Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage Expedition

This fly-in expedition offers a seamless journey to Antarctica, avoiding the notorious Drake Passage by air. Begin in Puerto Natales, Chile, before taking a direct flight to King George Island, the gateway to the Antarctic Peninsula. Spend six incredible days exploring the icy wilderness, encountering vast penguin colonies, seals, whales, and towering ice formations. With expert guides leading Zodiac excursions, hikes, and kayak outings, this adventure provides an intimate and immersive Antarctic experience. Conclude with a return flight to Puerto Natales, capping off an extraordinary expedition.

Note: This expedition can be customized for shorter durations of 8 or 9 days. Please inquire for more details on alternative itineraries.

10 Day Antarctica Itinerary

Day 1: Puerto Natales, Chile

Arrive in Puerto Natales, a charming gateway to Patagonia’s wild landscapes. Nestled along the Last Hope Sound, this former fishing town offers stunning mountain views. Transfer to your hotel, enjoy a welcome dinner, and attend a briefing on your upcoming adventure.

Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner

Day 2: Puerto Natales / King George Island / Embark Ship

Embark on a two-hour flight to King George Island, where your expedition ship awaits. Encounter Antarctic wildlife - including elephant seals and Weddell seals, as well as Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins - before boarding and setting sail for the icy waters of the White Continent.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3 - 8: Exploring Antarctica

Spend six days fully immersed in Antarctica’s awe-inspiring landscapes. Experience up-close encounters with wildlife as you hike near penguin rookeries, kayak among icebergs, and cruise by Zodiac through glacial waters in search of seals and whales. Witness the grandeur of towering ice formations, explore remote research stations, and marvel at the ever-changing scenery under the long Antarctic daylight. Each day offers new and unforgettable discoveries, guided by expert naturalists and photographers.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9: King George Island / Disembark / Fly to Puerto Natales

Disembark at King George Island and board your return flight to Puerto Natales. Spend the evening reflecting on your Antarctic adventure in the comfort of your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10: Puerto Natales / Departure

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport, marking the end of your extraordinary expedition.

Meals Included: Breakfast

10 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights

Fly the Drake Passage: Avoid the rough seas and reach Antarctica quickly and comfortably.

Wildlife Encounters: Observe penguins, seals, and whales in their pristine natural habitat.

Immersive Exploration: Experience Antarctica through Zodiac excursions, kayaking, and guided hikes.

Stunning Ice Landscapes: Witness massive icebergs, glaciers, and vast frozen expanses.

Expert-Led Adventure: Learn from naturalists, photographers, and expedition leaders.

10 Day Antarctica cruise activities

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.

Similar Itineraries