Antarctica - Fly the Drake Passage 15% Advantage

This trip is designed for travelers with limited time who still want to experience Antarctica as an expedition. From Punta Arenas in Chile, the route takes a flight over the Drake Passage to King George Island, avoiding the often unpredictable sea crossing. This is followed by a multi day journey of discovery along Antarctic coasts and island landscapes from the ship, complemented by Zodiac cruises and landings, as weather and ice allow. The focus is on the characteristic scenery of the White Continent, with channels, icebergs, and glaciated shores, as well as the wildlife that is regularly seen in these waters. The South Shetland Islands provide a geological counterpoint with volcanic formations. As with any expedition, the schedule remains flexible, because the expedition team continuously adapts the route and activities to local conditions.

Antarctica Expedition With a Flight Over the Drake Passage, Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Punta Arenas and Preparation
You travel to Punta Arenas, one of the southernmost cities on Earth and the departure point towards Antarctica. After lunch, check in follows at the Hotel Cabo de Hornos. In the afternoon you meet your fellow travelers and the expedition team, receive your equipment, have your materials inspected in accordance with biosecurity requirements, and receive an introduction to responsible behavior in Antarctica, as well as to Zodiac landings and the schedule for the following day. The tour services begin with dinner.

Day 2: Flight to King George Island and Embarkation
After breakfast you will drive to Punta Arenas airport and fly over the Drake Passage. On approach, the first icebergs often appear off the coast of King George Island. After landing you will be welcomed by the expedition team and brought on board. A safety briefing and drill are part of the start, after which the sea voyage begins southwards into Antarctic waters.

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Days 3 to 5, Antarctica in Depth
Over the coming days, the team navigates through channels and sheltered passages where icebergs and seabirds shape the scenery. Depending on conditions, outings by Zodiac are planned, complemented by further activities such as kayaking, snowshoe hikes, or an overnight stay in a tent. Along the rugged coasts and on the open sea, there are good chances to observe penguins, seals, and whales. Visits to penguin colonies and historic landing sites are also possible, with the route and daily schedule continuously adjusted to weather and ice.

Day 6, South Shetland Islands
The day is dedicated to the South Shetland Islands, whose landscape is strongly shaped by volcanic activity. Between mountains and glaciers, there are usually varied landing opportunities. In this region, chinstrap and gentoo penguins are regularly spotted along the coast, and southern elephant seals and fur seals on land are not unusual. Offshore, whales are frequently observed. Zodiacs will be used again for exploration, while the expedition team determines the day’s route based on conditions.

Day 7, Disembarkation on King George Island and Return Flight
You arrive on King George Island and say goodbye to the expedition team and crew. By Zodiac you go ashore to the Chilean station, from there you fly back to Punta Arenas. In the evening, a shared dinner and another overnight stay at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel are planned.

Day 8: Patagonia Excursion
In the Chilean Patagonia region, you will visit Estancia Olga Teresa, a local ranch. The focus is on insights into life in the south of Chile, accompanied by nature observation in open landscapes. With a bit of luck, you can spot guanacos, rheas, and Andean condors. The evening is free for relaxation at the hotel or for your own time in Punta Arenas.

Day 9: Departure From Punta Arenas
After breakfast, the tour services end. Afterwards, you continue your onward journey or travel to the airport for your trip home.

Accommodation:
In Punta Arenas you stay at the Hotel Cabo de Hornos. This applies for Day 1 and again after returning from the Ocean Nova on Day 7 and Day 8. During the Antarctic portion of the trip, you spend 5 nights on board the expedition ship Ocean Nova. After returning, a day excursion in the Chilean Patagonia region forms the finale.

Special features:
This trip combines a flight over the Drake Passage with a multi day expedition phase in Antarctica. Before departure, you receive a briefing on responsible visits to Antarctica, including biosecurity measures for gear and clothing, as well as the procedures for Zodiac landings. Landings, excursions, and possible optional activities always depend on weather, ice, and local regulations, and the expedition team decides on safe and meaningful options based on conditions. Wildlife sightings are likely, but cannot be guaranteed.
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