Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake
Highlights
- Skip the Drake and fly straight to Antarctica, landing at King George Island to maximize exploration time on the White Continent.
- Cross the Antarctic Circle and join the few who’ve ventured beyond 66°33′ south into Earth’s most pristine polar waters.
- Experience Antarctica’s late-summer magic: whales, penguin chicks, glowing days, and thrilling Zodiac and polar plunge adventures.
This 12-day expedition begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, and flies you straight into Antarctica’s heart via King George Island, bypassing the Drake Passage to give you more time to immerse yourself in the wonders of the White Continent. From the glacier-draped bays of the Antarctic Peninsula to the ice-choked passages south of the Antarctic Circle, this voyage offers a rare opportunity to explore the deep south in late summer—when wildlife is at its most active and the light lingers into the night.
Sailing through the dramatic landscapes of the western Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, you’ll travel alongside whales feeding on dense krill blooms, spy penguins dotting rocky beaches with their hungry chicks, and feel the thunderous presence of calving glaciers. Zodiac safaris, guided shore landings, and optional activities like kayaking or the legendary polar plunge ensure an intimate, multi-sensory experience of Antarctica’s raw beauty.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle—a feat achieved by only a fraction of travelers—is a highlight of this journey, celebrated with a champagne toast on deck. It’s a moment of quiet triumph, made even more powerful by the silence and scale of the frozen frontier that surrounds you. Enriched by naturalist-led lectures and a community of fellow explorers, this voyage delivers both personal growth and bucket-list achievement.
This expedition is ideal for adventurers short on time who want the most immersive polar experience possible, as well as travelers keen to avoid the sometimes rough Drake crossing. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the 7th continent or returning for a deeper foray, this itinerary offers an unforgettable blend of accessibility, depth, and awe-inspiring discovery.
Ships
Greg Mortimer
Sylvia Earle
Douglas Mawson
Standard Activities
About the Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake
This 12-day expedition begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, and flies you straight into Antarctica’s heart via King George Island, bypassing the Drake Passage to give you more time to immerse yourself in the wonders of the White Continent. From the glacier-draped bays of the Antarctic Peninsula to the ice-choked passages south of the Antarctic Circle, this voyage offers a rare opportunity to explore the deep south in late summer—when wildlife is at its most active and the light lingers into the night.
Sailing through the dramatic landscapes of the western Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, you’ll travel alongside whales feeding on dense krill blooms, spy penguins dotting rocky beaches with their hungry chicks, and feel the thunderous presence of calving glaciers. Zodiac safaris, guided shore landings, and optional activities like kayaking or the legendary polar plunge ensure an intimate, multi-sensory experience of Antarctica’s raw beauty.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle—a feat achieved by only a fraction of travelers—is a highlight of this journey, celebrated with a champagne toast on deck. It’s a moment of quiet triumph, made even more powerful by the silence and scale of the frozen frontier that surrounds you. Enriched by naturalist-led lectures and a community of fellow explorers, this voyage delivers both personal growth and bucket-list achievement.
This expedition is ideal for adventurers short on time who want the most immersive polar experience possible, as well as travelers keen to avoid the sometimes rough Drake crossing. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the 7th continent or returning for a deeper foray, this itinerary offers an unforgettable blend of accessibility, depth, and awe-inspiring discovery.
Itinerary Day to Day
Arrive Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you will be met by a representative and transferred to our hotel. We ask that you arrive no later than 2:00pm on this day. In addition to ensuring your arrival in time for our important pre-flight briefings, if weather conditions deem it necessary, we may depart for King George Island on Day 1 as opposed to Day 2.
Please visit the hospitality desk in the lobby between 10.00 am – 6.00 pm to collect your luggage cabin tags. Our team will confirm details regarding your embarkation day, answer any questions and provide you with information about where to dine or purchase last minute items.
Overlooking the Straits of Magellan, the city sits astride one of the world’s most historic trade routes. Today, Punta Arenas reflects a great blend of cultural backgrounds, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors. It remains an utterly fascinating testament to Chile’s rich history. Modern day Punta Arenas is home to many popular restaurants, and bars, offering a mix of local and international fare (meals at your own expense today).
At 7.00 pm this evening, meet your fellow expeditioners at a voyage briefing where we will reconfirm your transfer times for tomorrow, explain the procedures for your flight to King George Island and outline important IAATO regulations for visitors to Antarctica.
Embarkation
Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle
Fly King George Island to Punta Arenas
Depart Punta Arenas
Route Map
Journey further, experience more, and explore the white continent like never before with up to 30% off select expeditions to Antarctica in 2025.
Journey further, experience more, and explore the white continent like never before with up to 10% off select expeditions to Antarctica in 2025, 2026 & 2027.
Journey further, experience more, and explore the white continent like never before with up to 30% off select expeditions to Antarctica in 2025.
Terms & Conditions
- — Offer of up to 30% off is only valid on new bookings and on select voyages which must be booked and deposited by 31 December 2025.
- — Promotion is subject to availability at the time of booking and is capacity controlled.
- — The promotion is only available in conjunction with the back-to-back voyage discount or the loyalty program offer, and not available with any other offer.
- — The promotion can be withdrawn at any time and is not redeemable for cash.
- — From prices are inclusive of discount.
- — Offer is not applicable on group bookings.
- — To confirm your booking, a completed booking form and non-refundable deposit of $2,500 pp in the booking currency is required within 7 days of reserved berth/s.
- — Additional terms and conditions may apply.
Journey further, experience more, and explore the white continent like never before with up to 10% off select expeditions to Antarctica in 2025, 2026 & 2027.
Terms & Conditions
- — Offer of up to 10% off is only valid on new bookings and on select voyages which must be booked and deposited by 31 December 2025.
- — Promotion is subject to availability at the time of booking and is capacity controlled.
- — The promotion is only available in conjunction with the back-to-back voyage discount or the loyalty program offer, and not available with any other offer.
- — The promotion can be withdrawn at any time and is not redeemable for cash.
- — From prices are inclusive of discount.
- — Offer is not applicable on group bookings.
- — To confirm your booking, a completed booking form and non-refundable deposit of $2,500 pp in the booking currency is required within 7 days of reserved berth/s.
- — Additional terms and conditions may apply.
The thrill of visiting wild and remote regions on an expedition to Antarctica, is elevated when you’re actively immersed in the environment. In our inflatable kayaks, you can paddle safely among brash ice and along rocky shorelines where penguins and fur seals might be sunning themselves.
It’s a unique opportunity to remain fully immersed in your surroundings, at water level in your sturdy kayaks. You might see Adélie penguins darting around you or, perhaps, an Antarctic fur seal slipping off its rock as you glide past. Your experienced guides will look for wonderful opportunities for you to enjoy a paddle, and hopefully push you beyond your comfort zone, safely.
‘Getting out amongst it’ is our philosophy, and that is exactly what we do. When you sign up as a paddler, you have the bonus of enjoying normal landings along with other expeditioners, plus an added paddling excursion.
In a small group of up to eight paddlers, you will have a Zodiac dedicated to your group and two guides to look after you and to scout out ideal locations to enjoy a fun paddle.
Sea kayaking holidays in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica, the Arctic, and some of the world’s most biodiverse regions, are guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle around brash ice and near icebergs of all shapes and sizes, absorbing the majestic scenery as it unfolds before you.
This Kayaking Program was created by kayakers for kayakers! Our program style offers the chance to develop and enhance your skills and to connect with our expert guides and your fellow Expeditioners. Participating with the small group through your voyage will minimize wasted time with briefings and equipment tryouts and maximize time on the water.
All of our Expert Guides are professional kayak guides, who have led trips around the world, specialize in the Polar Regions and have been chosen for their passion for the sport. Kayaking is one of the best ways to access and intimately explore the beautiful coastlines we visit and make the most of your time in the wild and remote destinations we visit. You have the option to discuss with the guides what you want out of your trip and they will help with recommendations on when to paddle, when to go ashore and when it’s possible to do both in one outing.
Equipment provided: Kayak booties and dry suits. If you prefer to bring your own dry suit for this activity, please contact our Activity Specialist to discuss the suitability of your equipment.
Witness wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth. Through crystal clear waters you’ll discover the amazing mobility and speed of penguins entering and exiting from the ice, marvel at beautiful sculpted icebergs below the water and witness marine life such as crustaceans, isopods, starfish and nudibranchs!
This unique experience will allow passengers to see both destinations in a completely new dimension, witnessing wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth.
Our team of experienced guides have over 20 years’ experience and will provide snorkelers with detailed briefings and best practice procedures to ensure a safe snorkeling experience.
What's Included
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All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
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Two night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Punta Arenas on Day 1 and Day 11.
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Return charter flight between Punta Arenas and King George Island.
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Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
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All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.
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Beer and house wine with dinner.
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Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
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All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
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Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
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Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
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One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
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Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
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Comprehensive pre-departure information.
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Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
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Wi-Fi*
What's Excluded
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International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
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Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
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Airport arrival or departure taxes.
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Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges
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Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
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Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
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Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
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All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges.
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Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica - Basecamp
Antarctic Circle Expedition (18D)
Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake
Spirit of Antarctica
Highlights of Antarctica
Antarctica All Access (11D)
Deep South Basecamp Experience