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Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake

An expeditious voyage to the awe-inspiring Antarctic Peninsula maximizing exploration by skipping the Drake Passage crossing.
Starting at:
Per Person
$ 8,123
Up to 38% savings
Length
8 Days
Embark
Punta Arenas
Disembark
Punta Arenas
Starting at:
Per Person
$ 8,123
Up to 38% savings

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

A 5-star luxury expedition ship purpose-built for exploring the Polar regions in comfort and style.

Ocean Adventurer

A charmingly intimate yet spacious polar expedition vessel much loved by guests and crew alike.

Standard Activities

presentation
Lectures
blindness
Hiking
water aerobics
Polar Plunge
Zodiac Cruises
Zodiac Cruises

Itinerary Day to Day

Day 1

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.

Punta Arenas
Embarkation Point
Day 2

Fly to King George Island and Embarkation

Days 3-6

Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

Day 7

Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas

Day 8

Depart Punta Arenas

Route Map

There are 4 main destinations visited
Fly
Cruise

Departure Dates

Showing 13 scheduled departures
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December 15 - Dec 22, 2023
Punta Arenas, Chile
$ 15,295 - $ 18,895
Up to 11% savings
No Single Supplement on Select Cabins
Save up to 30%
December 20 - Dec 27, 2023
Punta Arenas, Chile
Sold Out
No Single Supplement on Select Cabins
Save up to 30%
January 10 - Jan 17, 2024
Punta Arenas, Chile
Sold Out
Save up to 30%
January 15 - Jan 22, 2024
Punta Arenas, Chile
$ 24,995
Save up to 30%
January 20 - Jan 27, 2024
Punta Arenas, Chile
$ 15,995
Save up to 30%
February 22 - Feb 29, 2024
Punta Arenas, Chile
$ 11,395 - $ 15,195
Up to 6% savings
Save up to 30%
February 27 - Mar 5, 2024
Punta Arenas, Chile
$ 11,995 - $ 15,995
Save up to 30%
December 5 - Dec 12, 2024
Punta Arenas, Chile
$ 12,796 - $ 22,316
Up to 20% savings
No Single Supplement on Select Cabins
Save up to 30%
December 15 - Dec 22, 2024
Punta Arenas, Chile
$ 10,706 - $ 18,581
Up to 38% savings
No Single Supplement on Select Cabins
Save up to 30%
December 20 - Dec 27, 2024
Punta Arenas, Chile
$ 12,746 - $ 22,121
Up to 26% savings
No Single Supplement on Select Cabins
Save up to 30%
January 9 - Jan 16, 2025
Punta Arenas, Chile
$ 8,704 - $ 18,019
Up to 33% savings
Save up to 30%
Extra 10% Off When Pay In Full
January 14 - Jan 21, 2025
Punta Arenas, Chile
$ 8,123 - $ 16,817
Up to 38% savings
Save up to 30%
Extra 10% Off When Pay In Full
January 19 - Jan 26, 2025
Punta Arenas, Chile
$ 8,123 - $ 16,817
Up to 38% savings
Save up to 30%
Extra 10% Off When Pay In Full

Deals

Explore 4 deals on select dates

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!

Limited time offer

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.

Limited time offer

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.

Limited time offer

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...

Limited time offer

Extra Activities

Explore these 3 add on activities
From $ 295 Per Person

Paddling Excursion

View Details
From $ 295 Per Person

Stand Up Paddleboarding

View Details
From $ 995 Per Person

Sea Kayaking

View Details

What's Included

  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • 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.)
  • Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • A photographic journal documenting the expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • A parka to keep
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • A group arrival transfer in Punta Arenas from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
  • 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.)
  • A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
  • A pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport
  • Flights to and from King George Island
  • A post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel
  • One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast

What's Excluded

  • International airfare
  • Passport and applicable visa expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
  • Meals unless otherwise specified
  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
  • Excess-baggage fees on international flights
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
  • Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
  • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
  • Additional overnight accommodation
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated