.
And our Price Match Promise means that we’ll always match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1. Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2. Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3. Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
