Voyage Overview
Experience the adventure of sailing the Drake Passage one-way and fly across the other.
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: 11 Days
Ship: National Geographic Orion, Premium Ship, 102 Guests
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
End: Puerto Natales, Chile
Highlights:
- 5 planned days in Antarctica
- Watching large seabirds & attending lectures while sailing the Drake, then taking a quick 2 hour flight across the Drake Passage
- 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
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 2: Ushuaia / Embarkation
Day 3-4: At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage
Days 5-9: Antarctica
Day 10: Disembarkation at King George Island & Fly to Puerto Natales, Chile
Day 11: Depart Puerto Natales
Tour Dates
- October 2027 to March 2028
| Dates | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
Nov 20 – Nov 30, 2027 (11 days) | Available | view pricing chart |
Jan 17 – Jan 27, 2028 (11 days) | Available | view pricing chart |
Feb 15 – Feb 25, 2028 (11 days) | Available | view pricing chart |
Itinerary
Day 1: 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 from the airport to our hotel. Join us this evening for dinner and a briefing on our upcoming adventure. All guests should arrive into Ushuaia by 6pm local time. Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Ushuaia / Embark Ship
Check out of our hotel and begin exploring this amazing region. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, clad in dense beech forest just as much of Antarctica was millions of years ago. Savor lunch on board a private catamaran as you cruise the Channel, keeping an eye out for plump South American sea lions and sleek seabirds like the imperial cormorant. By day’s end, you’ll be comfortably on board the ship and ready to sail off to the White Continent. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-4: At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage
At times ferocious, at others flat calm, this legendary 500-mile-wide strait divides South America from the Antarctic Peninsula. Feel the excitement build as we begin the crossing, often accompanied by seabirds like the wandering albatross and—if luck allows—a pod of killer whales or rare dolphins. Get to know the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (ideal for wildlife spotting), relax with a massage, attend a talk on the unique biology of penguins, or simply settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge, looking out over the waves as you contemplate the history of this passage named for English privateer Francis Drake, but first discovered by Spanish navigator Francisco de Hoces. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 5-9: Exploring Antarctica
With long hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunities to explore. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected, whether we’re watching whales at play off the bow of our 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, we 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, we might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. Everywhere we go in Antarctica we’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way, your expert expedition team will enrich every experience. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: King George Island / Disembark Ship / Puerto Natales, Chile
This morning finds us off of King George Island. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—Weddell and elephant seals; Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins—this island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the US, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, call the various stations home. Disembark and Zodiac ashore to board our 2-hour flight back to Puerto Natales where we will overnight at Hotel Costaustralis or Remota Patagonia Lodge (or similar). Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Puerto Natales, Chile
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward. Departure Time: Outbound flights from Puerto Natales should depart no earlier than 1:00p.m. local time (or as late in the day as possible). 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
Feb 15 – Feb 25, 2028 (11 days)
| Start: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
| End: | Puerto Natales, Chile |
Charter Flight $2,000/person
(Already included in displayed pricing)
One-way Charter Flight King George Island, Antarctica – Puerto Natales, Chile.
| 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 | $17,588 | $19,240 | $19,710 | $20,879 | $25,061 | $28,455 | $24,301 | $27,337 |
| Availability | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited |
Adventure Options:
Jan 17 – Jan 27, 2028 (11 days)
| Start: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
| End: | Puerto Natales, Chile |
Charter Flight $2,000/person
(Already included in displayed pricing)
One-way Charter Flight King George Island, Antarctica – Puerto Natales, Chile.
| 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 | $19,588 | $21,452 | $21,982 | $23,301 | $28,020 | $31,849 | $27,162 | $30,587 |
| Availability | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited |
Adventure Options:
Nov 20 – Nov 30, 2027 (11 days)
| Start: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
| End: | Puerto Natales, Chile |
Charter Flight $2,000/person
(Already included in displayed pricing)
One-way Charter Flight King George Island, Antarctica – Puerto Natales, Chile.
| 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 | $14,470 | $15,792 | $16,168 | $17,103 | $20,449 | $23,164 | $19,840 | $22,269 |
| 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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