Landings and Zodiac Cruising
Explore penguin colonies, glacier fronts and sheltered bays, with sites selected for the day’s conditions.
POLAR TRAVEL TRIBEMAXIMISE YOUR TIME IN ANTARCTICA
Antarctic PeninsulaFly-In & Fly-Out
Fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island in both directions, joining a small expedition ship for an intensive exploration of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
About 8 days Typical durationDecember–February Travel seasonPunta Arenas Start and finish
Trip Overview
- Duration
- About 8 days
- Season
- December–February
- Voyage style
- Fly-cruise expedition
This route replaces both Drake Passage crossings with charter flights, allowing a compact journey to devote most of its time to Antarctica itself.
Flights, embarkation and daily activities remain governed by weather, visibility and operational safety. A flexible onward schedule is essential.
Why This Route
Wildlife in a Living Landscape
Watch for penguins, seals, whales and seabirds while remembering that every encounter is governed by nature.
More Time in Antarctica
Use flying or a longer voyage to shape how much time is spent crossing open water and exploring farther south.
Two Antarctic Flights
Cross the Drake by air in each direction and experience the dramatic arrival at King George Island.
Route Map
Punta Arenas → King George Island → South Shetland Islands → Antarctic Peninsula → King George Island → Punta Arenas
The map shows the main sailing direction. Actual landing sites are selected by the captain and expedition team according to weather, sea ice and safety conditions.
DAY BY DAY
Day by Day
A representative itinerary. The order of landings and cruising is adapted to local conditions.
Day 1
Meet in Punta Arenas
Arrive in southern Chile for the expedition briefing, equipment review and biosecurity preparations. Meet fellow travellers, review the charter-flight procedure and learn how Antarctic weather windows shape the days ahead, leaving time to organise any final cold-weather equipment before departure.
Day 2
Fly to King George Island
When conditions allow, fly roughly two hours across the Drake Passage. After landing, transfer to the shore and board the expedition ship by Zodiac for the safety briefing and departure.
Days 3–6
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
These are the heart of the journey. The expedition team selects penguin-colony landings, snow walks and Zodiac cruises according to weather, sea ice and safety. Move among blue icebergs and glacier-lined bays, watching penguins travel between colony and sea, seals resting on ice and, when nature permits, humpback whales surfacing nearby. Each landing site and sheltered channel offers a different perspective on Antarctica, with the daily plan announced only after the team has assessed local conditions.
Day 7
Return to King George Island
A final landing or Zodiac cruise may be possible before the ship returns through the South Shetland Islands to King George Island. The team coordinates disembarkation, the shore transfer and baggage around the available flight window, which can change quickly with visibility and wind.
Day 8
Fly Back to Chile
When flying conditions are suitable, board the charter aircraft for the return across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas. The exact departure remains weather-led, so keep onward arrangements flexible and use the final gathering in Chile to reflect on the expedition with your fellow travellers.
EXPEDITION SHIPS
Ships Commonly Found on This Route
Ship assignments vary by departure. These examples show the range of expedition styles available.
Antarctica21Magellan Explorer
76 guests · Purpose-built for Antarctic air-cruises
Ask about this ship →
Quark ExpeditionsOcean Explorer
138 guests · PC6 · X-BOW design
Ask about this ship →
Quark ExpeditionsWorld Voyager
About 168 guests · All-suite, all-balcony accommodation
Ask about this ship →PLANNING NOTES
Plan This Journey
- Departure
- Punta Arenas, Chile
- Arrival
- Punta Arenas, Chile
Who This Journey Suits
- Travellers who prefer to reduce time sailing the Drake Passage
- First-time and returning Antarctic travellers
What You May See
- Gentoo and chinstrap penguins
- Humpback whales
- Crabeater and Weddell seals
- Albatrosses and petrels
- Antarctic Peninsula glaciers
- South Shetland Islands
- Iceberg-filled channels
Physical Activity & Sea Conditions
- Daily activities may involve Zodiac transfers and walking over wet, snowy, rocky or uneven ground.
- Charter flights are highly weather-dependent; sailing conditions within Antarctica also vary.
Before You Book
- Allow generous buffer time for weather-related flight changes
- Exact landing sites cannot be guaranteed
- Wildlife sightings depend on natural behaviour
WHAT TO EXPECT
Inclusions and Exclusions
What Is Usually Included
- Shipboard accommodation and meals
- Scheduled landings and Zodiac cruising
- Expedition team lectures and guiding
- Loan of expedition boots on many ships
What Is Usually Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance and medical costs
- Optional adventure activities
- Gratuities and personal expenses
Important
- Final inclusions vary by operator and departure
- Activities depend on weather and ice
- Ask us to compare the exact terms before booking
PLAN THIS JOURNEY
Ready to fly across the Drake Passage?
Tell us your preferred travel window, cabin style and priorities. We will help you compare suitable departures and expedition ships.