Flights to Antarctica
Flying is an increasingly popular way to access Antarctica, particularly if you are short on time or concerned about the sea crossing.
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A short two-hour flight quickly and comfortably transports you to the White Continent. On arrival, you switch to an awaiting ship that you’ll spend the next few days exploring and which acts as your floating hotel.
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.7 out of 5
Fly over the Drake Passage in just 2 hours, both to and from Antarctica. Ideal for those wanting a high comfort level, but who have limited time or are anxious sailors. An outstanding program, successfully operated for over 15 seasons.…
4 out of 5
For those travellers looking for seamless travel on a trip that is hassle-free and all-inclusive, this is the perfect option. Skip over the notorious Drake Passage on a comfortable two hour flight to Antarctica, then travel onboard a state-of-the-art mega…
4.8 out of 5
Travel with the pioneers of fly & cruise Antarctic voyages, flying in both directions and bypassing a 2-day sail on the Drake Passage. Regular departure dates (Dec - Feb) to choose from. Explore Antarctica aboard a trusty 67 passenger expedition…
4.6 out of 5
If you’re keen to fly to Antarctica instead of sailing, this 8-day trip is ideal, with a choice of dates in December and January. Travel on outstanding modern expedition ships with a maximum of 140 passengers. Active adventurers can enjoy…
4.7 out of 5
By offering time saving flights, extended time in Antarctica and the chance to reach the Polar Circle, this 10-day voyage maximises the polar experience. Minimum travel time and maximum exploring time and all the benefits of only 76 people…
4.3 out of 5
A rare and popular voyage which flies to Antarctica in just two hours, then sails back across the Drake Passage, maximising both expediency and experience. Spend 5 to 7 days exploring Antarctica on a small, purpose-built expedition ship, with kayaking…
4.3 out of 5
For maximum time in Antarctica with flights both ways, this trip really stands out. An extended fly & cruise voyage spending eight full days actually in Antarctica onboard a small, state-of-the-art expedition ship. Optional kayaking & polar…
Combine the spellbinding wildlife spectacle of South Georgia with the White Continent's jaw-dropping landscapes on this luxurious time-saving expedition. Cut out two days at sea by flying between Antarctica and South America in just two hours. If you're seeking seamless…
Fast-tracking your arrival into Antarctica by flying and skipping the Drake Passage means a compressed journey of only 2 hours before embarking on your spacious and well-appointed 148 guest expeditionary ship. Touches other travellers have appreciated include the onboard National…
Enjoy the best of both worlds by sailing south, experiencing the journey across the Drake Passage and the elation of spotting your first iceberg, then expedite your return to civilisation by plane at the end. In between, spend four days…
If you’re undecided between sailing or flying to Antarctica, why not choose both with this combination trip? A two hour flight south provides fast access to the White Continent, then after four incredible days of exploring, you’ll sail back across…
By sailing south across the Drake Passage then flying north in just two hours, this itinerary blends the adventure of arriving in Antarctica by ship with the speed of a quick exit. The risk of weather-related flight delays is removed…
Swoop has catered for travellers of every group size. Whether you’re adventuring solo or bringing a group of over 100. We can help.
As the name suggests, a ‘Fly & Cruise’ trip to Antarctica is composed of two key parts:
The trip itself falls into three main parts, which we've mapped out in detail below to help provide a good understanding of how the logistics fit together:
Most Fly & Cruise trips to Antarctica start in the Chilean town of Punta Arenas in southern Patagonia, which you reach by flying via Santiago, Chile’s cosmopolitan capital. A smaller number of flying trips begin in Puerto Natales, also found in Chilean Patagonia.
On arrival you’ll be met and transferred by minibus (20 mins) to your city centre hotel where everyone in the group will be staying, which is included in the price.
The afternoon and evening prior to flying to Antarctica are taken up by getting your rubber boots, a mandatory briefing and then a convivial dinner, allowing time to meet your fellow travellers.
Travellers on the Magellan Explorer and Ocean Nova ships can enjoy exclusive access to Explorers House while in Punta Arenas.
Expect an early start the next morning for the flight to Antarctica. Actual flying time will be weather dependent. As a group you’ll be transferred back to the airport where you’ll check in and wait for your flight to be called.
Once you’re airborne the charter flight takes approximately two hours to fly direct to where you land at the Antarctica airport, Chilean Eduardo Frei Station, on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, which are part of Antarctica but lie 55 miles/ 90 km from the actual continent.
Having alighted from the plane, there’s a short minibus ride from the airstrip down to the coast. Here you will board a zodiac and set off a short distance to board your expedition ship, ready for your Antarctic adventure to begin.
From this point onwards, aside from the return flight, your actual experience in Antarctica is exactly the same as if you had sailed to Antarctica.
A whale approaches the zodiac © Mark Belding
Once you’re settled in to your cabin and met your expedition staff, a daily rhythm is quickly established as you get used to life on board your floating hotel. All meals are taken on board ship.
Typically twice a day you’ll leave the ship on 2-3 hour excursions led by polar experts, either visiting a penguin rookery, place of historic interest or research station, or go zodiac cruising looking for wildlife and photo opportunities. This is the best part!
You'll be kept busy while in Antarctica with early morning’s and a busy daily schedule tailored to ensuring you get the very most from your precious few days in Antarctica. Interspersed between excursions and meals, there will be time to relax and also informative lectures.
This Fly & Cruise formula has been successfully tried & tested over 14 seasons and in spite of the challenges of flying in Antarctica due to weather, over 80% of flights arrive on schedule.
Fly & Cruise Antarctica trips scored 4.5/5 from 413 reviews
It was fantastic having such a small number of guests on board as we got to know them really well by the end of the trip! Definitely new friends we will keep in touch with. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2024
Alysha Vazirally - India
10/10 - You guys added a lot of value without adding to the rather large cost of this trip. From helping me decide on the right air-cruise for us to all of the advice and consultations to get fully ready for the trip. Excellent all around. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
David DeMaria - USA
10/10 - It was amazing! I didn't want to cruise through the Drake so this was perfect for me! The staff on the boat was wonderful; they were so helpful and knowledgeable. They really made sure we had a great time and every time we had to change plans it felt like we got to see something even better. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Sabrina McCarthy - USA
10/10 - Small ship experience permitting a more intimate experience with the southern continent and our fellow explorers. The staff was very knowledgeable, and their enthusiasm was very contagious. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Stephen Rathbun - USA
The vastness and wildness that is Antarctica is the only thing that can dwarf the experience and memories I hold. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Carolyn Ferraro - USA
The golden light was breaking through the clouds and spotlighting the peaks. As the zodiac slowly navigated through the ice field our expedition guide spotted a leopard seal lackadaisically bobbing on an iceberg bed. This zodiac cruise is when it sunk in that I finally had made it to Antarctica! Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Linda Buckley - USA
The whole trip was a huge memory. Being able to go to an untouched environment and leaving it as you found it was the memory also. Seeing the many different species living and thriving together brings a smile to my face as I am writing this review. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Lawrence Hudson - USA
Our overall experience was outstanding. We learned a lot from the interesting lectures, exploring out in the field, and getting to experience such vast beauty. Such a knowledgeable and positive team worked beautifully together and took great care of us. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Leah Rumbough - USA
You can't put words to the feeling you get in Antarctica. Just being there is a life changing experience that one needs to have for themselves to appreciate the Antarctic. My most memorable moment was seeing all the wildlife in their natural environment and how they live. Walking so close and feeling as a part of the environment was something we just don't experience in the "real world". Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Robert Wenze - USA
The colours in icebergs, the complete lack of fear of penguins (they have to be the only animal on the planet that doesn't run and hide from humans), the active volcano, the whales and their incredible curiosity and playfulness, the moment I set foot on Antarctica it was one memorable moment after another. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Marg Macleod - Canada
The orcas appearing during the whale talk, the baby humpback breaching off the bow of the zodiacs, the polar plunge, watching from the outriggers as the the boat cut through the ice, drinking Macallan with ice fresh from a berg, having an impromptu dance party with my husband on top of a volcanic cinder cone. It was just a super trip from beginning to end. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Stephanie Krolick - USA
Most memorable moment: clear blue skies, zero wind, flat ocean with icebergs floating around everywhere, in a zodiac with penguins popping up all over us, and a seal belly-flopping up on an iceberg 20ft from us Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Todd Mackey - USA
The service was top-notch professional from Punta Arenas to the ship. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2019
Dennis Roy - United States Of America
To fly the Drake Passage gave us a particular advantage - more time where we wanted to be. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2019
Alison Murdoch - United Kingdom
Very closely met our expectations. Flying was the perfect option. Yes I would recommend.
Travelled: February 2018
Dave & Lisa - Australia
Antarctica is beautiful and amazing, and it exceeded my expectations. We flew over the Drake Passage rather than sailing it. The whole experience was wonderful.
Travelled: February 2018
Linda - New York
It exceeded our expectations and I would recommend it to everyone wanting to go visit Antarctica. We had a really wonderful time. So glad we flew!
Travelled: December 2017
Lori - Texas
Fly & cruise worked very well and was a great option. All excursions were well organised and conducted safely. We enjoyed them all, especially the snowshoeing treks.
Travelled: December 2016
John - UK
Review:
A Fly & Cruise trip starts from approx. USD $10,995 per person, depending on your preferred cabin type and ship, and based on an 8-day voyage. The higher cabin categories with private balconies start from approx. USD $22,000 per person. This price includes:
Although on a per day basis a Fly & Cruise trip works out roughly 20% more expensive than a standard Antarctic cruise, the main benefits of flying - time saved and avoidance of getting seasick - more than justify the added investment.
Excluded from the trip cost: International flights to/from Punta Arenas / Puerto Natales, any additional hotel nights & arrangements in Chile, optional adventure activities (e.g. kayaking), onboard staff gratuity (approx. USD$15 per person per night on board), travel insurance, items of a personal nature (laundry, bar tab or onboard shop).
Head to our dedicated flights page to read more about flights to Antarctica.
Arriving in Antarctica
The standard plane used for the charter flights between Punta Arenas (or Puerto Natales) and King George Island is a British-designed BAE 146 which has capacity for up to 80 people and a seating configuration of 3+3.
These planes are more ‘workhorse’ than luxury, but are perfectly comfortable for the short 2 hour flight.
Their four turbofan engine configuration provides important redundancy and superior takeoff performance for short runways, both of which are key factors for flying to Antarctica.
Demand for fly and cruise trips is high and they often get booked up well in advance. Most people book their cruise around 12-18 months in advance, before availability really starts tightening up.
For the full choice of cabins and departure dates, we strongly advise you get in touch and start the planning process early. We also provisionally hold a cabin on your behalf for several days whilst you make up your mind.
On most Antarctic flights it's free seating and seats aren’t allocated, however it is possible to reserve a window seat on the following Fly & Cruise trips for an additional supplement of around $500 per person for both flights:
To get to Punta Arenas you first need to fly to Chile’s capital, Santiago, and from there take a domestic flight south to Punta Arenas. Santiago itself has good international connections with direct flights from New York, London & Sydney.
Heading south from the capital, there are daily flights between Santiago and Punta Arenas operated by LatAm & Sky Airlines. Tip: make sure you're seated on the left hand side of the plane flying south for wonderful views as you fly parallel to The Andes.
Punta Arenas isn’t a large city, but has a fair selection of things to do for anyone wishing to arrive early, including some notable museums.
Given the time and effort to get there, we would heartily recommend adding on a few days at either the beginning or end of your trip to explore Patagonia a bit more. Punta Arenas is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, arguably the most spectacular and best known trekking mecca in the whole of South America. We can put you in touch with our sister company Swoop Patagonia who know this whole region like the back of their hand.
Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.
Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.
We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.
We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.
Flying is an increasingly popular way to access Antarctica, particularly if you are short on time or concerned about the sea crossing.
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Discover MoreWe'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
1-855-369-8288We don’t charge a commission and there are no hidden fees. Just impartial, expert advice from the leading Polar cruise agent. Schedule a call with our Antarctic Experts today.
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