What to Expect: Flying the Drake Passage

For those with adventurous spirits, Antarctica is a dream destination. Now, with the option to fly over the Drake Passage, that dream is easier than ever to reach. The “Antarctica Direct” itineraries with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions make the wonders of the White Continent more accessible to time-crunched travelers by dramatically shortening one or both legs of the transit from South America—turning four days by sea into four hours as the albatross flies.

However, flying the Drake Passage is no ordinary commercial flight. Like Shackleton and his crew, travelers remain subject to the whims of Antarctic weather—though with the advantage of modern forecasting systems, purpose-built polar vessels and the world’s most preeminent ice masters at the helm. As true pioneers and decades-long stewards of Antarctic tourism, Lindblad Expeditions has led the way for adventurers to experience the world’s last great wilderness since Lars Eric Lindblad took the first-ever group of tourists to its shores back in 1966.

Before you chart your own course to this land of epic ice, shifting skies and cacophonous penguin colonies, here’s what you need to know about flying the Drake Passage. With insights from Expedition Leader James Hyde, we answer your most pressing questions below.

Why should you fly to Antarctica?

The short answer? To save time! Traditionally, an Antarctic cruise requires at least two weeks to accommodate four transit days at sea, but our new flyover itineraries offer 8-day, 9-day and 10-day journeys. They were designed for travelers with limited vacation days or parents who want their children to fall in love with the Antarctic wilderness without too much time away from school. They’re also our most cost-effective options, appealing to travelers eager to check off their seventh continent and inspired by the thrill of adventure on a grand scale. Additionally, these expeditions are well-suited to guests who are prone to seasickness or feel intimidated by the notorious Drake Passage.

Where do you fly in and out of for these voyages?

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is the first and only fly-cruise operator transiting the Drake Passage via Puerto Natales, Chile—a charming port city just outside Torres del Paine National Park. Nestled in the fjords of coastal Patagonia, Puerto Natales is a walkable town with fresh and flavorful Chilean cuisine and stop-you-in-your-tracks sunsets. If you’d like more time to explore the Paine Massif, a new pre-voyage extension offers five days among the continent’s most legendary rock formations to roam the steppe in search of Patagonia’s most iconic residents, from elusive pumas to majestic Andean condors.

In Antarctica, flights land at the Chilean Base of Presidente Frei on King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands. Until 1989, flights here were primarily reserved for the military and scientists, so the “terminal”—while heated and equipped with restrooms, refreshments and ample seating—is a functional, yet no-frills facility.

How long is the flight and what is it like? 

The flight over the Drake Passage takes approximately two hours each way. We partner with DAP Antarctica Airways, which has over three decades of aviation expertise in the region. For Antarctica Direct itineraries, DAP’s skilled polar pilots operate two BAE 146/200 four-engine jets alongside a welcoming and knowledgeable flight crew. Each plane can carry 74 passengers, all in the same class of service with comfortable seats, generous legroom and both overhead and under-seat storage.

Though compact, these specialized charter planes fly at a high enough altitude to mitigate turbulence and are outfitted to land on gravel runways. Even so, Hyde advised that the landing will likely feel a little rougher. “If you’ve never landed in a small airplane before, it might feel like a lot of vibration. But the runway is long, so after you touch down and feel the deceleration, you just keep rolling along, which I find quite comforting. There’s nothing to worry about.”

What should I wear on the flight to Antarctica?

You should board the flight as though you’re suiting up for cold weather and wet-landing conditions, wearing your polar parka, layers of clothes, waterproof hiking pants and waterproof boots. Those traveling on round-trip flight itineraries will receive their complimentary parkas at the hotel in Puerto Natales and be fitted for any expedition gear they have rented or purchased in advance. To stay comfortable during the flight, remove some layers or have a change of shoes in your small carry-on. There’s ample space to stow your parka and boots but be sure to bundle again before you step off the plane.

What happens once you land in Antarctica?

King George Island’s base leans more toward tundra than tarmac, so there’s no customs line, no passport stamp and no wasted time whisking you off on your Antarctic adventure. You will deplane using stairs and board a small shuttle bus for a one-mile drive to the coastline. “It’s a bit of a quick transition, but it’s awesome,” Hyde explained. “It’s not like being at an airport; you’re already in it."

Within moments, you’re navigating the rocky beach, strapping on a life jacket and boarding the Zodiacs with assistance from our experienced crew. Keep in mind that anything you carry onto the plane with you has the potential to get wet. We do everything we can to keep guests dry, of course, but waterproof dry bags add an extra layer of security.

All checked luggage will be handled separately and travel in parallel, though it’s likely you’ll beat your baggage as the field staff will prioritize getting each guest safely on board before unloading the luggage. Once it arrives, your suitcase will be delivered directly to your cabin.

Are these itineraries different from the voyages that only sail across the Drake Passage?

On a fly-fly trip, you’re trading in a chance to brave the Drake for the opportunity to spend nearly your entire journey actually in Antarctica. You will also have one night in a Puerto Natales hotel for both pre- and post-voyage, providing a built-in buffer for any schedule adjustments and a taste of Patagonia’s natural splendor.

From the moment you board the ship, you’ll have the same experiences as travelers on a traditional voyage. You’re scouring the sea ice for seals, seabirds and signs of whales; hiking amidst penguin highways; kayaking toward towering glaciers and endless sky; and November departures may even offer the possibility to cross-country ski or snowshoe on the fast ice. With National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, it’s all included. Plus, you’ll be able to capture each breathtaking moment with tips and tricks from a National Geographic photographer.

If you’d prefer a little more structure with your shorter timeline, the 10-Day Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage itinerary offers the best of both worlds. The ships are far less subject to schedule adjustments—only in cases of extreme weather—and any flight delays you encounter on the return journey will simply leave you with more time in the comfort of your cabin. With this option, guests sail from Ushuaia, Argentina and return to Puerto Natales by air.

It’s important to note that no Antarctica cruise itinerary is exactly the same. When sea ice holds as much sway over route planning as the captain does, itinerary changes are not just possible—they’re part of the adventure.

What happens if there’s inclement weather for flights?

Though all flights are technically weather-dependent, Antarctica’s climate is far more mercurial than most destinations and therefore more prone to delays, schedule changes, or, in rare cases, cancellations. No air-cruise operator can guarantee a fixed flight itinerary in advance, but the expedition team has taken the utmost care in developing comprehensive contingency plans with alternative activities.

Low cloud cover, fog and heavy wind conditions at King George Island can disrupt both inbound and outbound flight schedules. Hyde explained that visibility is perhaps the biggest prohibitive factor: “At most airports, aircraft can land using instrument guidance, but this runway relies on clear visibility. When the weather closes in, flights are delayed until it’s safe to land.”

Traveling to one of the wildest places on Earth comes with a measure of uncertainty—but never at the expense of safety, which remains our foremost priority. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, as is booking your international flights through the Lindblad Expeditions Air Department, so any necessary coordination can be handled on your behalf.

How will I stay informed about flight updates?

In the evening before dinner is served, the expedition leader will share the weather forecast and what to expect from the coming day. If there are delays or other changes that can be predicted early on, they will be communicated as soon as possible. If updates occur outside of that time frame, guests can expect to be informed via regular shipwide PA announcements. Even if the update is: "There is no update,” the expedition team will ensure you’re kept in the loop.

Comfort comes a close second to safety. You won’t be asked to leave the ship for the terminal unless the flight is confirmed, and the team is confident it will proceed. Once you’ve disembarked, the field staff will accompany you on shore until you board the jets.