Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake

Antarctic Express Fly/Cruise/Fly 8 days

Prices From £15,195pp
December to February | 7 nights

Up To 25% Discount!

Free Single Supplement!

Single Cabins Available

Antarctic Express Fly/Cruise/Fly 8 days

Aboard: World Explorer Ocean Explorer

This unique express expedition offers those short on time the ideal opportunity to explore what Antarctica has to offer, whilst also avoiding the sometimes rough Drake Passage crossing. We will reach the exceptionally scenic, wildlife paradise of Antarctica by air, flying from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. From here you will board your Polar expedition vessel to enjoy 4 days of exploration around the South Shetland Islands and stunning Antarctic Peninsula.

Enjoying thrilling Zodiac cruises through the crackling sea ice, getting up close to huge colonies of bustling penguins as they go about their daily lives, navigating through mazes of towering icebergs of all shapes and sizes, and of course stepping foot on the magnificent 7th continent…this adventure of a lifetime is sure to delight even the most experienced of travellers. A fantastic opportunity to experience one of the most spectacular places on earth without spending 4 days getting there.

This trip operates on various dates aboard 2 different vessels - Ocean Explorer and World Explorer. Mentioned activities may not be applicable to all departure dates. Please enquire for full rates and dates.

Highlights

  • Fly the Drake Passage
  • Spectacular scenery
  • See numerous species of penguin
  • Abundant wildlife including birds, whales and seals
  • Enjoy exciting Zodiac excursions
  • Activity options including stand-up paddlebaording, kayaking & paddling (select departures - charges apply)

What's Included

  • One night's pre-voyage hotel accommodation with welcome dinner and breakfast in Punta Arenas
  • One night's post-voyage hotel accommodation with breakfast in Punta Arenas
  • Flights from Punta Arenas to Antarctica and return
  • Full board ship accommodation including all meals, snacks & hot & soft drinks on board
  • Free alcohol during dinner and bar service hours
  • All zodiac excursions and landings
  • Programme of expert lectures and presentations
  • Loan of waterproof boots
  • Expedition parka to keep
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • All service and port charges
  • Group transfer from airport to hotel on day 1, and hotel to airport on day 2
  • Group transfer from airport to hotel on day 7

Up To 25% Discount!

Book select dates now and receive up to 25% discount off select cabins!

Offer applicable when booked before 1st November 2024

Applies to new bookings in select cabins on select departure dates and is subject to availability. Discounts will fluctuate depending on dates and cabins chosen. Can not be combined with any other offer. Full terms & conditions apply. / Available on selected dates/vessels.

Free Single Supplement!

Book select departures now and solo travellers can book a double-occupancy cabin for the price of a single berth!

Offer applicable when booked before 1st November 2024

Applies to select cabins. Full terms and conditions apply. / Available on selected dates/vessels.

Single Cabins Available

This vessel offers single occupancy cabins, which is a perfect option for solo travellers. Travelling alone is often the best way to see the world. No responsibilities, no difficult choices and no trying to please anyone else…just you, your itinerary and your adventurous spirit!

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Punta Arenas
1Day

Punta Arenas

Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, where after having arrived independently you can join a group transfer from the airport to your hotel for an included overnight stay. Punta Arenas is the most populated city in southern Patagonia and we recommend arriving early to allow you some time to discover some of the city’s many museums, restaurants and shops. In the afternoon you will meet your fellow passengers and tour representatives for a briefing on the adventures that lie ahead, before enjoying an included welcome dinner and a good night’s rest in preparation for embarkation day.

Fly to King George Island
2Day

Fly to King George Island

Today your adventure begins in earnest as you join your transfer to the airport for your 3 hour flight to Antarctica! A buzz of excitement will be in the air as you board your plane ready to fly across the legendary Drake Passage. Within just a few hours you will catch your first glimpse of the dramatic Antarctica landscapes below as your plane prepares to land in the South Shetland Islands. Flying into Antarctica is a unique and exciting experience and upon landing the excitement continues as we leave the plane and step foot on the white continent, one of the most remote and spectacular places on earth. We can stretch our legs and take a walk around the island before boarding our Zodiac boats to transfer to our Polar expedition ship to begin our sail to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Antarctic Peninsula
3 - 6Days

Antarctic Peninsula

You are likely to feel a sense of euphoria as we reach the peninsula and Antarctica’s spectacular beauty really comes to light. There are few places in the world that could match Antarctica’s dramatic pristine landscapes and today you get to be one of a small group of people who have been able to witness this outstanding area up close. Soon you will begin to appreciate exactly why these remarkable lands have long captivated the attentions of explorers and intrepid adventurers.

As with all Antarctica expeditions our exact itinerary over the course of the next 4 days will be flexible and dependent upon weather and ice conditions, with your captain and experienced crew deciding each day on the best course for unrivalled wildlife, scenery and adventure experiences. Each expedition to Antarctica is different and you can be guaranteed of multiple unique, once in a lifetime moments that you will live long in the memory.

Exploring each day by Zodiac boat alongside your experienced expedition crew you will discover multiple bays, channels and landing sites on a constant lookout for wildlife sightings including humpback and minke whales, various southern seal species and, of course, bustling penguin rookeries. You are likely to see at least 3 different penguin species on your trip and one of our favourite places for spotting penguins is Danco Island where we can enjoy a short hike to visit a large colony which resides high up on a ridge that affords spectacular views of the surrounding pristine landscape.

There will ample opportunities for enjoyable hikes and walks throughout our time in Antarctica and the majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings.

Throughout your time here you can enjoy walks along the beaches alongside the penguins, thrilling Zodiac cruises through the crackling sea ice, navigating through mazes of towering icebergs of all shapes and sizes, experience the awesome sights and sounds of calving glaciers including those in Neko Harbour, and fully immerse yourself in all that this wonderful continent has to offer. For the more adventurous we highly recommend a Polar Plunge in the frigid Antarctic waters, and there will be exciting kayaking and paddling options available too.

King George Island to Punta Arenas
7Day

King George Island to Punta Arenas

After your thrilling exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula we will arrive back at King George Island to disembark the ship and bid a fond farewell to our expedition team before boarding our flight back to Punta Arenas. The flight back across the Drake Passage takes approximately 3 hours and upon arrival back in Punta Arenas you can join your group transfer to your hotel for an included overnight stay. This evening is yours to do with what you please. Spend some time collating all of the many photos you will have taken on your adventure, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant, or reminisce with your new found friends about all that you have experienced together over the last week.

Punta Arenas
8Day

Punta Arenas

After breakfast at the hotel it will be time to check out and bid goodbye to your fellow passengers as your thrilling Antarctica adventure comes to an end.

A view from Above

All Aboard

World Explorer
Luxury vessel

World Explorer

This brand new (2018) luxurious polar vessel features outstanding amenities, all suites cabins which all have balconies, great ice-classification and more.

The ship offers a 5 star level of service with lots of space for guests, and plenty of public areas in which to relax. Features of this vessel include a glass domed observation lounge, an Explorer Lounge, a Bow Observation Deck with 3-5m wide walkway which circles forward bow 30’ above water line for excellent wildlife viewing, a library area, outdoor running track, gym, sauna, spa, dining room, welcoming bar and beautiful bedroom suites. Each suite features its own balcony, private bathroom, seating area and state of the art “infotainment” system.

The vessel also features an advanced, environmentally friendly hybrid propulsion system and a silent mode for enhanced on and off-ship guest experience.

Ocean Explorer
vessel

Ocean Explorer

Launched in 2024, the modern and elegant Ocean Explorer has been purpose-built for polar exploration and accommodates up to 138 passengers within a range of stylish and superbly equipped cabins and suites. Each cabin or suite features a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design, and, unlike most expedition vessels, almost every cabin offers a veranda.

The ship has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology, with features including the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience, and an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines and the ground-breaking MAGS gasification system that converts waste into energy, eliminating the environmental impact of waste transportation.

With stunning interior design throughout, adventurers can enjoy an array of high-class amenities including two outdoor jacuzzis, a dry sauna and a fitness centre. Delicious meals are served within the wonderful main dining room or Compass restaurant, and the welcoming, beautifully-lit Latitude Bar with its lush sofas and faux marble-topped end tables is the perfect spot in which to socialise or relax after a long day of exploring. Enjoy a cocktail and a chat in the stylish observation lounge and observation deck, join an expert talk in the presentation lounge, or relax with a book in the wonderful two-story, light-filled library located at the bow as you explore the pristine wilderness of the polar regions.

we work hard to earn passionate reviews from our clients.

4.9
44 Google reviews

Now that I am back from my odyssey voyage, I thought I would let you know that after all that planning it really did exceed my expectations – we managed landings everywhere even on Tristan da Cuhna and had great bird sightings. The guides all knew what they were talking about too and made sure I got some great photos – still sorting them all out! Thanks for everything and see you at Birdfair!

Dave Martin

I want to thank you for all you did to make my recent Falklands trip run so smoothly and comfortably. Thank you for all your help over the diet too.

Dr Lorna Mairs

Just a quick note to express my sincere thanks to you and all your staff for making this an epic adventure of immense proportions. Everything went smoothly, pickups, hotels and most of all the expedition itself. Truly a mind blowing experience unlike any I have ever taken.

Mr J Borg, Malta

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Antarctica adventure for you.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Sheena’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
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+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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