Atlas Ocean Voyages Expands Fly-Cruise Antarctica Expeditions
Atlas Ocean Voyages is expanding its Fly the Drake Expeditions, giving travelers more opportunities to experience Antarctica while spending less time crossing the Drake Passage and more time exploring the icy wilderness. The expedition line is expanding its 2027-2028 Antarctica season with six departures across two expedition styles designed to maximize time ashore and on the water in the Antarctic Peninsula.
The Drake Express Expedition features a seven-night roundtrip voyage from King George Island with private charter flights between Punta Arenas, Chile and Antarctica, allowing passengers to bypass the two-day Drake Passage crossing in both directions. The flight takes about two hours.
The Drake Fly & Sail Expedition provides the opportunity to experience sailing on the Drake Passage once, then returning by private charter flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas. This combines the classic Antarctica voyage with the convenience of flying back home.
Every itinerary includes private charter flights, one-night hotel accommodations in Punta Arenas before and after the expedition, and six full days exploring Antarctica through Zodiac safaris, guided landings, and daily discoveries led by the 17-member Expedition Team. The team is comprised of polar experts, naturalists, marine biologists, historians, photographers, and kayak guides.
Departures throughout the season offer distinct wildlife experiences. November and December cruises feature pristine snow-covered landscapes, dramatic ice formations, penguin courtship and nesting colonies, and elephant seals arriving on shore. February expeditions showcase active penguin chicks, seal pups, and whale sightings as humpback, minke, and orca whales feed in Antarctic waters.
Before embarking, travelers enjoy an included Atlas Immersion in Punta Arenas, featuring an evening of Patagonian cuisine, regional wines, Chilean folklore, and local history at Magellan’s Strait Park and historic Fort Bulnes. Voyages take place aboard Atlas’ Polar Category C Ice Class expedition yachts, which hold fewer than 200 guests each.
