Skip the Crossing: 7-Night Atlas Antarctica Fly-Cruise

Drake Express is built for travelers who want Antarctica but would rather skip the two-day crossing each way. Instead of sailing the Drake Passage, guests fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in the South Shetlands and board World Traveller there. The 7-night voyage runs February 12 to 19, 2028, and the time saved goes straight into exploring. It’s a great fit for those prone to seasickness or short on vacation days.

Once aboard, you’ll have five days along the Antarctic Peninsula plus time in the Antarctic Sound, all Captain’s Choice. The expedition team picks landing sites and cruising routes based on ice, weather and wildlife, so the plan is flexible by design. February is late summer, a lively time in penguin colonies as chicks fledge, and whales are often active in the channels.

The Antarctic Sound, at the northern tip of the Peninsula, is known for its massive tabular icebergs, broken from ice shelves farther south, and it’s Adélie penguin territory. Along the Peninsula itself, typical experiences include Zodiac cruising among icebergs, landings near gentoo and chinstrap colonies, and watching seals haul out on ice floes. At the end, the ship returns to King George Island for the flight back to Punta Arenas.

Flights in Antarctica depend on weather, and departures can be delayed when conditions at King George Island aren’t safe. We’ll explain how Atlas handles that and recommend building in some flexibility around your international flights. World Traveller is a small luxury expedition ship; Atlas polar sailings include expedition gear and Zodiac landings, and fares generally include beverages, gratuities and Wi-Fi.

Fly-cruise departures are limited, so it pays to plan early. Tell us your preferred travel dates and cabin type, and we’ll check fares, availability and the flight arrangements included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to cross the Drake Passage on the Atlas Drake Express voyage?
No. You fly between Punta Arenas and King George Island, so there’s no sea crossing of the Drake. Flights are weather-dependent and can be delayed.

How many days are you in Antarctica on a 7-night fly-cruise?
This itinerary lists five days along the Antarctic Peninsula plus time in the Antarctic Sound, all subject to the captain’s daily decisions on weather and ice.

Should I spend extra nights in Punta Arenas?
We recommend it. Arriving early protects you from missed connections, and a buffer afterward helps if weather delays the return flight from King George Island.