Antarctica
Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 9-Day
Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 9-Day
Join the pioneers of Antarctic expedition travel on a thrilling exploration of the continent. Save time by flying directly from South America to the Antarctic peninsula (and back) where we embark the *National Geographic Orion*, purpose-built for polar waters. Witness the grandeur of this icy wilderness as you kayak among dazzling blue icebergs, sail past dramatic snow-capped peaks and rugged shores, and encounter the region’s iconic wildlife–from scores of penguins to whales, seals, and seabirds. A veteran team of naturalists and a National Geographic Photography Expert by your side ensures that you’ll have the most unforgettable experience and incredible photos to prove it.
Choose your departure
26 departuresNOV19
National Geographic Orion · 2026
From $12,563
NOV25
National Geographic Orion · 2026
From $13,115
DEC27
National Geographic Orion · 2026
From $22,746
JAN2
National Geographic Orion · 2027
From $21,900
JAN8
National Geographic Orion · 2027
From $21,900
JAN19
National Geographic Orion · 2027
From $25,000
JAN25
National Geographic Orion · 2027
From $19,700
JAN31
National Geographic Orion · 2027
From $21,500
FEB6
National Geographic Orion · 2027
From $19,700
NOV28
National Geographic Orion · 2027
From $13,808
DEC4
National Geographic Orion · 2027
From $14,500
DEC21
National Geographic Orion · 2027
From $21,000
Route Map
Gallery
12 photos
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Voyage Overview
Join the pioneers of Antarctic expedition travel on a thrilling exploration of the continent. Save time by flying directly from South America to the Antarctic peninsula (and back) where we embark the *National Geographic Orion*, purpose-built for polar waters. Witness the grandeur of this icy wilderness as you kayak among dazzling blue icebergs, sail past dramatic snow-capped peaks and rugged shores, and encounter the region’s iconic wildlife–from scores of penguins to whales, seals, and seabirds. A veteran team of naturalists and a National Geographic Photography Expert by your side ensures that you’ll have the most unforgettable experience and incredible photos to prove it.
Highlight
- Get a head start on your Antarctica experience by flying across the Drake Passage from Puerto Natales to King George Island, landing at the Chilean research station which permanently operates there
- Spend your days exploring the wildest corners of the continent with a top-notch team of naturalists and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica leading the way
- Marvel at the abundance of wildlife—a parade of gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins; stealthy leopard seals; several species of whales from humpbacks to orcas; and more
- Hike, kayak, and Zodiac cruise in complete tranquility surrounded by a pristine kingdom of snow and ice
- Kids and teens will learn about this exhilarating part of the world with our exclusive family program, National Geographic Explorers-in-Training
- November departures offer the possibility to cross-country ski or snowshoe across the frozen sea ice, conditions permitting
