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Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage | National Geographic Explorer Expedition Ship

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Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage

This 10-day Antarctica adventure combines the thrill of sailing across the Drake Passage with the convenience of a flight return. Depart from Ushuaia, explore Tierra del Fuego, and cross the Southern Ocean. Spend four days in Antarctica encountering penguins, whales, and ice-covered landscapes before flying back from King George Island to Puerto Natales.

Day by day

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, set between dramatic mountain peaks and the scenic Beagle Channel. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner, where you'll receive a briefing on the incredible adventure ahead.

Day 2: Ushuaia / Embark Ship

Discover the wild beauty of Tierra del Fuego National Park, a landscape reminiscent of prehistoric Antarctica, filled with lush beech forests and rugged terrain. Later, embark on a private catamaran cruise along the Beagle Channel, spotting South American sea lions and seabirds before boarding your expedition vessel.

Day 3 & 4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 5 - 8: Exploring Antarctica
Day 9: King George Island / Disembark / Fly to Puerto Natales
Day 10: Puerto Natales / Departure
| Chilean Fjords | Antarctica
| Scoresby Sund | Icebergs floating
+12
| Cierva Cove | Leopard Seal

Highlights

Sail and Fly Combination: Enjoy the thrill of sailing to Antarctica and the convenience of flying back.
Wildlife Encounters: Observe penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds in their natural habitat.
Stunning Ice Landscapes: Experience towering icebergs, glaciers, and vast frozen expanses.
Expert-Guided Exploration: Learn from experienced naturalists and expedition leaders.
Adventurous Activities: Kayak among icebergs, hike alongside penguin colonies, and cruise by Zodiac.

Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage

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    Activities

    Sea Kayaking
    Sea Kayaking
    Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
    Ice Camping
    Ice Camping
    Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
    Snowshoeing
    Snowshoeing
    Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
    Photography
    Photography
    Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
    Explorer Boats
    Explorer Boats
    Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
    Yoga
    Yoga
    It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.