While everyone has dreamed of visiting the penguins and experiencing the otherworldly landscapes of Antarctica, cruising there from South America across the unpredictable the Drake Passage for two days can sometimes be less than dreamy. That’s why Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has launched two new itineraries that let guests fly direct to or from the White Continent.
An eight-day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage expedition in 2025 will fly round-trip across the Drake Passage to the Chilean Base of Presidente Frey on King George Island that’s home to a diverse assortment of wildlife like Weddell and elephant seals, Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins. King George Island is also home to researchers from around the world, and where guests will board the National Geographic Explorer, welcoming them upon arrival just off the coast of the tundra island. On day seven, the ship will return to King George Island where guests will disembark the ship and fly to Puerto Natales, Chile, where they will overnight before beginning their journey home the next day.
As an alternative, a new 10-day Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage, will embark passengers on National Geographic Explorer in Ushuaia, Argentina, and spend two days crossing the Drake Passage then five days in Antarctica before arriving to King George Island, where they board their chartered flight to begin their journey home. Limited time inaugural pricing, including outbound private air to King George Island, is available.
“Opening doors for worldwide exploration is the heart of National Geographic Expeditions, and introducing new opportunities for travelers to gain access to incredible places further extends our commitment to storytelling from an up-close perspective,” said Nancy Schumacher, snior vice-president and general manager of National Geographic Expeditions.
Travelers who book before Jan. 31, 2024 will receive a $1,000 expedition credit per person.
