ANTARCTICA
A Fly + Cruise Expedition | Aboard the Magellan Explorer
Returning for our 7th season:
JANUARY 15-22, 2026
Fly over the Drake Passage and explore the astounding 7th continent with the most experienced air-cruise expedition team in Antarctica. With special perks for our group.
"Without question the most amazing place I’ve been to is Antarctica. Nowhere else has the planet truly blown my mind. Nowhere else have I felt so exhilaratingly small. Nowhere else has the natural world–– the animal kingdom, the majesty of the landscape—felt so overpowering." -Alex Ros, Founder of Open Sky Expeditions
Trip Dates: January 15-22, 2026
Starting Location: Punta Arenas, Chile
Flying to Antarctica: via private air charter
Aboard, in Antarctica: Magellan Explorer
Air-Cruise Capacity: 76 Passengers
Group Size: expecting 16 + our host/leader
Photo Pro / Tour Leader: Temu Nana
Starting rate: $18,995 (Porthole Cabin)
Antarctica books far in advance each season. In order to ensure you have options in choosing your cabin category, we recommend booking early.
DOWNLOAD THE TRIP BROCHURE FOR FULL TRIP DETAILS
Inside the brochure you will find:
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An introduction to the air-cruise model pioneered by our partner Antarctica21
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Day-by-day itinerary for January 15-22, 2026 (also here)
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A full bio for our Open Sky Expeditions trip leader/photo pro Temu Nana
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Info on Antarctica21's top notch expedition staff & their Education Program
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Overview of potential trip extensions in Chile, a country we know intimately
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Introduction on the Magellan Explorer, Antarctica21's state-of-the-art expedition vessel, custom-designed for air-cruises, for a maximum of 76 passengers
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Specs on the plane we use to fly from Chile to Antarctica
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Details on Antarctica21's recently debuted Explorer's House in Punta Arenas.
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Interviews with Magellan Explorer's Expedition Leader & Cruise Manager
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Trip rates & inclusions (also here)
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Planning notes from Antarctica21
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Terms & Conditions
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An overview on optional extras such as sea kayaking & more
A TASTE OF THIS EPIC EXPERIENCE:
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS AND EXPERIENCES
Explore stunning iceberg fields and massive fjords on daily landings & zodiac excursions
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands on daily zodiac outings that immerse you into an other-worldly landscape of towering ice monoliths and seaside mountain ranges. Camera-in-tow, these outings offer unparalleled photography accessibility for scenery and wildlife on land and over the water.
Experience up-close encounters with Antarctica's iconic wildlife
Have you dreamt of spending a day amongst a penguin colony? Or perhaps watching a whale surface for air just feet away from you? January is prime-time for wildlife observation on the Antarctic peninsula. Create impressive, up-close photos of seals, penguins, whales, and seabirds alongside professional wildlife photographers, scientists, and area experts.
Workshop your photography alongside a dedicated photo expert + instructor
Our Open Sky Expeditions travel expert and photo pro Temu Nana will accompany the group throughout the experience. You will have the opportunity to receive professional photo instruction in the field, and post-production workshops while aboard the ship. Take your photography to the next level in one of the wildest places on earth.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
JANUARY 15, 2026
Arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile and transfer to your centrally located hotel. In the afternoon, attend a briefing providing important information about your voyage and reviewing the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Gather for a welcome dinner later this evening and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.
JANUARY 16, 2026
Fly the Drake + Embark Magellan Explorer in Antarctica
Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the plane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel. Begin your Antarctic expedition.
JANUARY 17-20, 2026
Explore Antarctica
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
No journey in Antarctica is exactly the same. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you’ll explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places.
JANUARY 21, 2026
Return Flight to Punta Arenas, Chile
Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night.
JANUARY 22, 2026
Fly home or continue on trip extension
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight. We offer trip extensions to Patagonia, Easter Island, the Atacama Desert, and more. Continue your exploration of Chile with these or a 100% bespoke arrangement.
THE MAGELLAN EXPLORER
New and stylish, Magellan Explorer is a modern expedition vessel that was constructed in Chile in 2019 to the latest polar specifications for Antarctica21’s air-cruises. She accommodates 76 passengers in seven categories of accommodation for air-cruises, including dedicated Single Cabins. Magellan Explorer offers spacious accommodation and a wide range of technical solutions designed to enhance the expedition experience.
Luxury amenities meet the expedition experience aboard the Magellan Explorer
Magellan Explorer has a glass-enclosed observation lounge, presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, well-stocked bar, library, meeting room, medical clinic, sauna and a gym. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the bow of the ship, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching. 90% of cabins have balconies which can be wonderfully comfortable, protected places to photograph from.
Elevated comfort in seven unique cabin styles
All cabins except Porthole cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins except two have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with shower. Check out our "Cabin Details" PDF with the button below to explore your accommodation options.
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Porthole - King bed or 2 twins. [200 sq ft]
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Veranda - King bed or 2 twins. [210 sq ft]
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Deluxe Veranda - King bed or 2 twins [240 sq ft]
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Penthouse - King bed or 2 twins [360 sq ft]
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Grand Suite - King bed or two twins. [480 sq ft]
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Single Veranda - 1 King bed or 2 twins. [200 sq ft]
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Triple - 2 twins + Queen-size sofa bed. [480 sq ft]
EXPEDITION FEATURES FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Artistic exploration is the very core of Open Sky Expeditions. No place on earth has astounded our team and travelers more than Antarctica, providing once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunity. The uniqueness of this environment provides a canvas for photographers to explore their style in a completely new realm of creative possibility. We've designed this expedition to give photographers of any skill level an exclusive and elevated experience.
An Endlessly Inspiring Destination
Does anything really need to be said? Antarctica is a feast, a shangri-la for photographers! Incredible landscapes, stunning wildlife, surprising color, and soft, long-lasting light abound. Photographers can hardly ask for more. Our expedition has the flexibility to cater activities to your specific photographic genre.
January: An Ideal Time of Year
This is a sweet spot for photographers as wildlife is already booming for summer, but the landscape is still wonderfully pristine from the long austral winter – something particularly evident in all the penguin colonies that aren't yet tarnished by snowmelt or excessive amounts of guano.
Priority access for our photographers
Most fellow passengers will come on their own, so our pooled interests as a group, with an effective leader at the helm, will give us priority for daily outings. Temu will work directly with the ship's crew, whom he knows well, to facilitate photo-specific zodiac groupings and routes.
On-shore Access Perks
With a maximum of 76 passengers onboard, this is one of the smaller operations in Antarctica. And being under 100 is particularly important, as that is the maximum number of people Antarctic regulations allow ashore at one time. So, you won't have to wait for your "rotation" to be called up, as those on larger ships must.
Expert Photo Instructor
Temu Nana has led dozens of trips spanning all 7 continents, much of which was spent on small-cruise ships, like the Magellan Explorer. He'll come interested in you, understanding where you are with photography if you've shared with us, and eager to offer one-on-one guidance throughout the trip.
Pre-Trip Photo Materials
In addition to a written photography guide, we'll offer a pre-trip photography webinar to go over gear suggestions and challenges of the shooting environment. We'll also talk about what level of photography you feel comfortable with and what you're looking to practice on the trip.
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EXPEDITION LEADER + PHOTO PRO
TEMU NANA has been leading educational journeys around the globe for 15 years, and in particular photo tours the past 11 years with Open Sky Expeditions. As a successful professional tour manager—given his extensive experience in travel logistics, attention to detail, and knack for making people feel at ease—Temu’s ambitious international travel schedule quickly accelerated photography from a fun hobby to a profession. And in the process, he discovered an aptitude for teaching others how to compose the most compelling images and most effectively use their photo equipment. He first came under Antarctica’s magic spell 7 years ago, and has now been taking our Antarctica21-hosted groups yearly since 2019 (with only 2020 off when nobody went to Antarctica...), giving him direct and recent experience with the air-cruise model. Temu’s photography covers the gamut in styles, but his top passions are wildlife, landscape, and astro/night photography.
TRIP EXTENSIONS IN CHILE
With the time saved by flying over the Drake Passage—four days total—consider an extension in Chile. Open Sky owner Alex Ros lived in Chile for seven years, and has been taking folks there since 2004 (with Open Sky since 2011), so we know it very well. Reviews from our past pre-Antarctica extensions have been excellent. You can pick from one of pre-designed options below—on which we offer our expertise at discounted rates simply as a bonus to Antarctica—or, let us help you build one, either by adding to the pre-designed extensions, or doing something entirely customized. Feel free to ask us for more details when you inquire.
RATES, INCLUSIONS, AND BOOKING
TRIP RATES
Trip cost corresponds to cabin category once aboard ship in Antarctica. You can see details on the different cabin types here.
PORTHOLE - $18,995
VERANDA - $23, 495
DELUXE VERANDA - $25,495
PENTHOUSE - $30,495
SUITE - $28,995
SINGLE VERANDA - $30,495
TRIPLE - $20,995
The above rates are per person, double occupancy—except for the Triple which is triple occupancy, and the Single Veranda, which is for one person.
For full rate details and terms and conditions, please review the trip's full PDF Brochure.
READY TO BOOK THIS TRIP?
REGISTRATION FORM - Book now by filling out the trip's registration form with the button below, and pay a $4,000 per person deposit to confirm participation on the trip.
FYI ONCE YOU BOOK - Once you are confirmed for the trip, we'll provide helpful pre-departure information including a pre-trip timeline & insurance recommendations. Flight booking guidelines and a private portal for participants will follow at the appropriate time. See more details about our pre-trip prep on this dedicated webpage.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? - We're happy to assist! Please contact us at info@openskyexpeditions.com, or call us at 1.884.OPENSKY or +1.212.441.0024
INCLUDED IN THE RATE
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Group transfers between Punta Arenas airport and the hotel on arrival, return from Antarctica, & departure.
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2 overnights with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on the first night (January 15th, with a welcome dinner including drinks that night) and the last night on return from Antarctica (January 21st).
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The flight between Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island en route to and returning from Antarctica.
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Ship cruise aboard the Magellan Explorer along the Antarctic Peninsula as indicated in the itinerary.
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Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
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Daily served dinner on board ship offering a choice of three main courses.
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Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship
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Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition.
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All guided shore excursions.
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Lectures and entertainment on board.
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Access to Antarctica21’s exclusive Explorer House in Punta Arenas
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Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
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Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
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The contingency plan as described in the brochure PDF.
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IAATO passenger fee.
Plus, exclusively for participants traveling with Open Sky Expeditions:
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An Open Sky Expeditions Tour Leader & Photo Pro throughout the trip (read more here).
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Open Sky Expeditions’ dedicated guide on Photography in Antarctica.
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Access to our Tour Leader & Photo Pro before departure.
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An invitation to a pre-trip webinar/Q&A session that will help you prepare for your trip, including covering key notes on photography in Antarctica (also recorded for later viewing).
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Access to a private trip portal presenting everything you need to know before departure in a thoughtful, organized way.
These last 5 inclusions are exclusively for our group (our participants pay the same rates as other travelers on the same departure, but other travelers don't get these).
Participants in our group also benefit from (amongst other things):
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our expertise in Chile offered at a reduced rate for custom pre- or post-trip arrangements.
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easy-to-purchase travel insurance with our dedicated partner
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guidance & assistance with flight arrangements
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and more.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE RATE
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Accommodation, meals, excursions & transfers other than those included in the itinerary and Contingency Plan
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Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar
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Personal travel insurance (see here for recommendations)
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Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
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Gratuities onboard
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Visa for Chile should it be required for you (U.S. citizens don't need it), passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
TRIP REQUIREMENTS
To participate on this trip, you will need:
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Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months after the trip ends
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Have travel insurance that at least covers emergency medical evacuation. This can be obtained after booking the trip. Click here to view details on the options offered via our partners Travel Insured International and Wanderwell.
