Antarctica: Fly the Drake Passage
9 Days / 5 Nights On Board
Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas
On This Fly-In, Fly-Out Voyage, You’ll Experience Start-to-Finish Adventure, Discovery, and Comfort
Take to the Antarctic skies before embarking on an adventure unlike any other. On this voyage, you’ll skip the unpredictable waters of the Drake Passage before exploring Antarctica by sea aboard Ocean Nova, one of the most renowned expedition vessels in operation, for an experience that combines the best of both flying and cruising. Your introduction to the White Continent begins in comfort as you watch your expedition ship come into view below the peaks of King George Island. Upon embarkation, you’ll explore the very best of Antarctica, guided safely by your skilled and knowledgeable Expedition Leader and team. Marvel at penguins, whales, seals, and thousands of seabirds in their natural habitat, and experience the jaw-dropping ice of Antarctica from the moment you touch down. At journey’s end, return to Punta Arenas in the comfort of a private plane.
Expedition Dates
| Ship | Arrive | Board | Disembark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Nova | Jan 19, 2028 | Jan 20, 2028 | Jan 25, 2028 |
| Ocean Nova | Jan 24, 2028 | Jan 25, 2028 | Jan 30, 2028 |
| Ocean Nova | Jan 29, 2028 | Jan 30, 2028 | Feb 4, 2028 |
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Welcome to Patagonia!
- Day 2: All Aboard for Antarctica!
- Days 3–5: Immersive Antarctica
- Day 6: South Shetland Islands
- Day 7: King George Island, Disembarkation
- Day 8: Punta Arenas, Chilean Patagonia
- Day 9: Punta Arenas – a Fond Farewell
Day 1: Welcome to Patagonia!
Arrive in Punta Arenas, one of Earth’s southernmost cities and Chile’s gateway to Antarctica. After lunch, check into the beautifully appointed Hotel Cabo de Hornos, where our friendly ground team awaits to prepare you for your Antarctic adventure. During the afternoon, meet your fellow explorers, join your Expedition Team to be fitted for your boots and parka, biosecure your expedition gear, and learn about responsible Antarctic exploration, Zodiac landings, and tomorrow’s travel schedule – in short, everything you need to get ready for Antarctica. Afterwards, gather for your first dinner together and enjoy irresistible Patagonian delicacies in the Faro Lounge restaurant.
Day 2: All Aboard for Antarctica!
Today’s the day. After a hearty breakfast, gear up before departing for Punta Arenas airport, where your chartered aircraft awaits to whisk you across the infamous Drake Passage – waves not included. Watch from the window in awe as icebergs appear, guarding the coast of King George Island, one of Antarctica’s northernmost islands. Descend onto the gravel runway, where our Expedition Team awaits to assist you safely aboard Ocean Nova. After the mandatory safety briefing and drill, toast the start of your Antarctic voyage as Ocean Nova sets sail southward.
Days 3–5: Immersive Antarctica
Welcome to Antarctica in all its awe-inspiring glory. For the next few days, we’ll maneuver through picturesque channels, where sculpted icebergs and an array of captivating wildlife share these dynamic waters. This is your opportunity to become more intimately acquainted with Antarctica by Zodiac, kayak, snowshoe, or while spending unhurried time ashore, taking in the silence and scale of the landscape. For those participating in our Citizen Science program, the important work of understanding and documenting this fragile environment continues. Prepare to be amazed as we encounter numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales, both along the rugged coastline and in open waters. With opportunities to visit penguin colonies and historic landing sites, we plan to take full advantage of all the White Continent has to offer.
Day 6: South Shetland Islands
Over time, volcanic activity in the South Shetland Islands has created a geology unlike any other. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins. It’s also not uncommon to share the shoreline with elephant and fur seals, while whales are often spotted offshore. We’ll settle into our Zodiacs and spend our final day in Antarctica exploring these remarkable islands.
Day 7: King George Island – Disembarkation
On the final day aboard Ocean Nova, we arrive at King George Island, Antarctica’s most populous island. After a fond farewell to the Expedition Team, crew, and officers of Ocean Nova, disembark by Zodiac to the small Chilean station on King George Island, where your chartered aircraft awaits. Board your aircraft and watch the White Continent recede as we fly across the Drake Passage. Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, a delectable dinner and comfortable rest await you at the beautifully appointed Hotel Cabo de Hornos.
Day 8: Punta Arenas, Chilean Patagonia
Spend the day exploring the best of Chilean Patagonia on an excursion to the famous Estancia Olga Teresa, a local ranch that embodies Patagonian hospitality. Learn about life at the bottom of the world while keeping watch for wildlife, including guanacos, rhea, and Andean condors. In the evening, relax in exceptional comfort at the Hotel Cabo de Hornos or explore the vibrant city of Punta Arenas.
Day 9: Punta Arenas – A Fond Farewell
After bidding farewell to your fellow explorers, continue exploring the surroundings of Punta Arenas, set off for further adventure in Patagonia, or head to the airport for your return journey home and a well-earned rest.
Whale Watching in Antarctica
| Ship | Starting From | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 19, 2028 EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT | Ocean Nova | $13,495 | Book Now! |
| Jan 24, 2028 EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT | Ocean Nova | $14,495 | Book Now! |
| Jan 29, 2028 EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT | Ocean Nova | $13,495 | Book Now! |
Activities
(available on select departures)
- Discover Kayaking ($350)
Book in advance – pay on board
- Citizen Science (Included)
Sign up on board
- Photography Coach (included)
Available to all
Important Details
Prices based on twin occupancy except for Singles (1), Triples (3), and the Brynhilde Suite (4). A limited number of twin cabins may be sold for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.
Traveling With a Group?
Reach out to our Sales team to inquire about groups of 10 or more.
Rates vary by cabin.
A Classic Expedition Experience
With a maximum of just 80 passengers, Ocean Nova offers the best advantages of a small ship adventure – a small enough size to maneuver into the most intimate and pristine landscapes, and a superior guide-to-passenger ratio, ensuring a highly personalized experience for everyone both on board and off. Our unique Panorama Lounge, at the heart of Ocean Nova, and its accompanying outside deck offer unparalleled wildlife viewing.
All Voyages Include:
- One Hotel Night
- Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages with dinner
- World Class Cuisine
- Complimentary coffee/tea station
- Certified Emergency MD and Clinic
- Voyage Photographer
- Professional Photography Coach
- Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
- Expedition jacket on loan, custom down jacket to keep
Ship Facilities:
- Maximum 80 passengers
- Panoramic lounge with 200-degree views
- Multiple Observation Decks
- Fitness Center and library
- Polar Boutique
All Staterooms Feature:
- Exterior views
- Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
- Telephone
- Independent temperature controls
- Toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
