NG Antarctica Direct Sail and Fly the Drake - 10-12 days

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©lindblad:joshuavelafonseca

Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage

From

AU$19,286 ^{per person}

Dates

Nov , Dec , Jan , Feb and Mar
Duration

10 Days
Ships
National Geographic Explorer National Geographic Orion
Embark

Ushuaia
Disembark

Puerto Natales, Chile

Routes
Activities
Dates & rates
Special offers
What's included

Routes

Depart

Route information

Embark: Ushuaia, Argentina

Disembark: Puerto Natales, Chile

Destinations: Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel, the Drake Passage, King George Island, the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula

Ships: National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion

Duration: 10 or 11 days

Additional Information: Sail south across the Drake Passage from Ushuaia and fly back from King George Island to Puerto Natales. Charter flight from King George Island to Ushuaia, one hotel night before the voyage and one after are included, with a half day excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park and lunch aboard a Beagle Channel catamaran on the embarkation day.

Depart

Route information

Embark: Puerto Natales, Chile

Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina

Destinations: King George Island, the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake Passage and Ushuaia

Ships: National Geographic Orion

Duration: 12 days

Additional Information: Fly south from Puerto Natales to King George Island and sail back across the Drake Passage to Ushuaia. Charter flight from Puerto Natales to King George Island, one hotel night before the voyage and one after are included.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, cradled between the ice-capped peaks of Tierra del Fuego and the cold waters of the Beagle Channel. Fittingly, it is known as El Fin del Mundo, the End of the World. Transfer to your hotel, and in the evening gather for dinner and a briefing on the adventure ahead.

Day 2 Ushuaia, embark

Before boarding, spend the morning in Tierra del Fuego National Park, where dense southern beech forest recalls the vegetation that once cloaked Antarctica itself. Enjoy lunch aboard a private catamaran on the Beagle Channel, watching for South American sea lions and imperial cormorants along the shore. By the end of the day you are settled aboard your ship and pointed south for the White Continent.

Days 3 - 4 At sea, crossing the Drake Passage

This is the legendary crossing, the 800 km strait that separates South America from the Antarctic Peninsula. At times boisterous, at times glassy calm, the Drake is a wildlife theatre in its own right; wandering albatross wheel behind the ship, and lucky travellers spot orca or rare dolphins. Settle into shipboard life, join talks on the natural history to come, and watch from the bridge as the first icebergs appear.

Days 5 - 9 Exploring Antarctica

These are the days you came for. With daylight stretching almost around the clock, the schedule stays flexible so the ship can follow the ice and the wildlife. One morning you might kayak beneath towering bergs, the next cruise by Zodiac past seals on the floes or walk ashore among thousands of gentoo and Adelie penguins. Watch for humpback and minke whales along the ship's track, feel the hull ease through the pack ice, and let the expedition team bring the Peninsula to life through talks on deck and quiet moments at the rail.

Day 10 King George Island, disembark and fly to Puerto Natales

This morning the ship lies off King George Island, home to a scatter of international research stations. Step ashore by Zodiac for the last time and board your flight north across the Drake, landing at Puerto Natales in Chilean Patagonia for an overnight at your hotel.

Day 11 Depart Puerto Natales

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight home. Note 10 Day itinerary spends one less day exploring the Antarctic Peninsula

Day 1 Arrive Puerto Natales, Chile

Arrive in Puerto Natales, a former fishing port on Last Hope Sound beneath the Cerro Benitez range and the gateway to Torres del Paine. Transfer to your hotel for dinner and an evening briefing on the days ahead.

Day 2 Fly to King George Island and embark

After breakfast, fly two hours south to King George Island, crossing the Drake Passage by air. Land on the gravel runway beside the island's research stations, then board a Zodiac to your waiting ship and begin exploring straight away.

Days 3 - 8 Exploring Antarctica

Six full days to immerse yourself in the Peninsula and the South Shetlands. Kayak among brash ice, cruise by Zodiac in search of seals and blue eyed shags, and walk ashore among the penguin colonies, with whales a constant possibility along the ship's track. The flexible schedule lets the expedition team chase the best of the ice, the weather and the wildlife.

Days 9 - 10 At sea, crossing the Drake Passage

Turn north for the sea crossing back to South America. Famous and ever changing, the Drake is your best chance for seabirds like the wandering albatross, with orca and dolphins a possibility. Reflect on the voyage from the observation lounge or the bridge, join a final talk on the wildlife you have seen, and raise a glass at a festive farewell dinner.

Day 11 Arrive Ushuaia, disembark

Sail into Ushuaia, back at the End of the World between the mountains and the Beagle Channel. Disembark and transfer to your hotel, with dinner in the evening.

Day 12 Depart Ushuaia

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.

Dates & rates

Pricing is dynamic, book early to secure the best fares and suite choice.

Fares reward early bookings with competitive rates and priority access, and are subject to change based on demand and availability.

Dates

Nov 20 - Nov 30, 2027
Start/End

Ushuaia / Puerto Natales, Chile
Ship

National Geographic Orion
Price from (per person)

AU$20,671

Category 1 - Window Cabin

Guests

2, Queen/Twin
Size

16m²
Deck

Main deck

Price from (per person)

AU$20,671

Category 2 - Window Cabin

Guests

2, Queen/Twin
Size

17m²
Deck

Main deck

Price from (per person)

AU$22,560

Category 3 - Window Cabin

Guests

2, Queen/Twin
Size

20m²
Deck

Upper deck

Price from (per person)

AU$23,097

Category 4 – Suite

Guests

3, Queen/Twin
Size

21m²
Deck

Bridge deck

Price from (per person)

AU$24,433

Category 1 - Solo Porthole Cabin

Guests

1, Queen
Size

16m²
Deck

Main deck

Price from (per person)

AU$28,343

Category 5 – Balcony Suite

Guests

2, Queen
Size

21m²
Deck

Bridge deck

Price from (per person)

AU$29,213

Category 3 - Solo Suite

Guests

1, Single
Size

16m²
Deck

Bridge deck

Price from (per person)

AU$31,813