Fly the Drake
Duration: 13 – 15 Days
Fly the Drake trips are Antarctica fly cruises that include a 2 hour flight from Southern Chile to King George Island. Guests embark the ship in the South Shetland Islands and cross the Bransfield Straight to reach the Antarctic Peninsula.
These fly cruises have the chance to visit the same or similar landing sites as Antarctic Peninsula cruises sailing across the Drake. All Fly the Drake trips fly to/from Antarctica in both directions, saving 2 days at sea each way.
This blog post talks about the pros and cons of flying and sailing across the Drake.
Top Reasons to Book a Fly the Drake Cruise
- You are short on time and looking for the quickest trip to Antarctica
- You are worried about seasickness crossing the Drake Passage
- You would like a very small ship (some small ships exclusively operate Fly the Drake trips)
- You would like to visit Torres del Paine or other locations in Chile and looking for an Antarctica trip that combines well logistically
Highlights
Taking the fastest route to Antarctica
Maximize your holiday days in destination by taking an Antarctic Fly cruise.
Spectacular Polar Scenery
Simply put, the scenery is absolutely spectacular. Rugged snow covered peaks rise out of the ocean, glaciers flow in every direction and icebergs in all shapes and shades of blue are scattered along the coastline.
Unique Wildlife
The wildlife at the Antarctic Peninsula is abundant with millions of penguins nesting on shore, curious seals swimming alongside zodiacs and humpback whales that make their migration from South America to feed in the krill rich waters of the Southern Ocean.
Top Fly the Drake Cruises
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Duration: 8 Days
Magellan Explorer, Premium Ship, 76 Guests
Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
Duration: 8 Days
National Geographic Explorer, Premium Ship, 148 Guests
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
Duration: 8 Days
World Voyager, Premium Ship, 140 Guests
Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
Duration: 10 Days
National Geographic Orion, Premium Ship, 102 Guests
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Duration: 8 Days
Magellan Discoverer, Premium Ship, 76 Guests
Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle
Duration: 11 Days
Ocean Explorer, Premium Ship, 138 Guests
Fly to Antarctica and Skip the Drake Passage
Dreaming of Antarctica but short on time or worried about seasickness? Fly the Drake expeditions offer a fast and comfortable way to reach the White Continent, with a 2-hour flight over the Drake Passage, saving four days at sea. These trips allow you to experience the wonders of Antarctica’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife without the long ocean crossing.
Start Your Antarctic Adventure!
Explore our Fly the Drake expeditions and step directly into Antarctica for an unforgettable polar experience.
Antarctica Fly Cruise FAQ’s
Where do Fly the Drake trips originate?
All fly cruises begin and end in Chile. Flights operate between either Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or Puerto Williams (depending on the ship) and King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. The ship will be waiting at King George Island where guests will take a short zodiac ride from the beach to the ship.
By flying over the Drake Passage, will I avoid getting seasick?
These trips still involve some sailing in the open ocean between King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula. Although this is a much shorter crossing than the Drake Passage, there will still be a chance of having some high swells. Everybody reacts to motion differently. If you have concerns about sea sickness then we recommend speaking with your personal physician prior to your expedition.
What type of planes are used on the flights to Antarctica?
There are 3 types of planes used: the BAe 146-200, Avro RJ85 and Avro 100. They are high winged aircrafts that are capable of landing on short runways. The flights are operated by Aerovías DAP which have been operating flights to Antarctica since 1989.
Can the flights to/from Antarctica be delayed?
Yes, there are higher chances of having a trip delay or interruption than sailing across the Drake. Each ship has a contingency plan that outlines exactly what would happen in the case of a trip delay or interruption. We will forward you the contingency plan at booking. Please enquire for more details.
I love the idea of taking a flight to Antarctica but I still want to experience the Drake Passage. Can I fly one-way and sail the other?
Yes! Check out all our one-way fly / one-way sail the Drake trips here.
