Magellan Discoverer

Overview

Building on a legacy of boutique, small-ship expeditions to the White Continent, the latest addition to the fleet, Magellan Discoverer, is set to embark on voyages during the 2026–27 Antarctic season.

Magellan Discoverer combines innovative design with a strong focus on environmental stewardship. Built as a sister ship to the esteemed Magellan Explorer, it shares its sibling’s elegance and style while incorporating a range of notable enhancements.

The vessel will be built at the ASENAV shipyard in Valdivia, Chile, the same shipyard responsible for building Magellan Explorer.

Specifications

Crew: 67
Guests: 76 (air-cruise), 96 (sea voyages)
Lunch year & Shipyard: 2026, ASENAV shipyard, Chile
Zodiacs: 10

Length: 94 m
Breadth: 17.2 m
Draft: 4.3 m
Ice-Class: PC6

Propulsion: 2x MAN main engines, total 3,600 kW
Cruising Speed: 14 knots
Stabilizers: Active stabilizers

TECHNOLOGY & FUEL

Hybrid-electric diesel propulsion with lithium-ion batteries
IMO Tier III engines with SCR technology
Marorka system optimizes fuel and energy efficiency

Amenities

All cabins except Porthole cabins feature private balconies
A wardrobe
An individually controlled heating system
A sitting area
A private bathroom with shower
Alcohol and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board.
Lectures and entertainment on board.

Facilities

Glass-enclosed observation lounge
Presentation room
Multipurpose Science Room
BBQ Area
Spacious and stylish dining room
Well-stocked bar
Library
Meeting room
Gym and sauna,
Medical clinic.

CO2 Emissions

Hybrid-electric propulsion combines diesel engines with lithium-ion batteries to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. An integrated heat-recovery system reuses engine exhaust heat for HVAC and hot water, while retractable fin stabilizers reduce drag and fuel consumption. The vessel also uses IMO Tier III-compliant SCR technology to reduce engine emissions.

Waste Management

Waste management meets MARPOL and IMO requirements, with waste segregated, tracked, compacted and securely stored until delivery to authorized port facilities. A reverse-osmosis system produces freshwater from seawater, reducing reliance on shore-based water supplies, while a ballast-water treatment system helps prevent ecological disruption.

Citizen Science Programs

The wet and dry science laboratories support researchers collecting and analyzing marine samples from the Southern Ocean. Guests can participate in citizen-science projects with international scientific institutions, contributing observations and data to ongoing Antarctic research. The onboard program also connects expedition activities with marine biology, oceanography and environmental monitoring.

Local First Initiative / Communities

Local suppliers, services, and products are prioritized across operations, supporting the Magallanes regional economy. Collaborations with academic institutions contribute to Antarctic science, art, conservation, and education, including research supporting climate studies and green-hydrogen solutions for Antarctic bases. The vessel itself was built in Chile by ASENAV, strengthening local maritime engineering and sustainable-technology capabilities.

Deck Plan

Deck 2

Clinic | Expedition Gear Storage | Wet Science Lab | Expedition Boarding and Mudroom

Deck 3

Dining Room | Reception | Single Veranda (301-310)

Deck 4

Grand Veranda N° 401 & 402 | Family Veranda N°405 & 406 | Triple veranda N° 411 & 412

Deluxe Veranda (403, 404 – 409-410 – 415-428) | Observation Deck

Deck 5

Grand Veranda N° 501 & 502, 509-512 | Deluxe veranda N° 503 – 508 | Library | Elevator

Multipurpose Science Room

Deck 6

Bridge | BBQ Area

Cabins

For our Antarctic air-cruises, the vessel will accommodate up to 76 guests in 40 cabins across three passenger decks, maintaining our boutique, yacht-like experience. Each cabin, including eight Grand Veranda Suites, two Family Suites, two Triple Veranda Cabins, twenty-two Deluxe Veranda Cabins, and six Single Veranda Cabins, offers a choice of either a king-size bed or two twin beds, comfortable sitting areas, and private balconies.

Triple Veranda Suite

52m² (560ft²)
3 guests (2 rooms)
En-suite bathroom
Balcony
Deck 4 – Mid

Single Veranda Cabin

26m² (280t²)
2 guests (2 single, 1 double)
En-suite bathroom
Balcony
Deck 3 – Mid

Deluxe Veranda Cabin

26m² (280ft²)
2 guests (2 single, 1 double)
En-suite bathroom
Balcony
Deck 4 & 5 – Aft, Mid & Fwd

Family Veranda Suite

52m² (560ft²)
4 guests (2 rooms)
En-suite bathroom
Balcony
Deck 4 – Aft

Grand Veranda Suite

38m² (409ft²)
2 guests (2 single, 1 double)
En-suite bathroom
Balcony
Deck 4 & 5 – Aft &Mid

Gallery

Voyages by this vessel

The below departures correspond to the Magellan Explorer, you can use our advanced filters to help you search and find the most perfect voyage for you. Please note all prices are reflected in USD and are quoted per person.