Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage (10D)
Highlights
- Fly to King George Island, home to vibrant penguin colonies and diverse wildlife, before embarking on your Antarctic exploration.
- Navigate through awe-inspiring icebergs, glaciers, and pack ice, experiencing Antarctica’s raw beauty both from the ship and by Zodiac or kayak.
- Engage in thrilling wildlife encounters, from Zodiac cruises in search of seals and penguins to unforgettable whale sightings from the ship's deck.
This unforgettable 10-day expedition offers an unparalleled blend of Patagonia’s rugged landscapes and the untouched wilderness of Antarctica. Your adventure begins in Puerto Natales, Chile, the gateway to Torres del Paine, where the striking beauty of the Cerro Benitez Mountains sets the stage for your journey. After a thrilling direct flight to King George Island, you’ll step onto the frozen continent, greeted by the sight of penguins, seals, and the sparkling icy wilderness of Antarctica’s coastline.
At this time of year, the Antarctic summer provides long daylight hours, ensuring maximum time for exploration. You’ll embark on exciting Zodiac excursions, paddle through iceberg-filled waters by kayak, and walk the icy landscape, encountering colonies of Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins along the way. The ship’s flexible schedule allows for spontaneous wildlife sightings, like watching whales breach or enjoying an evening cruise with playful penguins. Each day brings new, awe-inspiring sights, from massive glaciers to icebergs towering above you—truly a polar photographer’s dream.
As you traverse the Antarctic waters, your journey will be enriched by the knowledge of your expert expedition team, making each day of discovery even more meaningful. After an incredible time on the White Continent, you’ll return to Puerto Natales with memories of an expedition that few ever get to experience, having ventured to one of the world’s most remote corners. This journey is ideal for explorers seeking the thrill of both wilderness and wildlife, eager to experience a place few have seen and be part of the last great adventure on Earth.
Standard Activities
About the Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage (10D)
This unforgettable 10-day expedition offers an unparalleled blend of Patagonia’s rugged landscapes and the untouched wilderness of Antarctica. Your adventure begins in Puerto Natales, Chile, the gateway to Torres del Paine, where the striking beauty of the Cerro Benitez Mountains sets the stage for your journey. After a thrilling direct flight to King George Island, you’ll step onto the frozen continent, greeted by the sight of penguins, seals, and the sparkling icy wilderness of Antarctica’s coastline.
At this time of year, the Antarctic summer provides long daylight hours, ensuring maximum time for exploration. You’ll embark on exciting Zodiac excursions, paddle through iceberg-filled waters by kayak, and walk the icy landscape, encountering colonies of Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins along the way. The ship’s flexible schedule allows for spontaneous wildlife sightings, like watching whales breach or enjoying an evening cruise with playful penguins. Each day brings new, awe-inspiring sights, from massive glaciers to icebergs towering above you—truly a polar photographer’s dream.
As you traverse the Antarctic waters, your journey will be enriched by the knowledge of your expert expedition team, making each day of discovery even more meaningful. After an incredible time on the White Continent, you’ll return to Puerto Natales with memories of an expedition that few ever get to experience, having ventured to one of the world’s most remote corners. This journey is ideal for explorers seeking the thrill of both wilderness and wildlife, eager to experience a place few have seen and be part of the last great adventure on Earth.
Itinerary Day to Day
Puerto Natales, Chile
Arrive in Puerto Natales. Originally a small fishing port, the town is nestled on the Last Hope Sound and boasts a stunning view of the sea surrounded by the Cerro Benitez Mountains—the gateway to Torres del Paine. Transfer from the airport to your hotel, where you’ll enjoy dinner and attend a briefing on the following day’s activities.
Arrival Time: Arrive to the hotel in Puerto Natales by 3:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Puerto Natales, Chile
Meals Included: Dinner
Puerto Natales/ King George Island, Antarctica/ Embark ship
Exploring Antarctica
King George Island/ Disembark ship/ Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales
Route Map
What's Included
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All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary.
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All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore.
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Beer, wine, cocktails, liquors and spirits aboard the ship (except certain premium brands which are available for purchase).
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Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water.
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Excursions and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary, as indicated in the itinerary.
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Crew gratuities.
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Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis.
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Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff.
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Assistance by the National Geographic photographer and National Geographic Expeditions certified photo instructor.
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Basic Wi-Fi aboard ship.
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Complimentary reusable water bottle.
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Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker.
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Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers.
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Complimentary parka.
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Complimentary reusable water bottle.
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Onboard physician consultations.
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Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment.
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24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces;
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Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes.
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Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.
What's Excluded
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Airfare (except flights* when indicated as included).
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Pre- and post-expedition extensions; additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included).
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Private transfers; laundry, spa treatments, enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans aboard expedition fleet.
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Phone services (except when indicated as included)
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Travel protection plans; and passport, visa, and immigration fees.
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Recommended flight costs include flight(s) that take place during the date range of your trip to transport travelers from one itinerary destination to another. This cost also includes ground transportation, luggage transfer, and airport assistance.
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If you prefer to arrange your own flights privately, have alternate means of transport, or wish to modify at a later time, please contact an Expedition Specialist
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Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation.
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