Fly the Drake
A two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas, in the Chilean Patagonia, directly to Antarctica where you board your expedition ship. You thereby avoid the stormy seas of the Drake Passage – and the potential seasickness – and experience only the best Antarctica has to offer.
Cruise Antarctica
We offer a boutique-style wilderness adventure, not a cruise. Feeling more like private yachts than cruise ships, our small expedition vessels give you privileged access to Antarctica, taking you where larger ships cannot. With a smaller number of passengers, disembarkation is fast and efficient so you spend time exploring, not waiting.
Key benefits
COMFORT: Avoid storms in the Drake Passage
SPEED: Get to Antarctica quickly and save time
SIZE: Enjoy a small-ship, yacht-like experience
Itinerary
Jumping over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, we take you to one of the most spectacular places on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and remotest continent – Antarctica.
Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise – Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you are welcomed by our staff and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you attend a briefing that provides important information about your voyage and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.
Day 2: Scheduled Flight to Antarctica – Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel.
Days 3 to 6: Exploring Antarctica – Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations, and enjoy spectacular vistas from the glass- enclosed lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
No journey is the same as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary
experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places.
Day 7: Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica – Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).
Day 8: End of Air-Cruise – After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Unique Features
Veteran Antarctic aircraft pilots, experienced sea captains, an international team of polar guides and academics, and a team of seasoned travel professionals come together to create the experience. With passion, creativity and dedicated teamwork, we handcraft every expedition to be unique and personal.
Experience and Expertise
Our product pioneered the Antarctic Air-Cruise model. We are the world’s leader in this unique style of travel to Antarctica. We have completed over 140 fly and cruise departures, more than any other company in the world, by far.
One flight per expedition
We use a single flight to carry all travellers to and from Antarctica for each of our expeditions. This makes our operation fast and efficient while reducing the chance of weather-related delays compared to the alternatives.
Antarctic vehicle
Unique in its kind, “Bigfoot” was specially designed and built for our air-cruises. Its traction system can adapt to the changeable conditions of the Antarctic terrain.
High staff/traveller radio
Travel with a well-staffed team of at least twelve professional polar guides. Passionate and engaging, they will make your trip memorable.
Small is beautiful
Our air-cruises only operates small ships. With a small group of travellers, disembarkation is fast and efficient so you can spend more time exploring and less time waiting.