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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About Antarctica21
- A proudly Chilean registered and owned business
- Named in 2019 as one of Chile’s best managed companies
- Operated in Antarctica since 2003
- One of the most experienced management teams in the business; the senior management team averages 25+ years of polar experience each
- Number of ships: 2
- Length of partnership with Swoop: Since 2014
What our customers think about Antarctica21
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What makes Antarctica21 special?
- As the ground-breaking pioneers of the Fly & Cruise concept in 2003 – flying instead of sailing to Antarctica – there’s nobody more experienced, knowledgeable and qualified to successfully get you in and out of the White Continent by plane. The company's success is their growing list of imitators – copied yet rarely bettered
- A21's 98% success rate is market leading and attests to their superior operational competency, preferential relationship with their longstanding flight partner, and unparalleled knowledge of Antarctica’s mercurial weather patterns
- As a Chilean-based company from the southerly city of Punta Arenas, A21’s roots are firmly Patagonian. This rich heritage, fused with a natural aversion to risk-taking, a clinical professional integrity and a deep commitment to delivering the very best experience for their guests, encompass A21’s core DNA
- A21 are rightfully proud of their outstanding onboard expedition team, which is second to none – the true rockstars of any Antarctic trip. They are backed up by one of the most experienced management teams in the business
- Lastly, A21 are unique in the market: the small size of their two ships provides guests with a more intimate and personalised experience that is hard to replicate on larger vessels
Swoop says
The strength of the Swoop-A21 partnership pivots around the depth of confidence we have in placing our guests in their trust. This stems directly from A21’s consistent success at delivering a high-quality experience over many seasons in one of the world’s most challenging operational environments. Put simply, there’s no other operator who compares with their experience and track record.
Stefano Silvente Antarctica Specialist
Fun facts about Antarctica21
Our partnership with A21 runs deeper than with almost every other operator:
- Alex, our Head of Swoop Antarctica, has partnered with A21 since 2004 – the year after the company’s inception – and was a special guest at their 20th anniversary celebration in Patagonia in September 2023
- After 11 years working in the polar regions – six of those with A21 – Loli swapped ship life for dry land and joined Swoop Antarctica in 2016 as a Polar Specialist, bringing a deep wealth of operational experience and knowledge with her
- In contrast, after 4 years at Swoop, Tennessee ditched his desk and took up the siren call of the Southern Ocean, joining A21 as their much loved polar historian
- Otto, a cruise industry veteran, joined Swoop in 2023 from A21, where he was the US Market Manager. His insights into the Fly & Cruise business are invaluable when talking with customers who are planning a trip
Swoop says
There’s no other polar agent who knows A21 better than Swoop or understands the nuances of Fly & Cruise logistics.
Antarctica21's ships
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.
Discover MoreMagellan 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.
Discover MoreMeet the Antarctica21 team
A21 guides in Antarctica
The outstanding calibre of A21’s onboard expedition staff remains one of their superpowers:
- Many of the team are seasoned Antarctic veterans, and that level of experience matters in a challenging environment like this
- Their expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:6 is low, ensuring everyone has access to plenty of 1-2-1 interaction
- Our guests appreciate the whole team being around in the evening, in the bar and dining room, to share their anecdotes and enrich the overall experience
A few key members you may meet on your voyage:
Sandra Walser
- Historian & Cruise Manager
- Has taken part in more than 70 Antarctic and Arctic expedition cruises as a lecturer in polar history, a naturalist guide, a photographer and zodiac driver
- Member of the Polar Tourism Guides Association and certified as a Senior Polar Guide
- Delights in helping guests discover the magic and fragility of the Antarctic, as well as experience the trip of a lifetime
- Recently published a widely acclaimed book focusing on a pioneering cruise to Spitsbergen in 1896
David Berg
- Expedition Leader
- Educated in Earth Sciences and Glaciology and is an accomplished lecturer, as well as being a polar history enthusiast
- Has a wide range of experience, from leading expeditions on different ships to dogsled driving and kayak guiding
- Completed an unsupported crossing of Greenland's inland ice, following the footsteps of one of his heroes, Fridtjof Nansen
- Has spent several winters driving snowmobiles and guiding for Sweden's Ice Hotel, often in -50°C temperatures
Tennessee Blackmore
- Antarctic History Lecturer
- Working as A21’s polar historian brings together Tennessee’s natural showmanship in front of an audience and deep passionate for Antarctic history
- Rarely fails to captivate listeners with his enthusiasm for his subject
- Is currently writing a biography on his hero, James Clark Ross
- Was a Polar Specialist at Swoop Antarctica for 4 years prior to joining A21
What our customers think about A21's guides
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Swoop offers the following Antarctica21 trips
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
