Discover our fleet of Purpose-Built Vessels

How to choose the right Antarctic small ship for your expedition?

Our Fleet
24 Hours On Board
Why Small Ships
Get a Custom Quote
Speak to a Polar Expert

Meet Our Fleet

Purpose-designed for Antarctica21 air-cruises and sea voyages, our small ships carry fewer than 100 guests and are built to the latest Polar Code standards. Their size allows for flexible expedition planning, helping us make the most of conditions, wildlife encounters, and opportunities to explore Antarctica.

Magellan Discoverer

Artist's Rendering of the Magellan Discoverer
Artist's Rendering of the Magellan Discoverer
Cabin on Magellan Discoverer - Artist's Rendering
Panoramic Lounge - Artist's Rendering
Dining Room - Artist's Rendering
Sauna with panoramic view - Artist's Rendering
Gym with panoramic view - Artist's Rendering
Magellan Discoverer Overview Video
01
0
1

Magellan Explorer

Magellan Explorer
Magellan Explorer
Cabin on Magellan Explorer
Lounge with a view
Lounge Bar
Sauna
Magellan Explorer Overview Video
01
0
1

24 Hours On Board

With less than 100 guests and a high staff-to-guest ratio, the atmosphere feels like an exclusive explorers' club, with thoughtful touches. Even in the remote Southern Ocean, our chefs prepare varied, detail-driven menus paired with curated Chilean wines, and weather permitting, guests can enjoy a deck barbecue against the Antarctic landscape.

Sunrise in Antarctica
Each morning begins with a suggested wake-up call around 7 a.m.
Breakfast awaits on Deck 3, which usually includes dishes like scrambled eggs and french toast.
After breakfast, it’s time for your first excursion of the day, which departs no later than 9:30 a.m. Experiences include Zodiac expeditions to see humpback whales or landings on Antarctic to observe waddling penguins.
After your morning excursion, which lasts approximately two hours, you will arrive back on the ship. Where you’re greeted by the expedition staff, who usually prepare a lecture to introduce you to Antarctic knowledge, from the history of human presence to all the species of whales.
In the dining room, a self-serve spread awaits after the presentation. Which ranges from dishes like sauteed vegetables with fish and rice to roasted chicken and pasta. There’s also a salad station.
After lunch, there is about an hour and a half of free time. You can choose to go to your cabin for a nap or take in more of Antarctica’s vast landscapes from the Observation Deck.
In the late afternoon, you leave for your second excursion of the day.
Once you arrive back on the ship, you will likely have another lecture combined with a review of the day.
That leaves another hour of free time, here you can enjoy the gym or a steamy session in the onboard sauna.
By 7:30 p.m., dinner begins, a true fine-dining experience with menu service and three courses. There’s a wide selection of wines, from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to Chilean Carmenere and Argentine Malbec. Desserts range from decadent chocolate lava cakes to tart apple strudels with vanilla ice cream.
You’ll likely be pretty tired after dinner, which makes for an ideal time to grab a nightcap at the bar. Take your negroni or manhattan to the cozy library, where you can select a title from a wide range of literature on Antarctica.
Then it’s off to bed to prepare for the next day of adventure!
01
1
Small Ship advantages

Why Small Ships? 

Our small expedition ships are more like private yachts, offering direct access to areas along the Antarctic shore that larger ships can't reach.

With less than 100 guests onboard, you get on and off the ship without waiting in line, so your time ashore is focused on savoring every moment of a travel experience unlike any other. Smaller groups also create a more personal and immersive experience, allowing guests to build genuine connections with both fellow travelers and our expedition staff.

Has this sparked your interest in an adventure with Antarctica21?
Let’s start planning together.

Get a Custom Quote
Speak to a Polar Expert
Group of people in cold-weather gear boarding a ship from a small inflatable boat near a large blue glacier.

Hear It From Our Travelers

“

"An extraordinary experience. Beyond the sheer scale of being in Antarctica, Antarctica21 demonstrated operational excellence beyond compare, attending to every detail and providing unparalleled service in every aspect. The cruise ship is luxurious, specially designed for expeditions of this kind. The multidisciplinary expedition team is top-notch, and they take care to complement the experience with fascinating technical presentations. The onboard catering is excellent and very varied. Highly recommended."

Sven G - Traveler from Chile
Classic Antarctica Expedition, 2025