Separating the southern tip of the South American continent from the Antarctic Peninsula region is the Drake Passage, where the mighty Pacific and Atlantic oceans converge. For expeditioners who prefer to focus their energy on adventures in Antarctica, flying over the Drake Passage in both directions is the ideal way to reach the white continent.
✓ Enjoy a flight to reach the white continent and avoid the Drake Passage crossing
✓ Experience the spectacular views from above as you take a glimpse of your first icebergs in the Southern Ocean, where your vessel awaits, ready to take you on an exhilarating adventure
✓ Venture below the Antarctic Circle and enter a different world more rarely seen, it feels more isolated and colder than further north, with great swathes of pack-ice and dreamlike icebergs
Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions:
'Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake'
Overwhelming, Heart Warming, Life Changing.
"You'll find the warmest weather in December and January in the Antarctic Circle!"
Highlights of this Expedition
Featured Expedition
Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake
Expedition To/From: Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas, Chile
Destination Highlights
• Soar over the Drake Passage in both directions, soaking in the icy scenery below
• Celebrate the crossing of the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33' South (approximately)
• Enjoy lengthy hours of daylight when the sun barely dips below the horizon, giving you extended time for exploration
• Witness cute, fluffy juvenile penguins moulting and preparing for their first taste of independence.
• Gaze at sea-ice seals hauled out on ice floes away from the hungry jaws of predators
• Whales start to arrive in volume to feed on krill. Watch for the telltale fluke of a tail as it plunges to the depths of the ocean numbers
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas and transfer to your hotel
Day 2: Fly+ to King George Island for embarkation
Day 3-10: Immerse yourself in the unforgettable landscapes of the white continent
Day 11: At King George Island, board your charter flight to Punta Arenas
Day 12: Transfer to the airport for your onward journey
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Reserve your optional activities at the time of booking to secure your spot.
*Landings, adventures, and activities are weather-dependent. Activity options vary by itinerary, and additional fees apply for optional activities.
Best Time To Go
New Purpose-Built Small Ships - 130 Passengers Maximum
Our expedition ships — the Greg Mortimer and the Sylvia Earle are new to the fleet and designed for exploration. These state-of-the-art, purpose-built ships use the latest advances in design and technology, truly revolutionising the small-ship experience.
INCLUSIONS
• All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
• Two night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Punta Arenas on Day 1 and Day 11.
• Return charter flight between Punta Arenas and King George Island.
• Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
• All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
• Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner.
• Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
• All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
• Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
• Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
• One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
• Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
• Comprehensive pre-departure information.
• Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
• Gratuities for ship crew.
• Wi-Fi.
Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.
EXCLUSIONS
• International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
• Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
• Airport arrival or departure taxes.
• Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
• Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
• Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
• Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
• All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges.
About Aurora Expeditions
From the start, Aurora Expeditions— an Award-winning Australian owned company—was destined to be different. Our passion for adventure, exploring wild places and sharing the experience with friends burns just as brightly as it did over 33 years ago, as does our preference for small-group, personal expeditions, accompanied by an expedition team we believe are the world’s best.
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