Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake
Highlights
- Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica.
- Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales.
- Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts.
Answer the call of Antarctica by flying over the notorious Drake Passage by charter plane to land at King George Island before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by ship. In just 8 adventure-packed days, you’ll experience rewarding shore visits and Zodiac excursions, marvel at intimate wildlife encounters, explore historic sites and make the most of your landmark visit to the 7th Continent. Select from a range of adventure options and onboard activities that match your personal interests and make your expedition uniquely yours.
Indulge in a variety of unforgettable experiences, from exhilarating Zodiac cruises amidst whales and icebergs to invigorating hikes to witness bustling penguin rookeries. From the resounding crack of calving glaciers and the thrilling presence of apex predators like leopard seals and orcas. each day brings a new sense of wonder. Anticipation fills the air, fueling your eagerness to explore the untamed beauty that awaits in this unparalleled travel experience. Antarctica, with its indescribable allure, holds a unique place in the world, captivating the senses and leaving an indelible imprint that can only be fully comprehended through personal immersion.
Ships
World Explorer
Ocean Adventurer
Standard Activities
About the Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake
Answer the call of Antarctica by flying over the notorious Drake Passage by charter plane to land at King George Island before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by ship. In just 8 adventure-packed days, you’ll experience rewarding shore visits and Zodiac excursions, marvel at intimate wildlife encounters, explore historic sites and make the most of your landmark visit to the 7th Continent. Select from a range of adventure options and onboard activities that match your personal interests and make your expedition uniquely yours.
Indulge in a variety of unforgettable experiences, from exhilarating Zodiac cruises amidst whales and icebergs to invigorating hikes to witness bustling penguin rookeries. From the resounding crack of calving glaciers and the thrilling presence of apex predators like leopard seals and orcas. each day brings a new sense of wonder. Anticipation fills the air, fueling your eagerness to explore the untamed beauty that awaits in this unparalleled travel experience. Antarctica, with its indescribable allure, holds a unique place in the world, captivating the senses and leaving an indelible imprint that can only be fully comprehended through personal immersion.
Itinerary Day to Day
Arriva in Punta Arenas, Chile
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days. By early afternoon, a cruise representative will meet you at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.
Fly to King George Island and Embarkation
Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
Depart Punta Arenas
Route Map
No Single Supplement on Select Cabins
With this solo traveler deal you can explore some of the most remote, unrivaled wonders of the world without paying any single supplement charges. Explore more of the world without paying more than your fellow travelers!
Save up to 30%
We offer a range of last–minute polar expeditions departing in the 2023-24 austral summer season, with special discounts on select itineraries and ships. Explore breathtaking polar landscapes and observe iconic wildlife in their natural habitats.
Save up to 30%
We offer a range of last–minute polar expeditions departing in the 2024-25 austral summer season, with special discounts on select itineraries and ships. Explore breathtaking polar landscapes and observe iconic wildlife in their natural habitats.
Extra 10% Off When Pay In Full
Guests will receive 10% additional savings on select Antarctic departures between November 2024 and March 2025 if full payment is received at the time of booking. The full payment includes the voyage fare and any outstanding balances on the booking (air, hotels, transfers, Adventure Options, pre/post tours and insur...
With this solo traveler deal you can explore some of the most remote, unrivaled wonders of the world without paying any single supplement charges. Explore more of the world without paying more than your fellow travelers!
Terms & Conditions
- — Offer valid for new bookings made between July 5th and September 27th on select Antarctic voyages on the Ultramarine and World Explorer
- — Solo travelers will be able to book double-occupancy in selected cabins for the discounted price of a single berth.
- — Only applicable to select cabins: 1) Ultramarine: Balcony Suite & Explorer Suite ; 2) World Explorer: Infinity Suite & Veranda Suite
- — Bookings made before or after the promotion period will not qualify for the savings.
- — We keep the right to limit, change or discontinue the promotion at any time.
- — Not applicable to group bookings.
- — No cash value.
We offer a range of last–minute polar expeditions departing in the 2023-24 austral summer season, with special discounts on select itineraries and ships. Explore breathtaking polar landscapes and observe iconic wildlife in their natural habitats.
Terms & Conditions
- — Offer valid for new bookings made between July 5, 2023 to September 27, 2023, for Antarctica departures between November 2023 and March 2024.
- — Bookings made after the promotion period will not qualify for the savings.
- — Rates/savings per person.
- — Applies to voyage full fare only; cabins limited.
- — Not applicable to Transfer Package, Adventure Options, additional hotel accommodation, pre/post tours, insurance, flights, or group bookings.
- — We keep the right to limit, change or discontinue the promotion at any time.
- — No cash value.
We offer a range of last–minute polar expeditions departing in the 2024-25 austral summer season, with special discounts on select itineraries and ships. Explore breathtaking polar landscapes and observe iconic wildlife in their natural habitats.
Terms & Conditions
- — Offer valid for new bookings made between July 5, 2023 and September 27, 2023 for Antarctica departures between November 2024 and March 2025 on select voyages
- — Bookings made after the promotion period will not qualify for the savings.
- — Rates/savings per person.
- — Only combinable with Payin-Full Savings
- — Not applicable to Transfer Package, Adventure Options, additional hotel accommodation, pre/post tours, insurance, flights, or group bookings.
- — We keep the right to limit, change or discontinue the promotion at any time.
- — No cash value
Guests will receive 10% additional savings on select Antarctic departures between November 2024 and March 2025 if full payment is received at the time of booking. The full payment includes the voyage fare and any outstanding balances on the booking (air, hotels, transfers, Adventure Options, pre/post tours and insurance).
Terms & Conditions
- — Offer valid for new bookings made between July 5, 2023 and September 27, 2023 on select voyages and limited cabins.
- — Must quote promo code PIF10 at time of booking.
- — Bookings made after the promotion period will not qualify for the savings.
- — Rates/savings per person.
- — 10% discount applies to the price after any other combinable promotions have already been applied.
- — Not applicable to Transfer Package, Adventure Options, additional hotel accommodation, pre/post tours, insurance, flights, or group bookings.
- — We keep the right to limit, change or discontinue the promotion at any time.
Every sweep of the paddle as your craft glides through the pristine polar waters creates an incredible soundtrack: the jostle of glacial ice, the lapping of waves against the rocky shore, the perpetual drip from your paddle, the call of seabirds, and the occasional splash as wildlife break the surface of the water.
Our Paddle Excursion Program provides sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks that provide guests with an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations in both the Arctic and Antarctica. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. On-ship, you’ll be provided with instruction and equipment including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by a safety driver in another kayak who will stay close by to provide additional support.
Excursions last a minimum of one hour and are offered to participants once per voyage. Each group includes 10 paddlers, 1 guide and 1 one safety Zodiac driver. The wind, weather and water conditions determine the timing and location of Paddling Excursions.
Is Kaying Experience Necessary?
The Paddle Excursion was created for guests with little or no paddling experience, or for those who want a single paddle experience to add variety to their expedition. Participants must be fit enough to enter and exit the kayak from the Zodiac, and to maneuver with your paddle.
Provided Gear
- Inflatable Super Lynx sit-on-top kayak
- Paddle
- Drysuit
- Insulated rubber gloves
- PFD (personal flotation device)
- Neoprene booties
- 10L dry bag
- Water bottle
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Thermal base layer (top and bottom)
- Thin fleece or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Liner socks
- Thick wool socks
- Neckwarmer
- Warm hat
- Brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen and lip balm
- Camera (either waterproof, in exterior waterproof housing, or stored in a drybag)**
- Waterproof backpack
Tip: It’s a good idea to protect any camera gear in a drybag. Small waterproof cameras should be attached to your PFD with a string and carabiner.
Stand-up Paddle boarding, popularly known as SUPing, originated in Hawaii. SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by.
Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.
Duration: 1 to 1½ hours.
Guide to client ratio: 1 SUP guide and 1 Zodiac safety driver for 10 participants
Is SUP Experience Necessary?
Previous experience isn’t necessary but comfortability with water is an asset. SUP’ing adventures are offered in protected bays and channels during calm weather conditions.
Provided Gear
- Board
- Paddle
- Drysuit
- Neoprene Booties
- Waterproof gloves
- PFD – Personal Flotation Device
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Base and mid-layers (drysuits keep you dry, but not warm)
- Thin fleece or wool liner glove to wear under rubber gloves (optional)
- Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen and lip balm (minimum SPF 30)
- Brimmed hat as well as a warm hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera (either waterproof or in a waterproof case or dry bag)
Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.
The Sea Kayak Program is a voyage-length program available in Antarctica, in which kayakers (those who have minimal experience as well as seasoned paddlers) will enjoy the polar regions from a unique perspective.
Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.
In addition to the kayak guides, a safety driver in a Zodiac will always stay nearby to offer assistance if required. Excursions typically last one and a half to three hours.
Note: Due to its popularity and limited space, if you want to ensure a space in the Sea Kayak program, please register when you book your expedition. While the program routinely fills up well before the voyage, if there are vacant spaces when you board the vessel you may sign up. The guides will attempt to lead guests on as many sea kayak excursions as possible, but the number of excursions will depend on weather and sea conditions as well as logistical factors. Be prepared to paddle in a double or single kayak depending on availability.
Is Kayaking Experience Necessary?
The Sea Kayak program was developed to accommodate kayakers with a range of experience. Please don’t hesitate to consult with our polar travel advisors if you have any questions.
Provided gear
- Sea kayaks (single or double)
- Paddle
- Spray-skirt
- Drysuit
- Insulated rubber gloves and pogies*
- PFD (personal flotation device)
- Neoprene booties
- 10L dry bag
- Water bottle (provided in rooms upon embarkation)
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Thermal base layer top and bottom (synthetic or wool, no cotton)
- Thin fleece 200 weight top or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Liner socks
- Thick wool socks
- Neck warmer
- Thin fleece or wool liner glove to wear under rubber gloves (if you wish)
- Warm hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen
- Camera (either waterproof, in exterior waterproof housing, or stored in a dry bag)
- Waterproof backpack or a dry bag
*Only available on World Explorer
What's Included
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Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
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All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
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All shore landings as per the daily program
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Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
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All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
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Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
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Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
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A photographic journal documenting the expedition
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A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
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A parka to keep
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Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
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All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
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All luggage handling aboard the ship
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Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
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A group arrival transfer in Punta Arenas from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
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One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
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A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
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A pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport
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Flights to and from King George Island
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A post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel
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One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast
What's Excluded
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International airfare
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Passport and applicable visa expenses
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Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
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Meals unless otherwise specified
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Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
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Excess-baggage fees on international flights
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Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
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Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
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Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
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Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
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Additional overnight accommodation
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Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
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Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica - Basecamp
Antarctic Circle Expedition
Spirit of Antarctica
Highlights of Antarctica
Polar Circle Air-Cruise
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise
