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Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination

A rare and popular voyage which flies to Antarctica in just two hours, then sails back across the Drake Passage, maximising both expediency and experience. Spend 5 to 7 days exploring Antarctica on a small, purpose-built expedition ship, with kayaking and snorkelling available. January to March departures.

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Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination

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Trip type

Antarctic Peninsula

Trip length

9-13 Days

From

$17,895 -$41,295

Ship Comfort

Comfort & Adventure

Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination - 9-13 Days - $17,895

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

  • Flying one way means more time to explore and is popular with anxious sailors
  • 7-8 full days exploring Antarctica, depending on voyage date
  • Travelling on a small ship with a maximum of 132 guests means everyone can do landings together 
  • Antarctic operational experience since 1992
  • Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:8, which is low & ensures a high level of personalisation
  • Kayaking, polar diving and snorkelling activities (additional cost)
  • Complimentary parka jacket, post-voyage digital photo book and drinks with dinner

Start from Punta Arenas to Antarctica and end at Ushuaia

Landmarks potentially visited on Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination

Operator's Itinerary

Days 1: Arrive into Punta Arenas, Chile

Land in Punta Arenas and transfer to your downtown hotel to check in. Please note that you must arrive by 2pm to allow for flexibility of Antarctic flight times. In the afternoon or evening, you’ll attend a group briefing giving more information about the anticipated flight schedules based on local weather conditions. 


Day 2:  Punta Arenas to King George Island

Today, you'll be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for your two hour charter flight to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, just off the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. Exact flight times will be determined by the necessary safe weather conditions, both in Punta Arenas and on King George Island. 

On arrival into King George Island, you'll be met and taken to your waiting ship for your Antarctic adventure to begin in earnest! 


Days 3 to 10: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula

During your time exploring Antarctica, your Captain and Expedition Leader will work with the weather and ice conditions, along with impromptu wildlife opportunities, to plan an action-packed itinerary. 

Your days will be busy, heading off the ship via its fleet of study zodiac ribs. You might be out cruising around the gloriously sculpted icebergs looking for marine life and admiring the myriad hues and textures of the ice. Alternatively, you could land on shore to watch the drama unfold at raucous penguin rookeries. There may be opportunities for gentle hikes up to elevated positions, for spectacular views across the surrounding mountains and glaciers.  

If you have signed up for optional activities such as kayaking and snorkelling, your specialist guides will look for safe weather conditions to get you on or in the water, seeing Antarctica from a completely different perspective. 

As the ship cruises from location to location, take advantage of the huge windows of the observation lounge to watch the ice-laden mountains from the warmth. Alternatively, get out on deck with your binoculars and camera, listening out for the blow of feeding humpback whales or pods of penguins porpoising through the water. 


Days 11 & 12: Crossing the Drake Passage

The ship will turn north and begin heading across the (in)famous waters of the Drake Passage. There is a chance to relax and reminisce about your incredible experiences as you may way towards Argentina. Your expert Expedition Team will take the opportunity to continue their educational programme of lectures and meet you out on deck to help identify the multitude of seabirds that can be spotted in these rich waters. Learn how to distinguish your giant petrels from your wandering albatrosses as well as your tiny cape petrels from your Antarctic prions. 


Day 13: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

Today, you will sail up the Beagle Channel and arrive at the bustling port city of Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina. 

You have an included transfer back to the airport, from where you can continue your onward journey. 


PLEASE NOTEWhile choosing to fly to/from Antarctica is the most expedient option, it's also more weather dependent than travelling by ship across the Drake Passage. Charter flights to/from Antarctica operate on a very flexible schedule to accommodate the changeable weather conditions. As a result, flight timings may be brought forward or delayed to ensure safe operating conditions. To discuss in more detail, please get in touch

This itinerary is for guidance only, as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions as well as taking advantage of impromptu wildlife opportunities.

Why our customers love Swoop

Expert impartial advice at no extra cost

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Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.

The Antarctic Experts. No Compromises

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Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.

The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist

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We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.

A full concierge service, unlike booking direct

With You SVG

We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.

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What our customers think of Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination

Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination trips scored 4.3/5 from 47 reviews

10/10 - It was the perfect combination to experience both. We were lucky to have just a mild Drake shake experience and we had an extra day in Antarctica due to weather conditions. I was completely surprised when the the expedition team took the opportunity to take us on another outing. Above and beyond.

Travelled: February 2024

Julia Balogh - USA

10/10 - Could not be more impressed! Guides were excellent.

Travelled: February 2024

Robert Tanner - USA

10/10 - Perfect amount of time, loved the expeditions to get us into the water and landscape.

Travelled: February 2024

Natalie DeNormandie - USA

10/10 - Fabulous doing the Drake Passage in and saving time with the flight out.

Travelled: February 2024

Sylvia Caira - USA

10/10 - Perfect luxury cruising experience, far exceeding all our expectations.

Travelled: March 2023

Lily Luong - Australia

We expected an experienced expedition staff, but the staff was beyond even our high expectations. The leadership and most of the staff were such highly qualified individuals with outstanding experience in Antarctica. Besides leading the various expeditions, they provided outstanding information in programs on the ship about numerous topics to prepare us for what we would be seeing and doing. The staff on the ship were extremely well trained and friendly.

Travelled: March 2023

Dan Stewart - USA

10/10 - I cannot imagine a better overall experience, and the service aboard ship was OUTSTANDING! This built-for-purpose ship was incredible, and the snorkeling adventures were perfect for this explorer.

Travelled: February 2023

Chuck Strawn - USA

10/10 - Everything was exceedingly well done. The guides were professional, friendly, and helpful. Everything was very well organized and coordinated. The boat staff were amazing: friendly, accommodating and go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome and well cared for. The food was fabulous and the kitchen staff and servers were highly attentive. All around a 10+ experience!

Travelled: February 2023

Eleanor Linnen - USA

10/10 - It was excellent in all ways, and I loved the sail/fly combination.

Travelled: February 2023

Pamela Morris - USA

10/10 - The cruise fly expedition is just perfect in length of time. And not spending an additional 2 days crossing the Drake to return is ideal.

Travelled: February 2023

Violetta Gianaras - USA

10/10 - We appreciated the option and experience of sailing the Drake passage in one direction, but having more time in Antarctica by flying down to King George Island to board the ship there.

Travelled: February 2023

John Mark Bowles - USA

10/10 - We got to experience the Drake Passage first and that built anticipation as we sailed - but thankfully only needed to do the crossing once.

Travelled: February 2023

Michael Sanders - USA

This was the most visually impactful trip of my life. There is still a beautiful, magical, unspoiled place in the world!

Travelled: January 2023

Robert Winstead - USA

Most memorable moment? The landscape, PENGUINS, Sylvia Earle, PENGUINS, seals, the ship team, PENGUINS, other guest we met, how welcome we felt on the ship, PENGUINS...

Travelled: January 2023

Leslie Viens - USA

From the time we arrived in Ushuaia to leaving Punta Arenas, we felt welcomed and safe. The team was always smiling, fun and ready to answer questions that everyone had. We were kept informed everyday of what the plan was and who would be going where.

Travelled: January 2023

Leslie Viens - USA

We have done a lot of camping, hiking and outdoor nature activities and have been in many different wild environments yet this was an amazing and memorable adventure. In full agreement that we should protect Antarctica.

Travelled: January 2023

Neil Jacobson - USA

We really liked them!! Excellent customer service, good accommodation, professional and knowledgeable excursion team.

Travelled: January 2023

Bertha Jacobson - USA

It ticked every box for us, the sail/fly option worked perfectly, the vessel was excellent and the service levels from all staff were perfect. There was plenty to do, indeed the activities were relentless, hardly had time to use the library or the observation deck before we were off on another expedition, briefing, lecture or dinner with new friends.

Travelled: January 2023

Rick Greer - UK

Just what we wanted. On ship experience was great. Service, knowledge, captain, expedition team….

Travelled: January 2023

Susan Boehlke - USA

Seeing whales so close up was amazing. A personal one for us was landing on our last continent. Special.

Travelled: January 2023

Diana Casadevall - USA

10/10 - Everyone went above and beyond to make this special for us. Loved it!

Travelled: January 2023

Lisa Bandola - Canada

10/10 - The quality of the ship, the crew and the expeditions. The leader, Ashley Perrin, was phenomenal from the first day throughout. She arranged unique and varied visits for us and the rest of the expedition staff was not only knowledgable but able to communicate their knowledge well. I enjoyed the Citizen Science sessions and every expedition.

Travelled: January 2023

Marjorie Robfogel - USA

Most memorable moment: snorkeling with the penguins

Travelled: March 2022

Janet Davoli - United States Minor Outlying Islands

Best way to do it: avoid the Drake in one direction, get it relaxing on the ship (sort of) on the way home.

Travelled: March 2022

Janet Davoli - United States Minor Outlying Islands

The entire expedition team was stellar, ably led by Ashley Perrin. All were knowledgeable and I enjoyed the variety of lectures.

Travelled: March 2022

Doris Sweet - USA

Most memorable moment: it’s a tie between: a leopard seal trying to mate with our boat, the polar plunge, and the wonderful friends I made.

Travelled: March 2022

Kiera Rumbough - USA

I wanted a trip that was not weeks on a ship, but plenty of time in Antarctica. It was a perfect choice as I got seasick crossing the Drake, which was unexpected.

Travelled: March 2022

Deanna Rieden - USA

Antarctica exceeded every expectation! The overwhelming grandiosity is difficult to put into words.

Travelled: February 2022

Michael Bilheimer - USA

Most memorable moment: kayaking with a humpback whale - a highlight of my life to date.

Travelled: February 2022

Lauren Woosey - UK

I was really looking forward to the Drake passage because I felt like it was something I HAD to do at least once and it was actually fine. But I loved the fact we flew back because the trip ended on such a high and there wasn't a lot of down-time after the activities finished. The flight was quick and everything was smooth. Would 100% recommend doing it this way.

Travelled: February 2022

Lauren Woosey - UK

I would highly recommend a trip with activities. I am SO happy we chose to do kayaking!

Travelled: February 2022

Oliver Harris - UK

The expedition team were excellent on all dimensions. Flo and team were a great fit for us. In addition, our kayak guides Dan and Frank were excellent.

Travelled: February 2022

Oliver Harris - UK

The guides were awesome! So knowledgable. Best day: we spent several hours on our way back to the ship surrounded by feeding humpbacks. It was incredible.

Travelled: January 2022

Joanne Levy - USA

Every day in Antarctica was amazing and different. It is breathtaking.

Travelled: January 2022

Joanne Levy - USA

Review:

With her slick lines, small number of guests, well-priced balcony suites and onboard hot tub, this is one of the hottest ships in Antarctica right now.

Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices quoted below are per person based on two people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.

2025

2026

Additional Notes

While choosing to fly to/from Antarctica is the most expedient option, it's also more weather dependent than travelling by ship across the Drake Passage. Charter flights to/from Antarctica operate on a very flexible schedule to accommodate the changeable weather conditions. As a result, flight timings may be brought forward or delayed to ensure safe operating conditions. To discuss in more detail, please get in touch


The voyages departing on 01-Feb-2026 and 17-Mar-2026 are 12 days long, reducing time spent exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by one day. 


The 13-day departure on 17-Feb-2026 explores the little-visited Weddell Sea area. 

Single Supplement And Child Policy

For those travelling solo who would like their own cabin, the single supplement is 1.5 times the cost of a single berth. Please contact us for details. There is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin. 


Children aged 8 years old or over are permitted on this trip. There is no concession on pricing. Please contact us for details.

Optional Adventure Activities

Enhance your trip with the following add ons. Limited places per activity.
Get in contact to check availability.

Activity Cost Additional Information
Add on icon Kayaking Kayaking $1,330 An immersive full sea kayaking program for those who want to kayak multiple times (as often as weather, sea and ice conditions allow). Prior kayaking experience to at least intermediate level is required and you must be able to do a wet exit to participate. Subject to weather and ice conditions. Booking in advance is essential. Cost varies from USD $1330.
Add on icon Polar snorkelling Polar snorkelling $675 No experience required. You will go out snorkelling multiple times, subject to safe weather, sea and ice conditions. Dry suit provided. Available on select departures. Cost varies from USD $675.
Add on icon Paddling Paddling $640 A gentler kayaking option staying closer to shore and using inflatable kayaks, in a group of maximum 6 participants. Includes multiple outings, subject to suitable weather and ice conditions. Suitable for novices and only offered in calm conditions. Booking in advance is essential. Cost varies from USD $640.

Includes

  • Pre-embarkation (Day 1) hotel night in Punta Arenas, Chile
  • One-way two hour charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
  • 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
  • Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • Accommodation during the voyage on full board basis
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks reception
  • Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
  • All shore excursions and zodiac activities
  • Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
  • Complimentary Starlink WIFI (connection can be patchy)
  • Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
  • Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • Port taxes and any entry fees to historic landing sites
  • A digital photo book produced with photos and ship logs from your voyage

Excludes

  • Any flights to/from voyage start and end points
  • Any additional services before and after your voyage
  • Transfers not specific to the itinerary
  • Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
  • Optional adventure activities
  • Optional activity surcharges
  • Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Items of a personal nature: laundry, beverages etc.
  • Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)
  • Gratuities for ship crew

Questions about this Voyage?