Fly the Drake · 8 days
Skip the Drake crossing by air and spend your time where it counts — in Antarctic waters.
8 days
MV Petrel Light
December 2026 – February 2027
From $12,000
Fly from Punta Arenas across the Drake Passage to King George Island, then board Petrel Light for a compact voyage through the South Shetlands and along the Peninsula. Ideal if you're short on time or wary of the open ocean.
Season
December 2026 – February 2027
December 2026 – February 2027
Flights depend on weather at both ends, so build in buffer days before and after; we'll explain each operator's delay policy before you book.
From $12,000 per person.
Day by day
Day 1Punta Arenas
Pre-departure briefing and welcome dinner in Patagonia.
Day 2Fly to King George Island
Charter flight across the Drake, then zodiac transfer to the ship (weather permitting).
Days 3–6South Shetlands & Peninsula
Landings, zodiac cruises and wildlife encounters.
Day 7Return flight
Fly back to Punta Arenas, weather permitting.
Day 8Departure
Transfer to the airport for onward flights.
Itineraries are a guide: weather and ice decide the day. Placeholder — verify durations, prices and inclusions with partner operators before launch.
Ship & cabins
- MV Petrel Light
- 128 guests
- Standard — Twin window cabin
- Balcony — Balcony stateroom
- Suite — Suite
Included
- Expedition leaders & naturalist guides
- Daily zodiac landings and cruises (weather permitting)
- All meals on board
- Polar parka to keep (verify)
- Waterproof boots on loan (verify)
- Lectures and briefings by the expedition team
- Charter flights Punta Arenas – King George Island (verify)
Not included
- Flights to the embarkation port
- Pre/post hotel nights
- Personal gear
- Mandatory travel, medical and evacuation insurance
- Gratuities for crew and expedition staff
- Optional activities such as kayaking or camping
Good to know
- Flight delays of a day or more are possible; plan flexible onward travel.
- Baggage allowances on the charter flight are strict (verify).
- You'll still sail open water around the islands — pack seasickness remedies.
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