Fly Over Drake Passage to Antarctica

Fly over the Drake Passage to Antarctica when planning your trip to the 7th continent is our recommendation. This option allows you to arrive quickly, save on vacation time, and not worry about potential seasickness from turbulent waters. Below is a quick explanation of how to decide if you should fly over the drake passage to Antarctica or sail instead.

Sailing the Drake Passage

A crazy and unpredictable body of water, this is where the Pacific, Atlantic, and Southern Oceans meet. The water is variable at best. At worst, it is the stuff of folklore, of legend, of tales told by seamen. Crossing the Drake Passage by ship can be an experience, good and bad. But it does take at least two days to cross, assuming somewhat calm waters. Spending those two days at sea can be an excellent opportunity to get to know your crew and fellow shipmates; however, the four days at sea (to and from Antarctica) can chip away at vacation time.

If the weather does not cooperate, you can either have a delayed arrival to Antarctica, or you might have to leave the continent ahead of schedule to avoid incoming storms. And for those with sensitive stomachs, seasickness is a definite possibility. 

Fly over the Drake Passage to Antarctica 

The other option is to fly over the Drake Passage. This way to travel, too, offers the possibility of delayed arrival to Antarctica or early departure to avoid bad weather. (You can learn more about flight delays here.) However, a two-hour flight is a lot more comfortable, and we have only had two significant delays since beginning operations in 2003. As with any flight, the weather is a critical component, even more in Antarctica. 

Flying over the Drake to Antarctica does give you extra time to explore Chile and the beautiful Chilean Patagonia, including Torres del Paine National Park and Punta Arenas, a beautiful part of the world that beautifully complements any trip to Antarctica. Not to mention enjoying a comfortable night’s sleep and a delicious meal in Punta Arenas before flying out.

Landing in Antarctica is also a unique experience. Imagine landing on the last and final continent, surrounded by beautiful, pristine snow, and enjoying your first excursion on the continent without delay. Remember, you didn’t have to spend two days at sea getting to Antarctica to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. After your two-hour flight, you’re in Antarctica, and your journey begins.

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Antarctica21 Options for Air-Cruises

The Antarctica21 air-cruise takes you over the Drake Passage avoiding the discomfort of a rough sea crossing and lands you on the continent in just two hours. You reach Antarctica on our quick flight, rather than a two-day crossing, and then are quickly immersed in the beauty of the Seventh Continent.

1. Antarctica Express – an air-cruise designed for travelers looking for a quick and affordable visit to the White Continent
2. Classica Antarctica – this air-cruise is our most popular itinerary, sail between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.
3. Polar Circle – one of the most adventurous expeditions that we offer. Our main objective on this air-cruise expedition is to try and reach the Antarctic Polar Circle.
4. Antarctica & South Georgia – a remarkable experience that takes you through the western Antarctic Peninsula, through Elephant Island to South Georgia.

Learn more about these expeditions here!