Skip the Drake Passage and maximize your time on the ice with expedition logistics curated by world-class photographer and Professor Thomas Kokta
| Feature | Antarctica Fly-Cruise | Traditional Sailing |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 2 Hours (Direct Flight) | 48–60 Hours (Drake Passage) |
| Drake Passage | Bypassed entirely | Two crossings (The "Drake Shake") |
| Vessel Type | Small Expedition (70–100 guests) | Varies (Up to 500+ guests) |
| Time on Ice | Maximized (Immediate start) | Delayed (After 2 days at sea) |
| Best For | Professionals & Seasickness-prone | Travelers with flexible schedules |
Thomas Kokta: For over 15 years, Thomas has navigated all 7 continents and 140 countries. As a Professor of Leadership and professional photographer, he vets every fly-cruise itinerary for technical logistics, educational depth, and photographic potential.
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.
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.
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.
When booking a trip to the ends of the earth, there is a significant difference between a booking agent and an expedition veteran. Large travel corporations often prioritize volume, resulting in ‘cookie-cutter’ advice and generic itineraries. At Polar Holidays, we take a consultative, professor-led approach. Because I have personally documented all seven continents and 140 countries, I don’t just sell you a cabin; I vet the ship’s stability, the expedition team’s educational depth, and the specific photographic windows offered by the ‘Air-Bridge’ route.
Large agencies may give you a brochure; we give you a blueprint. From navigating the 15kg weight limit to technical sensor-safety protocols, our clients receive first-hand expertise that massive call centers simply cannot provide. We focus on a small, curated selection of high-performance vessels, ensuring your journey to Antarctica is as efficient as it is extraordinary.
| Gear Category | Recommended Item | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Body | Sony a1 / Nikon Z9 / Canon R5 | High resolution allows for cropping wildlife shots. |
| Reach Lens | 100-400mm or 100-500mm | Versatile and light enough for 15kg flight limits. |
| Workhorse | 24-105mm f/4 | Essential for landscapes and ship-deck captures |
| Support | Carbon Fiber Monopod | Lighter than a tripod; stabilizes shots on moving Zodiacs. |
| Phone Photography | The "Professor's Phone Tip" | Don't just zoom! Use 'Burst Mode' for breaching whales and keep your phone inside your parka to prevent the cold from draining your battery. |
| Protection | Ziploc "Sensor Protocol" | Seal gear in bags before entering the warm ship. |
Price for this tour Pacage $ 4,955+
Price for this tour Pacage $ 14,595+
The Polar Circle air-cruise is one of the most adventurous expeditions that we offer.
Price for this tour Pacage $ 15,995+
We offer 3 travel options:
Flying both ways to and from Antarctica saves you the 2-days of rough sailing through the Drake Passage each way.
Opting for this fly-cruise experience lets you enjoy a quick arrival to thecontinent with a scenic sailing experience for the departure.
For those who enjoy getting to know their fellow adventurers beforehand,consider getting a cruise to Antarctica and then flying back to South America!
1. Travelers reach the 7th continent faster.
2. Skip the rough waters of the Drake Passage.
3. Spend more time exploring the Antarctic continent.
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.
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.
Flying takes only 2 hours and bypasses the Drake Passage entirely, delivering you directly to the ice. It is the ideal choice for time-sensitive professionals and those prone to seasickness.
The flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island takes approximately 2 hours.
The weight limit is strictly 15kg (33 lbs) for checked luggage.
Yes. All operators require a minimum of $500,000 in Emergency Evacuation insurance.
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 there are flights to Antarctica that only take a couple of hours. With Polar Holidays, you can book your flight to Antarctica and spend your holiday exploring the beautiful landscapes and wildlife 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!
Yes. There are flights to Antarctica from Punto Arenas, Chile, to the Antarctic peninsula. They provide travelers with a fast and comfortable journey to the snow-covered seventh continent.
Once landed, we have a few different itineraries available for you to explore.
You will take a cruise ship around the Antarctic waters and enjoy the teeming wildlife and spectacular landscapes.
You can explore the continent through activities, including hiking/snowshoeing, kayaking, camping, and taking a polar plunge.
You can go on a longer cruise and 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 flights to Antarctica and many different trip options from there – send us an email or give us a call!
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.
We offer 3 travel options:
Flying both ways to and from Antarctica saves you the 2-days of rough sailing through the Drake Passage each way.
1. Travelers reach the 7th continent faster.
2. Skip the rough waters of the Drake Passage.
3. Spend more time exploring the Antarctic continent.
Opting for this fly-cruise experience lets you enjoy a quick arrival to the
continent with a scenic sailing experience for the departure.
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.
For those who enjoy getting to know their fellow adventurers beforehand,
consider getting a cruise to Antarctica and then flying back to South America!
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.
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!
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!
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.
BAE 146 200, Avro RJ 85 & 100 – British Designed, 80 Passengers, 6 Seats in a Row (w/ 1 aisle)
De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter – Canadian Designed, 5-6 Passengers
Ilyushin IL-76TD – Soviet Designed, 60 Passengers, 6 Seats in a Row (w/ 1 aisle)
Basler BT-67 – US Designed, 12-15 Passengers, 4 Seats in a Row (w/ 1 aisle)
Beechcraft King Air 300
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!