Fly the Drake
A two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas, in the Chilean Patagonia, directly to Antarctica where you board your expedition ship. You thereby avoid the stormy seas of the Drake Passage – and the potential seasickness – and experience only the best Antarctica has to offer.
Cruise Antarctica and South Georgia
We offer a boutique-style wilderness adventure, not a cruise. Feeling more like private yachts than cruise ships, our small expedition vessels give you privileged access to Antarctica and South Georgia, taking you where larger ships cannot. With a smaller number of passengers, disembarkation is fast and efficient so you spend time exploring, not waiting.
ITINERARY
Day 1 / Start of the Air-Cruise
Our staff welcomes you in Ushuaia, Argentina, at the pier. Board your ship in the afternoon and sail along the Beagle Channel towards South Georgia.
Day 2-4 / Sailing to South Georgia
As we sail toward South Georgia, our historians and our naturalists offer a series of presentations. There is time to socialize in the ship’s lounge, while keeping an eye out for the region’s birdlife.
Day 5-8 / Exploring South Georgia
The island of South Georgia is a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, massive glaciers, grassy uplands and deep fjords. Visit the former whaling outpost of Grytviken, where you may pay your respects at the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton. Depending on conditions, possible stops can include St. Andrew’s Bay where you could be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 king penguins, Cooper Island to see the nesting home of thousands of black-browed albatrosses and a large colony of macaroni penguins. If the weather is favorable, visits are also planned at Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay.
Day 9-10 / Sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula
As the ship heads to Antarctica, the program of presentations continues. Use this time to enhance your understanding of the region and its history.
Day 11 / Elephant Island
Sailing south, we hope to stop at Elephant Island. It was here that the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on to South Georgia. While stormy conditions rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship.
Day 12-15 / Exploring Antarctica
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. You will explore several spots in the Gerlache Strait that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
Day 16 / Antarctica and scheduled return flight
Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. A 2-km (1.25-mi) walk takes you through Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to the aircraft. Bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).
Day 17 / End of the Air-Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Note: The November 17-December 3, 2021 (MAG06-AS) departure operates in reverse, with start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile. An itinerary description is available on request.
UNIQUE FEATURES
Veteran Antarctic aircraft pilots, experienced sea captains, an international team of polar guides and academics, and a team of seasoned travel professionals come together to create the experience. With passion, creativity and dedicated teamwork, we handcraft every expedition to be unique and personal.
Experience and Expertise
Our product pioneered the Antarctic Air-Cruise model. We are the world’s leader in this unique style of travel to Antarctica. We have completed over 140 fly and cruise departures, more than any other company in the world, by far.
One flight per expedition
We use a single flight to carry all travellers to and from Antarctica for each of our expeditions. This makes our operation fast and efficient while reducing the chance of weather-related delays compared to the alternatives.
Antarctic vehicle
Unique in its kind, “Bigfoot” was specially designed and built for our air-cruises. Its traction system can adapt to the changeable conditions of the Antarctic terrain.
High staff/traveller radio
Travel with a well-staffed team of at least twelve professional polar guides. Passionate and engaging, they will make your trip memorable.
Small is beautiful
Our air-cruises only operates small ships. With a small group of travellers, disembarkation is fast and efficient so you can spend more time exploring and less time waiting.