Antarctica Fly-Cruise

Antarctica Fly-Cruises combine a flight to or from the Antarctic Peninsula with a shorter cruise, allowing travelers to bypass the often turbulent Drake Passage. These expeditions offer a time-efficient and comfortable way to reach the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica.

Please note that whilst some tours include domestic flights within Chile from Santiago (usually to Punta Arenas) or Argentina from Buenos Aires (usually to Ushuaia) within their price, this has no bearing on whether your tour is a Fly-Cruise or not—this nomenclature only refers to how you get to Antarctica upon leaving South America.

During an Antarctica Fly-Cruise, travelers fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in Antarctica, saving several days of sailing across the Drake Passage. From there, they embark on a cruise to explore the Antarctic Peninsula, enjoying shore excursions and wildlife encounters.

The main advantages of an Antarctica Fly-Cruise are time savings and reduced potential for seasickness. By flying over the Drake Passage, travelers have more time to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and can avoid the potentially rough seas of the passage.

While Antarctica Fly-Cruises offer convenience, the flight portion is still subject to weather conditions. Delays or cancellations may occur due to poor weather, which could impact the overall itinerary. However, tour operators typically have contingency plans in place. They also tend to be more expensive.

The best time for Antarctica Fly-Cruises is during the Antarctic summer months from November to March. This period offers milder weather, longer daylight hours, and abundant wildlife, providing optimal conditions for exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.

Normally Fly-Cruise itineraries prove very popular and can sell out well in advance. However occasionally Antarctica Fly-Cruise deals do become available, which gives you the best of both worlds, simultaneously saving time sailing the Drake Passage and money.