Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Trip Summary

Dates: Mar 8, 2026 – Mar 15, 2026
Duration: 10 Days
Adventure Options: Kayaking, Paddleboarding
Starting at $18,295.00View Prices

About the Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake Itinerary

You’re ready to explore King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula—and no Drake Passage crossings are required! With a spectacular aerial view, included charter flights between Punta Arenas and Antarctica have you experiencing the majesty of the 7th continent before transferring you to your ship in no time. For those who don’t have the time or […]

Itinerary Map

Pricing Information

$18,295 - Studio Double
$19,395 - Studio Veranda Stateroom
$20,495 - Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
$21,595 - Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom
$22,195 - Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
$23,495 - Grand Veranda Stateroom
$24,095 - Royal Veranda Stateroom
$26,895 - Junior Suite
$24,795 - Studio Veranda Single
$27,995 - Explorer Suite
$30,195 - Owners Suite
$23,495 - Studio Single

About the Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake Itinerary

You’re ready to explore King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula—and no Drake Passage crossings are required! With a spectacular aerial view, included charter flights between Punta Arenas and Antarctica have you experiencing the majesty of the 7th continent before transferring you to your ship in no time. For those who don’t have the time or are not interested in cruising across the Drake Passage, this is the trip for you. Keep your camera ready as you cruise in a Zodiac in search of whales, seabirds and astounding icebergs. Beaches dotted with leopard seals and penguins give way to icy plateaus, with snow-capped mountain peaks looming behind. You’ll find yourself thankful for the near-constant sunlight by which you can continue to take it all in. Expedition in Brief • Experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica • Fly over the Drake Passage • Marvel at all the Antarctic Peninsula highlights • Enjoy on-board lectures and educational presentations from polar specialists • Take advantage of such inclusions as domestic flights, gratuities, and drinks aboard all-suites ship, the Island Sky

* Itineraries on our website are intended only as a guide and you should consult our team for detailed itineraries on specific voyages.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas


Your adventure begins with an included flight from international gateway Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in Patagonia. You will be transferred to the included group hotel. In the afternoon, a representative will meet you at the group hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.


Day 2: Charter Flight & Embarkation


Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship will approach King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, stretch your legs and spend time exploring the island before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!


Days 3-6: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands


There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes.

As your captain and expedition team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region.

Even more exciting are your daily land excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking up to a beach dotted with penguins and seals is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica.

Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities, and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between an Adélie, gentoo or chinstrap penguin.

You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs around Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier at Neko Harbor to the thrill of watching a leopard seal as it hunts a penguin, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of excitement and a desire to explore that which is unrivaled by any other travel experience.

Your expedition team will be with you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.


Day 7: Flight to Punta Arenas


After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your expedition team and disembark at King George Island. Your three-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your transfer from the airport to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy one final dinner to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.


Day 8: Depart Punta Arenas


After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Punta Arenas airport for your included return flight to Santiago.

Important reminder:
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.


Welcome Aboard the Ocean Explorer


Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.

Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.

Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines.

Technical Specs

STAFF AND CREW: 105

DRAFT: 17.3ft (5.3 m)

REGISTRATION: Portugal

GUESTS: 138

ZODIACS: 15

LIFEBOATS: 2

LENGTH: 342 ft (104.4 m)

ICE CLASS: 1A, PC6

CRUISING SPEED: 16.5 knots, in open water

Cabins & Amenities

  • Two Story Library: Light-filled interior library—at the bow of the ship— allows guests to sit and relax indoors while taking in the surrounding polar landscapes from their choice of two levels.
  • Leading Edge Sustainability: With the latest sustainability technology in polar expedition, the ship features fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines and the ground-breaking MAGS gasification system that converts waste into energy, eliminating the environmental impact of waste transportation.
  • Ulstein X-Bow: the innovative X-Bow design ensures calm, energy-efficient sailing in rough waters.
  • Dry sauna
  • Gym
  • Jacuzzis

Notes

  • Adventure options: Kayaking $995, Camping $295, Paddling Excursion $295 . Adventure options must be pre-booked and paid for prior to start of the trip. Space is subject to availability. Some activities require experience

Book now for early bird discounts on the 2024-25 season

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