Working at Freestyle Adventure Travel has given me the chance to experience the most incredible destinations on Earth, but nothing compares to my fly cruise from Punta Arenas to Antarctica.
Seeing the White Continent with my own eyes was something truly beyond words.
From Punta Arenas to King George Island
The adventure began in Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost city and the main hub for Antarctica tours by air.
Early in the morning, I boarded a small plane bound for King George Island, one of the most accessible gateways to the Antarctic Peninsula.
In just about two hours, we crossed the Drake Passage — not by sea, but by air — and landed on the snow-covered runway of King George Island.
Surrounded by penguins and distant glaciers, I could already feel that I was somewhere completely different.
Several bases on Antarctica are located here, giving the island a fascinating blend of human presence and untouched wilderness.
After landing, I joined my expedition vessel, and that’s where my Antarctica cruise truly began.
Flying Over the Drake and Starting the Adventure Sooner
The Drake Passage is an iconic part of many Antarctic cruises, and flying over it doesn’t take away from the sense of adventure, it simply lets you start exploring sooner.
By choosing a fly cruise, you skip several days at sea and arrive directly in the heart of Antarctica, ready for Zodiac landings, glacier walks, and wildlife encounters from day one.
It’s a great option for travelers who want to make the most of their time while still experiencing the thrill of expedition travel.
Immersed in the Antarctic World
Every moment in Antarctica felt like a scene from another planet.
We explored icy bays and snow-covered islands filled with life, penguins, whales, seals, and even a leopard seal resting on a floating piece of ice.
One of the highlights of the journey was visiting Deception Island, a volcanic caldera that forms one of the most unusual harbors in the world.
Sailing through its narrow entrance, known as Neptune’s Bellows, felt surreal, the black volcanic sand, rising steam, and stark contrasts between snow and ash made it unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Walking along the shore, surrounded by remnants of old whaling stations and the scent of sulfur in the air, was an experience I’ll never forget.
Our guides shared stories about early explorers and the scientific research happening at nearby stations.
I was struck by the silence, the vastness, and the feeling of being somewhere truly untouched by time.
Planning Your Own Fly Cruise Experience
Having seen it firsthand, I often recommend the fly cruise from Punta Arenas to Antarctica to travelers looking for an efficient, comfortable, and equally adventurous way to visit the White Continent.
At Freestyle Adventure Travel, we help you find the Antarctic cruise that fits your style.
From small expedition ships to more spacious vessels, always with expert guidance and personalized support.
Whether you want to witness penguins up close, walk among glaciers, or simply stand at the edge of the world, this is one of the most remarkable ways to make it happen.
Touching the Edge of the World
My fly cruise to Antarctica wasn’t just another work trip, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Flying over the Drake Passage and landing directly on the ice felt surreal, and every day brought new moments of awe and connection with nature.
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the Antarctica South Pole region, a fly cruise from Punta Arenas is one of the smartest and most inspiring ways to reach it.
