This 9-day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage roundtrip Puerto Natales aboard National Geographic Orion offers an efficient way to experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent. Bypassing the traditional Drake Passage crossing, travelers take a two-hour flight to and from Antarctica, discovering all the highlights without sacrificing extra time.
Travelers explore channels and coves, watch for whales, and navigate icebergs on Zodiac cruises. Opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and, in November, cross-country skiing are available. An active agenda or relaxation can be chosen.
Highlights
Skip the traditional Drake Passage crossing and opt for a two-hour flight
Explore into channels and coves surrounded by towering peaks
Enjoy Zodiac cruises around massive icebergs along with hiking and kayaking
Discover the world’s last great wilderness in the company of top naturalists
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Upon arriving in Puerto Natales, you discover a town steeped in history. Once a humble fishing port, it now offers breathtaking views of the Last Hope Sound and the Cerro Benitez Mountains, serving as the entrance to Torres del Paine. Transfer from the airport to Hotel Costaustralis or Remota Patagonia Lodge (or similar), where you'll be accommodated. Join us this evening for dinner and a briefing on the activities planned for the following day.
Please note: Travelers should plan to arrive at the Puerto Natales hotel by 3PM today. Ultimately, the weather at King George Island will drive the overall schedule of this trip, so there's a slight chance you might fly to Antarctica this evening!
Day 2: Puerto Natales | King George Island | Embark
After breakfast, you check out of the hotel and head to the airport for your 2-hour direct flight to King George Island, marking the exciting beginning of your Antarctic adventure. King George Island, home to a diverse array of wildlife including Weddell and elephant seals, Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins, also hosts researchers from various countries, such as the US, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. Your flight will land at the Chilean research station, where the National Geographic Explorer awaits offshore. You'll board Zodiacs to reach the ship and begin your journey across the Antarctic waters.
Please note: Flexibility is key to any successful Antarctic adventure, particularly a fly cruise. If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator will follow their contingency plan. On average, about 85% of flights occur on this day, as scheduled. But travelers should be aware of, and ready to follow, the contingencies that National Geographic has developed for their new flight-based itineraries.
During this time of year, with long daylight hours, there are abundant chances for exploration. Your flexible schedule allows you to embrace unexpected moments, whether it's observing whales off the ship's bow, trekking alongside penguin highways, or enjoying a Zodiac cruise amidst playful penguins.
While the wildlife is awe-inspiring, the Antarctic is defined by its ice. You'll have the chance to intimately experience ice in various forms—from massive icebergs resembling islands to delicate layers just beginning to freeze. Whether you're kayaking among towering icebergs, exploring in a Zodiac for seals and blue-eyed shags, or walking among penguins, each day brings a new adventure.
Everywhere you venture in Antarctica, there are opportunities to capture stunning images. Throughout the journey, your expert expedition team will enhance every experience.
Day 8: King George Island | Disembark | Puerto Natales
This morning, you find yourself near King George Island, which hosts a diverse array of wildlife including Weddell and elephant seals, as well as Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins. Besides its rich wildlife, the island also accommodates a human population. Researchers from multiple countries, such as the US, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, inhabit various research stations here. You disembark and take a Zodiac ashore to catch your 2-hour flight back to Puerto Natales, where you will spend the night at Hotel Costaustralis or Remota Patagonia Lodge (or similar).
Please note: If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator will follow its published contingency plan.
Day 9: Puerto Natales
1 Breakfast
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward.
Please note: Flights arranged for later in the day provide more buffer against any of those potential flight delays out of King George Island.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$13,9752-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
8 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic  where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
Complimentary expedition gear, consisting of a parka and reusable water bottle
Welcome reception and/or bon voyage dinner (in Puerto Natales)
One-night pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel stays in Puerto Natales
Charter flight between Puerto Natales and King George Island
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Adventure Life has a great team. They were very knowledgeable and responsive and helped us choose the right Arctic Expedition for us. We would recommend them.
Kbear
4 months ago
Friendly representative, ease of booking and bountiful information along the way.
Gary Brodarick
5 months ago
Erin was really helpful during the booking process! She met with me, answered all my questions and made the booking process really easy!
Adrianne Trogden
7 months ago
This was a life changing trip of a lifetime and exceeded my expectations. No details were left out during the planning of this trip by Adventure Life. The entire crew on the ship could not have been more helpful and kind. Everyone went out of their way to make this trip as pleasurable as possible.
