en.Wedoany.com Reported - Atlas Ocean Voyages has expanded its "Fly the Drake" expedition itineraries, adding six new routes for the 2027-2028 Antarctica season, designed to reduce time crossing the Drake Passage and allow travelers more opportunities for onshore and offshore exploration in the Antarctic Peninsula.
The company offers two expedition styles to suit different needs. The "Drake Express Expedition" provides seven-night round-trip voyages departing from King George Island, using private charter flights between Punta Arenas, Chile, and Antarctica to bypass the traditional two-day crossing of the Drake Passage in each direction. The "Drake Fly Expedition" allows travelers to first experience the Drake Passage by sea, then return from King George Island to Punta Arenas via charter flight. Departure dates for the Drake Express in the 2027-2028 season include November 28, 2027, December 5, 2027, and February 12, 2028, and February 19, 2028; departure dates for the Drake Fly are November 19, 2027, and February 3, 2028.
Each itinerary includes private charter flights, one night of hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas, and six days of Antarctic exploration led by Atlas's 17-person expedition team, featuring activities such as Zodiac cruises, guided landings, and daily discoveries. The flight between Punta Arenas and King George Island takes approximately two hours, compared to the two days required for a one-way crossing of the traditional Drake Passage. Voyages in November and December feature pristine snowscapes, ice formations, and penguin courtship and nesting habitats; February expeditions offer opportunities to observe active penguin chicks, seal pups, and feeding humpback, minke, and killer whales. The expedition team includes polar experts, naturalists, marine biologists, historians, photographers, and kayak guides, providing professional guidance through lectures and onshore activities.
Guests travel aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages' polar Class C ice-class expedition yachts, which accommodate fewer than 200 guests and offer services including suites, dining, premium beverages, room service, and onboard programming. Limited availability remains for select Drake Express departures on December 7, 2026, and December 14, 2026.
