Six Fly the Drake departures are scheduled for the 2027–2028 Antarctica season, offering travelers more options to reduce or partially reduce time spent crossing the Drake Passage.
The expanded program is built around two expedition formats on the Antarctic Peninsula. One skips the Drake Passage in both directions by using charter flights between Punta Arenas, Chile, and King George Island. The other includes the southbound sea crossing, then returns to Punta Arenas by air.
The cruise line says the added departures are a response to strong demand for itineraries that leave more time for landings, Zodiac outings and wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Each itinerary includes charter flights, one-night hotel stays in Punta Arenas before and after the expedition, and six full days in Antarctica.
Two ways to shorten the Drake Passage
The Drake Express Expedition is a seven-night round-trip voyage from King George Island. Guests fly by private charter between Punta Arenas and Antarctica, bypassing the traditional two-day Drake Passage crossing in both directions.
The Drake Fly & Sail Expedition keeps one part of the classic approach: travelers cross the Drake Passage by sea before flying back from King George Island to Punta Arenas. Atlas says the flight between Punta Arenas and King George Island takes about two hours, compared with roughly two days by ship each way across the Drake Passage.
- Drake Express departures: November 28, 2027; December 5, 2027; February 12, 2028; February 19, 2028.
- Drake Fly & Sail departures: November 19, 2027; February 3, 2028.
- Each itinerary includes six full days exploring Antarctica.
- Activities include Zodiac safaris, guided landings and daily programming with the expedition team.
- Optional add-ons include Antarctic kayaking and overnight camping on the continent.
Ushuaia Roundtrip 9 Nights
Embark on a 10-day Antarctic expedition from Ushuaia, crossing the Drake Passage to explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctica. Discover spectacular wildlife, icy landscapes, and unforgettable adventure in the White Continent.
USD $13499The program is designed for travelers who want to reach Antarctica faster while preserving the core experience of an expedition voyage. It also caters to those with limited vacation time.
Seasonal wildlife and onboard format
The timing of the departures shapes what travelers may see. Atlas says November and December voyages are expected to feature snow-covered landscapes, ice formations, penguin courtship and nesting colonies, and elephant seals coming ashore.
The February sailings are framed around later-season wildlife activity, including penguin chicks, seal pups and whale sightings. The company lists humpback, minke and orca whales among the species feeding in Antarctic waters during that period.
Each voyage is led by a 17-member expedition team that includes polar experts, naturalists, marine biologists, historians, photographers and kayak guides. The team leads lectures, Zodiac excursions and shore landings. A Polar Plunge is included on every voyage.
Before embarkation, travelers receive an Atlas Immersion in Punta Arenas, with Patagonian cuisine, regional wines, Chilean folklore and local history at Magellan's Strait Park and historic Fort Bulnes.
The trips operate aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages' Polar Category C Ice Class expedition yachts, each carrying fewer than 200 guests. The included onboard offering covers suites, social spaces, changing menus with plant-based selections, premium beverages, 24-hour room service, gratuities and onboard programming.
Atlas also said limited space remains on two earlier Drake Express departures, scheduled for December 7 and December 14, 2026. The broader availability is in the expanded 2027-2028 Fly the Drake program.
