4 May 2026 – Antarctica21 reported that its 2025–26 season ended at near full capacity, with travellers from 53 countries. The company’s fly-and-cruise model bypasses the Drake Passage.
Near full capacity across Antarctic operations
Antarctica21 said the 2025–26 season operated at near full capacity, with travellers from 53 countries taking part in its Antarctic programmes.
The company operates small-ship expeditions combined with charter flights from southern Chile, enabling guests to reach King George Island before boarding expedition vessels.
Antarctica21 said it welcomed 2,847 travellers from 53 nationalities, selling 92% of its berth inventory across 42 voyages to Antarctica, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and the Chilean Fjords. North American travellers accounted for 40% of guests, while 60% came from other international markets.
The company operates a fleet that includes Magellan Explorer and Ocean Nova, both designed for expedition cruising in polar regions.
Fly-and-cruise model
The fly-and-cruise model involves a flight from southern Chile to King George Island.
Antarctica21 offers itineraries to the Antarctic Peninsula. The company describes its fly-and-cruise expeditions as a way to reach Antarctica more efficiently by combining air travel with small-ship exploration.
Guests fly from southern Chile to King George Island before embarking expedition vessels for voyages in the Antarctic Peninsula. Antarctica21 said its itineraries are designed to maximise time spent in Antarctica, with guided landings and excursions led by expedition teams.
Antarctica21 said post-expedition surveys showed 99% guest satisfaction, with the same percentage indicating they would recommend the experience.
Sustainability initiatives
Antarctica21 said it renewed its CarbonNeutral® certification for a seventh consecutive season.
In partnership with HIF Global, the company completed a second season using synthetic e-fuel produced in Punta Arenas to power the Zodiac fleet aboard Magellan Explorer.
Guests contributed more than USD 100,000 to the Antarctica21 Foundation, supporting initiatives in Punta Arenas, Antarctic science programmes and education projects related to Antarctica.
The company also said the solar panel system at its Explorers House expedition centre supplied 52% of the facility’s energy consumption during the season.
Management commentary
“Welcoming travelers from 53 countries confirms that the Antarctic air-cruise has become a global category. That growth carries responsibility, and this season’s results show we are delivering on it. Expedition travel and environmental leadership can move forward together,” said Brigitte Lämmle, Sales & Marketing Director at Antarctica21.
She added, “This season we also bid farewell to Ocean Nova, a vessel that shaped our story across 15 seasons and helped define the air-cruise experience as we know it.”
Fleet update
Antarctica21 said it is preparing to introduce Magellan Discoverer for the 2026–27 season.
The vessel is being built at the ASENAV shipyard in Valdivia, Chile, and will feature a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system designed to support quieter navigation and reduced emissions.
Source: Official announcement by Antarctica21 on 4 May, 2026
