Antarctica Family Expedition | Porchlight Passport

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ANTARCTICA21 AIR-CRUISE EXPEDITIONS

December 2028 & December 2029

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Why Expedition Cruising Changed the Way We Think About Antarctica

We’ve seen traditional Antarctica itineraries that spend multiple days crossing the Drake Passage before guests ever see the White Continent. Antarctica21 takes a different approach.

Fly the Drake instead of sailing it. Their two-hour flight from Punta Arenas gets you to Antarctica quickly, so your expedition time is spent exploring glaciers, penguin colonies, and ice-filled fjords rather than enduring a rough ocean crossing.

Small ships make a huge difference. With a maximum of 76 guests on board, everyone can typically disembark at the same time, meaning more time ashore and less time waiting for your turn to explore one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.

Quick Facts

Dates

Length

December 2028 and December 2029

6–10 days depending on itinerary

Ages

Max travelers

The maximum capacity is 76 on board.

Best for kids ages 8 and up.

Activity level

Moderate: daily Zodiac excursions, optional kayaking and hiking available

Why We Chose This Trip

Two penguins touching beaks, one appears to be nuzzling the other.

This is truly where expedition travel changes everything. Instead of treating Antarctica as a destination you endure a long ocean crossing to reach, Antarctica21 is built around maximizing your time on the continent itself.

What makes this itinerary stand out is the combination of quick access, intimate ship size, expert polar guides, and flexible expedition routing. No two departures are exactly alike because the route is shaped by wildlife activity, ice conditions, and weather patterns, creating a far more authentic polar experience than a traditional cruise schedule.

We also chose this trip to save 4 days by flying over the Drake Passage both ways.

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SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Punta Arenas

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, attend your expedition briefing at Explorers House, and enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 2: Fly to Antarctica

Board the approximately two-hour flight to King George Island, where your boutique expedition vessel awaits.
Days 3–6: Explore Antarctica

Cruise through the South Shetland Islands and the western Antarctic Peninsula, navigating among glaciers, icebergs, and dramatic fjords. Each day includes Zodiac landings with expert polar guides and opportunities to encounter penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds.
Day 7: Return to Punta Arenas

Fly back from Antarctica to Punta Arenas and transfer to your included hotel for the evening.
Day 8: Departure

Enjoy breakfast before your airport transfer for your onward flight home.
Want a longer adventure? Antarctica21 also offers a 10-day Polar Circle expedition, an 18-day Antarctica & South Georgia journey, and a 6-day Antarctica Express option for travelers with less time.

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What’s Included

- Hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas as specified in the itinerary
- Accommodation aboard your boutique expedition vessel
- Private cabin with ensuite bathroom
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and three-course dinners on board
- Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks with onboard meals
- Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks throughout the expedition
- Flight between Punta Arenas and King George Island (when applicable)
- All guided Zodiac shore excursions
- Expert polar guide program and onboard lectures
- Waterproof boot loan
- Airport and hotel transfers included in the expedition program

What’s Not Included

International flights to/from Chile or Argentina depending on the trip chosen
- Personal travel and medical evacuation insurance
- Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
- Bar purchases outside included meal beverages
- Laundry, souvenirs, communication charges, and gratuities
- Visa, passport, and entry permit expenses where applicable
- Extra activities such as sea kayaking

Pricing varies by itinerary, departure date, ship, and cabin category. Antarctica21 operates two boutique vessels: Magellan Explorer and Magellan Discoverer.

Final itinerary and pricing will depend on interest.

Pricing

Large luxury expedition cruise ship named 'Magellan Discoverer' sailing in icy waters with mountains in the background, with a small inflatable boat carrying tourists nearby.

Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise

⏱︎ 8 days / 7 nights

Most popular itinerary
Complete Antarctic Peninsula experience

From USD 15,995 per person

People standing on the deck of a ship in icy waters with snow-covered mountains in the background.

Polar Circle Air-Cruise

⏱︎ 10 days / 9 nights

Extended exploration farther south
Attempt to reach the Antarctic Circle

From USD 24,995 per person

View from a boat showing a metal bell hanging from the ship's structure with a landscape of snowy mountains and rocky islands in the background under cloudy sky.

Shortest and most affordable Antarctica21 option

⏱︎ 6 days / 5 nights

Antarctica Express Air-Cruise

From USD $5,995 per person

Deposit: $4,000 USD per person for most itineraries ($1,750 USD for Antarctica Express). Final payment is due 120 days before departure.

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Room Options

A hotel room with a king-sized bed, a balcony with ocean view, a small table with chairs, a desk, and modern decor.

A modern hotel room with a large bed, decorative pillows, artwork of a lake landscape above the bed, a sliding glass door leading to a balcony with a beach view, a round mirror, a sitting chair, and striped curtains.

Family Veranda Suite

Deluxe Veranda Cabin

Hotel room with a gray sofa, a wooden chair, large glass sliding doors with curtains, and a view of the city skyline and water outside.

Modern hotel room with a large bed, artwork above the headboard, and sliding glass doors leading to a balcony with ocean view.

Grand Veranda Suite

Single Veranda Cabin

An upgraded suite with a larger sitting area and balcony, perfect for travelers wanting extra comfort and panoramic Antarctic views.

Sleeps up to 6 or 8

Single Supplement Applies

Designed specifically for solo travelers, offering private accommodation without a single-use supplement on dedicated single cabins.

Sleeps up to 4

A comfortable cabin featuring a private balcony, sitting area, individual climate control, and ensuite bathroom.

A spacious two-room suite with a private balcony, ideal for families who want additional space to relax between expedition outings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.

This is a small, hosted group trip, so you get the ease of a group departure with private, family focused planning. I handle the logistics so you can just show up and be present with your kids.
Fill out the interest form on this page and I will follow up personally to talk through dates, pricing, and next steps. A deposit holds your family’s spot once we are ready to confirm.
We do not have a firm cutoff date yet since we are still finalizing the itinerary that our group will for sure go on. Once we set one, we will let everyone know well in advance and walk through what your options are for your deposit and next steps.
Your advisor for this trip is Morgan Sanders. You can reach me anytime at morgansanders@travelmation.net, or just fill out the form on this page and I will reach out to you.
A deposit holds your spot once we confirm the trip is a go. Since dates and pricing are still being finalized, I will share the exact deposit amount and final payment date once it is set, and we will walk through it together.
Every traveling party is responsible for their own entry requirements. That means a valid passport with enough blank pages, and one that does not expire within 6 months of your travel dates, plus any visas required for the destination. I am glad to point you toward the right resources, but the passport and visa itself is on you to handle.
Most activities involve boarding Zodiacs, walking on uneven snowy or rocky terrain, and climbing short stairways or gangways. Travelers should be comfortable with moderate daily activity.
Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands are well-known for abundant penguin colonies, along with seals, whales, and numerous seabird species during the austral summer.
Antarctica21 is unique in that it uses a single dedicated flight for all guests on each expedition and has operational procedures designed to reduce weather-related disruption. The expedition fare also includes a contingency plan for certain delay situations.
Yes. Children 8 years and older are welcome provided they meet the minimum height and weight requirements and are accompanied by a responsible adult.
Sea kayaking is an optional small-group program that must be reserved separately and is available on select departures.

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Terms & Conditions

All itineraries are subject to weather, ice conditions, wildlife activity, and Antarctic operational regulations. Landing sites and routing may change based on conditions encountered during the voyage. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended for all Antarctic expeditions.

For complete booking terms, payment schedules, cancellation policies, and expedition conditions, refer to the official Antarctica21 Terms & Conditions documentation.