Antarctica Direct | Fly the Drake Passage
Separating the southern tip of South America from the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake Passage is where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans collide, creating famously unpredictable conditions. For those eager to maximize their time in Antarctica, flying over the passage in both directions offers a seamless alternative. In the hands of experienced pilots, the journey becomes part of the adventure—your excitement building as you spot the first icebergs of the Southern Ocean. Upon arrival, your expedition vessel awaits, ready to transport you into the heart of the frozen wilderness for an unforgettable experience.
10 Day Expedition
Drawing from 55+ years of sharing the icy wilds of Antarctica with adventurous guests, this action-packed voyage allows for seven days of exploration on the continent—one of the longest, most in-depth Antarctic experiences available. Save travel time by flying directly from South America to the Antarctic peninsula, where you will embark on 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.
About National Geographic Orion
A 103-metre luxury expedition vessel designed for comfort, safety, and sustainable exploration. Accommodating 102 guests in 53 modern cabins, including some with balconies, Orion features spacious public areas with panoramic views. Equipped with advanced technology, an ice-strengthened hull, and 14 Zodiacs, she enables seamless exploration of remote regions. Guests enjoy an informal, welcoming atmosphere, with open-seating dining, a theatre, observation lounges, and a lively main lounge for presentations and recaps. Environmental protection is a priority, meeting stringent Antarctic standards. Onboard conveniences include laundry, in-room internet, and Wi-Fi in public areas, ensuring a seamless experience.
Highlights
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.
Spend seven days exploring the wildest corners of the continent with a top-notch team of naturalists and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica leading the way.
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 tranquillity, surrounded by a pristine kingdom of snow and ice
Kids and teens will learn about this exhilarating part of the world with an exclusive family program, National Geographic Global Explorers.
Please note: Itineraries are subject to change.
Price from AUD$22,939 per person twin based on Category 1 Cabin. Departures 02 & 19 January and 11 & 24 February 2026.
Cruise Itinerary
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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 our hotel. Join us this evening for dinner and a briefing on the following day’s activities.
Arrival City Puerto Natales, Chile
Arrival Time - Arrive to the hotel in Puerto Natales by 3:00 p.m. local time.
Meals Included - Dinner
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Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for our 2-hour direct flight to King George Island and the thrilling start to our Antarctic adventure. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—Weddell and elephant seals; Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins—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. Our flight will land at the Chilean research station where National Geographic Orion will be waiting offshore. Board Zodiacs to embark the ship and set sail as we begin exploring this amazing region.
Meals Included - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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With long hours of daylight at this time of year, you will have ample opportunities to explore. Your 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.
Meals Included - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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This morning, the ship will be moored off 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 will overnight at the a hotel.
Meals Included - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your onward journey.
Departure Time - Outbound flights from Puerto Natales should depart no earlier than 3:45 p.m. local time (or as late in the day as possible).
Meals Included - Breakfast
Inclusions
All accommodations, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ships
Use of snorkelling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
Services of our expert expedition team and guest speakers
Services of a ship physician on most voyages
Certain hotels and meals ashore as indicated in the itinerary
Round-trip transfers based on group flights
Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion)
Exclusions
Air transportation (except when we indicated in the itinerary, as included) Extensions
Passport, visa, and immigration fees
Travel Protection Plan
Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
Items of personal nature
Phone and Internet Service
Laundry
Gratuity for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships)
*All cruise departures are subject to availability at time of booking. Cruise pricing is in Australian Dollars and will be converted to New Zealand dollars at time of booking. Travel agent & credit card service fees may apply. For full terms & conditions and to get a price for your individual travel dates please contact our Travel Experts for details.
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