Fly the Drake

Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Starts: Punta Arenas, Chile

Ends: Punta Arenas, Chile

This itinerary is a guide only. Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. A daily program sheet will be issued on board. Flexibility is the key to success.

Itinerary

Once arriving by flight to Antarctica, you will sail between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Enjoy seeing ice-filled fjords and spectacular icebergs, while spotting penguins, seals, and whales that call the White Continent home.

Day 1: Punta Arenas (Chile)

Arrive in Punta Arenas before 2:00 pm, where you will be welcomed by the staff and transferred to your hotel. Today, you will have a mandatory briefing with important trip information. In the evening, enjoy dinner of typical Chilean food with your fellow adventurers.

Day 2: Flight to Antarctica

Begin your Antarctic air-cruise with a scheduled two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island in Antarctica. Upon landing the clear Antarctic air will fill your lungs. You then walk 2-km (1.25-mi), passing Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.

Days 3-6: Exploring Antarctica

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides.

On board the ship, attend an engaging program of educational presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.

No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience every time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache Strait, and the Penola Strait.

Day 7: Return Flight to Punta Arenas

Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding your flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival from the 7th continent, transfer to your hotel for the night and enjoy an evening at your own leisure. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).

Day 8: Punta Arenas (Chile)

Today, your air-cruise officially ends. After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

INCLUSIONS
  • For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, group transfers airport/hotel on Day 1.
  • For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, one overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar, with a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1.
  • 1 overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on the Day of the Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica.
  • Group transfers airport/hotel on the Day of the Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica, and group transfers hotel/airport on last Day of the air-cruise.
  • Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
  • Ship cruise as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
  • Daily breakfast and lunch on board ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
  • Daily served dinner on board ship offering a choice of three main courses.
  • Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship.
  • Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition.
  • All guided shore excursions.
  • Lectures and entertainment on board.
  • Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
  • Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
  • IAATO passenger fee.
EXCLUSIONS
  • Accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage. Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
  • Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
  • Internet connection on board the ship.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
  • Gratuities.
  • Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, Passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.