Voyage Overview
Fly across the Drake Passage to Antarctica and experience the adventure of sailing the Drake one-way.
Discover all of the highlights without sacrificing the extra time. Travel with a diverse team of experts aboard the National Geographic Orion, an intimate premium expedition ship. 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 in complete tranquility. Choose an active agenda or surrender to the pleasures of relaxing downtime and shipboard camaraderie. Plus, get top shots with the help of a National Geographic Photography Expert.
Trip Details
Duration: 12 Days
Ship: National Geographic Orion, Premium Ship, 102 Guests
Start: Puerto Natales, Chile
End: Ushuaia, Argentina
Highlights:
- 6 planned days in Antarctica
- Take a quick 2 hour flight to Antarctica
- Explore the world’s most pristine wilderness in the company of top naturalists and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica, with more than 55 years of expedition heritage
- Hike amid magnificent mountains; see huge glaciers; and observe a parade of gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins
- Kayak in protected waters, paddling in the Antarctic stillness as penguins swim nearby
- Watching large seabirds & attending lectures while sailing the Drake
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive into Puerto Natales, Chile
Day 2: Fly to King George Island & Embarkation
Days 3-8: Exploring Antarctica
Days 9-10: At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 12: Depart Ushuaia
Tour Dates
- October 2027 to March 2028
| Dates | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
Dec 10 – Dec 21, 2027 (12 days) | Available | view pricing chart |
Jan 8 – Jan 19, 2028 (12 days) | Available | view pricing chart |
Feb 6 – Feb 17, 2028 (12 days) | Available | view pricing chart |
Mar 6 – Mar 17, 2028 (12 days) | Available | view pricing chart |
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Puerto Natales, Chile
Arrive in Puerto Natales. Originally a small fishing port, the town is nestled on the Last Hope Sound and boasts a stunning view of the sea surrounded by the Cerro Benitez Mountains—the gateway to Torres del Paine. Transfer from the airport to your hotel, where you’ll enjoy dinner and attend a briefing on the following day’s activities. All guests should arrive no later than 2:00pm. Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Fly to King George Island, Antarctica & Embark Ship
Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your two-hour direct flight to King George Island in Antarctica, where you’ll begin your Antarctic adventure. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife, King George Island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the U.S., Chile, Argentina and Brazil, call the various stations home. Your flight will land on a gravel runway at the Chilean research station. You will then be transferred to the rocky shoreline, where you will board Zodiacs to embark on the ship and set sail as you begin exploring this amazing region. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-8: Exploring Antarctica
With long hours of daylight at this time of year, you’ll have ample opportunities to explore. The schedule is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of the unexpected, whether you’re watching whales at play off the bow of the ship, hiking alongside penguin highways or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins.
While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, you might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, you might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice.
Everywhere you go in Antarctica, you’ll be surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way your expert expedition team will enrich every experience. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9-10: At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage
This 500-mile-wide strait between the Antarctic Peninsula and South America is one of the most famous bodies of water in the world. Sometimes ferocious, sometimes flat calm, the Drake is always a fascinating place in its own right. This part of the journey is your best opportunity to see gorgeous seabirds like the wandering albatross, and you might be lucky enough to encounter orca whales or rare species of dolphins. Visit the Bridge (a great place to spot wildlife), have a relaxing massage, attend a talk about the biology of the penguins you’ve just seen or settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge to look out over the waves and reflect on your incredible journey. Toast your epic voyage at a festive farewell dinner. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrive in Ushuaia. Sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the frigid waters of the Beagle Channel, this is a fittingly wild place to be known as “El Fin del Mundo” or “The End of the World.” Transfer to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy dinner. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Depart Ushuaia
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward. Guest should book flights no earlier than 10:00 a.m. local time. Meals Included: Breakfast
Please note the itinerary and route map are only tentative outlines of what you may experience. No specific itinerary, routing or landing sites can be guaranteed in advance. Where the ship actually sails will depend on a lot of factors including, but not limited to, the weather & ice conditions and the captain & expedition leader. Every trip is different, which adds to the excitement of expedition cruising in the polar regions. Trips with flights to and/or from Antarctica have a higher risk of having a trip delay or interruption due to weather.
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
Mar 6 – Mar 17, 2028 (12 days)
| Start: | Puerto Natales, Chile |
| End: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
Charter Flights $2,000/person
(Already included in displayed pricing)
One-way Charter Flight Puerto Natales, Chile – King George Island, Antarctica.
| Cabin Category | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 | Category 6 | Category 1 Solo | Category 3 Solo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $17,788 | $19,462 | $19,938 | $21,122 | $25,358 | $28,796 | $24,587 | $27,663 |
| Availability | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited |
Adventure Options:
Feb 6 – Feb 17, 2028 (12 days)
| Start: | Puerto Natales, Chile |
| End: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
Charter Flights $2,000/person
(Already included in displayed pricing)
One-way Charter Flight Puerto Natales, Chile – King George Island, Antarctica.
| Cabin Category | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 | Category 6 | Category 1 Solo | Category 3 Solo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $20,437 | $22,391 | $22,947 | $24,330 | $29,277 | $33,291 | $28,377 | $31,968 |
| Availability | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited |
Adventure Options:
Jan 8 – Jan 19, 2028 (12 days)
| Start: | Puerto Natales, Chile |
| End: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
Charter Flights $2,000/person
(Already included in displayed pricing)
One-way Charter Flight Puerto Natales, Chile – King George Island, Antarctica.
| Cabin Category | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 | Category 6 | Category 1 Solo | Category 3 Solo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $21,787 | $23,885 | $24,482 | $25,966 | $31,275 | $35,583 | $30,308 | $34,164 |
| Availability | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited |
Adventure Options:
Dec 10 – Dec 21, 2027 (12 days)
| Start: | Puerto Natales, Chile |
| End: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
Charter Flights $2,000/person
(Already included in displayed pricing)
One-way Charter Flight Puerto Natales, Chile – King George Island, Antarctica.
| Cabin Category | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 | Category 6 | Category 1 Solo | Category 3 Solo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $16,029 | $17,516 | $17,939 | $18,991 | $22,755 | $25,809 | $22,070 | $24,803 |
| Availability | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited |
Adventure Options:
Single Travelers
- Can book a dedicated solo cabin in Category 1 Solo or Category 3 Solo at the prices listed above
- Share cabins may be available in select cabin categories, please enquire for more details
- If booking Cat 1 – 6 at solo occupancy, the rate is 2x the per person share price
Adventure Options
- Paddling – included in the voyage cost. Guests may have the chance to paddle once, conditions permitting.
Voyage Ship
National Geographic Orion
National Geographic Orion is one of the smallest ships exclusively operating Fly the Drake Antarctica trips. With 53 cabins and a maximum of 102 guests, the ship offers an intimate, yacht feel. Her small size, high ice class and spacious outdoor deck spaces make her the perfect expedition vessel for the polar regions.
National Geographic Orion Cabins & Deck Plan
Category 6
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 5)
These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, except for #509 which has double windows. There is a separate living area with a sofa, two armchairs, coffee table, reading lamps, flat screen TV, espresso maker and climate controls. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door, except for #502, which uniquely offers a ‘soaking tub with a view’ in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity. Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
345 sq. ft. (32.05 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 5
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 5)
Spacious suites with a mid-ship location featuring open living areas and sliding glass doors leading to a shared French balcony. A separate sitting area with armchairs, sofa, writing/ laptop desk, coffee table, reading lamps, flat screen TV, espresso maker and climate controls complete the décor. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
230 sq. ft. (21.37 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 4
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 5)
There are just two Category 4 suites (#511, 515 ), located forward on the Bridge Deck. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, an expansive window, chair, armchair, coffee table, and a two-cushion sofa. Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, espresso maker and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door. Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
230 sq. ft. (21.37 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 3
UPPER DECK (Deck 4)
With a central ship location close to the Lounge, Category 3 suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa—except in slightly smaller #401 & #402—an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, coffee table, flat screen TV, bedside table, & climate controls. Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Varies, most 210-215 sq. ft. (19.51- 19.97m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 2
MAIN DECK (Deck 3)
A more mid-ship location on the Main Deck, Category 2 cabins feature an oval window, armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, bedside table, coffee table, desk, and climate controls complete. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
180 sq. ft. (16.72 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 1
MAIN DECK (Deck 3)
Entry level double occupancy cabins with an oval window, armchair, reading lamps, flat screen TV, two bedside tables, coffee table, desk, and climate controls. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
175 sq. ft. (16.26 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 1 Solo
MAIN DECK (Deck 3)
Dedicated solo occupancy cabins equipped a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, coffee table, two bedside tables, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
175 sq. ft. (16.26 m2)
1
1 queen or 1 double
Category 3 Solo
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 5)
This solo cabin (#512) features two single beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and a small table, reading lamps, coffee table a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
175 sq. ft. (16.26 m2)
1
2 single
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship (except certain super premium brands which are available for purchase)
- Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
- Excursions and airport transfers to and from recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary
- Crew gratuities
- Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis
- Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
- Assistance by the National Geographic Photography Expert and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
- Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker
- Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- Services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
- Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment
- 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes. Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable
Exclusions:
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included)
- Pre- and post-expedition extensions
- Additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
- Private transfers
- Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
- Travel protection plans
- Waterproof boot rentals
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
Solo Travelers
Are you traveling alone? Solo travelers have the following options.
- Book a dedicated Category 1 or 3 Solo cabin
- Book into a share cabin (please enquire for details)
- Book a Category 1 – 6 at 2x the per person share price for solo occupancy
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