Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 10-Day

Drawing from 55+ years of sharing the icy wilds of Antarctica with adventurous guests, this voyage is an action-packed exploration of the continent with the pioneers of Antarctic cruising. Save travel time by flying directly from South America to the Antarctic peninsula, where we embark the National Geographic Orion, purpose-built for polar waters. Navigate rugged and remote shores, and set out to kayak among electric blue icebergs, hike beneath icy summits, and encounter charismatic wildlife—from boisterous penguins to stealthy leopard seals and multiple species of whale. Every departure is accompanied by an expert team of naturalists and a National Geographic Photography Expert, dedicated to helping you make the most of your experience at the ends of the Earth.

Get a head start on your Antarctica experience by flying across the Drake Passage from Puerto Natales to King George Island, landing at the Chilean research station which permanently operates there
Explore the world’s last great wilderness in the company of top naturalists and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica, with more than 55 years of expedition heritage
Marvel at the abundance of wildlife—a parade of gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins; stealthy leopard seals; several species of whales from humpbacks to orcas; and more
Hike, kayak and Zodiac cruise in complete tranquility, surrounded by a pristine kingdom of snow and ice
November departures offer the possibility to cross-country ski or snowshoe across the frozen sea ice, conditions permitting (excluding departures on National Geographic Orion)
Kids and teens will learn about this exhilarating part of the world with our exclusive family program, National Geographic Explorers-in-Training

Enquire about this journey

Itinerary

Day 1 Puerto Natales, Chile

Arrive in Puerto Natales. Originally a small fishing port, the town is nestled on the Last Hope Sound and boasts a stunning view of the sea surrounded by the Cerro Benitez Mountains—the gateway to Torres del Paine. Transfer from the airport to your hotel, where you'll enjoy dinner and attend a briefing on the following day’s activities. Ask your expedition specialist about joining an immersive 5-day pre-voyage extension to explore Torres del Paine National Park, an incredible UNESCO biosphere reserve.Arrival Time: Arrive to the hotel in Puerto Natales by 3:00 p.m. local time. Arrival City: Puerto Natales, Chile

Day 2 Puerto Natales / King George Island, Antarctica / Embark Ship

Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your two-hour direct flight to King George Island and the thrilling start to your Antarctic adventure. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife, King George Island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the U.S., Chile, Argentina and Brazil, call the various stations home. Your flight will land on a gravel runway at the Chilean research station. You will then be transferred to the rocky shoreline, where you will board Zodiacs to embark on the ship and set sail as you begin exploring this amazing region.

Day 3-8 Exploring Antarctica

With long hours of daylight at this time of year, you'll have ample opportunities to explore. The schedule is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of the unexpected, whether you’re watching whales at play off the bow of the ship, hiking alongside penguin highways or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins.While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, you might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, you might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice.Everywhere you go in Antarctica, you'll be surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way your expert expedition team will enrich every experience.

Day 9 King George Island / Disembark Ship / Puerto Natales

This morning, the ship will be moored off of King George Island once again. Following disembarkation and Zodiac rides to shore, your flight departs the White Continent and returns to Puerto Natales where you overnight at your hotel.

Day 10 Puerto Natales

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward.Departure Time: Outbound flights from Puerto Natales should depart no earlier than 1:00 p.m. local time (or as late in the day as possible).Departure City: Puerto Natales, Chile

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

National Geographic Orion

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 103 metres
Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins)
Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014
With just 53 cabins, National Geographic Orion offers an intimate and refined platform for exploring some of the world’s most remote and culturally rich regions—from the Pacific Islands and Asia to Antarctica and the Mediterranean. Purpose-built for expedition travel, she boasts an ice-class hull for navigating polar waters and exceptional manoeuvrability that enables access to secluded bays, narrow inlets and winding rivers—places far beyond the reach of larger cruise ships.
Life aboard Orion is designed to immerse guests in the natural world, with panoramic deck spaces, a whirlpool hot tub, and ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Her public areas include two relaxed dining venues, a lounge with bar, an observation library, fitness centre and spa, as well as the OM System Photo Gear Locker to support photography at all levels. Open-Bridge access allows guests to connect with the ship’s officers and learn about navigation first-hand. Whether sailing through polar pack ice or anchoring off a tropical atoll, Orion delivers a seamless blend of adventure and comfort.

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 10-Day

Dec 01 2026 - Dec 10 2026 (10 Days)

Itinerary

National Geographic Orion

Pricing

Depart: 1 December, 2026 Return: 10 December, 2026

Depart: 20 December, 2026 Return: 29 December, 2026

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