Skip to content

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent on this new itinerary, bypass the traditional Drake Passage crossing on a two-hour flight to and from Antarctica, and discover all of the highlights without sacrificing the extra time. Travel with a diverse team of experts aboard our intimately scaled National Geographic Explorer, purpose-built for polar exploration. Venture into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Watch for whales off the bow; Zodiac cruise around enormous icebergs; and hike, kayak, and even possibly cross-country ski or snow-shoe in complete tranquility. Choose an active agenda or surrender to the pleasures of relaxing downtime and shipboard camaraderie.
NOTE: Delays and early departures of flights due to inclement weather are common in Antarctica. In the event of a flight adjustment, your expedition team may implement a contingency plan with alternative activities.

Tour Highlights

  • Get a head start on your Antarctica experience by flying across the Drake Passage from Puerto Natales to King George Island, landing at the Chilean research station which permanently operates there.
  • Explore the world’s last great wilderness in the company of top naturalists and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica, with more than 55 years of expedition heritage.
  • Marvel at the abundance of wildlife—a parade of gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins; stealthy leopard seals; several species of whales from humpbacks to orcas; and more.
  • Hike, kayak and Zodiac cruise in complete tranquility, surrounded by a pristine kingdom of snow and ice.
  • November departures offer the possibility to cross-country ski or snowshoe across the frozen sea ice, conditions permitting.
  • Choose a more active daily agenda or simply relax into shipboard comforts, engaging lectures, and the easy camaraderie of fellow travelers and staff.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Puerto Natales, Chile
Day 2: Puerto Natales, Chile | King George Island, Antarctica | Embark ship
Day 3: Exploring Antarctica
Day 4: Exploring Antarctica
Day 5: Exploring Antarctica
Day 6: Exploring Antarctica
Day 7: King George Island, Antarctica | Disembark ship | Puerto Natales, Chile
Day 8: Puerto Natales, Chile | Depart for home

Operator
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions