Fly & Cruise Antarctica
A short two-hour flight quickly and comfortably transports you to the White Continent. On arrival, you then switch to an awaiting ship that acts as your floating hotel.
Discover MoreSpecial Offers Available: Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost: no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships
The Antarctic Experts. No Compromises: there’s no question we can’t answer
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist: so your adventures can be a force for good
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct: we leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip
Over 90% of Antarctic visitors travel by ship, which involves four days at sea and takes a minimum of 10 days. Alternatively, there is a small but growing selection of flights to Antarctica to get you there within a few hours.
Choosing to fly to Antarctica offers the traditional benefits of aviation – namely speed and comfort. However, it's a very different proposition to booking a flight for a regular holiday, and here’s why:
Prefer to sail? If you are planning on flying to Argentina and taking a ship to Antarctica, find out more about Antarctic Cruises.
You can fly from Southern Chile to Antarctica in 2 hours from December to February. Charter flights to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Pole are increasingly popular. If you're looking to avoid the Drake Passage, a flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, is likely to be the best way to reach the white continent.
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…
4.3 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…
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…
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,…
Swoop has catered for travellers of every group size. Whether you’re adventuring solo or bringing a group of over 100. We can help.
With flying becoming an ever more popular route to Antarctica, there's an increasing number of flight options to consider, depending on time available, area of interest and budget:
The most popular way to fly to Antarctica, these trips combine the comfort and expediency of flying with all the benefits of then exploring Antarctica by small expedition ship.
An adaptation of the ‘Fly & Cruise’ concept, these trips fly in only one direction, the other leg is by ship.
The traditional route to Antarctica sailing south from the toe of South America remains the most popular choice for 90% of Antarctic travellers today.
If following in the footsteps of Shackleton & Scott is your chosen route, our Antarctic Cruises page has extensive information on all of the different voyages available, ranging from 10 - 30 days in length.
Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and we'd love to help you plan your adventure to the great white continent.
Swoop Antarctica Expert Daniel
Fly into Antarctica’s vast, uninhabited wilderness which receives less than 500 visitors per year, compared to +1.2 million to Machu Picchu, Peru.
If you've got $6,000 per person to spend, are short on time and willing to accept that you won't step on the Antarctic continent itself - only an outer island - then there are day trips available to Antarctica.
However, Swoop feels that the high cost outweighs the diluted Antarctic experience and only a few hours you'll get to spend 'in Antarctica'. With more time and for not much extra cost you could do it properly and spend 4-5 whole days in Antarctica on an Antarctic Cruise.
Flights to Antarctica trips scored 4.5/5 from 475 reviews
10/10 - Excellent staff from the engine room up to the bridge. Everyone full of answers to our questions. Food and service 5 star quality!!! I can't think of 1 negative thing on this expedition. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Terry Goodyear - Canada
Any tips to share? Plan early. Fly the Drake Passage. Use a smaller cruise ship (less than 100 passengers). Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Ali Begeja - USA
10/10 - All the plans for flights and boat transport were all executed well. The organisation at the hotel was excellent, getting boots etc. It was a great idea meeting everyone the night before we flew to King George Island. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Lorraine FitzGerald - Australia
Most memorable moment? Seeing a bright, sunny clear day on the Antarctic Peninsula full of penguins, seals, and humpback whales with the high plateau in the distance and sculpted icebergs floating by along with my family. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Rebecca Archer-Knepper - USA
10/10 - It was quick compared to doing the Drake Passage. Accommodations and food on board were excellent, and all the wildlife that we saw. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Jennifer Roanhorse - Uruguay
10/10 - I am prone to getting seasick so flying to the Antarctica Peninsula solved my problems. The flying also saved me 4 days of vacation days! Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Janice Lo - USA
I would 100% recommend the fly-cruise option. Getting to Antarctica by plane was fantastic. Guests may want to consider slightly longer cruises such that any delay is a lower percent of the overall trip. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Nigel Seymour - UK
10/10 - Overall great experience. The staff was knowledgeable, helpful, and we got to know them and the other passengers. The twice-daily excursions were great and I couldn't imagine doing it any other way. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Patrick Moore - USA
Be prepared to be flexible with the flights and expect an active trip. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Patrick Moore - USA
The first time I saw an iceberg from the plane window we we first arrived. Even though it looked like a piece of Swiss cheese, I was excited like a kid on Christmas morning. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Nikki Spears - USA
10/10 - The ship's crew and staff went out of their way to make sure you had an amazing experience. If weather was going to be bad, they would change where we were going on a dime. The ship was clean and simple and beautiful. I would recommend the fly and cruise to everyone. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Karen Aydt - USA
Know that weather changes quickly and can impact programs and schedules. Be flexible. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Ordean Oskvig - USA
This six day cruise was the perfect duration for us. Fly bridge was the only way to go. We were advised on our last day that winds in Drake’s Passage were 60kts and seas were 20ft. This would have put a significant damper on the trip had we been required to transit via ship. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Michael Kahn - USA
10/10 - optimal use of time by flying to Antarctica, good organisation. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
William Robert Keller - Switzerland
10/10 - Everything was executed well. So happy to skip the 2 day crossing to and back. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Tim Crosson - USA
10/10 - Amazing! Flight arrangements were smooth. Landing operation and transfer to vessel was flawless. Return flight went well. All ground transportation was smooth. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Tamra Anne Westbrooks - USA
10/10 - I was so glad to find a fly vs water option across the Drake Passage. It was a deal breaker in both the time element, and for me, motion sickness. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Carolyn Ferraro - USA
10/10 - It was excellent in all ways, and I loved the sail/fly combination. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Pamela Morris - USA
10/10 - So easy to fly over, the flight was very smooth and painless. Even though the whole trip is very weather dependent, and plans can change in an instant, the team is very communicative and upfront about it, and to me, it just added to the sense of adventure. The expedition guides were all fantastic. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Aaron Stewart - USA
10/10 - The cruise fly expedition is just perfect in length of time. And not spending an additional 2 days crossing the Drake to return is ideal. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Violetta Gianaras - USA
10/10 - We appreciated the option and experience of sailing the Drake passage in one direction, but having more time in Antarctica by flying down to King George Island to board the ship there. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
John Mark Bowles - USA
10/10 - The Drake Passage has notoriously rough seas and we were very happy to avoid that by flying. Once there in Antarctica there is no down time in that we were repositioning during meals and overnight. It was perfect. The Captain did a great job of bring us to the leeward side of the different islands so that the conditions were optimal for launching the Zodiacs and kayaks. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Stanley Rumbough - USA
10/10 - I get seasick just LOOKING at a boat, so I knew that crossing the Drake was not for me. Flying made everything possible. The stabilizers on the ship were also amazing! The smoothest ship I’ve ever felt. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Leah Rumbough - USA
It ticked every box for us, the sail/fly option worked perfectly, the vessel was excellent and the service levels from all staff were perfect. There was plenty to do, indeed the activities were relentless, hardly had time to use the library or the observation deck before we were off on another expedition, briefing, lecture or dinner with new friends. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Rick Greer - UK
10/10 - It was so unique! I got to sail, and fly! And it gave me time to hike Patagonia as it was a relatively quick trip! Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Isaac Nelson - USA
From the moment we arrived in Antarctica on the jet, I realized that I had landed in a world that I could have never have envisioned being in. It was certainly life changing. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Ray Applebaum - USA
Definitely, fly across the Drake. Definitely sign up for the kayak program. Definitely choose a ship with less than 100 passengers. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2019
Kelly, Shannon and Robin Politte - United States of America
The trip was fantastic. I highly recommend that anyone travel to Antarctica. I am so glad that we chose to fly the Drake Passage, instead of sailing it, which gave us more time in Antarctica. I also think crossing the polar circle was a huge highlight. I would insist that anyone booking a trip participate in the kayak program. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2019
Kelly, Shannon and Robin Politte - 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
Good landings and exercise (!) and good vantage points on land for wildlife and landscape. Every logistic worked efficiently from the airport meeting to departure. Fly the passage! Read the full review
Travelled: January 2019
Alison Murdoch - United Kingdom
For ease and efficiency few things beat flying to Antarctica. If I'd have known it was that easy I would have gone years ago!
Travelled: December 2016
Agi - Hungary
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:
For anyone planning to fly to Antarctica, the town of Punta Arenas in southern Chile is the principal gateway to The White Continent.
Operating charter flights to Antarctica is challenging due to Antarctica’s harsh environment and the specialist aircraft and experienced pilots required - all of which adds to the cost. While flying to Antarctica saves travel time and avoids the Drake Passage, the bottomline is that it costs more to fly than to sail, and so convenience comes at a price:
To fly to the Antarctic Peninsula in both directions on a Fly & Cruise trip it will typically cost 20% more than to sail in both directions. However, the growing demand for these trips clearly demonstrates that this investment is still perceived as good value and worth paying.
Fly to Antarctica & Cruise back trips which combine flying one way and sailing the other make savings with only one charter flight and can be attractively priced, starting from around $5,000 per person, depending on trip duration.
The deeper you fly into Antarctica the more expensive it becomes as the logistics, challenges and aircraft required become more specialised. A week at Union Glacier camp in the Ellsworth Mountains starts from $25,000 per person, a similar cost to a top cabin on a Fly & Cruise trip, however it’s a very different experience and fewer than 1% of visitors to Antarctica each year reach this point.
For anyone planning to fly to/ from Antarctica, the town of Punta Arenas in southern Chile is the main departure point for all:
The only other flying route to Antarctica for visitors is from Cape Town in South Africa, which flies into Queen Maud Land to a luxury camp which accommodates only 12 people at a time.
There are other airfields and bases scattered across Antarctica which service field research or governmental traffic only.
If you are wondering which airlines operate in Antarctica, there is only one. If you would like further information please get in touch.
The types of planes used for flights into the Antarctic Peninsula are most commonly a BAE 146. For flights into and within the interior, the smaller more specialised Ilyushin, Twin Otter and Basler are utilised.
These planes are more ‘workhorse’ than luxury, but are perfectly comfortable for the short 2 hour flight between Punta Arenas and King George Island.
Originally designed in 1967 for delivering heavy machinery into Russia’s hinterland, this iconic plane only operates between Punta Arenas and Union Glacier camp in Antarctica’s Ellsworth Mountains.
Deployed throughout the interior of Antarctica, these twin engined Twin Otters are the continent’s workhorse providing both vital passenger and cargo transportation.
The modified version of the original Douglas DC-3, the Basler is only used within Antarctica’s interior for getting larger groups than the Twin Otter can handle into remote areas.
The King Air is the world’s most popular business turboprop aircraft. In Antarctica it's exclusively used for the 1 & 2 day trips to The White Continent only. Comfortably accommodating up to 6 passengers, it's also ideal for chartering.
“ Highly recommend the fly in and boat out via the Falklands setup of our trip. ”
Alan, UK Customer
“ Be smart and give yourself a day extra in Punta Arenas before and after your trip like we did...less stress. ”
Lora & Mitchell, Texas Customer
Even though the chances of experiencing a delay are relatively low, it's crucial that all visitors flying to Antarctica are prepared for the possibility and have contingency factored into their travel plans, just in case.
Flights to King George Island, South Shetlands
Although delays are possible, one of our principal Fly & Cruise operators has an impressive 80.9% success rate of flights arriving on the correct day across 141 flights over the last 14 years. A further 14.9% arrived the day before or day after, while only one trip has ever had to be totally cancelled. In reality, the majority of delays experienced are only a few hours.
Why are flights sometimes delayed?
Low clouds, fog and heavy winds are the main culprits, with King George Island being particularly prone to fog and low cloud. To be able to confidently depart from and return to Punta Arenas, pilots who are landing in Antarctica by sight need a minimum 5 hour clear weather window. With such rapidly changing conditions, this is the real challenge, to successfully identify that ‘weather window’ and get there and back before it closes.
What happens if I am delayed?
If your flight from Punta Arenas is delayed, the local representatives will keep you regularly updated. Typically it's only a wait of a few hours, but in the unlikely event that its longer there are detailed contingency plans in place. Unfortunately you won’t be able to ‘make up’ any time lost once you get to Antarctica and will still leave on the day you were scheduled to.
Those delayed leaving Antarctica benefit from staying on at no extra cost. If you are on a Fly & Cruise trip, you continue to use the ship as your floating hotel and landings will be arranged while you wait for the weather to clear.
Will I receive a refund for delays or cancellation?
If you are very unfortunate to have your trip cancelled altogether due to weather, operators have a clear refund policy in place or will offer you the choice to re-book on an alternative date.
For shorter delays, compensation isn’t typically offered as weather is beyond anyone’s control and must be accepted as one of the risks of opting to fly. If you are uncomfortable with this, perhaps sailing to Antarctica, which is less prone to delays through adverse weather, may be a better option.
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.…
4.3 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…
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…
4.3 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…
Due to the combination of the short flying season, limited flights and their huge popularity, these trips are in increasingly high demand and planning ahead is crucial. You should be booking your place 10-18 months in advance of your departure date, but the general rule of thumb is the earlier the better, particularly for the prime dates around Christmas and New Year.
This narrow neck of water between the tip of Patagonia (Cape Horn) and the Antarctic Peninsula is the point at which the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans collide and is infamous as one of the roughest stretches of sea in the world. The ensuing currents can cause huge upwellings, or 'Waves of Terror', which at times can reach heights of 50 feet/15 metres. Typically only 30% of Drake crossings experience rough weather, however, those prone to seasickness may do well by choosing to fly and not take the risk.
As with so much in life, the answer sadly isn’t a simple one and there isn’t an optimal window. There are no set patterns to Antarctic weather and so it's better to focus on when it suits you to travel.
Travelling to Antarctica by plane definitely requires light packing! The luggage allowance is only 15 kg per passenger, including hand luggage. You do have the option to leave items in Punta Arenas and if joining a ship in Antarctica there will be a laundry service on board.
If you are flying to King George Island in the South Shetlands you won’t fly over Antarctica as you will be largely flying over water and then landing in the South Shetland Islands, which are located 90km/ 55 miles northwest of the Antarctic continent. If it's a clear day though, you may lucky enough to see Cape Horn en route.
For those select few flying into the interior, and perhaps all the way to the South Pole, you will certainly get some grand views of The White Continent from above.
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.
A short two-hour flight quickly and comfortably transports you to the White Continent. On arrival, you then switch to an awaiting ship that acts as your floating hotel.
Discover MoreThese 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 MoreThe 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 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.
1-888-970-4570We 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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