NG Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake - 8-10 days

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Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

From

AU$18,000 ^{per person}

Dates

Nov , Dec , Jan and Feb
Duration

10 Days
Ships
National Geographic Explorer National Geographic Orion
Embark

Puerto Natales, Natales, Chile
Disembark

Puerto Natales, Natales, Chile

Routes
Dates & rates
Special offers
What's included

Routes

Depart

Route Information

Embark: Puerto Natales, Chile

Disembark: Puerto Natales, Chile

Ships: National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion

Duration: 8, 9 or 10 days

Additional Information: Return flights between Puerto Natales and King George Island are included, with one hotel night in Puerto Natales before and after the voyage.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Puerto Natales, Chile

Arrive in Puerto Natales, a former fishing port strung along Last Hope Sound beneath the peaks of the Cerro Benitez range, and the gateway to Torres del Paine. Transfer from the airport to your hotel, where dinner and an evening briefing set up the days ahead. If you would like more of Patagonia, there is the option to add a five day Torres del Paine extension before the voyage.

Day 2 Fly to King George Island and embark

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the two hour flight south to King George Island, crossing the Drake Passage by air rather than by sea. Your aircraft touches down on a gravel runway beside the island's cluster of international research stations. From the shore, a Zodiac carries you the short distance to your waiting ship, and the expedition begins the moment you step aboard.

Days 3 - 8 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 might be spent kayaking beneath towering icebergs, the next cruising by Zodiac in search of seals hauled out on the floes and blue eyed shags on the cliffs, or walking 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 open up the natural history of the Peninsula through talks on deck and quiet moments at the rail. The longer 9 and 10 day voyages simply add more of these days.

Day 9 King George Island, disembark and fly to Puerto Natales

The ship returns to King George Island. After a final Zodiac ride to shore, your flight lifts off from the White Continent and returns you to Puerto Natales, where you overnight at your hotel.

Day 10 Depart Puerto Natales

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight home. Note: The 8 and 9 day versions of this itinerary spend fewer days on the Antarctic Peninsula, two fewer on the 8 day voyage and one fewer on the 9 day.

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.

Please contact us to check availability and to confirm the price of your preferred cabin.

Dates

Nov 19 - Nov 27, 2026
Start/End

Puerto Natales
Ship

National Geographic Orion
Price from (per person)

AU$20,357

Category 1 - Window Cabin

Guests

2, Queen/Twin
Size

16m²
Deck

Main deck

Price from (per person)

AU$20,357

Category 2 - Window Cabin

Guests

2, Queen/Twin
Size

17m²
Deck

Main deck

Price from (per person)

AU$22,043

Category 3 - Window Cabin

Guests

2, Queen/Twin
Size

20m²
Deck

Upper deck

Price from (per person)

AU$22,515

Category 4 – Suite

Guests

3, Queen/Twin
Size

21m²
Deck

Bridge deck

Price from (per person)

AU$23,686

Category 1 - Solo Porthole Cabin

Guests

1, Queen
Size

16m²
Deck

Main deck

Price from (per person)

AU$27,172

Category 5 – Balcony Suite

Guests

2, Queen
Size

21m²
Deck

Bridge deck

Price from (per person)

AU$27,943

Category 3 - Solo Suite

Guests

1, Single
Size

16m²
Deck

Bridge deck

Price from (per person)

AU$30,400