Magellan Explorer
Specifically built for Antarctic fly-cruise operations, the Magellan Explorer carries a maximum of 76 guests. Many of the spacious suites have outside balconies.
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6 reasons to choose an Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip
- Combine the classic Antarctic Peninsula cruise experience with the convenience of flying to Antarctica in just two short hours
- Skip the two day voyage to Antarctica across the Drake Passage: an ideal option for travellers short on time or who are worried about seasickness
- Choose from a wide selection of ships to explore Antarctica, from classic expedition cruise ships to luxury and boutique hotel-style vessels
- Enjoy all aspects of a traditional Antarctic cruise, including zodiac cruises, landings and adventure activities – plus lots of penguins!
- Travel at any time from November to late March, with Fly & Cruise trips operating across the entire Antarctic visitor season
- Experience the best of both worlds by taking a Fly-Sail cruise: flying to Antarctica and sailing back, or vice versa
Swoop says
There's a great sense of adventure arriving in Antarctica by plane: from seeing your ship from the air like a tiny bath toy, to having it loom above you on the waterline when you meet it for the first time, on your zodiac transfer across an ice-fringed bay.
Marta Laver Antarctica Specialist
Fly from Punta Arenas in Chile to Antarctica
View of Antarctica flying into King George Island
Welcome to King George Island, Antarctica
Zodiac transfer to your expedition ship at King George Island
Sail the Antarctic Peninsula on your chosen ship
Wildlife watching among the ice
Gentoo penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula
Taking off from King George Island, Antarctica
How do Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips work?
Fly & Cruise trips consists of three main components: which we’ve mapped out below:
- Travel to the Antarctic gateway city of Punta Arenas
- A short two hour flight to and from Antarctica
- A classic Antarctic cruise of 4-6 days, with plenty of excursions to explore the White Continent
1. Arrive in Punta Arenas
Most Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips depart from Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia, which is well served by flights from Chile's capital Santiago. A small number of Fly & Cruise trips depart from nearby Puerto Natales or Puerto Williams.
On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your city centre hotel where everyone in the group will be staying. This is included in the price and is to ensure everyone is on site for the flight to Antarctica the next day. The evening before flying to Antarctica, you’ll meet your fellow travellers and have a mandatory briefing and gear check, before enjoying a first dinner together.
Travellers on the Magellan Explorer and Ocean Nova ships can also enjoy exclusive access to Explorers House while in Punta Arenas.
Historic waterfront in Punta Arenas
2. Fly to Antarctica
Expect an early start the next morning for your flight to Antarctica. You’ll be transferred back to the airport to check in and wait for your flight to be called, though the departure time itself is weather dependent.
It takes two hours to fly from Punta Arenas to the airstrip at Chile’s Eduardo Frei Station. This is on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands: part of Antarctica but 55 miles (90km) across the Bransfield Strait from the mainland continent.
On arrival, an electric minibus transfers you to the beach. Here you’ll board a zodiac and transfer directly to your expedition cruise ship, ready for your Antarctic adventure to begin.
Antarctic Airways flight
3. Explore Antarctica
Once onboard your ship, your experience is exactly the same as if you had sailed to Antarctica, as you set off to explore the Peninsula.
Typically, you’ll leave the ship twice a day on excursions led by expert polar guides. These include landing on islands and the Seventh Continent itself, visiting penguin colonies and taking zodiac cruises through iceberg-filled bays. Most ships also offer optional adventure activities such as kayaking.
Expedition cruises offer a packed daily schedule tailored to ensuring you get the very most from your precious few days in Antarctica. At the end of the cruise, you'll return to King George Island for your flight back to Chile.
Zodiac cruising in Antarctica
Swoop says
Due to the higher operating costs of running charter flights to such remote areas, Fly & Cruise trips tend to cost around 20% more than traditional sailing cruises to Antarctica.
Our most popular Fly & Cruise trips
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
Original Fly & Cruise Luxury Adventure
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.…
- 8 Days
- $15,995
4.7 out of 5
Ultimate Luxury Antarctic Fly & Cruise
For guests seeking seamless travel on a hassle-free, all-inclusive trip, this is the perfect option. Skip over the notorious Drake Passage on a comfortable two hour flight to Antarctica, then travel on board a state-of-the-art mega yacht, which offers uncompromising…
- 10 Days
- $22,180
4.7 out of 5
Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise
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…
- 8 Days
- $11,495
4.7 out of 5
Antarctic Fly & Cruise Safari
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…
- 8 Days
- $15,046
4.7 out of 5
66 Degrees South Fly Cruise
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…
- 10 Days
- $15,995
4.3 out of 5
Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination
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…
- 9-13 Days
- $17,895
4.3 out of 5
Fly & Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula
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…
- 12 Days
- $24,595
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…
- 17 Days
- $28,700
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 expeditionary ship. Touches other travellers have appreciated include the onboard National Geographic-certified photographer…
- 8 Days
- $11,975
4.5 out of 5
Antarctic Express Sail & Fly
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…
- 10 Days
- $11,950
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…
- 10 Days
- $12,650
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…
- 10 Days
- $13,436
Combining the twin advantages of flying to Antarctica with travelling on one of the polar fleet’s smallest and most advanced vessels, this voyage is hard to beat. Added benefits include an extra day or two on the Peninsula than usual,…
- 9 or 10 Days
- $13,975
What our customers think of Fly & Cruise Antarctica
Fly & Cruise Antarctica trips scored 4.5/5 from 538 reviews
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:
Planning your Fly & Cruise trip to Antarctica
When to do an Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip
Fly & Cruise trips operate across the entire Antarctic visitor season from November through to March. High summer in the middle of December brings nearly 24 hours of daylight.
November has the most pristine snow and penguins coming ashore to mate. Penguin chicks typically arrive in Christmas – the peak season for visitors. From the new year onwards, whales are in their greatest abundance, and as the days shorten, chicks get ready to fledge and take to the sea. The shoulder season at the very beginning and end of summer has amazing sunsets and sunrises.
Gentoo penguins in early season snow
What to expect when flying to Antarctica
While Fly & Cruise trips offer the chance to skip the Drake Passage crossing and get quickly to the Antarctic Peninsula, it's important to understand the role that Mother Nature plays in setting flight schedules.
While every departure has a target flying window, weather may mean you fly earlier or later than planned. To account for this, the night in Punta Arenas is included at the start and end of every trip. It's also why it's essential you arrive early on day one.
This flexible weather scheduling is central to all Fly & Cruise trips. The vast majority of flights operate according to schedule, but if an absence of exact timings doesn't sit comfortably, it's possible that sailing to Antarctica may suit you better.
Boarding at King George Island
Swoop says
I never felt like I missed out on the two days at sea crossing the Drake Passage. In just two short hours I was breathing in the cold clean Antarctic air and ready to see my first penguin.
Stefano Silvente Antarctica Specialist
Which Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip to choose
Most Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips fly in both directions, but it's also possible to take a Fly-Sail cruises, flying one way and sailing the other.
Unlike Fly & Cruise trips that are tied to the airport on King George Island, Fly-Sail trips can cover a wider range of destinations, including South Georgia, the Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Circle.
It's worth noting that Fly-Sail cruises start and finish in different locations: Punta Arenas in Chile for flying to/from Antarctica and Ushuaia in Argentina for sailing to/from Antarctica.
Walking to a viewpoint on the Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Fly & Cruise planes
The standard plane used for the charter flights between Punta Arenas (or Puerto Natales) and King George Island is a British-designed BAE146 which has capacity for up to 80 people in a 3+3 seating configuration.
These planes are more workhorse than luxury, but are more than comfortable for the short two hour flight to the White Continent.
The four turbofan engine configuration of the BAE146 provides important redundancy and superior takeoff performance for short runways, while its wide wheel base and strengthened undercarriage ensures stability landing on the non-tarmac landing strip on King George Island.
BAE146 at King George Island
Swoop says
Fly & Cruise trips have been operating to the Antarctic Peninsula since 2002. Despite the challenges of sometimes unpredictable weather, the long polar experience of the airplane and ground crews means than more than 80% of flights operate completely on schedule.
From One to One Hundred
Swoop has catered for travellers of every group size. Whether you’re adventuring solo or bringing a group of over 100. We can help.
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Solos
- Working with over 30 different ships to find you the most solo-friendly ships, with the lowest single supplements, and the best solo deals available. Discover More
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2 - 5 people
- With over 100 collective years of Polar experience our team will help you find your perfect trip, so you’re on the right ship, in the right cabin, and at the right point of the season. Discover More
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6 - 80 people
- We’ve worked with all sizes of groups, from large families to small schools. Travelling with Swoop means you’ll be the best prepared customers on the voyage and you pay nothing extra for this service. Discover More
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Large Groups
- We are experienced charter consultants that can build tailored experiences for both part and full charters of vessels. Discover More
Antarctica Fly & Cruise ships
Sylvia Earle
Launched in Autumn 2022, this state-of-the-art ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist and oceanographer, Sylvia Earle.
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Silver Endeavour
With luxury, comfort and exceptional service as the foundations of its onboard experience, Silver Endeavour is one of the most expensive expedition ships ever built.
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Ocean Explorer
Custom-engineered for polar voyages, this sleek 138 passenger ship benefits from cutting edge design and advanced nautical technology.
Discover MoreAntarctic Fly & Cruise trips: FAQs
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How far in advance should you book an Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip?
We recommend booking your Antarctic trip at least 12 months in advance of travel to be confident of securing your first choice of ship, voyage date and cabin.
Limited capacity in the polar fleet means that cabins and ships often become booked far in advance, especially for travel around peak season dates, including Christmas, New Year and school holidays. Although late availability deals can sometimes be had, to guarantee your preferred ship and travel dates, booking early is always the best option.
Swoop is happy to provisionally hold a cabin on your behalf for a few days while you make your final planning decisions.
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How do I get to Punta Arenas?
Punta Arenas (airport code PUQ) is a 3½ hour flight from Chile’s capital Santiago (airport code SCL). There are multiple daily direct flights between the two with either LATAM or Sky Airlines. Some luxury Fly & Cruise trips include these flights, to look after you from the moment you arrive in Chile.
Flying into Punta Arenas, try to sit on the left if you can for wonderful views of the Andes as you fly parallel to the Andes mountains.
Santiago is well-connected internationally. There are direct flights from US hub airports including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas and Atlanta, as well as Toronto in Canada.
From the UK, there are direct flights between London and Santiago, while Madrid and Paris are good European hubs.
From Australia and New Zealand, you can fly direct to Santiago from Sydney and Auckland.
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What is the baggage allowance on flights to Antarctica?
Unlike expedition cruise ships , there is a strict baggage allowance for flights to Antarctica. While this varies according to the exact trip, this is typically between 15-20 kg (33-44 pounds).
This is typically less than the allowances for international flights, so it's important to pack accordingly. Weight limits on flights to Antarctica are strictly enforced for safety reasons.
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Can I guarantee a window seat on the flight to Antarctica?
Unfortunately it's not possible to pre-book a window seat on the flight to Antarctica.
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Is food and drink served on the flight to Antarctica?
Yes. Although the flight is only two hours, you'll be given a simple box lunch to enjoy. Drinks are available on the flight, from tea and coffee to Chilean wine and beer.
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What are the contingency plans if the Antarctic flight is delayed due to bad weather?
More than 80% of flights to Antarctica operate to their planned schedule, but Fly & Cruise operators are experts at dealing with the polar weather, and have well-honed contingency plans should any flights be delayed.
All Fly & Cruise trips include a night in Punta Arenas at the start and end of the trip to minimise any risk of weather affecting your trip. If there is any issue, ground staff will keep you constantly informed of any revised plans once a suitable weather window has been identified.
In cases of extreme weather events, extra nights of accommodation will be automatically arranged for you.
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Can I extend my time in Patagonia?
Absolutely! If you have time, we strongly recommend adding on a few days at either the beginning or end of your trip to explore Patagonia. Punta Arenas is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the world.
Our sister company Swoop Patagonia knows this whole region like the back of their hand: talk to us about how you'd like to extend your trip and we'll put together the perfect itinerary for you.
More about Flying to Antarctica
Flights to Antarctica
Around 1 in 12 visitors to Antarctica arrive by air – this our guide on everything you need to know about flying to the White Continent.
Discover MoreFly To Antarctica & Cruise Back
These trips cruise one way and fly the other. They’re a hybrid between a traditional Antarctica cruise and a Fly & Cruise trip which either fly or sail in both directions. In…
Discover MoreSouth Pole & Antarctic Interior expeditions
The Antarctic Interior offers the chance to visit the fabled South Pole, camp with emperor penguins, climb remote mountain peaks and see our planet at its rawest and most …
Discover MoreSwoop. Your adventure story.
Market-leading expertise
Harness our 400,000 hours of Antarctic experience. There’s no question we can’t answer.
Impartial advice at no extra cost
Expert advice on over 1500 voyages to help you discover your perfect trip - and we don’t charge a fee.
B Corp certified
We care deeply about protecting Antarctica, that’s why 1% of our revenue goes to conservation.
A full concierge service
Access our exclusive pre-travel webinars — one of the many ways we make sure you’re Antarctica’s best-prepared travellers.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
Reserve
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.
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