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Peregrine Travel Centre

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage – 9 Day Expedition

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage – 9 Day Expedition

From AUD $15,679

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Description

Join the pioneers of Antarctic expedition travel on a thrilling voyage that allows for six days of exploration on 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.   

Trip Name
Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage - 9 Day Expedition
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 103 metres Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins) Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014 With just 53 cabins, National Geographic Orion offers an intimate and refined platform for exploring some of the world’s most remote and culturally rich regions—from the Pacific Islands and Asia to Antarctica and the Mediterranean. Purpose-built for expedition travel, she boasts an ice-class hull for navigating polar waters and exceptional manoeuvrability that enables access to secluded bays, narrow inlets and winding rivers—places far beyond the reach of larger cruise ships. Life aboard Orion is designed to immerse guests in the natural world, with panoramic deck spaces, a whirlpool hot tub, and ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Her public areas include two relaxed dining venues, a lounge with bar, an observation library, fitness centre and spa, as well as the OM System Photo Gear Locker to support photography at all levels. Open-Bridge access allows guests to connect with the ship’s officers and learn about navigation first-hand. Whether sailing through polar pack ice or anchoring off a tropical atoll, Orion delivers a seamless blend of adventure and comfort.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Puerto Natales, Chile
Arrive in Puerto Natales. Originally a small fishing port, the town is nestled on the Last Hope Sound and boasts a stunning view of the sea surrounded by the Cerro Benitez Mountains—the gateway to Torres del Paine. Transfer from the airport to our hotel. Join us this evening for dinner and a briefing on the following day’s activities. Arrival Time: Arrive to the hotel in Puerto Natales by 3:00 p.m. local time.Arrival City: Puerto Natales, ChileMeals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - DAY 2 Puerto Natales / King George Island, Antarctica / Embark Ship
Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for our 2-hour direct flight to King George Island and the thrilling start to our Antarctic adventure. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—Weddell and elephant seals; Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins—King George Island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the U.S., Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, call the various stations home. Our flight will land at the Chilean research station where National Geographic Orion will be waiting offshore. Board Zodiacs to embark the ship and set sail as we begin exploring this amazing region. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - DAYS 3-7 Exploring Antarctica
With long hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunities to explore. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected, whether we’re watching whales at play off the bow of our ship, hiking alongside penguin highways, or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins.While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, we might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, we might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice.Everywhere we go in Antarctica we’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way your expert expedition team will enrich every experience. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - DAY 8 King George Island / Disembark Ship / Puerto Natales
This morning, the ship will be moored off of King George Island once again. Following disembarkation and Zodiac rides to shore, our flight departs the White Continent and returns to Puerto Natales where we overnight at our hotel.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - DAY 9 Puerto Natales
Check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward. Departure Time: Outbound flights from Puerto Natales should depart no earlier than 3:45 p.m. local time (or as late in the day as possible).Departure City: Puerto Natales, ChileMeals Included: Breakfast
Day 6 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-11-202524-11-2025AUD $15,679Category 1
16-11-202524-11-2025AUD $17,314Category 2
16-11-202524-11-2025AUD $17,771Category 3
16-11-202524-11-2025AUD $18,926Category 4
16-11-202524-11-2025AUD $22,320Category 1 Solo
16-11-202524-11-2025AUD $23,063Category 5
16-11-202524-11-2025AUD $25,474Category 3 Solo
16-11-202524-11-2025AUD $26,434Category 6
22-11-202530-11-2025AUD $17,771Category 3
22-11-202530-11-2025AUD $18,926Category 4
22-11-202530-11-2025AUD $22,320Category 1 Solo
22-11-202530-11-2025AUD $23,063Category 5
22-11-202530-11-2025AUD $25,474Category 3 Solo
22-11-202530-11-2025AUD $26,434Category 6
22-11-202530-11-2025AUD $15,679Category 1
22-11-202530-11-2025AUD $17,314Category 2
28-11-202506-12-2025AUD $15,679Category 1
28-11-202506-12-2025AUD $17,314Category 2
28-11-202506-12-2025AUD $17,771Category 3
28-11-202506-12-2025AUD $18,926Category 4
28-11-202506-12-2025AUD $22,320Category 1 Solo
28-11-202506-12-2025AUD $23,063Category 5
28-11-202506-12-2025AUD $25,474Category 3 Solo
28-11-202506-12-2025AUD $26,434Category 6
04-12-202512-12-2025AUD $15,679Category 1
04-12-202512-12-2025AUD $17,314Category 2
04-12-202512-12-2025AUD $17,771Category 3
04-12-202512-12-2025AUD $18,926Category 4
04-12-202512-12-2025AUD $22,320Category 1 Solo
04-12-202512-12-2025AUD $23,063Category 5
04-12-202512-12-2025AUD $25,474Category 3 Solo
04-12-202512-12-2025AUD $26,434Category 6
14-12-202522-12-2025AUD $15,679Category 1
14-12-202522-12-2025AUD $17,314Category 2
14-12-202522-12-2025AUD $17,771Category 3
14-12-202522-12-2025AUD $18,926Category 4
14-12-202522-12-2025AUD $22,320Category 1 Solo
14-12-202522-12-2025AUD $23,063Category 5
14-12-202522-12-2025AUD $25,474Category 3 Solo
14-12-202522-12-2025AUD $26,434Category 6
20-12-202528-12-2025AUD $19,250Category 1
20-12-202528-12-2025AUD $21,063Category 2
20-12-202528-12-2025AUD $21,634Category 3
20-12-202528-12-2025AUD $23,074Category 4
20-12-202528-12-2025AUD $27,314Category 1 Solo
20-12-202528-12-2025AUD $28,251Category 5
20-12-202528-12-2025AUD $31,269Category 3 Solo
20-12-202528-12-2025AUD $32,469Category 6
13-01-202621-01-2026AUD $17,107Category 1
13-01-202621-01-2026AUD $19,189Category 2
13-01-202621-01-2026AUD $19,703Category 3
13-01-202621-01-2026AUD $21,017Category 4
13-01-202621-01-2026AUD $24,811Category 1 Solo
13-01-202621-01-2026AUD $25,669Category 5
13-01-202621-01-2026AUD $28,366Category 3 Solo
13-01-202621-01-2026AUD $29,463Category 6
26-01-202603-02-2026AUD $17,107Category 1
26-01-202603-02-2026AUD $19,189Category 2
26-01-202603-02-2026AUD $19,703Category 3
26-01-202603-02-2026AUD $21,017Category 4
26-01-202603-02-2026AUD $24,811Category 1 Solo
26-01-202603-02-2026AUD $25,669Category 5
26-01-202603-02-2026AUD $28,366Category 3 Solo
26-01-202603-02-2026AUD $29,463Category 6
01-02-202609-02-2026AUD $17,107Category 1
01-02-202609-02-2026AUD $19,189Category 2
01-02-202609-02-2026AUD $19,703Category 3
01-02-202609-02-2026AUD $21,017Category 4
01-02-202609-02-2026AUD $24,811Category 1 Solo
01-02-202609-02-2026AUD $25,669Category 5
01-02-202609-02-2026AUD $28,366Category 3 Solo
01-02-202609-02-2026AUD $29,463Category 6
18-02-202626-02-2026AUD $16,679Category 1
18-02-202626-02-2026AUD $18,354Category 2
18-02-202626-02-2026AUD $18,869Category 3
18-02-202626-02-2026AUD $20,171Category 4
18-02-202626-02-2026AUD $23,989Category 1 Solo
18-02-202626-02-2026AUD $24,823Category 5
18-02-202626-02-2026AUD $27,531Category 3 Solo
18-02-202626-02-2026AUD $28,617Category 6

Inclusions

    • 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 six 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 Global Explorers

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