Antarctica is my favorite destination in the world. With eight expeditions to date, I have become a true expert on the Antarctic experience, from luxury to premium to about as basic as possible. While I am not yet sure exactly where Antartica21 lies, it is closer to standard and premium, especially since it has been upgrading its ships.(More on that in a bit), so let’s find out!
When I was invited to experience Antartica21’s 76-passenger Magellan Explorer, all I really knew about the company was that the expedition team members I sailed with on other companies had nothing but good things to say about their experiences and that its overall reputation was solid. While I wasn’t confident that my current clients would find Antarctica21 to be a good fit, three things made me say, “Yes!”:
- I don’t think I could ever turn down an invitation for an Antarctic (or Arctic) expedition;
- Ya never know where you might find a “hidden gem” and,
- Antarctica is the original “Fly the Drake” company with years of experience and infrastructure.
Some background first!
When I made my first journey to Antarctica in 2018, only about 45,000 people – including scientists and “sail-bys” – visited the continent. By 2023, there were over 105,000 visitors, and the number has increased even more since then. While this increase in visitors is worrisome to me because of the potential for negative environmental impact, it is also a positive due to the significant increase in awareness of Antarctica’s ecological sensitivity and magnificence. And, of course, with that, the accessibility to Antarctica has increased with more ships (far too many, in my opinion, but that is another article) and the diversity of interests and desires of those visitors.
The “Fly the Drake” concept addresses two significant issues for those wishing to visit Antarctica:
- Lack of Time – Most people only have two to three weeks of vacation a year, so an expedition, which includes up to four days of travel to/from Antarctica, is too long; and,
- The Fear of Crossing the Drake Passage. While, with my many crossings, I have only had a couple of Drake Shake experiences and many more Drake Lake than that, the hype and fear of seasickness prevent many from even considering an expedition.
Back in 2003, Chilean-owned and Punta Arenas-based Antarctica21 started the first “Fly the Drake” experience. Yes, it is the OG! (For those who don’t know what OG means, it is a sincere compliment to the “Original Gangster”.) The result, with over two decades of experience, is what appears to be a well-crafted and organized experience once you arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile; its home base.
I will be flying into Santiago, Chile, on February 12th and then spending two days there. I found the airfare was significantly lower flying in a day early, so much so that it covered the cost of my Marriott Santiago hotel stay and a great dining experience (to be shared in my next article). It also placed me much higher on the United upgrade list. (Note: I do not normally stay at standard Marriott properties, but the price was right, and even though don’t plan on doing much sightseeing, spending most of my time working, it is in a nice, upscale, location.)
Early in the morning of February 15th, I will fly about four hours on LATAM down to Punta Arenas with a 10:14 AM arrival – leaving time for LATAM’s regularly late departures – so that I will be on time for the afternoon orientation. I was offered to upgrade to Premium Economy by way of a bid or just pay $55. (You know I just paid it.) While it just gives you nobody in the middle seat and a slightly better meal, for me, with the long travel days, not having someone next to me infringing on my space made it worth it.
Upon arrival I will be greeted by Antarctica21 and transferred to the one-night included hotel stay at the centrally located Hotel Cabo de Hornos. Then, I must be ready and present at Antarctica21’s private Explorer House for orientation at 2:00 PM. (Explorer House is available to all guests from 11:00 a.m.) This is when you will receive your training regarding biosafety, life jackets, zodiac use, etc., as well as receive your muck boots. Explorers House also offers a shop for last-minute supplies, a lounge and bar for socializing with fellow passengers, and a welcome dinner. (Entrance is by way of your personalized QR Code…kinda cool.)
NOTE: Antarctica21 only supplies muck boots. You must bring your own parka, inner layers, and waterproof pants. Ironically, I found myself in a curious position: Even though I have about a dozen parkas from my previous Antarctic and Arctic expeditions, all of them are branded by other lines, so wearing one of them would be inappropriate. Hence, I was forced to purchase a generic one. (With some hunting around, I found a great Helly Hansen parka for only $100; though Antarctica21 does offer a branded Helly Hansen parka for $500+ if you are interested.)
Due to weather and scheduling, I won’t know when the estimated departure time is the next day until the orientation. Yes, I said estimated. Flights to King George Island are notorious for having to work within tight weather windows due to wind, snow, and visibility. However, with its history and Chilean roots, Antarctica21 has forged a close relationship with DAP Airlines – owner/operators of the Flying Penguin aircraft – with flights to King George Island in Antarctica’s South Shetland Islands. And that means that Antarctica21 receives priority over other expedition companies when it comes to flights. Nice!
With the estimated departure time set, luggage will be brought down to the hotel lobby, which won’t be seen again until it arrives in your stateroom. (Small carry-on luggage is allowed.) One then boards the plane wearing the muck boots given out the afternoon before, along with waterproof pants. This is because after your two-hour flight, you arrive on King George Island and, if the 10-minute shuttle isn’t available, you must walk a good distance to the awaiting zodiacs for a, hopefully not too wet, transfer to the Magellan Explorer.
I will be staying in a Single Veranda cabin, which is nicely sized at 210 sq. ft., the same as a standard Veranda cabin. It comes with a robe, water bottle, and coffee maker.
Slightly larger is the Deluxe Veranda cabin, which comes with a few added amenities, such as a stocked refrigerator and some snacks. There are also Penthouse and Deluxe suites, though I am not sure with the premium for them versus what the product is they make the most sense. There are also Porthole and Triple cabins.
The Magellan Explorer has an Observation and Presentation Lounge with a Bar, Sauna, Gym, Library, and Dining Room. In other words, what is needed for a shorter expedition.
As I mentioned, Antarctica21 has been offloading its older ships, making it a more attractive option for many. Soon, it will be operating two new ships: Magellan Explorer and its sistership – which will be a bit larger and elevated – Magellan Discoverer.
After settling in, the Magellan Explorer will get us on expedition by the next morning. With only four days “on the ice,” we won’t be going too far south, but Antarctica21 assures me that we will make the most of our time. That is what I have been told is Antarctica21’s strong suit! Remember, especially in Antarctica, it is not the distance you travel but the experiences you have. (I have been looking at some recent posts from some travel agents on another line that is known for low prices and lesser expedition team members, and, frankly, it is frustrating to see them being cheated out of the true, amazing, Antarctic experienced.)
On Day 7, after our four-day expedition – we do the reverse, flying back to Punta Arenas and then overnighting at the same hotel. While, in theory, it might be possible to fly back to Santiago that evening, due to the issues with flying out of King George Island, it is just too risky. Therefore, I am flying out on Day 8 in the morning after my included breakfast. (Lunch and Dinner on Day 7 are not included, but it does give me a chance to explore Punta Arenas a bit more.)
The Santiago, Chile, domestic and international terminals are next to each other and since I will have a long layover, including about five hours before I can check in for my United flight back to the US, I have booked a room at the Holiday Inn – Santiago Airport. It gives me time to get horizontal and shower before my three flights back to Tahoe.
Yes, this will be a compressed Antarctica experience, which may be perfect and/or the only way those with limited free time can visit this amazing place, but for me, it is about capturing “the moments.” From what I understand – and shall soon hopefully see – Antarctica21 specialized in doing just that!
Interested in an Antarctica expedition? Let me know!
