Atlas Ocean Voyages is expanding its Fly the Drake Expeditions, giving travellers more opportunities to experience Antarctica while spending less time crossing the Drake Passage and more time exploring one of the world’s last great wildernesses.
Responding to strong demand, the luxury expedition cruise line is expanding its 2027-2028 Antarctica season with six departures across two expedition styles designed to maximise time ashore and on the water in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Flying between Punta Arenas and King George Island takes approximately two hours, compared with the traditional two-day Drake Passage crossing each way. Whether guests choose the fully air-supported Drake Express Expedition or the Drake Fly & Sail Expedition, every itinerary is designed to maximise time spent exploring Antarctica.
Drake Express Expedition
The Drake Express Expedition features a seven-night round-trip voyage from King George Island with private charter flights between Punta Arenas, Chile, and Antarctica, allowing guests to bypass the traditional two-day Drake Passage crossing in both directions.
The 2027-2028 Drake Express departures include November 28, 2027, December 5, 2027, February 12, 2028 and February 19, 2028.
Drake Fly & Sail Expedition
The Drake Fly & Sail Expedition offers travellers the opportunity to experience the legendary Drake Passage by sea before returning by private charter flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas—combining the classic Antarctic voyage with the convenience of flying home.
The 2027-2028 Drake Fly & Sail departures include November 19, 2027 and February 3, 2028.
Every itinerary includes private charter flights, one-night hotel accommodations in Punta Arenas before and after the expedition, and six full days exploring Antarctica through Zodiac safaris, guided landings, and daily discoveries led by the Expedition Team.
Distinct wildlife experiences
Departures throughout the season offer distinct wildlife experiences. November and December voyages feature pristine snow-covered landscapes, dramatic ice formations, penguin courtship and nesting colonies, and elephant seals arriving on shore. February expeditions showcase active penguin chicks, playful seal pups, and exceptional whale sightings as humpback, minke and orca whales feed in Antarctic waters.
Each expedition is led by Atlas Ocean Voyages’ experienced 17-member Expedition Team of polar experts, naturalists, marine biologists, historians, photographers and kayak guides, providing expert insight through lectures, Zodiac excursions and shore landings.
Guests may also reserve optional Antarctic kayaking or the rare opportunity to camp overnight on the Antarctic continent, while every voyage includes the complimentary Polar Plunge.
Before embarking, guests enjoy a complimentary Atlas Immersion in Punta Arenas, featuring an evening of Patagonian cuisine, regional wines, Chilean folklore and local history at Magellan’s Strait Park and historic Fort Bulnes.
Guests sail aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages’ intimate Polar Category C Ice Class expedition yachts, accommodating fewer than 200 guests. Spacious suites, inviting social spaces, globally inspired cuisine with daily changing menus and extensive plant-based selections,premium beverages, 24-hour room service, gratuities and enriching onboard programming are all included through the brand’s Always Included experience.
Photo credit: Atlas Ocean Voyages
