Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

December 15 - 22, 2027

Length: 8 days

Region(s): Antarctica

Activity Level: Activity indicator paw

Type: Ocean Cruise

SPECIAL GROUP SAVINGS: Save 5% on cabin fare when traveling with the California Alumni Association/Cal Discoveries Travel on this departure (conditions apply).

Experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent on this new itinerary, bypass the traditional Drake Passage crossing on a two-hour flight to and from Antarctica, and discover all of the highlights without sacrificing the extra time. Travel with a diverse team of experts aboard our intimately scaled National Geographic Explorer, purpose-built for polar exploration. Venture into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Watch for whales off the bow; Zodiac cruise around enormous icebergs; and hike, kayak, and even possibly cross-country ski or snow-shoe in complete tranquility. Choose an active agenda or surrender to the pleasures of relaxing downtime and shipboard camaraderie.

Operated by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

not including airfare between home city and expedition embarkation/disembarkation points

including charter flights between Chile and Antarctica

Reservation Request

Tour Highlights

Get a head start on your Antarctica experience by flying across the Drake Passage from Puerto Natales to King George Island, landing at the Chilean research station, which permanently operates there.
Explore the world’s last great wilderness in the company of top naturalists and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica, with more than 55 years of expedition heritage.
Marvel at the abundance of wildlife—a parade of gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins; stealthy leopard seals; several species of whales from humpbacks to orcas; and more.
Hike, kayak, and Zodiac cruise in complete tranquility, surrounded by a pristine kingdom of snow and ice.
November departures offer the possibility of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing across the frozen sea ice, conditions permitting.
Choose a more active daily agenda or simply relax into shipboard comforts, engaging lectures, and the easy camaraderie of fellow travelers and staff.
Important note: As with any flight, delays or early departures are possible when traveling to and from Antarctica. However, due to the region’s less predictable weather, air-cruise operations are especially dependent on favorable conditions. Travelers must remain flexible and prepared for potential delays or early arrivals. Low clouds, fog, and strong winds can significantly impact flight schedules—both en route to Antarctica and on return flights to South America. Safety is the airline’s primary priority, and airline officials continuously monitor weather conditions and adjust travel plans if needed.

For more information, click “Request a Brochure” under Additional Resources, located below the itinerary outline on the right.

Activity Level 2

What to expect: These trips often travel by motor coach, ship, or train. Touring days may include full-day motor coach excursions or extended periods of standing and walking during city tours, museum visits, and/or outdoor activities. Travelers should be able to board transportation, walk over sometimes-uneven terrain, and climb a few flights of stairs, occasionally without handrails or assistance. Elevators are not always available. Outings last 2–4 hours most days.

Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk two to four miles, or 4,600–6,900 steps, each day.