Drake Fly & Sail

Arrive at the airport and head to your hotel. Relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

Known as the "End of the World" because of its location at the southern tip of South America in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia sits where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel, with the Martial Mountains behind the city. Explore the town and visit places such as Parque Yatana to learn more about the area's Indigenous culture.

The Drake Passage is a key part of an Antarctic expedition, connecting the Southern Ocean with the Antarctic Peninsula. As you cross the passage, you may see albatrosses, whales, and other marine life. The Antarctic Convergence marks the transition into Antarctic waters. Depending on the itinerary, the Drake Passage may be crossed once or twice.

Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with the expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

King George Island has come to be known as the unofficial capital of Antarctica with its various research stations located on the island. As a haven for an incredible amount of wildlife, including chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and elephant, leopard and Weddell seals, it’s a prime locale for scientific research. If your expedition begins or ends here, then your charter flight lands in or departs from Eduardo Frei Montalva Station, the Chilean air base for Antarctica expeditions with flight options over the Drake Passage. Lying within the Fildes Peninsula, where Chile laid claim to Antarctic territory, the base is an important research station. Made up of over 40 buildings that include a school, bank, hospital and post office, it resembles more a small village than a base.

After breakfast, bid farewell and begin your journey home.