Fly the Drake
Do you like the idea of visiting Antarctica but are short on time or nervous about getting seasick crossing the notorious Drake Passage? If so, a Fly the Drake trip might be a great fit as these expeditions have a 2-hour flight over the Drake Passage, saving 2 days at sea each way. These fly cruises have the chance to visit the same or similar landing sites along the Antarctic Peninsula as you would if you sailed across the Drake. All Fly the Drake trips will fly to/from Antarctica in both directions.
This blog post talks more about the pros and cons of flying and sailing across the Drake.
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Antarctica – Whale Watching – 11 Days
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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
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Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle
The Fastest Route to Antarctica
With Fly the Drake, you can maximize your time in Antarctica while avoiding the unpredictable seas. On these expeditions, you’ll experience:
- A quick, scenic 2-hour flight over the Drake Passage instead of two days at sea
- Incredible Antarctic landscapes, including icebergs, glaciers, and towering peaks
- The same or similar landing sites along the Antarctic Peninsula as traditional cruises
- Up-close wildlife encounters, with penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds
Fly to Antarctica and Skip the Drake Passage
Dreaming of Antarctica but short on time or worried about seasickness? Fly the Drake expeditions offer a fast and comfortable way to reach the White Continent, with a 2-hour flight over the Drake Passage, saving four days at sea. These trips allow you to experience the wonders of Antarctica’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife without the long ocean crossing.
Start Your Falklands Adventure!
Explore our Fly the Drake expeditions and step directly into Antarctica for an unforgettable polar experience.
Antarctica Fly Cruise FAQ’s
Where do Fly the Drake trips originate?
All fly cruises begin and end in Chile. Flights operate between either Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales (depending on the ship) and King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. The ship will be waiting at King George Island where guests will take a short zodiac ride from the beach to the ship.
By flying over the Drake Passage, will I avoid getting seasick?
These trips still involve some sailing in the open ocean between King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula. Although this is a much shorter crossing than the Drake Passage, there will still be a chance of having some high swells. Everybody reacts to motion differently. If you have concerns about sea sickness then we recommend speaking with your personal physician prior to your expedition.
What type of planes are used on the flights to Antarctica?
There are 3 types of planes used: the BAe 146-200, Avro RJ85 and Avro 100. They are high winged aircrafts that are capable of landing on short runways. The flights are operated by Aerovías DAP which have been operating flights to Antarctica since 1989.
Can the flights to/from Antarctica be delayed?
Yes, there are higher chances of having a trip delay or interruption than sailing across the Drake. Each ship has a contingency plan that outlines exactly what would happen in the case of a trip delay or interruption. We will forward you the contingency plan at booking. Please enquire for more details.
I love the idea of taking a flight to Antarctica but I still want to experience the Drake Passage. Can I fly one-way and sail the other?
Yes! Be sure to check out our one-way fly / one-way sail the Drake page for more information.
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