Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

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.

Day by day

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.

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.

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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.

Activities

Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayaking
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.
Ice Camping
Ice Camping
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.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing
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.
Photography
Photography
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.
Explorer Boats
Explorer Boats
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.
Yoga
Yoga
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.
National Geographic Explorer
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