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Travelers on a zodiac tour in Antarctica

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard World Voyager
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Join this 8-day Antarctic Express, fly the Drake expedition aboard the World Voyager. Begin your Antarctic journey in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you take a charter flight over the Drake Passage, bypassing the rough seas in just two hours. Land on King George Island, then transfer by Zodiac to embark on an unforgettable Antarctic Peninsula expedition. Explore the South Shetland Islands, home to penguin colonies, seals, and seabirds. Cruise through ice-strewn waters, visit glacier-carved bays, and watch for whales in their natural habitat. Engage in guided landings, where each day unveils new discoveries. After days of exploration, fly back to Punta Arenas, carrying memories of Antarctica’s untamed beauty.
Fly directly from Punta Arenas to King George Island the fastest way to AntarcticaKayakingPenguin jump in AntarcticaGentoo PenguinZodiac cruiseAntarctic Express: Fly the DrakeAntarctic SunriseReady to take off!Walking in AntarcticaTravelers on a zodiac tour in Antarctica
Highlights
  • Fly directly from Punta Arenas to King George Island the fastest way to Antarctica
  • Visit the penguin-filled South Shetland Islands
  • Embark on daily Zodiac excursions to explore icy waters
  • Witness towering icebergs and pristine Antarctic landscapes
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile

Begin your journey in Punta Arenas, Chile, the largest city in Patagonia. Arriving early gives you time to explore its museums, restaurants, and shops. By early afternoon, a representative gathers the group at your starting hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and a detailed briefing to prepare for embarkation.

Note: Please arrive at Punta Arenas airport by 3:00 PM.  Due to King George Island's unpredictable weather, scheduled charter flights may be made the night before the planned date should there be weather disruptions.

Day 2: Punta Arenas | Fly to King George Island | Embark

Fly from Punta Arenas to Antarctica on a charter flight, crossing the Drake Passage in just two hours. As the ship approaches King George Island, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Antarctica’s dramatic landscapes. Upon landing on the South Shetland Islands, head to the shore and board a Zodiac transfer to embark on your Antarctic Peninsula voyage.

Note: A clear sky with great visibility is required for safe take-off and landing at King George Island. Should the weather be uncooperative at this remote airstrip, flights can be moved earlier, or delayed later.  Historically, 85% of flights occur on the day they are scheduled.  But if this is not possible, the ship operator will follow their established contingency plan, which can be read here

Day 3-6: Antarctic Peninsula | South Shetland Islands

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. The Antarctic Continent is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes.

As your Captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. The team of expert presenters will deepen your experience with explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region, and presentations on photography to help you take memory- catching images.

Even more exciting are your daily excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking on a shore inhabited by thousands of penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica.

Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities, and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins.

You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and orcas in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore during this unrivaled wilderness experience.

Your Expedition Team will accompany you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.

Day 7: King George Island | Disembark | Fly to Punta Arenas

After your seven days of exploration, say goodbye to the Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your three-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile brings your journey to an end. After transferring from the airport to the hotel, you can enjoy one final dinner to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

NoteIf the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator will follow their well-established contingency plan, again. 

Day 8: Depart Punta Arenas

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, make your own way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

Note: Flights arranged for later in the day provide more buffer against any of those potential flight delays out of King George Island.

Ship/Hotel

World Voyager

World Voyager Exterior Shot
World Voyager: Panorama-Lounge-Bar
Panorama Lounge

Punta Arenas - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Apr 12, 2025from $5,999
  • Apr 19, 2025from $6,299
  • Apr 26, 2025from $6,299
  • May 3, 2025from $6,299
  • May 10, 2025from $6,299
  • May 17, 2025from $6,299
  • May 24, 2025from $6,299
  • May 31, 2025from $6,299
  • Jun 7, 2025from $5,999
  • Oct 25, 2025from $7,499
  • Nov 1, 2025from $5,999
  • Nov 8, 2025from $5,799
  • Nov 15, 2025from $5,799
  • Dec 6, 2025from $4,299
  • Dec 13, 2025from $3,999
  • Feb 7, 2026from $3,999
  • Feb 14, 2026from $3,999
  • Feb 21, 2026from $3,999
  • Feb 28, 2026from $4,299
  • Mar 7, 2026from $4,499
  • Mar 14, 2026from $4,499
  • Mar 21, 2026from $4,999
  • Mar 28, 2026from $4,999
  • Apr 4, 2026from $5,499
  • Apr 11, 2026from $5,499
  • Apr 18, 2026from $6,299
  • Apr 25, 2026from $5,999
  • May 2, 2026from $5,999
  • May 9, 2026from $5,999
  • May 16, 2026from $5,999
  • May 23, 2026from $5,999
  • May 30, 2026from $5,999
  • Jun 6, 2026from $5,999
  • Sep 19, 2026from $5,999
  • Sep 26, 2026from $5,999
  • Oct 3, 2026from $5,999
  • Oct 10, 2026from $5,999
  • Nov 24, 2026from $5,499
  • Dec 1, 2026from $4,999
  • Dec 8, 2026from $4,999
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Deals

Antarctica 2026-2027 - Early Booking Bonus 27191
Book your Antarctica 2026-2027 cruise by May 31, 2025, and enjoy this Early Booking Bonus offer.
  • One-Year Priority Pass Membership
    • Enjoy two complimentary visits per passenger over 1,700 airport lounges worldwide, featuring food, drinks, spa treatments, sleeping pods, and more.
    • Promo Code: PRIOPASS
  • $250 USD Adventure Option Credit
    • Enhance your adventure with thrilling experiences like heli-landings, camping, kayaking, paddling, and more.
    • Available in other currencies: 325AUD, 160GBP, 220EUR, 320CAD
    • Promo Code: 250AOCREDIT, 325AOCREDIT, 160AOCREDIT, 220AOCREDIT, 320AOCREDIT
  • $100 USD Global Experiences Card
    • Use it to book private airport transfers or exciting excursions before your voyage.
    • Promo Code: GXCARD
  • Special Flexibility Offer
    • Move to another voyage penalty-free within the first 3 months of booking confirmation.
      • Promo Code: FLEXVOYAGE
    • Enjoy a free name change up to 120 days before departure.
      • Promo Code: FLEXNAME
This offer is valid for new bookings only and is subject to availability. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
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Save up to 10% on Antarctica 2026 - 2027 27192
Book your Antarctica 2026 - 2027 cruises now and enjoy up to 10% savings.

Additional savings of up to 5% with full payment received at the time of booking on select voyages only.

This offer is valid only for new bookings, subject to availability, and not combinable with other discounts. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
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Per person starting at
$5,999
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
World Voyager:  Infinity Suite
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Infinity Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds and a floor-to-ceiling glass Juliet balcony. A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state-of-the-art “infotainment” system, and a private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
World Voyager: Veranda Suite
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Veranda Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) walk-out balcony. A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state-of-the-art “infotainment” system, and a private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
World Voyager: Superior Suite
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Superior Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from a sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, walk-in closet, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
World Voyager: Deluxe Suite
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Deluxe Suite
Located on Deck 5, and approximately 345 sq. ft. (32 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from a sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with a sofa, double closets, refrigerator, TV, state-of-the-art “infotainment” system, and a private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
World Voyager: Owner Suite
Select a Date
Owner's Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 365 sq. ft. (34 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from a sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state-of-the-art “infotainment” system, and a private bathroom with shower, dual vanity, and bathtub is also featured in each cabin.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 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
  • Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Available Around the Clock
  • Leadership throughout the expedition by our experienced Expedition Leader
  • Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
  • Official Expedition Parka to Keep
  • Select Beer and Wine During Dinner
  • Photographic Journal Documenting the Expedition
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • A Briefing Dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
  • Group Transfer in Punta Arenas from the Airport to the Pre-expedition Hotel on Day 1
  • A Pre-expedition Group Transfer in Punta Arenas from the Hotel to the Airport
  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast. (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
  • Flights to and from King George Island
  • A post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel
  • One night's post-expedition hotel accommodation (with breakfast) in Punta Arenas, as well as luggage storage
  • Free 1GB data card for limited Wi-Fi access. (Additional data can be purchased on the ship.)
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes
  • Internet & Phone Charges
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Mandatory Waterproof Pants for Zodiac Cruising & Any Other Gear Not Specifically Mentioned
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
  • Additional overnight accommodation

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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!
Meyer Smolen

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