Can You Avoid the Drake Passage on an Antarctica Cruise? Fly vs. Sail Explained

For some travellers, Antarctica is the trip they have dreamed about for years.

And then they hear about the Drake Passage.

The possibility of rough seas becomes the one thing standing between them and the White Continent.

So, can you visit Antarctica without crossing the Drake Passage by ship?

Yes.

Some expedition companies offer voyages that allow you to:

• sail the Drake Passage in both directions;
• fly over it in both directions; or
• sail one way and fly the other.

But flying isn’t automatically better than sailing.

It replaces one kind of uncertainty with another, and the right choice depends on much more than whether you’re prone to seasickness.

I sailed across the Drake Passage on my own Antarctica expedition aboard Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic’s National Geographic Endurance in November 2024.

I’ve also helped clients choose Fly-the-Drake itineraries when the sea crossing was the very thing keeping Antarctica out of reach.

Here’s how I think travellers should compare the options.

What is the Drake Passage?

The Drake Passage is the body of water between the southern tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula.

It is where major ocean currents meet without a large landmass interrupting them. That can produce significant waves and unpredictable conditions.

Travellers sometimes describe two very different experiences:

The Drake Lake: relatively calm conditions.

The Drake Shake: a considerably rougher crossing.

You cannot know with certainty which version you’ll experience.

A traditional crossing generally involves approximately two days at sea in each direction, although timing depends on the ship and conditions.

For some travellers, that crossing is part of the expedition.

For others, it is the reason they believe Antarctica isn’t possible.

Can you fly over the Drake Passage?

Yes.

Fly-cruise programs generally use charter aircraft to carry guests from southern Chile to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands.

After landing, guests typically travel to the shoreline and board their expedition ship by Zodiac.

This is an important distinction:

You are not flying to a conventional cruise terminal with a covered walkway and rolling your suitcase aboard.

You are landing in Antarctica and transferring to an expedition ship in an environment where weather determines what is possible.

That is part of what makes the experience extraordinary.

It is also why flexibility remains essential—even when you fly.

What are the three ways to reach Antarctica?

Option 1: Sail the Drake Passage both ways

This is the traditional Antarctica expedition.

You embark in South America—often Ushuaia—and cross the Drake Passage by ship before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula. At the end of the expedition, you sail back across it.

This usually works best for travellers who:

• consider the crossing part of the adventure;
• want more time to settle into shipboard life;
• enjoy lectures, wildlife watching and anticipation at sea;
• aren’t significantly constrained by vacation time; and
• are prepared to manage possible seasickness.

The sea days aren’t necessarily wasted days.

They give the expedition team time to prepare you for what you’re about to experience. You may attend presentations about wildlife, photography, geology, ice and Antarctic history.

You also have time to get to know the ship and expedition team.

And there is something meaningful about watching South America disappear behind you and understanding just how remote Antarctica really is.

Option 2: Fly over the Drake in both directions

A fly-both-ways voyage allows you to avoid the sea crossing and reach Antarctica much more quickly.

This may be particularly attractive if:

• seasickness is a serious concern;
• fear of the Drake is preventing you from going;
• you have limited vacation time;
• you have already decided that the crossing itself holds little appeal; or
• you want to maximize the proportion of your trip spent closer to Antarctica.

But flying doesn’t remove uncertainty.

Flights to King George Island depend on Antarctic weather and visibility. They can be delayed, advanced, changed or, in difficult circumstances, affected more substantially.

Each operator has its own contingency arrangements. Those provisions should be examined before booking—not discovered after weather begins affecting the flight.

Option 3: Sail one way and fly the other

For some travellers, this is the most interesting compromise.

A sail-and-fly itinerary allows you to experience the Drake Passage once while avoiding the second crossing.

It can offer:

• the sense of arrival that comes with reaching Antarctica by sea;
• fewer days crossing open water;
• a shorter overall itinerary than some traditional sailings; and
• an opportunity to decide whether the Drake is something you’re glad to have experienced once.

Direction matters.

Flying to Antarctica and sailing back can feel different from sailing south and flying home. The schedules, ships and embarkation logistics vary by operator and departure.

I would compare the specific itinerary—not simply choose any voyage labelled “fly-sail.”

Which expedition cruise lines let you fly the Drake?

Within the expedition companies I regularly compare, I would begin with Silversea, Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic and Quark Expeditions.

They don’t offer identical experiences.

The flight may solve the same problem, but what happens before and after it can be very different.

Silversea: luxury Fly-the-Drake travel

Silversea’s Antarctica fly-cruise program is particularly compelling for travellers who want to avoid the sea crossing without giving up a highly luxurious onboard experience.

The program uses charter flights to King George Island, where guests join the expedition ship.

Silversea is likely to appeal to travellers who place considerable value on:

• spacious all-suite accommodations;
• elevated dining and service;
• a high crew-to-guest ratio;
• sophisticated onboard surroundings; and
• an expedition program paired with luxury hospitality.

Beginning in 2026, Silversea’s fly-cruise journey includes The Cormorant at 55 South in Puerto Williams as part of its Antarctica operation.

For the right traveller, this can make the journey to Antarctica feel more seamless and comfortable.

But the flight should not be the only reason to choose Silversea. The onboard style and actual ship still need to fit the traveller.

Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic: fly with an educational focus

Lindblad’s Antarctica Direct program includes itineraries that fly over the Drake in both directions, as well as sail-and-fly options on selected departures.

That makes Lindblad particularly interesting for travellers who want to combine a shorter or reduced-crossing journey with its emphasis on:

• naturalists and destination specialists;
• National Geographic photography;
• science and interpretation;
• Zodiac exploration;
• wildlife; and
• active participation in the destination.

Its Fly-the-Drake program currently includes expeditions aboard National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion.

I sailed Antarctica aboard National Geographic Endurance. Although my own itinerary crossed the Drake by ship, that experience gave me firsthand insight into Lindblad’s expedition style—the people, interpretation, wildlife focus and sense of curiosity that extend well beyond the mechanics of reaching Antarctica.

Quark Expeditions: deep polar specialization

Quark has offered Antarctic fly-cruise programs for many years through its Antarctic Express collection.

Its options include flying both ways and combining a flight with a sea crossing on selected itineraries.

Quark is likely to appeal to travellers who prioritize:

• a company built around polar exploration;
• an adventure-oriented atmosphere;
• optional active experiences;
• expedition operations over traditional cruise conventions; and
• a range of ships and polar itineraries.

Its long-running Fly-the-Drake program makes Quark an important company to compare when the crossing is a concern.

But “Quark offers a flight” still isn’t enough information to make a decision.

The ship, itinerary, included activities and precise flight arrangements matter.

Does Aurora Expeditions offer Fly-the-Drake voyages?

Yes. Aurora Expeditions also offers selected Fly-the-Drake itineraries.

Aurora can be a good fit for travellers attracted to active expedition travel, smaller ships and a strong activity program.

I would include it in the broader comparison, but I wouldn’t choose Aurora—or any company—based solely on the availability of a flight.

Is flying the Drake safer or easier than sailing?

It is better to think of flying and sailing as having different operational considerations.

Flying may eliminate several days of potential seasickness and reduce the overall length of the trip.

But Antarctic aviation operates in a remote and weather-dependent environment. Flights require suitable conditions at King George Island and at the departure point in South America.

That means a fly-cruise traveller must be comfortable with the possibility of:

• schedule changes;
• waiting for an appropriate weather window;
• an earlier-than-expected departure;
• delayed embarkation; or
• a contingency plan being activated.

Before booking, I want to know:

• What happens if the outbound flight is delayed?
• What happens if travellers cannot reach the ship as scheduled?
• What hotels and meals are covered?
• How much contingency time is built into the program?
• What happens if the return flight is affected?
• When should the traveller schedule the flight home?
• What does the operator provide—and what may become an insurance claim?

Those answers can matter as much as the length of the flight.

Is flying better if you get seasick?

Potentially, yes.

If severe motion sickness would prevent you from considering Antarctica, a fly-cruise can remove a significant psychological and physical barrier.

But it is important to remember that you will still be on a ship.

Antarctic Peninsula waters are often more protected than the Drake Passage, but conditions vary and movement remains possible. You will also use Zodiacs, which involves stepping into small inflatable boats and travelling close to the water.

Flying the Drake does not turn an expedition cruise into a land vacation.

It eliminates the major open-ocean crossing. That can still make an enormous difference for the right traveller.

What did sailing the Drake add to my Antarctica experience?

When I sailed to Antarctica aboard National Geographic Endurance, the Drake Passage created a transition.

We weren’t instantly transported from ordinary life to the Antarctic landscape.

We travelled towards it.

During that time, we learned. We watched. We prepared. The remoteness of the destination became real.

Then Antarctica appeared.

Zodiac excursions.

Remote landings.

Wildlife.

Ice.

An expedition team interpreting what we were seeing.

And the understanding that conditions could change what was possible from one day—or even one hour—to the next.

I’ve stood at Neko Harbour surrounded by the Antarctic landscape and experienced firsthand why this continent inspires travellers to dream about it for years.

For me, sailing the Drake was part of that story.

But that does not mean everyone needs to experience Antarctica in precisely the same way.

One of my clients chose to fly—and that was the right decision for him

One of my clients wanted to experience Antarctica, but the Drake Passage was a genuine obstacle.

Flying made the trip possible.

He didn’t choose the fly-cruise because it was universally superior. He chose it because it removed the particular barrier standing between him and Antarctica.

He has since continued exploring expedition destinations.

That is what good expedition planning should do.

It shouldn’t force every traveller into one supposedly correct version of the journey.

It should identify what matters to that person and find the expedition that lets them experience the destination in a way that works for them.

Fly or sail: how do you decide?

I would start with these questions.

How concerned are you about seasickness?

There is a difference between preferring calm water and knowing that fear of the Drake may cause you not to book Antarctica at all.

If the crossing is the decisive barrier, flying deserves serious consideration.

How much time do you have?

Fly-cruises can provide a shorter route to the Antarctic Peninsula.

But compare the complete trip—from leaving Canada until returning home—not only the number of nights advertised by the cruise company.

How do you feel about flight uncertainty?

Some people would rather accept the possibility of rough water than the possibility of a weather-delayed flight.

Others would make the opposite choice without hesitation.

Neither is wrong.

Is the journey part of the experience for you?

Some travellers want to cross the Drake because it is part of the story of reaching Antarctica.

Others care most about what happens once they arrive.

What type of expedition experience do you want?

Avoiding the Drake should not cause you to ignore:

• the ship;
• passenger capacity;
• expedition-team expertise;
• Zodiac and landing operations;
• activities;
• accommodations;
• food and service;
• itinerary;
• inclusions; and
• total cost.

The best flight arrangement attached to the wrong expedition product is still the wrong trip.

So, should you fly or sail the Drake Passage?

There is no universal answer.

Sail both ways if you want the traditional journey, have sufficient time and consider the crossing part of the adventure.

Fly both ways if seasickness or the sea crossing is the primary barrier keeping Antarctica out of reach.

Sail one way and fly the other if you want to experience the Drake but don’t feel the need to do it twice.

The important thing is to understand what you’re gaining—and what you’re trading.

Flying can save time and avoid the open-ocean crossing.

Sailing can provide anticipation, education and a powerful sense of travelling to one of the most remote places on Earth.

Both can lead to an extraordinary Antarctica expedition.

The right question isn’t simply:

“How do I avoid the Drake Passage?”

It is:

“Which way of reaching Antarctica—and which expedition experience once I arrive—is right for me?”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go to Antarctica without crossing the Drake Passage by ship?

Yes. Selected expedition cruises use charter flights between southern Chile and King George Island, allowing travellers to avoid crossing the Drake Passage by ship.

Which expedition cruise lines offer Fly-the-Drake itineraries?

Silversea, Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic, Quark Expeditions and Aurora Expeditions are among the companies offering Fly-the-Drake or fly-sail itineraries on selected departures.

Can I fly one way and sail the Drake Passage once?

Yes. Lindblad and Quark are among the operators offering selected itineraries that combine one flight with one Drake Passage crossing. Programs and ships change, so compare the precise departure before booking.

How long does it take to fly across the Drake Passage?

The charter flight between southern Chile and King George Island generally takes approximately two hours. The complete transfer also includes airport procedures and transportation between the King George Island landing area and the expedition ship.

Are Fly-the-Drake flights guaranteed to operate on schedule?

No. Antarctic weather and visibility can affect flight schedules. Delays, early departures and contingency arrangements are possible.

Will I still experience motion if I fly over the Drake?

Possibly. You will still be aboard an expedition ship and travelling by Zodiac. Flying removes the major open-ocean passage, but it cannot guarantee completely calm conditions throughout the expedition.

Is a Fly-the-Drake Antarctica cruise more expensive?

It can be. Charter flights and the specialized logistics involved may add to the cost, although pricing also depends on the operator, ship, cabin, itinerary, inclusions and travel dates. Compare the complete trip cost rather than the cruise fare alone.

Is flying or sailing better for a first Antarctica expedition?

Neither is automatically better. Sailing provides the traditional experience and additional time at sea. Flying can make Antarctica more accessible to travellers worried about motion sickness or limited by time. The best choice depends on the individual traveller.

Continue researching your expedition

Explore my firsthand expedition-cruise experience across Antarctica, the Galápagos, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Peruvian Amazon, Iceland and Canada’s boreal winter.

You can also read my comparison of Lindblad, HX, Quark, Ponant, Aurora Expeditions and Silversea to understand how differently these companies approach expedition travel.

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I’m Sheila Gallant-Halloran, founder of Lush Life Travel and a Canadian river and expedition-cruise specialist.

I sailed Antarctica aboard Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic’s National Geographic Endurance in November 2024. I help travellers compare expedition companies, ships, itineraries, activities and logistics—including whether to sail or fly the Drake Passage.

Because there isn’t one “best” way to reach Antarctica.

There is the way that best fits you. ❤️