Embark on an 8-day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage roundtrip to Puerto Natales aboard National Geographic Orion. Discover the wilderness of Antarctica in a faster, more convenient way. Instead of sailing across the Drake Passage, enjoy a two-hour flight to and from the White Continent, saving valuable time without missing out on the region’s incredible highlights. Explore channels and serene coves surrounded by towering peaks. Watch for whales, Zodiac cruise around giant icebergs, and embark on thrilling hikes, kayaking adventures, or cross-country skiing (available in November). Whether you prefer an active schedule or relaxing onboard, the choice is yours. Enjoy shipboard camaraderie and expert-led expeditions while honing your photography skills with guidance from a National Geographic Photography Expert. This journey balances adventure, discovery, and serene moments in one unforgettable experience.
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.
Arrive in Puerto Natales, once a quaint fishing port, now a picturesque town nestled along the scenic Last Hope Sound. Surrounded by the majestic Cerro Benitez Mountains, it serves as the gateway to Torres del Paine. After transferring from the airport to the hotel, join your dinner and a briefing on the exciting activities planned for the next day.
Please note: Travelers should plan to arrive at the Puerto Natales hotel by 3 PM 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, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for a two-hour direct flight to King George Island, your gateway to Antarctica. This island is home to a rich array of wildlife, including Weddell, elephant seals, Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins. Researchers from various countries, including the US, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, call the multiple stations home. Upon landing at the Chilean research station, take a Zodiac to board the ship and set sail, beginning your Antarctic adventure.
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.
With long hours of daylight at this time of year, you have ample opportunities to explore. Your flexible schedule allows you to take advantage of the unexpected, whether watching whales at play off the ship's bow, hiking alongside penguin highways, or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins.
While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You can 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 Adelie and gentoo penguins. The next, you might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice.
You're surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images everywhere in Antarctica. Along the way, your expert expedition team will enrich every experience.
Day 7: King George Island | Disembark | Puerto Natales
This morning, the ship will again be moored off King George Island. Following disembarkation and Zodiac rides to shore, your flight departs the White Continent and returns to Puerto Natales, where you overnight at your hotel.
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 8: 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.
$12,5972-3 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
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 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)
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
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
5 months ago
Friendly representative, ease of booking and bountiful information along the way.
Gary Brodarick
6 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
8 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.
