Atlas Ocean Voyages will expand its Fly the Drake expedition program, offering travelers more opportunities to discover Antarctica by reducing sailing time through the Drake Passage and spending more days exploring one of the last great untouched spaces on the planet.
In response to strong demand, the luxury expedition cruise line has expanded its Antarctic program for the 2027-2028 season with six departures spread across two travel options, designed to maximize exploration time both on land and at sea in the Antarctic Peninsula.
The Drake Express expedition consists of a seven-night round-trip cruise from King George Island, with private charter flights between Punta Arenas (Chile) and Antarctica, allowing you to avoid the traditional two-day crossing of the Drake Passage in both directions.
Drake Express Departures 2027-2028
- November 28, 2027
- December 5, 2027
- February 12, 2028
- February 19, 2028
For its part, the Drake Fly & Sail option allows you to experience the classic journey of crossing the Drake Passage by sea to Antarctica and then returning on a private charter flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas, thus combining traditional sailing with the comfort of returning by plane.
Drake Fly & Sail departures 2027-2028
- November 19, 2027
- February 3, 2028
All itineraries include private charter flights, one night's hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas before and after the expedition, plus six full days of exploration in Antarctica, with zodiac excursions, guided landings and activities led by the Atlas Ocean Voyages expedition team, made up of 17 specialists.
"When most people think of Antarctica, they imagine penguins, whales, glaciers, and the thrill of setting foot on the white continent," explained James A. Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages.
"The Drake Passage represents a true rite of passage for many travelers, but for those with less vacation time, our Fly the Drake expeditions allow you to make the most of the experience thanks to options like Drake Express or Drake Fly & Sail, which offer the possibility of arriving in Antarctica sooner without sacrificing the comfort of our expedition yachts or the experience of traveling in small groups."
The flight between Punta Arenas and King George Island takes approximately two hours, compared to the two days of sailing typically required for each crossing of the Drake Passage. Both the Drake Express and Drake Fly & Sail options are designed to allow as much time as possible to be dedicated to exploring the Antarctic continent.
The different departures offer distinct wildlife experiences. Trips in November and December feature snow-covered landscapes, spectacular ice formations, penguin courtship and nesting, and the arrival of elephant seals on the beaches. February expeditions allow you to observe penguin chicks, seal pups, and intense cetacean activity, with frequent sightings of humpback whales, minke whales, and killer whales feeding in Antarctic waters.
Each expedition is led by a team of 17 polar experts, including naturalists, marine biologists, historians, photographers, and kayak guides, who accompany travelers through lectures, zodiac excursions, and landings.
In addition, guests can book optional activities such as kayaking in Antarctica or even an exclusive overnight camping experience on the Antarctic continent, while all cruises include the traditional Polar Plunge, a dip in the frigid Antarctic waters.
Before boarding, travelers enjoy the Atlas Immersion experience in Punta Arenas, which includes an evening dedicated to Patagonian gastronomy, regional wines, Chilean folklore and local history in the Strait of Magellan Park and the historic Fort Bulnes.
The expeditions take place aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages' Polar Category C Ice Class expedition yachts, which can accommodate fewer than 200 passengers. The Always Included experience features spacious suites, common areas, international cuisine with daily changing menus and vegetarian options, premium beverages, 24-hour room service, gratuities, and a full program of onboard activities.
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