Antarctica Express: Fly the Drake

From Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas
  • All Antarctic Cruises
  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Small Ship Cruising
  • Wildlife and Nature
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Tour Description

Short on time or you just don’t fancy sailing through the Drake Passage? Join us on this Antarctica Express voyage where we will fly you from Punta Arenas to King George Island where you will board your ship. On this Antarctic cruise you will still experience all of Antarctica’s breath taking highlights.  The onboard expert team will guide you through all the natural history, biology and geology of the area.

On the Antarctica Peninsula and the South Shetland islands there will be many opportunities to make landings by Zodiac and get up close and personal with local wildlife such as penguins, seals, and seabirds.  The beautiful landscapes will thrill you at every turn with glaciers, snowy mountains, glassy inlets and icebergs calving from sheer ice cliffs.  The expert crew will join you along the way to educate you on this fascinating land.  The Antarctic cruise ends back at King George Island where you will fly back to South America.

If visiting Antarctica is on your bucket list then this expeditions cruise will be the trip of a lifetime.

This voyage is 8 or 9 days, depending on departure date, please ask us for more details

Video Highlights

Viva's Best Bits...

Perfect for those short on time, and waiting to tick Antarctica off the bucket list!
Bonus - no need to sail the Drake passage (Known for rough waters).

Options to try kayaking or paddling in Antarctica - these book up, so we recommend you book well in advance

"I knew I would see lots of penguins in Antarctica, but really there are thousands everywhere, and they are so amusing and curious, I could watch them for hours!" Tara, Team Viva

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Punta Arenas

Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days. By early afternoon, a representative will meet you at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.

Important reminder: all guests must arrive to designated hotel by 3 PM local time. We recommend staying connected to the internet/phone in case of any updates.

Day 2
Punta Arenas King George Island

Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship will approach King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, stretch your legs with a one-mile (1.6 km) walk to the shore, before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

Day 3-6
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes.

As your captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert presenters will deepen your experience with explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region.

Even more exciting are your daily excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking on a beach dotted with penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica.

Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities, and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between an Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguin.

You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and killer whales in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore during this unrivaled travel experience.

Your Expedition Team will accompany you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.

Day 7
Fly to Punta Arenas

After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your two-and-a-half-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your group transfer to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Day 8
Punta Arenas Depart

After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

*Please note some dates are 9 days in duration, please ask us for more info

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 Cabin accommodation on board
  • Included Copy 31 Cabin upgrades available
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 All shore landings per the daily program
  • Included Copy 20 Return Flight from Punta Arenas, Chile to Antarctica (King George Island )
  • Included Copy 20 All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
  • Included Copy 20 On-board lectures and educational presentations from polar specialists
  • Included Copy 20 Rubber boots for shore landings (to borrow)
  • Included Copy 20 Parka for your warmth & comfort (to keep)
  • Included Copy 20 A photographic journal documenting the expedition
  • Included Copy 20 Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
  • Included Copy 20 Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person
  • Included Copy 7 Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance — strongly recommended
  • Included Copy 7 International flights, Gratuities, Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges
  • Included Copy 31 Kayaking, paddling, stand up paddle boarding (select departures, additional charge)
Transportation

World Explorer

125 Passengers

Ocean Explorer

138 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Kayaking among whales in Antarctica (additional activity)
  • Included Fastest way to Antarctica - Fly over the Drake Passage!
  • Included Landings in the Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
  • Included Spend time with Antarctic wildlife - meet Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstap penguins
  • Included Zodiac cruising through the ice
  • Included Photograph penguins, seals & seabirds
  • Included Lectures on all things Antarctica history, geology and wildlife
Tour on Special!
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Duration

8 days

Price from

$17,495 $13,296 USD

Per person, sharing

Based On Lowest Cabin

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