Antarctica Direct - Sail and Fly the Drake Passage
10 Days - National Geographic Explorer
Experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent in a more efficient, expedient way. On this new itinerary, cruise the Drake Passage one way, and then bypass the Drake Passage on the way back on a 2-hour flight from Antarctica and discover all of the highlights without sacrificing the extra time. Travel with a diverse team of experts aboard the National Geographic Explorer, the definitive expedition ship. Venture into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Watch for whales off the bow; Zodiac cruise around enormous icebergs; and hike, kayak, and even possibly cross-country ski in complete tranquility. Choose an active agenda or surrender to the pleasures of relaxing downtime and shipboard camaraderie. Plus, get top shots with the help of a National Geographic Photography Expert.
from AUD $15247pp
Home » 10 Day National Geographic Explorer: Antarctica Direct – Sail and Fly the Drake Passage
Itinerary Highlights
- Experience it all—cruise the legendary Drake Passage aboard the National Geographic Explorer and then enjoy the ease of returning on our 2-hour direct flight from King George Island to Puerto Natales
- Hike amid magnificent mountains; see huge glaciers; and observe a parade of gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins
- Kayak in protected waters, paddling in the Antarctic stillness as penguins swim nearby
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
- Day 2: Ushuaia / Embark Ship
- Day 3 and 4: At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage
- Day 5 to 8: Exploring Antarctica
- Day 9: King George Island / Disembark Ship / Puerto Natales, Chile
- Day 10: Puerto Natales
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrive in Ushuaia. Sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the frigid waters of the Beagle Channel, this is a fittingly wild place to be known as “El Fin del Mundo” or “The End of the World.” Transfer from the airport to our hotel. Join us this evening for dinner and a briefing on our upcoming adventure.
Arrival Time: Arrive by 6:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Ushuaia, Argentina
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Ushuaia / Embark Ship
Check out of our hotel and begin exploring this amazing region. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, clad in dense beech forest just as much of Antarctica was millions of years ago. Savor lunch on board a private catamaran as you cruise the Channel, keeping an eye out for plump South American sea lions and sleek seabirds like the imperial cormorant. By day’s end, you’ll be comfortably on board the ship and ready to sail off to the White Continent.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 and 4: At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage
At times ferocious, at others flat calm, this legendary 500-mile-wide strait divides South America from the Antarctic Peninsula. Feel the excitement build as we begin the crossing, often accompanied by seabirds like the wandering albatross and—if luck allows—a pod of killer whales or rare dolphins. Get to know the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (ideal for wildlife spotting), relax with a massage, attend a talk on the unique biology of penguins, or simply settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge, looking out over the waves as you contemplate the history of this passage named for English privateer Francis Drake, but first discovered by Spanish navigator Francisco de Hoces.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 to 8: Exploring Antarctica
With long hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunities to explore. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected, whether we’re watching whales at play off the bow of our ship, hiking alongside penguin highways, or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins. While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, we might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, we might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. Everywhere we go in Antarctica we’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way, your expert expedition team will enrich every experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: King George Island / Disembark Ship / Puerto Natales, Chile
This morning finds us off of King George Island. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—Weddell and elephant seals; Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins—this island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the US, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, call the various stations home. Disembark and Zodiac ashore to board our 2-hour flight back to Puerto Natales where we will overnight at Hotel Costaustralis or Remota Patagonia Lodge (or similar).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Puerto Natales
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward.
Departure Time: Outbound flights from Puerto Natales should depart no earlier than 3:45 p.m. local time (or as late in the day as possible).
Departure City: Puerto Natales, Chile
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
19 Nov 2024 - 28 Nov 2024 | AUD $15801pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $15801pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | AUD $15801pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $17754pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $18303pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | AUD $18303pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $19679pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Cabin | AUD $24599pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 Suite | AUD $28601pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 Suite | AUD $31603pp | Contact us | |
08 Dec 2024 - 17 Dec 2024 | AUD $15963pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $15963pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $17936pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $18489pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $19880pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | AUD $23944pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Cabin | AUD $24849pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | AUD $27733pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 Suite | AUD $28893pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 Suite | AUD $31924pp | Contact us | |
27 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 | AUD $18687pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $18687pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $20996pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $21646pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $23274pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | AUD $28031pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Cabin | AUD $29093pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | AUD $32469pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 Suite | AUD $33829pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 Suite | AUD $37374pp | Contact us | |
15 Jan 2025 - 24 Jan 2025 | AUD $17420pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $17420pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $19571pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $20177pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $21694pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | AUD $26130pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Cabin | AUD $27117pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | AUD $30266pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 Suite | AUD $31531pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 Suite | AUD $34840pp | Contact us | |
03 Feb 2025 - 12 Feb 2025 | AUD $17244pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $17244pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $19374pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $19973pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $21476pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | AUD $25867pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Cabin | AUD $26843pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | AUD $29960pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 Suite | AUD $31213pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 Suite | AUD $34489pp | Contact us | |
07 Nov 2025 - 16 Nov 2025 | AUD $15247pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $15247pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $18290pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $18833pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $20196pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | AUD $24179pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Cabin | AUD $25066pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | AUD $27891pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 Suite | AUD $29029pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 Suite | AUD $32000pp | Contact us | |
26 Nov 2025 - 05 Dec 2025 | AUD $16357pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $16357pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $18290pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $18833pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $20196pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | AUD $24179pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Cabin | AUD $25066pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | AUD $27891pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 Suite | AUD $29029pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 Suite | AUD $32000pp | Contact us | |
15 Dec 2025 - 24 Dec 2025 | AUD $17071pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $17071pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $19004pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $19547pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $20910pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | AUD $24893pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Cabin | AUD $25780pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | AUD $28606pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 Suite | AUD $29743pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 Suite | AUD $32714pp | Contact us | |
03 Jan 2026 - 12 Jan 2026 | AUD $19929pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $19929pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $22214pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $22857pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $24470pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | AUD $29179pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Cabin | AUD $30230pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | AUD $33571pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 Suite | AUD $34919pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 Suite | AUD $38429pp | Contact us | |
22 Jan 2026 - 31 Jan 2026 | AUD $18500pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $18500pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $20609pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $21201pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $22689pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | AUD $27036pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Cabin | AUD $28003pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | AUD $31087pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 Suite | AUD $32329pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 Suite | AUD $35571pp | Contact us | |
10 Feb 2026 - 19 Feb 2026 | AUD $17786pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $17786pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $19894pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $20487pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $21974pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | AUD $26321pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Cabin | AUD $27289pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | AUD $30373pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 Suite | AUD $31614pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 Suite | AUD $34857pp | Contact us |
Flights from King George Island to Puerto Natales are mandatory and not included in the cabin price.
The 2024/2025 season charter flight is AU$1,430 per guest each way. The 2025/2026 season charter flight is AU$2,145 per guest each way.
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Category 1 Cabin
17.5m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, non-smoking, 1-2 portholes, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category 2 Cabin
16m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category 3 Cabin
19.5m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category 4 Cabin
15.5m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category Solo A
12m², single bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category Solo B
12m², single bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category 5 Cabin
16.5m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, balcony with sliding glass doors, non-smoking, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category 6 Suite
33m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, balcony with sliding glass doors, non-smoking, writing desk, reading lamp, large private bathroom, shower, 2 wash basins, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, TV, A/C, luggage storage.
Category 7 Suite
36m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, sofa bed, balcony with sliding glass doors, non-smoking, seating area, writing desk, reading lamp, large private bathroom, shower, 2 wash basins, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, TV, A/C, luggage storage.
National Geographic Explorer Deckplan
Specifications
- Crew: 86
- Officers: International
- Guests: 148
- Tonnage: 6471
- Length: 367 Feet / 112 Metres
- Width: 54 Feet
- Speed: 15 Knots
- Passenger Decks: 6
- Built: 1982
- Registry: Bahamas
Whats included?
- Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
- Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
- Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
- Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
- 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard all ships, with the exception of Sun Goddess and Oberoi Philae. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
- Beer and wine with meals aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess. Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
- Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, Sun Goddess, and The Jahan.
- Laundry services aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess.
- Complimentary Starlink-enabled wi-fi internet is available to all guests aboard our fleet, with the exception of Delfin II, enabling email, messaging, and social media. Enhanced and Premium internet packages are available for purchase, with the exception of Delfin II, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting).
- Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
- The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
- Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
- 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
- Complimentary National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
- Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert (National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Resolution) and National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships)
- Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (all National Geographic ships except in Galapagos)
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
What’s not included?
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers
- Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
- Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, and Delfin II
- Mandatory charter flight(s): $1, 000 per guest each way
Notes
Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.
Flights from King George Island to Puerto Natales are mandatory and not included in the cabin price.
The 2024/2025 season charter flight is AU$1,430 per guest each way. The 2025/2026 season charter flight is AU$2,145 per guest each way.