Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage
Experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent in a more efficient, expedient way with our 11-day option. On this new itinerary, cruise the Drake Passage one way, and then bypass the Drake Passage on the way back on a 2-hour flight from Antarctica and discover all of the highlights without sacrificing the extra time.
Expedition Gallery
Overview
Experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent in a more efficient, expedient way with our 11-day option. On this new itinerary, cruise the Drake Passage one way, and then bypass the Drake Passage on the way back on a 2-hour flight from Antarctica and discover all of the highlights without sacrificing the extra time. Travel with a diverse team of experts aboard the National Geographic Explorer, the definitive expedition ship. Venture into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Watch for whales off the bow; Zodiac cruise around enormous icebergs; and hike, kayak, and even possibly cross-country ski in complete tranquility. Choose an active agenda or surrender to the pleasures of relaxing downtime and shipboard camaraderie. Plus, get top shots with the help of a National Geographic Photography Expert.NOTE: This is an expedition in the truest sense—flexibility is key. Delays and early departures of flights due to inclement weather are common in Antarctica. In the event of a flight adjustment, your expedition team may implement a contingency plan with alternative activities. For answers to questions you may have about our Fly the Drake Passage programs, please see our FAQ page.
Expedition Details
- Operator: Lindblad Expeditions
- Ships: National Geographic Orion,National Geographic Explorer
- Region: ANTARCTICA
- Duration: 10 nights
- From AUD 19,286 per person
Places Visited
- Puerto Natales, Chile
- Puerto Natales / King George Island, Antarctica / Embark Ship
- Exploring Antarctica
- At Sea / Crossing the Drake Passage
- Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark Ship
- Ushuaia
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Puerto Natales, Chile
Arrive in Puerto Natales. Originally a small fishing port, the town is nestled on the Last Hope Sound and boasts a stunning view of the sea surrounded by the Cerro Benitez Mountains—the gateway to Torres del Paine. Transfer from the airport to your hotel, where you'll enjoy dinner and attend a briefing on the following day’s activities. Arrival Time: Arrive by 2:00 p.m. local time Arrival City: Puerto Natales, Chile
Day 1
Puerto Natales, Chile
Arrive in Puerto Natales. Originally a small fishing port, the town is nestled on the Last Hope Sound and boasts a stunning view of the sea surrounded by the Cerro Benitez Mountains—the gateway to Torres del Paine. Transfer from the airport to your hotel, where you'll enjoy dinner and attend a briefing on the following day’s activities. Arrival Time: Arrive by 2:00 p.m. local time Arrival City: Puerto Natales, Chile
Day 2
Puerto Natales / King George Island, Antarctica / Embark Ship
Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your two-hour direct flight to King George Island in Antarctica, where you'll begin your Antarctic adventure. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife, King George Island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the U.S., Chile, Argentina and Brazil, call the various stations home. Your flight will land on a gravel runway at the Chilean research station. You will then be transferred to the rocky shoreline, where you will board Zodiacs to embark on the ship and set sail as you begin exploring this amazing region.
Day 2
Puerto Natales / King George Island, Antarctica / Embark Ship
Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your two-hour direct flight to King George Island in Antarctica, where you'll begin your Antarctic adventure. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife, King George Island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the U.S., Chile, Argentina and Brazil, call the various stations home. Your flight will land on a gravel runway at the Chilean research station. You will then be transferred to the rocky shoreline, where you will board Zodiacs to embark on the ship and set sail as you begin exploring this amazing region.
Day 3-7
Exploring Antarctica
With long hours of daylight at this time of year, you'll have ample opportunities to explore. The schedule is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of the unexpected, whether you’re watching whales at play off the bow of the ship, hiking alongside penguin highways or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins. While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, you might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, you might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. Everywhere you go in Antarctica, you'll be surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way your expert expedition team will enrich every experience.
Day 3-7
Exploring Antarctica
With long hours of daylight at this time of year, you'll have ample opportunities to explore. The schedule is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of the unexpected, whether you’re watching whales at play off the bow of the ship, hiking alongside penguin highways or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins. While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, you might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, you might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. Everywhere you go in Antarctica, you'll be surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way your expert expedition team will enrich every experience.
Day 8-9
At Sea / Crossing the Drake Passage
This 500-mile-wide strait between the Antarctic Peninsula and South America is one of the most famous bodies of water in the world. Sometimes ferocious, sometimes flat calm, the Drake is always a fascinating place in its own right. This part of the journey is your best opportunity to see gorgeous seabirds like the wandering albatross, and you might be lucky enough to encounter orca whales or rare species of dolphins. Visit the Bridge (a great place to spot wildlife), have a relaxing massage, attend a talk about the biology of the penguins you’ve just seen or settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge to look out over the waves and reflect on your incredible journey. Toast your epic voyage at a festive farewell dinner.
Day 8-9
At Sea / Crossing the Drake Passage
This 500-mile-wide strait between the Antarctic Peninsula and South America is one of the most famous bodies of water in the world. Sometimes ferocious, sometimes flat calm, the Drake is always a fascinating place in its own right. This part of the journey is your best opportunity to see gorgeous seabirds like the wandering albatross, and you might be lucky enough to encounter orca whales or rare species of dolphins. Visit the Bridge (a great place to spot wildlife), have a relaxing massage, attend a talk about the biology of the penguins you’ve just seen or settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge to look out over the waves and reflect on your incredible journey. Toast your epic voyage at a festive farewell dinner.
Day 10
Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark Ship
Arrive in Ushuaia. Sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the frigid waters of the Beagle Channel, this is a fittingly wild place to be known as “El Fin del Mundo” or “The End of the World.” Transfer to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy dinner.
Day 10
Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark Ship
Arrive in Ushuaia. Sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the frigid waters of the Beagle Channel, this is a fittingly wild place to be known as “El Fin del Mundo” or “The End of the World.” Transfer to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy dinner.
Day 11
Ushuaia
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward. Departure Time: Depart no earlier than 10:00 a.m. local time Departure City: Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 11
Ushuaia
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward. Departure Time: Depart no earlier than 10:00 a.m. local time Departure City: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ship & Suites
National Geographic Orion
Expedition Deck
Main Deck
Upper Deck
Bridge Deck
Observation Deck
01
Cabins feature an oval window; two single beds that convert to a queen; two bedside tables; two armchairs; writing desk with chair; coffee table; three closets; and a bathroom with a roomy shower.
02
Cabins feature one or two oval windows; two single beds that convert to a queen; bedside table; armchair; writing desk with chair; coffee table; three closets; and a bathroom with a roomy shower.
1S
Cabins feature a window or two portholes; two single beds that convert to a queen; two bedside tables; armchair; writing desk with chair; coffee table; three closets; and a bathroom with a roomy shower. Cabin 301 features a double bed and no bedside table.
03
Cabins feature a large window; two single beds that convert to a queen; bedside table; sofa that converts to a single bed; one or two armchairs; writing desk with chair; coffee table; four closets; and a bathroom with a roomy shower. Cabins 401, 402, and 418 do not contain a sofa.
04
Suites feature a large window; two single beds that convert to a queen; two bedside tables; sofa that converts to a single bed; armchair; writing desk with chair; coffee table; espresso maker; four closets; and a bathroom with a roomy shower. Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service, and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
05
Suites feature a shared balcony; two single beds that convert to a queen; two bedside tables; sofa that converts to a single bed; armchair; writing desk with chair; coffee table; espresso maker; four closets; and a bathroom with a roomy shower. Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service, and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
06
Suites feature a private French balcony or floor-to-ceiling windows; two single beds that convert to a queen; two bedside tables; cabinet with drawers and shelves; sofa that converts to a single bed; two armchairs; writing desk with chair; coffee table; espresso maker; five closets; and a bathroom with a roomy shower. Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service, and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.Cabin 509 features two windows instead of a balcony. Cabin 502 offers a soaking tub in addition to a shower.
3S
Cabins feature two large windows; two single beds; bedside shelf; two armchairs; writing desk with chair; coffee table; three closets; and a bathroom with a roomy shower. Guests receive complimentary laundry, special turn down service, and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
Restaurant
Meals are served in a single, unassigned seating for a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Lounge
The lounge contains a full bar and state-of-the-art presentation facilities for talks, presentations, and evening Recaps.
Global Gallery
The Global Gallery offers a unique selection of handcrafted gifts, as well as expedition gear such as hats, jackets and sunshirts.
Outdoor Dining
Select meals can be enjoyed al fresco at the outdoor café, weather permitting.
Bridge
The fleet's open bridge policy allows guests to visit anytime to chat with the captain and crew, conditions permitting.
Observation Lounge and Library
The Observation Lounge is equipped with a library, nautical chart table, tea and coffee station, and two photo kiosks.
Hot Tub
Located on the Observation Deck, the hot tub doubles as a plunge pool in warmer climates.
Fitness Center
The fitness center offers cardio equipment, weights, resistance bands, and an excellent view.
LEXspa
Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.
Sauna
Relax in the sauna, located on the Observation Deck.
National Geographic Explorer
B Deck
Main Deck
Upper Deck
Veranda Deck
Wellness Deck
Bridge Deck
01
Cabins feature one or two portholes; two single beds or one queen; two bedside shelves; armchair; writing desk with chair; closet; and a bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower.
02
Cabins feature a large window; two single beds; two bedside shelves; armchair; writing desk with chair; closet; and a bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower.
03
Cabins feature a large window; two single beds that convert to a queen; two bedside shelves; armchair; writing desk with chair; closet; and a bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower. Cabins 341 and 343 are L-shaped suites that also contain a sofa bed for triple occupancy.
SA
Cabins feature a large window, one single bed; bedside shelf; writing desk with chair; closet; and a bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower.
04
Cabins feature a large window; two single beds that convert to a queen; two bedside shelves; armchair; writing desk with chair; closet; and a bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower. Cabins 217, 226, and 228 have a queen bed only.
05
Cabins feature a private balcony; one queen bed; two bedside shelves; armchair; writing desk with chair; closet; and a bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower. Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.
06
Suites feature three large windows; two single beds that convert to a queen; two bedside shelves; sofa that converts to a single bed; two armchairs and small table; writing desk with chair; mini bar; espresso maker; double closet; and a generously-sized bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
07
Suites feature a private balcony; two single beds that convert to a queen; two bedside shelves; sofa that converts to a single bed; armchair and small table; writing desk with chair; mini bar; espresso maker; double closet; and a generously-sized bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
SB
Cabins feature a large window, one single bed; bedside shelf; writing desk with chair; closet; and a bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower.
Base Camp
The B Deck houses a base camp with lockers for expedition gear and serves as the embarkation point for Zodiacs.
Dining Room
Meals are served in a single, unassigned seating for a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Global Gallery
The Global Gallery offers a unique selection of handcrafted gifts, as well as expedition gear like hats, jackets and sunshirts.
Chart Room
Grab a coffee or hot cocoa as you peruse the maps and learn more about your ship’s route.
Lounge
The lounge offers a full bar and state-of-the-art presentation facilities for talks, presentations, and evening Recaps.
LEXspa
Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.
Sauna
Warm up in the sauna after braving the polar plunge.
Fitness Center
The fitness center at the stern of the ship offers cardio equipment, weights, resistance bands, and an excellent view.
Library
The library features panoramic windows and a well-stocked collection of books on the places we explore.
Bridge
The fleet's open bridge policy allows guests to visit anytime to chat with the captain and crew, conditions permitting.
Special Offers
GO FARTHER. FIND WONDER.
Book from September 15 to November 4, 2026: Receive savings of $2000AUD per guest deducted from cabin fare on select 2027 and 2028 voyages. Applicable savings will be deducted from cabin fare before any additional savings with the purchase of cabin fare. Promotional offer valid on new bookings only for select 2027 departures, subject to availability and offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice, not applicable on airfare or land programs, and may not be combined with other promotions. Standard cancellation policy applies. Additional restrictions may apply.
SUITE EXCLUSIVES
Spacious living areas and incredible views immerse you in the beauty of your marine surroundings. Our new Suite Exclusives package helps make your voyage all the more memorable. Learn more
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Valid for new bookings only on select departures, subject to availability, not applicable on extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
Celebrate a milestone with a group of eight or more and enjoy a special amenity package including: 5% savings on voyage fares, custom group photo, US$150 shipboard credit for the group, and other special gifts. Milestone celebration to be communicated at time of booking.
COMBINING OFFERS
Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.
Departures & Pricing
Real-time pricing pulled directly from Lindblad Expeditions. Prices shown are per person in AUD.
What's Included
Costs Include
All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included
Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.
Airfare
For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. Sample airfares are based on 2007 fares and are subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements.
Note
Complete pre-journey information, including suggestions on what to bring and recommended reading, will be sent after your reservation is confirmed 4-6 months prior to departure.
Terms & Conditions
Effective October 1, 2007, all Lindblad voyages departing from and returning to ports outside the United States will be operated by Lindblad Maritime Enterprises, Ltd., a subsidiary of Lindblad Expeditions, Inc.Reservations: To reserve your place, an advance payment for the program as outlined is required at the time of reservation and is payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or check. The per person amount due is noted on each dates and rates screen.Final Payment: For expeditions of eight nights or less, final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. For expeditions of nine nights or more, final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.Travel Protection Plan: Travel protection and medical insurance are available at extra cost. Ask about our comprehensive guest travel protection plan for a worry-free expedition. Learn more about Lindblad Expeditions Travel Protection "Plus" Plan.Smoking: Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas.Responsibility and Other Terms & Conditions: Certain other provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of Lindblad Expeditions’ and the National Geographic Society’s liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be provided to all guests on the ship’s ticket sent prior to departure, and are also available where within this site or upon request. By registering for a trip, the guest agrees to all such terms and conditions.CANCELLATION POLICY:For Expeditions 8 Nights or Less:Number of Days to Expedition Start / Prior Per Person Cancellation Fee90 or more days / $150*89–60 days / Advance payment cost59–30 days / 50% of trip cost29–0 days / No refundFor Expeditions 9 Nights or More:Number of Days to Expedition Start / Prior Per Person Cancellation Fee120 or more days / $150*119–90 days / Advance payment cost89–60 days / 25% of trip cost59–30 days / 50% of trip cost29–0 days / No refund
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