Why spend days crossing the notoriously rough Drake Passage when you can fly directly to the White Continent in just two hours? National Geographic Expeditions’ Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake program revolutionizes polar exploration, delivering you swiftly and comfortably to King George Island by private charter flight. From there, board our purpose-built expedition ship and dive straight into the wonders of Antarctica—massive glaciers, breaching whales, and bustling penguin colonies await. Enjoy more time exploring and less time sailing, with expert naturalists guiding your journey through this pristine wilderness. Perfect for travelers seeking maximum adventure with minimal transit, this exclusive air-cruise combines efficiency with the awe-inspiring beauty of Earth’s last great frontier.
From Chile Roundtrip; 8 days
Highlights:
- Fly across the Drake Passage to King George Island, landing at the Chilean research station which permanently operates there.
- Explore the world’s last great wilderness—kayak in protected waters, hike amid magnificent mountains, see huge glaciers up close and observe an array of endemic wildlife in the company of a team of top naturalists.
- Cross-country ski or snowshoe across the frozen sea ice, conditions permitting (November departures).
Day 1: 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.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Puerto Natales / 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 at the Chilean research station where the National Geographic Explorer will be waiting offshore. Board Zodiacs to embark the ship and set sail as you begin exploring this amazing region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3-6: 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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: King George Island / Disembark Ship / Puerto Natales
This morning, the ship will be moored off of King George Island once again. Following disembarkation and Zodiac rides to shore, your flight departs the White Continent and returns to Puerto Natales where you overnight at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Puerto Natales
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward.
Meals: Breakfast
Please contact our Travel Advisors for details.
Tour Code: NG
