Antarctica: Fly the Drake Passage | 7 Days

Antarctica: Fly the Drake Passage | Antarctica ToursAntarctica: Fly the Drake Passage | Antarctica Tours
Discover Antarctica on a seven-day expedition aboard Silver Endeavour, beginning with a charter flight that crosses the Drake Passage in approximately two hours and brings you directly to King George Island. From there, sail into the remarkable landscapes of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, where volcanic beaches, penguin colonies, resting seals, towering glaciers, and sculpted icebergs define the experience. Guided Zodiac excursions and shore landings provide opportunities to explore these remote environments, while the expedition team shares insights into Antarctic wildlife, ice formations, and the history of polar exploration. The itinerary may include destinations such as Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, and Deception Island, depending on weather and ice conditions. Along the way, watch for humpback whales, orcas, and leopard seals, enjoy welcome and farewell dinners aboard the ship, and conclude your adventure with a return flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas.

7 Day Antarctica Itinerary

Day 1: King George Island: Fly Over the Drake Passage and Board Silver Endeavour

Your Antarctic adventure begins with a charter flight that allows you to bypass the Drake Passage by sea. Instead of navigating this famously challenging stretch of ocean aboard a ship, you fly directly to King George Island in approximately two hours. Upon arrival, Silver Endeavour awaits to welcome you aboard. Settle into your suite and become acquainted with the expedition team, whose expertise will accompany your journey through Antarctica. During the afternoon, the ship departs King George Island and begins sailing south toward the Antarctic wilderness. As the first icebergs appear on the horizon, the extraordinary scenery offers an introduction to the landscapes that await throughout the expedition. The evening concludes with a welcome dinner aboard Silver Endeavour, marking the beginning of your exploration of the White Continent.
Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner

Day 2: South Shetland Islands: Penguins, Seals, and Volcanic Shores

Your first full day of Antarctic exploration takes place among the South Shetland Islands, where volcanic beaches, wildlife colonies, and dramatic coastal scenery create an unforgettable introduction to the region. Accompanied by expedition guides, board a Zodiac for your first excursion and shore landing. The islands provide opportunities to observe chinstrap and gentoo penguins in their colonies, along with seals resting near the shoreline. As you explore, the contrast between volcanic terrain, icy surroundings, and abundant wildlife reveals the distinctive character of the South Shetland Islands. This first landing introduces you to the expedition experience that will continue over the coming days, combining close encounters with Antarctic environments and guided exploration. It is an opportunity to appreciate the remarkable landscapes and wildlife that make this remote destination so extraordinary.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3: Antarctic Peninsula: Glacial Fjords and Wildlife Encounters

The expedition reaches the Antarctic Peninsula, beginning two days of exploration through some of the journey's most remarkable landscapes. Sail among fjords surrounded by glaciers and ice-covered mountains, where immense formations of ice shape the scenery. Humpback whales may be seen feeding near the ship, offering memorable wildlife-viewing opportunities as Silver Endeavour navigates the region. Guided shore landings and Zodiac excursions allow you to experience the Antarctic environment from different perspectives, including passages among icebergs sculpted into extraordinary shapes by the wind. Depending on ice and weather conditions, the expedition team may select locations such as Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel, Port Lockroy, or Petermann Island. During the afternoon, onboard experts provide presentations about Antarctic wildlife, ice, and the history of the great polar explorers, adding context to the landscapes and encounters experienced throughout the day.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4: Antarctic Peninsula: Zodiac Exploration and Icy Landscapes

Continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, where the itinerary unfolds according to the prevailing weather and ice conditions. The expedition team selects suitable locations for additional shore landings and Zodiac excursions, creating further opportunities to discover the region's glaciers, fjords, and extraordinary ice formations. As Silver Endeavour travels through the peninsula, admire the surrounding ice-covered mountains and watch for humpback whales feeding in nearby waters. Possible exploration areas include Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel, Port Lockroy, and Petermann Island, with the final selection determined by conditions during the expedition. Zodiac outings bring you among sculpted icebergs, while landings provide another perspective on the Antarctic landscape. In the afternoon, join the onboard experts for presentations covering the region's wildlife, ice, and the history of Antarctic exploration.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5: Antarctic Peninsula: Final Discoveries on the White Continent

Enjoy your final full day exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, with additional opportunities for shore landings, photography, and wildlife observation. The expedition continues through the landscapes of the White Continent, offering more chances to capture photographs of the ice-covered scenery and the remarkable environment surrounding Silver Endeavour. Keep watch for Antarctic wildlife, including the possibility of spotting orcas or leopard seals. These encounters are among the exciting possibilities of the journey, although sightings are not guaranteed. With another day dedicated to exploration, take advantage of the opportunity to appreciate the peninsula's distinctive landscapes before the ship begins its return journey. During the evening, Silver Endeavour turns north, leaving the Antarctic Peninsula behind as the expedition starts sailing back toward the South Shetland Islands.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6: South Shetland Islands: Deception Island and Farewell Dinner

Return to the South Shetland Islands for a final opportunity to explore this remarkable Antarctic archipelago. Depending on weather and ice conditions, Silver Endeavour may enter the volcanic caldera of Deception Island, one of the potential destinations highlighted in the expedition itinerary. The island offers a distinctive volcanic setting, and if conditions permit, adventurous travelers may have the opportunity to take a dip in waters warmed by volcanic activity. This possible experience provides a memorable contrast to the glaciers, icebergs, and icy landscapes encountered during the preceding days. As the expedition approaches its conclusion, reflect on the wildlife encounters, Zodiac excursions, and remote Antarctic destinations explored throughout the journey. In the evening, gather aboard Silver Endeavour for a farewell dinner and celebrate the experiences shared during this extraordinary expedition.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7: King George Island to Punta Arenas: Return Flight

Your Antarctic expedition comes to an end as Silver Endeavour returns to King George Island. Begin the morning with breakfast aboard the ship before preparing for an early disembarkation. After leaving Silver Endeavour, board the return flight to Punta Arenas, completing the journey between Antarctica and the mainland by air. This final flight allows you to avoid crossing the Drake Passage by sea, just as you did at the beginning of the expedition. The seven-day adventure concludes in Punta Arenas, following a voyage through the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula that included Zodiac exploration, shore landings, wildlife observation, and extraordinary polar landscapes.
Meals Included: Breakfast
 | Neumayer Channel |  Antarctica
 | Westman Islands |  Antarctica | Falkland | Bird | Paradise Bay |  AntarcticaLivingston Island | South Shetland Islands |  Antarctica | Falkland | Orca | Falkland | Bird | Falkland | Penguins Colony | Falkland | Black-browed Albatross | Falkland | Rockhopper, Black-browed Albatross colony | Lemaire Channel  |  AntarcticaHalf Moon Island | South Shetland Islands |  AntarcticaPunta Arenas | Chile |  Antarctica

7 Day Antarctica Itinerary Includes

  • Luxury accommodation in an ocean-view suite
  • Personalized butler service
  • All meals onboard, including gourmet dining experiences
  • Selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • 24-hour in-suite dining service
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • Gratuities for onboard staff
  • Guided Zodiac excursions and shore landings
  • Expedition activities led by experienced naturalist guides
  • Educational lectures and enrichment programs
  • Complimentary use of expedition equipment, including parkas on polar voyages
  • Access to onboard facilities, including fitness center, pool, and observation lounges
  • Port taxes and fees
  • Transfers and selected pre- or post-cruise arrangements, according to the booked fare

7 Day Antarctica Itinerary Does not Include

  • International flights, unless specifically included in the booked package
  • Travel insurance and medical evacuation coverage
  • Passport, visa, and other travel documentation expenses
  • Personal purchases and onboard boutique shopping
  • Spa treatments, beauty services, and selected wellness experiences
  • Medical consultations and onboard medical services
  • Optional private excursions or activities not included in the expedition program
  • Additional hotel nights outside the confirmed itinerary
  • Transfers or independent travel arrangements not specified in the booking
  • Premium services or special arrangements not covered by the selected fare

7 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights

  • Fly over the Drake Passage: Reach King George Island on an approximately two-hour charter flight instead of crossing the passage by ship.
  • Explore aboard Silver Endeavour: Travel through Antarctic waters while staying in a suite aboard the expedition vessel.
  • Discover the South Shetland Islands: Encounter volcanic beaches, chinstrap and gentoo penguin colonies, and seals resting along the shore.
  • Experience the Antarctic Peninsula: Navigate fjords surrounded by glaciers, ice-covered mountains, and remarkable iceberg formations.
  • Enjoy guided Zodiac excursions: Explore Antarctic coastal environments and participate in shore landings with expedition guides.
  • Observe Antarctic wildlife: Look for humpback whales, penguins, seals, and possible sightings of orcas and leopard seals.
  • Visit remarkable Antarctic locations: Depending on conditions, explore areas such as Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel, Port Lockroy, and Petermann Island.
  • Discover Deception Island: Weather permitting, enter its volcanic caldera and potentially experience a dip in volcanically warmed waters.
  • Learn from expedition experts: Attend onboard presentations about wildlife, ice, and the history of polar exploration.

Itinerary Map

Antarctica: Fly the Drake Passage

Cruise options for this itinerary

Note: The prices may vary depending on the cruise and cabin category. Please contact us for more details.

7 Day Antarctica cruise activities

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
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
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
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
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
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.

Animals you might see on this itinerary

Antarctica: Fly the Drake Passage

From USD 18150,00
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