Antarctica Fly and Cruise
Skip the Drake Passage. Maximise your time in Antarctica.
A fly-and-cruise expedition takes you straight to the heart of Antarctica - King George Island — skipping the days at sea and landing you directly where the action unfolds.
Instead of spending time crossing the Drake Passage, you fly comfortably to the White Continent and begin exploring almost immediately: navigating iceberg-filled bays, watching whales surface in glassy water, and stepping ashore among bustling penguin colonies.
A fly-and-cruise from Puerto Natales connects two of the world’s last great wildernesses in one seamless journey: Patagonia’s rugged soul and Antarctica’s icy wonder — with no days lost at sea.
Why choose a Secret Atlas Fly Cruise?
Just 44 guests – Our Expedition Micro Cruise ships are among the smallest in Antarctica. Everyone lands together. No waiting, no rotations, no missing out.
Time is our true currency – By skipping the Drake Passage, you gain up to four extra days in Antarctica compared to sail-only voyages.
Fly from Puerto Natales, not Punta Arenas – Immerse yourself in Patagonia’s fjords and mountains from day one instead of waiting in a city hotel.
45% longer flight window – We extend operations beyond other operators, giving you the highest chance of reaching Antarctica.
Slow luxury experience – Boutique lodges, authentic Patagonian cuisine, and carefully curated excursions create a seamless journey from Patagonia to Antarctica.
Are you ready for a transformative experience on our Antarctica Fly Cruise?
How does a Fly and Cruise to Antarctica work?
The best fly and cruise to Antarctica balances efficiency with authentic experiences at every stage. We've perfected this journey to ensure you spend more time where it matters most – on the White Continent itself.
1. Arrive in Puerto Natales
Your Antarctic journey begins in one of Patagonia's most charming towns, where dramatic fjords and snow-capped peaks create the perfect prelude to polar exploration. Puerto Natales isn't just a departure point – it's your gateway to understanding Patagonia's wild spirit.
You'll stay at our carefully selected boutique Weskar Lodge, that captures the essence of slow luxury travel. Think gourmet dining featuring local lamb, craft breweries, and cosy common areas where fellow travellers share stories. The town's intimate scale means everything feels personal and exclusive, far removed from the hustle of larger cities.
While awaiting your weather window, you're not simply waiting. You're exploring Torres del Paine's doorstep, experiencing authentic gaucho culture, and allowing yourself to transition naturally from everyday life to Antarctic adventure.
2. Private charter flight to King George Island
When Antarctic weather conditions align, you'll board your private charter for the two-hour journey to King George Island. There's something magical about watching the landscape below transform from Patagonian steppes to the endless white of Antarctica.
These aren't scheduled commercial flights – they're exclusive charters that operate only alongside organised Antarctic expeditions. The flight itself becomes part of your adventure, offering aerial views of the Southern Ocean and your first glimpse of the continent that few humans ever experience.
Upon landing, you'll transfer directly to your expedition vessel via zodiac, with King George Island's research stations and penguin colonies providing your first taste of Antarctic life.
3. Enjoy the most time in Antarctica
Once aboard your 44-guest vessel Polar Athena, every day is crafted to maximise your Antarctic experience. You'll spend between six to eight full days exploring the Peninsula, depending on your chosen itinerary. That's significantly more time than traditional sail-only cruises and fly cruise operators that lose days crossing the Drake Passage.
Your expert expedition guides lead twice-daily excursions to penguin colonies, research stations, and pristine landing sites. With such small group sizes, you'll enjoy intimate wildlife encounters and personalised attention that simply isn't possible on larger vessels. Plus, with a small guest to guide ratio you’ll enjoy a more personal approach and a closer relationship with the guide.
Weather permitting, you'll trek across volcanic landscapes, and witness Antarctic wildlife in their natural habitat without the crowds or for an additional fee kayak through iceberg-studded bays.
The Expedition Micro Cruise concept
Fly or Sail
The beauty of our approach lies in flexibility. Some guests choose to fly both ways, maximising their time on the continent whilst minimising travel days. Others prefer our blend experiences – flying one direction and sailing the other to experience both the efficiency of flight and the traditional adventure of crossing the Drake Passage.
Each option offers unique perspectives. Flying provides that incredible aerial view and swift arrival, whilst sailing lets you experience the gradual transition from civilisation to wilderness that Antarctic explorers have known for generations.
Bonus Torres del Paine Extension
Our Peace of Mind Torres del Paine Extension Package ensures your journey continues seamlessly even if return flights face delays. This isn't just contingency planning – it's an opportunity to explore one of South America's most spectacular national parks.
The three-night extension includes stays at Weskar Patagonia Lodge, where fjord views and sustainable luxury create the perfect conclusion to your polar adventure. You'll choose from curated experiences like horseback riding, prehistoric rock art tours, and traditional Patagonian barbecues.
If your return flight operates on schedule and you don't need the extension, there's no cost. If delays occur, we'll reimburse unused days proportionally. It's our commitment to ensuring nothing's ever lost from your investment in this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Antarctica cruises
Antarctic Spring Micro Fly Cruise - Sail One Way
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Sail across the Drake Passage and explore Antarctica in spring on a 44-guest Micro Cruise.
- guests
- 9 days
Antarctic Spring Micro Fly Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Skip the Drake Passage to awakening Antarctica in spring on a 44-guest Fly & Cruise. Witness penguins courting, whales returning, glittering pack ice, and thawing fjords—uncrowded and flexible.
- guests
- 10 days
Antarctic Christmas Micro Fly Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Experience a Christmas like no other in Antarctica on a 44-guest Fly & Cruise. Penguin chicks, whales, and glittering icebergs await in an uncrowded, flexible adventure.
- guests
- 10 days
Antarctic New Year Micro Fly Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Welcome the New Year in Antarctica on a 44-guest Fly & Cruise expedition. Witness penguin chicks taking their first steps, whales returning, and towering icebergs in an uncrowded, flexible polar adventure.
- guests
- 10 days
Antarctic Circle Micro Fly Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Sail beyond the legendary Antarctic Circle with just 44 guests. Explore pristine ice, wildlife-rich bays, and iconic sites without crowds, and free from rigid schedules.
- guests
- 10 days
Antarctic Summer Micro Fly Cruise — Sail One Way
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Fly one way and sail the other across the legendary Drake Passage on a 44-guest Antarctic expedition. See summer’s penguin chicks, whales and sculpted ice—uncrowded and free from rigid schedules.
- guests
- 9 days
Antarctic Autumn Fly Micro Cruise — Sail One Way
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Sail the Drake Passage once on a 44-guest Fly & Cruise expedition to Antarctica in autumn. Golden light bathes bustling penguin colonies, playful seals, and whales at their seasonal peak.
- guests
- 9 days
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Micro Cruise
Combine Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica on a 78-guest cruise expedition in Spring. Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps, witness penguin chicks and whales, and enjoy uncrowded, pristine landscapes.
- 78 guests
- 21 days
Antarctica Fly & Cruise seasons
Antarctica fly & cruise expeditions run during the austral spring to autumn, from November through March. Each month brings unique conditions, wildlife encounters, and photographic opportunities.
November – pristine beginnings
The season opens with freshly fallen snow, sculpted icebergs, and untouched landscapes. Penguins begin their courtship rituals, and the continent feels wild and undiscovered. With fewer visitors, November is perfect for travellers seeking solitude and dramatic photography.
December & January – peak wildlife and endless light
This is the heart of the Antarctic summer. Around Christmas, penguin chicks start hatching, and whales are increasingly active. Nearly 24 hours of daylight means long days of exploration, soft evening light, and unbeatable conditions for photographers.
February & March – whales and changing light
As summer transitions to autumn, penguin chicks fledge, and whale sightings peak. The light shifts to spectacular sunsets and rich colours, creating dramatic backdrops for wildlife and landscape photography. These shoulder months are often favoured by photographers for their atmosphere and contrast.
When is the best time to fly to Antarctica?
The best time depends on what you want to experience:
November: pristine snowscapes, fewer visitors
December–January: peak wildlife, endless daylight
February–March: whales, rich sunsets, powerful photography
No matter when you choose, flying to Antarctica ensures you’ll maximise your time on the White Continent, skipping the Drake Passage and arriving ready to explore.
Antarctica Fly and Cruise FAQs
What happens if my flight is delayed?
Antarctic weather dictates all flight operations, so flexibility remains essential for any polar expedition. If your outbound flight from Puerto Natales faces delays, you'll remain at our carefully selected lodges with full board and curated soft-adventure experiences until conditions allow departure.
We've extended our operational windows significantly beyond other operators – whilst most set cut-offs on Day 4 afternoon, ours extends to Day 5 evening. This increases your flight chances by over 45%. Even in worst-case scenarios, you'll still enjoy a minimum of three full Antarctic days.
For return flights, if weather delays your departure from King George Island, you'll remain aboard your vessel with full activities and board until the next available window opens.
Why Puerto Natales and not Punta Arenas?
Puerto Natales embodies the slow travel philosophy that makes our expeditions special. Whilst Punta Arenas offers urban conveniences, Puerto Natales provides authentic Patagonian immersion from the moment you arrive.
This intimate town sits at the doorstep of Torres del Paine National Park, surrounded by fjords, glaciers, and mountains. You're not waiting in a city – you're already experiencing the wilderness that defines both Patagonia and Antarctica. The boutique lodges, local cuisine, and community-driven culture create a natural bridge between everyday life and polar adventure.
The transition from Puerto Natales' dramatic landscapes to Antarctica's pristine wilderness feels seamless and intentional, rather than jarring.
Is food and drink served on the flight to Antarctica?
Your private charter flight includes light refreshments and beverages during the two-hour journey to King George Island. The focus remains on the incredible views below as you cross from Patagonian steppes to Antarctic ice.
Once aboard your expedition vessel, all meals and beverages are included as part of your full-board experience, featuring cuisine crafted specifically for polar expedition dining.
When should I book an Antarctica Fly and Cruise?
Antarctic fly to Antarctica expeditions typically sell out 12-18 months in advance, particularly for peak season departures in December and January. The limited charter flight capacity and small vessel sizes mean spaces are genuinely scarce.
Early booking also ensures the widest selection of cabin categories and departure dates. Many of our guests book their return journey whilst still in Antarctica, securing their next polar adventure before they've even completed their current one.
We recommend reaching out as early as possible to discuss your preferred dates and begin planning your Antarctic adventure.
What luggage can I bring on a Fly and Cruise?
You are permitted 15kg of checked luggage and up to 5kg carry-on luggage on the plane.
Antarctica cruises
Antarctic Spring Micro Fly Cruise - Sail One Way
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Sail across the Drake Passage and explore Antarctica in spring on a 44-guest Micro Cruise.
- guests
- 9 days
Antarctic Spring Micro Fly Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Skip the Drake Passage to awakening Antarctica in spring on a 44-guest Fly & Cruise. Witness penguins courting, whales returning, glittering pack ice, and thawing fjords—uncrowded and flexible.
- guests
- 10 days
Antarctic Christmas Micro Fly Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Experience a Christmas like no other in Antarctica on a 44-guest Fly & Cruise. Penguin chicks, whales, and glittering icebergs await in an uncrowded, flexible adventure.
- guests
- 10 days
Antarctic New Year Micro Fly Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Welcome the New Year in Antarctica on a 44-guest Fly & Cruise expedition. Witness penguin chicks taking their first steps, whales returning, and towering icebergs in an uncrowded, flexible polar adventure.
- guests
- 10 days
Antarctic Circle Micro Fly Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Sail beyond the legendary Antarctic Circle with just 44 guests. Explore pristine ice, wildlife-rich bays, and iconic sites without crowds, and free from rigid schedules.
- guests
- 10 days
Antarctic Summer Micro Fly Cruise — Sail One Way
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Fly one way and sail the other across the legendary Drake Passage on a 44-guest Antarctic expedition. See summer’s penguin chicks, whales and sculpted ice—uncrowded and free from rigid schedules.
- guests
- 9 days
Antarctic Autumn Fly Micro Cruise — Sail One Way
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Sail the Drake Passage once on a 44-guest Fly & Cruise expedition to Antarctica in autumn. Golden light bathes bustling penguin colonies, playful seals, and whales at their seasonal peak.
- guests
- 9 days
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Micro Cruise
Combine Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica on a 78-guest cruise expedition in Spring. Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps, witness penguin chicks and whales, and enjoy uncrowded, pristine landscapes.
- 78 guests
- 21 days
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