The Drake Express
True Antarctica Expedition: The Drake Express
This expedition gives you the best of both worlds: the rite of passage of crossing the Drake Passage by sea, and the ease of flying home over it at the end. Embarking in Ushuaia, you sail south across the famed 500-mile passage before devoting four full days to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This is an active expedition, with Zodiac cruising and shore landings at its core and options to sea kayak, paddleboard, hike and take the polar plunge among the ice. Then, with the southbound crossing already behind you, you disembark at King George Island and board a charter flight north across the Drake, around two hours in place of two days at sea. It suits travellers who want the full Drake experience one way, more time exploring, and an active, hands-on encounter with Antarctica.
Itinerary highlights
Cross the Drake Passage by sea on the way south and fly back over it from Antarctica, achieving the crossing while saving two days on the return.
Enjoy four full days exploring the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, more in-region time than a shorter air-cruise.
Get active among the ice with Zodiac cruising and shore landings included, and sea kayaking, paddleboarding and hiking available.
Take the bracing polar plunge into the Southern Ocean, cheered on by your fellow travellers and the expedition team.
Encounter chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins, several seal species and whales including humpbacks, minkes and orcas.
Refine your skills with onboard photography guidance and a programme of expert lectures on wildlife, ice and history.
Fly north by charter from King George Island, crossing the Drake in around three hours rather than two days at sea.
Travel with an expert polar expedition team across an intimate small expedition ship.
True Antarctica Expedition: The Drake Express
This expedition gives you the best of both worlds: the rite of passage of crossing the Drake Passage by sea, and the ease of flying home over it at the end. Embarking in Ushuaia, you sail south across the famed 500-mile passage before devoting four full days to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This is an active expedition, with Zodiac cruising and shore landings at its core and options to sea kayak, paddleboard, hike and take the polar plunge among the ice. Then, with the southbound crossing already behind you, you disembark at King George Island and board a charter flight north across the Drake, around two hours in place of two days at sea. It suits travellers who want the full Drake experience one way, more time exploring, and an active, hands-on encounter with Antarctica.
Itinerary highlights
Cross the Drake Passage by sea on the way south and fly back over it from Antarctica, achieving the crossing while saving two days on the return.
Enjoy four full days exploring the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, more in-region time than a shorter air-cruise.
Get active among the ice with Zodiac cruising and shore landings included, and sea kayaking, paddleboarding and hiking available.
Take the bracing polar plunge into the Southern Ocean, cheered on by your fellow travellers and the expedition team.
Encounter chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins, several seal species and whales including humpbacks, minkes and orcas.
Refine your skills with onboard photography guidance and a programme of expert lectures on wildlife, ice and history.
Fly north by charter from King George Island, crossing the Drake in around three hours rather than two days at sea.
Travel with an expert polar expedition team across an intimate small expedition ship.
What's Included
- Charter flight from King George Island, Antarctica to Punta Arenas, Chile
- All shipboard accommodation aboard a small expedition vessel
- All meals on board, with included beverages as specified
- Zodiac cruising, shore landings, guided hiking and the polar plunge with an expert expedition team
- Daily lectures, the onboard educational programme and photography guidance
- Group transfers as described in the itinerary
- Loan of expedition boots and an expedition parka to keep
- Port and IAATO fees
What's Included
- Charter flight from King George Island, Antarctica to Punta Arenas, Chile
- All shipboard accommodation aboard a small expedition vessel
- All meals on board, with included beverages as specified
- Zodiac cruising, shore landings, guided hiking and the polar plunge with an expert expedition team
- Daily lectures, the onboard educational programme and photography guidance
- Group transfers as described in the itinerary
- Loan of expedition boots and an expedition parka to keep
- Port and IAATO fees
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FAQs
On this True Drake Express you sail south across the Drake Passage by ship and fly north by charter at the end. You earn the classic sea crossing on the way down, then disembark at King George Island and fly back across the Drake to Punta Arenas in around three hours, saving roughly two days at sea on the return.
Zodiac cruising and shore landings are included throughout. On most departures you can add sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and guided hiking, all weather permitting, and the polar plunge is a popular highlight. Some activities are bookable in advance at extra cost and vary by ship.
This itinerary gives four full days in the South Shetland Islands and on the Antarctic Peninsula, more in-region time than the shortest air-cruises, while still flying one way to shorten the journey.
Most are designed for reasonably fit beginners and are guided throughout, though sea kayaking usually asks for some prior paddling experience given the cold-water conditions. You choose your level of activity each day.