Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrive at the End of the World, transfer to your hotel, gather for dinner, and meet the adventure ahead.
A National Geographic–Lindblad Expedition
Sail the Drake.
Fly back.
Experience the legendary crossing, then trade the return voyage for an approximately two-hour flight—without giving up the wild heart of Antarctica.
Join the free webinar →Antarctica imagery courtesy of National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions voyage materials
The best of both crossings
Go south by sea.
Come north by sky.
This rare sail-and-fly itinerary lets you earn the full Drake Passage experience aboard an ice-class expedition ship—then return from King George Island to Chile by air.
Between them: long summer light, sculptural ice, penguin highways, Zodiac landings, kayaking, and a veteran team of naturalists and photographers.
One passage. Two perspectives.
The Drake,
done differently.
01
Sail south
Spend two days crossing the Drake aboard National Geographic Explorer.
02
Explore deeply
Four expedition days adapt to ice, weather, wildlife, and the best opportunities.
03
Fly north
Return from King George Island to Puerto Natales in approximately two hours.
Your 10-day expedition
From the End of the World
to the White Continent
Tierra del Fuego & embark
Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park and the Beagle Channel before boarding National Geographic Explorer.
Sail the Drake Passage
Cross the legendary 500-mile-wide passage by ship—watching for albatross, whales, and dolphins as anticipation builds.
Explore Antarctica
Four flexible expedition days among immense ice, penguin colonies, seals, glaciers, and wildlife-rich coves.
King George Island & fly north
Zodiac ashore, then board the approximately two-hour charter flight to Puerto Natales, Chile.
Puerto Natales, Chile
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and begin your journey home.
Antarctica is an expedition in the truest sense. Weather, wildlife, ice, and flight conditions may require the expedition team to adapt the plan.
Out there, not looking in
Walk. Paddle.
Watch. Wonder.
Zodiac among immense icebergs, kayak in protected waters, hike below towering peaks, and photograph gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins with expert guidance.
Your expedition platform
National Geographic
Explorer
A fully stabilized, ice-class expedition ship with an ice-reinforced hull, Explorer is purpose-built to connect 148 guests with the polar world—not insulate them from it.
148guests
81cabins
6decks
99staff & crew
Open Bridge
Join the captain, officers, and wildlife spotters for one of the best views aboard.
Tools for discovery
Zodiacs, kayaks, observation areas, and expedition gear keep the focus on exploration.
Life aboard
Three dining spaces, library, lounge, observation areas, spa, fitness center, and sauna.
Watch: 5 minutes
Fly the Drake:
a new way to discover Antarctica
Lindblad Expeditions introduces the evolution of its fly-and-sail Antarctic program aboard National Geographic Explorer.
View on Lindblad Expeditions ↗Thoughtfully included
The expedition essentials,
handled.
International airfare, travel protection, additional hotel nights, personal items, premium Wi-Fi, spa services, passport/visa costs, and other items not specifically listed are not included.
- ✓Ship and itinerary hotel accommodations
- ✓Meals shown in the itinerary
- ✓Beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, snacks, coffee, tea, and soda aboard ship
- ✓Zodiac excursions, kayaks, and other exploration tools
- ✓Expert expedition team, lectures, and presentations
- ✓National Geographic photography guidance
- ✓Airport transfers and the designated Antarctica-to-Chile flight
- ✓Special permits, park fees, port taxes, and onboard medical professional
Free live expedition webinar
See Antarctica
before you go.
Join National Geographic–Lindblad representative Darrell Wyatt and travel advisor Jon Graham for an inside look at the voyage, the ship, and what it really means to sail the Drake and fly back.
DW
Darrell WyattNational Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions
JG
Jon GrahamIntermission Travel
Webinar date and access details will be sent to registered guests.