Antarctic Air-Cruises
Fly direct from Chile to Antarctica, save time and skip the Drake Passage!
Skip the Drake Passage and gain more time exploring Antarctica. With these air-cruise expeditions, you’ll fly to King George Island, board a ship waiting for you in Antarctica, and cruise the region at your leisure. These hybrid fly-cruise options combine the best of aviation and polar voyaging. Once in Antarctica, the same expedition vessel proceeds with the itinerary as usual — exploring the Peninsula, ice-filled fjords, wildlife landings, and flexible routing based on conditions.
On Sale
Antarctic Express Cruise South, Fly North
December & January
10 days
A 10 day express Antarctic expedition on board the luxurious Ocean Explorer including a time-saving flight back from Antarctica
On Sale
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
Dec-Feb
8 days
An 8 day express Antarctic expedition including convenient flights to Antarctica to join a modern and luxurious expedition vessel
Early Booking Rates
Complete Antarctica, Sail in Fly out: Ocean Nova
January
11 days
An unique 11 day Fly/Cruise adventure to Antarctica. Sail to Antarctica on the 80-passenger, ice-class expedition ship Ocean Nova and then fly back
Early Booking Rates
Antarctica Fly the Drake Passage: Ocean Nova
January - February
9 days
An unique 9 day Fly/Cruise adventure to Antarctica. Fly direct to Antarctica and then sail on the 80-passenger, ice-class expedition ship Ocean Nova
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise: Magellan Explorer
November
6 days
Cruise to Antarctica and and then fly back on a compact expedition with Zodiac landings, wildlife encounters and spectacular polar scenery
Exclusive Savings!
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise: Magellan Discoverer
November - March
8 days
Fly over the Drake Passage to Antarctica and explore the Peninsula aboard a boutique expedition ship with wildlife, icebergs and Zodiac landings
Special Rates
South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Odyssey
October-March
20 days
Explore the very best of Antarctica and sub-Antarctic islands on board a state-of-the-art 'X-bow' expedition ship
Antarctica Fly the Drake
January
10 days
Experience the Antarctic on a Fly the Drake expedition, flying over the Drake to maximise time exploring icebergs, wildlife and remote polar landscape
On Sale
Crossing the Circle Express: Ocean Explorer
January/February
11 days
An 11 day air/cruise expedition on board the luxury Ocean Explorer to the Antarctic Circle. Fly direct and skip the Drake Passage!
Why Choose an Air-Cruise?
- Save Time & Maximise Exploration: Because you skip the long Drake Passage transit, you spend more of your trip on active exploration. More landings, more wildlife, more time in Antarctica itself.
- Less Sea Sickness Risk: The Drake Passage is notorious for rough seas. Air-cruise removes that as a hurdle — ideal for travelers sensitive to motion.
- Flexible Itineraries & Comfort: These expeditions often offer elegant comfort, shorter packages, and alternatives like express return flights. Many use boutique vessels to match safety with comfort.
Alternative Air-Cruise Routes & Itineraries
Many trips fly both ways to and from Antarctica. However some may fly into Antarctica, cruise the Peninsula, then sail back northwards to Ushuaia. Or in reverse, combining flight and sea. (e.g. “Fly South, Cruise North” itineraries). Shorter Duration Options are available for travelers with limited time, Express Air-Cruise versions (6–8 days) offer a condensed version of Antarctica via air-cruise — sailing to select highlights, then flying back. Some air-cruise programs extend to the Polar Circle, combining flight + deeper exploration beyond the Peninsula. Longer air-cruise adventures may include extensions to South Georgia or the Falkland Islands, blending fly & cruise legs across sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions.
Ships used in Air-Cruise Programs
Typical vessels in air-cruise programs include Ocean Nova, Magellan Explorer, Ocean Explorer and others suited for expedition cruising in Antarctica.
Flight Operators & Logistics
These flights are operated by specialized charter operators used to Antarctic runways (King George Island). The logistics include strict weather contingency plans, pre- and post-flight transfers, and coordination with expedition vessels.
What You’ll See & Do
- See penguins, Whales & Seals: Gentoo, Adélie, Chinstrap penguins, plus occasional whales (humpback, minke) and seals are common highlights.
- Iceberg Navigation & Fjords: Explore channels filled with ice, sculpted glaciers, calving fronts, and dramatic ice walls.
- Zodiac Landings & Shore Visits: You’ll make flexible landings via Zodiac craft — visiting research stations, penguin colonies, and scenic bays. The ship and guides adapt daily based on conditions.
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