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Fly over the Drake Passage from Punta Arenas in southern Chile, for an epic expedition adventure, aerial sea views and saving sailing time.

Flying from Punta Arenas in southern Chile over Cape Horn and thus avoiding the sometimes rough waters of the Drake Passage, this is the easiest way to travel to Antarctica – the coldest, highest, windiest, driest and least inhabited continent on earth – reaching King George Island, the largest island in the South Shetlands in under two hours. By retracing this route on the return journey you avoid two days of sailing each way, ensuring you experience only the best of the White Continent.

You then sail southward along the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, with plenty of stops and landings along the way. This active adventure involves daily landings by Zodiac inflatable, and a full programme of lectures on board ship, assisted all the while by experienced crew and knowledgeable expedition staff.

A typical Classic Antarctic Fly-Sail itinerary is shown below, however we offer a variety of vessels and durations.

Note: There is also the option to fly over the Drake Passage in one direction only, and sail the other. Please contact us for further details.

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrive Punta Arenas & overnight

    Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon there will be a briefing for your voyage and essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, you will gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.

  2. Day 2: Fly to King George Island in the South Shetlands & board vessel

    Fly to King George Island (approx one and a half hours) in the South Shetlands; visit the Chilean Antarctic mission's Frei Base and board your vessel. 

  3. Days 3-6 : Sail to the Antarctic Peninsula

    You will 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, you can disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, you are free to 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 this varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache Strait and the Penola Strait. 

  4. Day 7: Disembark at King George Island & fly to Punta Arenas

    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 an overnight stay.

  5. Day 8: Depart Punta Arenas

    After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your chosen vessel, departure date and local conditions.

Key info

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £11,330 pp : Ocean Nova: from £11,125 pp
    Magellan Explorer: from £12,900 pp
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • Group size: Varies according to vessel
  • Group Departures: View all departure dates
  • Included in the price/package:
    • Accommodation in twin-share cabin
    • All meals on board ship
    • Guided shore excursions
  • Activities available:
    • Boat trip
    • Zodiac cruising
Featured locations:

Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula is the most accessible part of the great white continent with some of its best wildlife and scenery. Ice-choked waterways, sculpted icebergs, imposing glaciers and rugged mountains provide the backdrop to an area with more whales and dolphins than anywhere else on earth. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: elephant seal, hourglass dolphin, humpback whale, minke whale, orca
  • Excellent for: Wildlife cruises, Whale watching, Penguin watching

Lemaire Channel

The Lemaire Channel is an 11 kilometre strait off Antarctica leading to a jigsaw of jewel like islands. Filled with icebergs and hemmed in by steep glacial cliffs, the waters are calm and passing through it makes for an unforgettably scenic journey, upon which orca or humpback whales may be seen. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: Adélie penguin, hourglass dolphin, humpback whale, macaroni penguin, orca
  • Excellent for: Wildlife cruises, Whale watching, Penguin watching

South Shetland Islands

The South Shetland Islands are situated north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Most of the land is permanently glaciated yet, despite the harsh conditions, the islands do support a large variety of seals, penguins – including Adelie and chinstrap - and seabirds – including Antarctic terns and giant petrels. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: Adélie penguin, elephant seal, chinstrap penguin, gentoo penguin, southern right whale
  • Excellent for: Wildlife cruises, Penguin watching, Birdwatching
This itinerary is available on the following cruise vessels:

Magellan Explorer

The Magellan Explorer journeys to remote and spectacular destinations in Antarctica. Purpose-built, its modern design and innovative technologies include an accessible bow which allows guests near the water level for exceptional photographic and wildlife viewing opportunities. Find Out More about Magellan Explorer

Ocean Nova

An extremely comfortable and well-equipped Polar expedition vessel, Ocean Nova is one of the leading vessels classified to operate in ice-filled waters. Accommodating around 60 passengers, cabins are outside facing and there is an excellent glass-enclosed forward observation lounge on the top deck. Find Out More about Ocean Nova