Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage — 8 Days | Gvoya
Antarctica
Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
Experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent in a more efficient, expedient way with our **eight, nine and ten-day options**. On this new itinerary, bypass the traditional Drake Passage crossing on a two-hour flight to and from Antarctica, and discover all of the highlights without sacrificing the extra time. Travel with a diverse team of experts aboard our intimately scaled *National Geographic Explorer* and *National Geographic Orion,* purpose-built for polar exploration. Venture into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Watch for whales off the bow; Zodiac cruise around enormous icebergs; and hike, kayak and (on *National Geographic Explorer *in November) even possibly cross-country ski or snow-shoe in complete tranquility. Choose an active agenda or surrender to the pleasures of relaxing downtime and shipboard camaraderie. Plus, get top shots with the help of a National Geographic photographer. **NOTE: This is an expedition in the truest sense—flexibility is key. Delays and early departures of flights due to inclement weather are common in Antarctica. In the event of a flight adjustment, your expedition team may implement a contingency plan with alternative activities.** **For answers to questions you may have about our Fly the Drake Passage programs, please see our ****FAQ page****. **
Experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent in a more efficient, expedient way with our **eight, nine and ten-day options**. On this new itinerary, bypass the traditional Drake Passage crossing on a two-hour flight to and from Antarctica, and discover all of the highlights without sacrificing the extra time. Travel with a diverse team of experts aboard our intimately scaled *National Geographic Explorer* and *National Geographic Orion,* purpose-built for polar exploration. Venture into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Watch for whales off the bow; Zodiac cruise around enormous icebergs; and hike, kayak and (on *National Geographic Explorer *in November) even possibly cross-country ski or snow-shoe in complete tranquility. Choose an active agenda or surrender to the pleasures of relaxing downtime and shipboard camaraderie. Plus, get top shots with the help of a National Geographic photographer.
**NOTE: This is an expedition in the truest sense—flexibility is key. Delays and early departures of flights due to inclement weather are common in Antarctica. In the event of a flight adjustment, your expedition team may implement a contingency plan with alternative activities.** **For answers to questions you may have about our Fly the Drake Passage programs, please see our ****FAQ page****. **
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
Explore the world’s last great wilderness in the company of top naturalists and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica, with more than 55 years of expedition heritage
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
November departures offer the possibility to cross-country ski or snowshoe across the frozen sea ice, conditions permitting (excluding departures on _National Geographic Orion_)
Kids and teens will learn about this exhilarating part of the world with our exclusive family program, National Geographic Explorers-in-Training
All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary; all meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore; beer, wine, cocktails, liquors and spirits aboard the ship (except certain premium brands which are available for purchase); hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water; excursions and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary, as indicated in the itinerary; crew gratuities; exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis; guidance and company of our leading expedition staff; assistance by the National Geographic photographer and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions certified photo instructor; Basic Wi-Fi aboard ship; complimentary reusable water bottle; access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker; presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers; complimentary parka; complimentary reusable water bottle; onboard physician consultations; morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment; 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces; park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes. Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.
Airfare (except flights* when indicated as included); pre- and post-expedition extensions; additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included); private transfers; laundry, spa treatments, enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans aboard expedition fleet; phone services (except when indicated as included); travel protection plans; and passport, visa, and immigration fees.
*Recommended flight costs include flight(s) that take place during the date range of your trip to transport travelers from one itinerary destination to another. This cost also includes ground transportation, luggage transfer, and airport assistance. If you prefer to arrange your own flights privately, have alternate means of transport, or wish to modify at a later time, please contact an Expedition Specialist at 1.833.400.0831
Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation.
For select voyages, completing a medical evaluation form with VIKAND is required. If you utilize your physician, VIKAND’s processing fee for your documentation will be added to your National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions invoice. If you utilize VIKAND’s physicians, an additional charge will be due and payable directly to VIKAND.
Ship
National Geographic Explorer
Lindblad Expeditions
Originally constructed to navigate Norway’s famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, her high degree of maneuverability, ideal size, and platform for discovery made *National Geographic Explorer* a natural choice for addition to the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet.* *Her rebuild drew on 50 years of pioneering expedition history and expertise.
Today, *National Geographic Explorer *is a purpose-built expedition ship. She is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel with an ice-reinforced hull, enabling her to navigate polar passages while providing comfort, elegance and a deep connection to the environment.
All children must travel with a parent or legal guardian.
Cancellation Policy
395–150 days before departure: 0% penalty
149–120 days before departure: 50% penalty
89–30 days before departure: 100% penalty
*120 or more days：No penalty: Advance Payment will be credited toward your next expedition*；
*Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking；
**Trip cost is the total price paid including extensions, charter airfare and other additional services.
This cancellation policy applies to expeditions, extensions and all other additional services. The effective date of a cancellation will be the date on which your cancellation notice is received. Note: Airline cancellation policies vary by carrier and type of fare used to issue your ticket.
Any revisions you make within the cancellation penalty period, such as departure date or choice of voyage, are subject to cancellation fees. The cancellation policy for certain longer voyages and holiday departures may vary due to high demand for these voyages. We recommend purchasing a travel protection plan to protect yourself from fees in the event you need to cancel your reservation.
Gratuities
Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, Sun Goddess, Charaidew II, The Jahan, Aqua Blu, Connect, Evolve and Greg Mortimer.
Your booking is made with Gvoya — the terms shown above are the Gvoya platform terms applied to this voyage. Full details: Booking Terms·Cancellation Policy
