Large whale tail coming out of water with zodiac and Antarctica icebergs behind it

Bow of ship through Lemaire Channel on a sunny Antarctica day

Polar travelers pose for the camera while paddling an inflatable yellow kayak among snowfields in calm water.

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake Cruise plane with passengers boarding the plane to Antarctica.

Polar travelers in yellow jackets cruise calm water in a black Zodiac boat beside a snowfield under blue sky in Antarctica.

$8123^USD

Starting At

8-11

Days

Jan

Feb

Mar

Dec

Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Time. Rough seas. There are many reasons to fly to Antarctica, skipping the customary sea crossing of the Drake Passage. This Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake cruise shaves up to 100 hours off your trip, flying directly from southern Chile to King George Island in the South Shetlands. This quick 3-hour flight crossing won’t reduce the scale of your adventure—you’ll first experience breathtaking aerial views then join the ship with camera ready to spot wildlife and ice while exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Beaches dotted with leopard seals and penguins give way to icy plateaus with snowcapped mountains looming behind. Cruise in a Zodiac in search of whales, search the skies for seabirds and perhaps paddle amongst blue icebergs.

In addition to the main Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake itinerary that cruises over 8 days, there is a longer 11-day option that includes the opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle. Two small ships operate the itineraries: the 128-guest Ocean Adventurer and the 172-passenger World Explorer. Each departure includes up-close exploration on guided hikes, shore walks and small craft excursions. Optional activities (additional cost) include kayaking, one-time paddling excursions and stand-up paddleboarding.

Find yourself in near-constant sunlight, flying high above the legendary Drake Passage. Some believe sailing the Drake is a rite of passage, but others enjoy the smooth 3-hour flight before setting foot on the 7^th Continent.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica, including even more ways to fly the Drake Passage.

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

The 8-day Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake adventure begins and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile, with a charter flight to and from King George Island where guests embark and disembark the cruise to Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

Day 1

Arrive 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 representative will meet you at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll pick up your expedition gear, enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

dinner

Day 2

Fly to Antarctica & Embark King George Island

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

Accommodations

Ocean Adventurer, World Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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. Expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region.

Even more exciting are the 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. 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 one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of watching a leopard seal as it hunts a penguin, you’ll welcome each day early and with a desire to explore unrivaled by any other travel experience. The expedition team will be with you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.

Accommodations

Ocean Adventurer, World Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7

Disembark King George Island & Fly to Punta Arenas

After your week of exploration, say goodbye to your expedition team and disembark at King George Island. Your 3-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your group 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.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

breakfast, lunch

Day 8

Depart Punta Arenas, Chile

After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by an experienced expedition leader; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by the expedition team and special guests as scheduled; a photographic journal documenting the expedition; waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; an official Quark Expeditions® 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; beer and wine during dinner; emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person; group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the pre-expedition hotel on Day 1; one night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas, with breakfast; a briefing dinner on day 1 in Punta Arenas; pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport; flights to and from Antarctica (King George Island); 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.

Exclusions

International airfare; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended; excess-baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned; laundry, bar, massage services and other personal charges unless specified; phone and internet charges; additional overnight accommodation; optional adventure activities; transfer from the hotel to the airport at the end of the expedition; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 180 days – $1,250 fee
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 75% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake adventure begins and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile, (PUQ). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Punta Arenas with enough time to check into the hotel by 3:00pm (2023-24) or 1:00pm (2024-25) and attend a 6:00pm meeting on Day 1. An arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel on Day 1 is included, as are group transfers in conjunction with the charter flights to and from Antarctica. However, a departure transfer from the hotel to the Punta Arenas airport on the final day is not included. Plan flights to depart Punta Arenas anytime on the final day. Arrival and departure times vary for alternative itineraries; inquire with your Adventure Specialist upon booking for details. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

The flight to Antarctica is expected to depart after breakfast from Punta Arenas for King George Island on Day 2 of the itinerary. Although the flight is scheduled to depart at 9:00am, there is significant variability based on weather conditions. Be prepared to depart the hotel for the airport on the group transfer at any time.

Upon arrival at Frei Base airfield on King George Island, travelers are required to walk approximately 1 mile to the vessel mooring (20-30 minutes). Checked luggage will be transferred to the vessel by staff. If you think that you will not be able to walk this distance, then please inform your Adventure Specialist.

There is a strict luggage limit of 33 lbs (15 kg) checked luggage and 11 lbs (5 kg) cabin baggage on the flights between Punta Arenas and King George Island. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Punta Arenas. There is no option to pay for additional luggage.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake adventure. Per-person prices for the 2023-24 & 2024-25 seasons: kayaking $995; stand-up paddleboarding $295. One-time paddling excursions are available for $295 per person, per outing, for those who want something less in-depth than the full sea kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ocean Adventurer: Superior, Deluxe, Suite & Owner’s Suite
World Explorer: Superior Suite, Deluxe Suite & Owner’s Suite

Families & Children

At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 8 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times and may not participate in adventure options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of up to $500,000 USD per paying traveler provides coverage between the first and last day of ship-based travel and is included in the cost of this trip. For ship- and land-based trips, additional days of travel pre- and post-expedition are not covered. Travelers are responsible for having adequate international medical coverage prior to embarkation, with a minimum benefit of $50,000 USD. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers also protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flights to and from Antarctica operate based on weather conditions. While historically only a minority of flights have experienced a delay, be prepared for that possibility by reading this trip’s Contingency Plan. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Contingency Plan

In the unlikely event that the flight to Antarctica cannot take place on the scheduled day due to unfavorable weather conditions, a Contingency Plan, included in the cost of your expedition, will apply. The primary goal of the plan is to provide an engaging and comfortable travel experience while adapting to the weather. A change in the flight schedule can impact travel to Antarctica or return back to Punta Arenas, and the plan includes a range of activities determined by the circumstances. Additionally, the Contingency Plan offers financial protection by providing an opportunity to rebook or a refund should weather conditions prevent you from reaching Antarctica. Please read the full Contingency Plan and contact your Adventure Specialist for further clarification.

Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

The 11-day Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle adventure begins and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile, with a charter flight to Antarctica and the opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle.

Route map of Crossing the Circle Antarctica small ship air cruise, operating round-trip from Punta Arenas, Chile with a charter flight to King George Island, cruise along the Peninsula & the opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle.

Day 1

Arrive Punta Arenas, Chile

The adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia. Those who arrive early may visit the many museums, restaurants and shops in town. By early afternoon, meet a representative at the official starting point hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for embarkation day.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

dinner

Day 2

Fly to King George Island & Embark

The charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica crosses the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship approaches King George Island. The first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes is from a unique perspective, as the plane descends for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, stretch your legs with a one-mile walk to the shore, before being transferred by Zodiac to the ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.

Accommodations

Ocean Adventurer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 3 - 5

Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

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

The captain and expedition team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds and alert you to any new sightings. The team of expert lecturers provide in-depth explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region.

Even more exciting are the land excursions. The first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking on a beach dotted with penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities. It won’t be long before you can tell the difference between an Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguin.

Perhaps take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and killer whales in action, wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore this unrivaled travel experience. Along the way, the expedition team ensures safety and provides insights into the places you visit.

Accommodations

Ocean Adventurer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 6 - 7

Antarctic Circle

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula do not reach 66°33´ S. If conditions allow, cross this famed line at 66°33´ S and celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of sparkling wine.

Toast the first explorers who ventured this far south and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals and some of the most peculiar, yet magical ice formations anywhere on the continent

Accommodations

Ocean Adventurer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 8 - 9

Northbound Along Antarctic Peninsula

If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to King George Island. Continue to explore by Zodiac or on land while traveling north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. The expedition team is always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales.

Accommodations

Ocean Adventurer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10

Disembark King George Island & Fly to Punta Arenas

After a week of exploration, say goodbye to the expedition team and disembark at King George Island. The two-and-a-half-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings the adventure to an end. After a group transfer to the hotel, feel free to explore and enjoy an evening at leisure in the city or at the hotel to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

breakfast, lunch

Day 11

Depart Punta Arenas, Chile

After breakfast, continue on your travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Exclusions

Payment & Cancellation

Terms & Conditions

Arrival & Departure

The Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle fly adventure begins and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile, (PUQ). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Punta Arenas with enough time to check into the hotel by 3:00pm (2023-24) or 1:00pm (2024-25) and attend a 6:00pm meeting on Day 1. An arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel on day 1 is included, as are group transfers in conjunction with the charter flights to and from Antarctica. However, a departure transfer from the hotel to the Punta Arenas airport on the final day is not included. Plan flights to depart Punta Arenas anytime on the final day. Arrival and departure times vary for alternative itineraries; inquire with your Adventure Specialist upon booking for details. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle adventure. Per-person prices for the 2023-24 & 2024-25 seasons: kayaking $995. One-time paddling excursions are available for $295 per person, per outing, for those who want something less in-depth than the full sea kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Families & Children

Travel Insurance

Itinerary Notes

Contingency Plan

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

Cruise Rates & Dates