Book Incredible Cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic

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Book Flights to Antarctica

The Drake Passage marks the sea between the tip of South America and the icy shores of the Antarctic. Cruise ships must navigate its temperamental waters over two days, but flights to Antarctica only take a couple of hours. With Polar Holidays, you can book your flight to Antarctica and spend your holiday exploring the austere landscape of our planet’s southernmost continent.

We also offer fly-cruise hybrid packages for those interested in the best of both worlds. You can read through our different flight packages below!

Can You Fly To Antarctica?

Yes. There are regular flights to Antarctica from Punto Arenas, Chile. They provide travelers with a fast and comfortable journey to the snow-covered continent.

  • Many travelers take cruises from South America to Antarctica.
  • However, the Drake Passage is notorious for causing motion sickness during the four-day journey there and back.
  • So, many people looking for an alternative ask themselves are there commercial flights to Antarctica?
  • Flying provides a smooth, faster journey over the Drake Passage.
  • For those wondering how long is the flight to Antarctica by plane, you’ll arrive in two to three hours, letting you focus on exploring the Antarctic rather than the voyage there and back!
Antarctica plane on tarmac
Plane passengers disembark in Antarctica

Once landed, we have a few different itineraries available for you to explore:

  • You can explore the continent through activities, including hiking/snowshoeing, kayaking, camping, and taking a polar plunge.

  • Take a cruise ship around the Antarctic waters.

  •  Take advantage of one of Polar Holidays fly-cruise packages and sail aboard a ship to the Antarctic Circle!

So, if you want to plan a trip down to the frozen continent where you can focus on the adventures that await without worrying about the long voyage there and back, you can inquire about a flight or fly-cruise trip.

We offer competitive flights to Antarctica prices and many different trip options when it comes to calculating how much is a flight to Antarctica.

Why Fly To Antarctica?

Top reasons to fly to Antarctica

Antarctica is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. From its vast, barren landscapes to its abundance of unique wildlife, it is truly an extraordinary destination.

  1.  Foremost among its virtues, Antarctica is a place of unparalleled beauty. Whether you’re admiring its majestic icebergs or the teeming wildlife, the continent’s natural wonders never cease to inspire awe in its viewers.
  2.  Antarctica is a great place to learn about our planet’s history. Antarctica offers a unique window into our planet's past from the fossils of ancient creatures to the evidence of past climates in the rock strata.
  3.  Antarctica is a serene place of peace and quiet. It is the most undisturbed continent on Earth, with almost no roads or buildings. Yet, for generations, it has inspired those of us wanting to explore the very ends of our pale blue planet.

What Flight Options To Antarctica Are Available?

We offer 3 travel options:

  1. First, fly from Cape Horn in South America to the Antarctic Peninsula and back.
  2. Second, fly to the Antarctic Peninsula & take a cruise ship back to South America.
  3. Third, take a cruise ship to Antarctica & fly back to South America.

Fly To Antarctica & Fly Back!

Flying both ways to and from Antarctica saves you the 2-days of rough sailing through the Drake Passage each way.

Why Fly Both Ways?

1. Travelers reach the continent much faster.
2. Skip the rough waters of the Drake Passage.
3. Spend more time exploring the continent.

Fly To Antarctica & Cruise Back

Opting for this fly-cruise experience lets you enjoy a quick arrival to the
continent with a scenic sailing experience for the departure.

Why Fly To Antarctica And Cruise Back?

1. Quick arrival to the continent, allowing for more time to explore.
2. Only sail the Drake Passage once.
3. Guests still experience the adventure of sailing on their journey back.

Cruise To Antarctica & Fly Back

For those who enjoy getting to know their fellow adventurers beforehand,
consider getting a cruise to Antarctica and then flying back to South America!

Why Cruise To Antarctica And Fly Back?

1. Socialize aboard the boat and learn about the continent from experts on board.
2. Only cruise the Drake Passage once.
3. Enjoy the full sailing experience with a quick return.

What To Expect When Flying To Antarctica

We’ve answered the question “are there any flights to Antarctica?,” but now we turn to what you can expect on the flights.

The most popular option among travelers visiting Antarctica is a fly-cruise trip, allowing passengers to save up to 4 travel days by flying the Drake Passage instead of sailing across.

Depending on your route, it also provides time aboard a cruise ship on the way there or back depending on your preference.

The standard flight takes you to King George Island, just 2 hours instead of 2 days journey. You’ll be set down right in the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula, with your first cold chill of the air coming off the iceberg swells.

Some 50,000+ visitors embark on the journey to the Antarctic each year, including 50 expedition vessels.

Once fly-cruise travelers reach Antarctica they trade the plane for a cruise ship. Guests enjoy sailing down the peninsula with other shipmates, and enjoying the calm waters.

Many activities are available for adventurers once landed.

Other cruise routes and cruise destinations are available. Availability is limited, so please reach out to our team to book your fly-cruise trip!

Seeing Antarctica from the air makes your flight unforgettable

When To Book Your Antarctica Fly-Cruise Trip

Regular Antarctic flight departures are available from early December through to February. However, it is important to plan and book your flight ahead of time. 

We recommend booking your flight and cruise adventure around 12-18 months in advance. The earlier, the better.

For a complete list of cabins and departure dates, contact us to start planning your adventure today!

Top Recommended Antarctic Fly-Cruise Trips

Antarctica Express Air-Cruise

Our Antarctica Express Air-Cruise was designed for travelers looking for a quick and affordable Antarctica expedition..
$ 4,995
+
  •  

Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise

Once arriving by flight to Antarctica, you will sail between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.
$ 14,595
+
  •  

Polar Circle Air-Cruise

The Polar Circle air-cruise is one of the most adventurous expeditions that we offer.
$ 15,995
+
  •  

What To Do If Your Flight Is Delayed

The unpredictable Antarctic weather is a common reason for delays. If a
flight is delayed due to weather concerns, the wait is usually only a few hours. There are contingency plans in place.

If the flight is delayed upon departure from Antarctica, guests can stay on the ships at no additional cost until new flights are arranged.

Weather is an uncontrollable factor when planning any trip, but we do our best to smooth over any bumps in the experience for our guests.

See What Our Customers Are Saying

Which Planes Fly To Antarctica?

BAE 146 200, Avro RJ 85 & 100 – British Designed, 80 Passengers, 6 Seats in a Row (w/ 1 aisle)

  • British-made aircraft
  • Used for the majority of flights 
  • Large airbrake, full-width wing spoilers, and relatively quiet operation
  • Their large airbrakes allow the crafts to descent at steep rates if necessary
  • The full-width wing spoilers are deployed immediately upon landing, thus resulting in a smooth arrival
  • These aircrafts have proven to be useful on “high-density” regional and short-haul routes 
Fly to Antarctica in the BAE 200
Fly to Antarctica in the De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter – Canadian Designed, 5-6 Passengers

  • Canadian-made aircraft
  • Features twin turboprop engines, tricycle undercarriage, and STOL (short takeoff and landing) capabilities, making it possible to go where most aircrafts cannot
  • Offers high climb rates, making it a successful commuter passenger airliner, along with its uses as a cargo and medical evacuation aircraft
  • Fun fact! It is a popular choice for commercial skydiving operations.

Ilyushin IL-76TD – Soviet Designed, 60 Passengers, 6 Seats in a Row (w/ 1 aisle) 

  • Ilyushin-made aircraft
  • Multi-purpose four-engine turbofan strategic airlifter
  • First developed to be a commercial freighter in the late 60’s to deliver heavy machinery to remote areas
  • Has the ability to operate from unpaved runways in underdeveloped areas – making it a useful form of transportation for emergency response scenarios as well
Fly to Antarctica in the Ilyushin IL-76 TD
Fly to Antarctica in the Basler BT-67

Basler BT-67 – US Designed, 12-15 Passengers, 4 Seats in a Row (w/ 1 aisle) 

  • American-made aircraft
  • Offers a simple and spacious travel option for Antarctic travelers
  • A modified version of the original Douglas DC-3
  • Only used within Antarctica’s interior for groups larger than the De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter can carry
  • Much like the Twin Otter, the Basler is adaptable and tough which makes for smooth travel to and from remote locations

Beechcraft King Air 300

  • The world’s most popular business turbo aircraft
  • Used for fly-in adventures in Antarctica
  • Provides a comfortably accommodating option for a smaller group of passengers
  • Ideal for chartering, with twin turboprops powering four blade propellers and a max speed of 583km/h (362mph)
Fly to Antarctica in the Beechcraft King Air 300

Ready to Book Your Polar Expedition?

Have some questions? Or, are you ready to find your dream trip? Contact Polar Holidays to schedule a free consultation with one of our booking specialists today!