The Drake Passage is the body of water that stretches between the southernmost tip of South America, Tierra del Fuego’s Cape Horn, and Livingston Island in the South Shetlands of Antarctica. This 800 kilometre span marks the narrowest portal between Antarctica and the nearest continental landmass and is named after the 16th-century English explorer Sir Francis Drake, who discovered it by accident. It usually takes about 2 days for a ship to make the Drake Passage crossing and most guests end up relishing the journey, some for the experience and perhaps even the bragging rights and some for the relaxing time it affords them on board the ship prior to the busy days full of White Continent explorations ahead of them. While the waterway is famous for its challenging navigation, you may also experience another side of the Drake Passage when on some occasions, the channel is calm and tranquil, making for a very pleasant voyage into Antarctica. This is one of the more splendid characteristics of the Drake Passage - you never know what you will get.
Atlas Ocean Voyages offers you several ways of how to enjoy this bucket list experience – Drake Fly & Sail, Drake Express and sailing the Drake both ways. We will focus on the first two options below.
Drake Fly & Sail
7-nights Ushuaia to King George Island aboard the World Voyager™
November 25, 2025
On this itinerary you will navigate the Drake Passage at the beginning of your Antarctic journey and lay claim to the feat while still enjoying maximum time exploring the Seventh Continent. While sailing the Drake Passage you will have the chance to witness the likes of humpback whales and hourglass dolphins accompanying your voyage. As you navigate the Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before. Your ship’s Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition.
Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with our expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. You will find tranquility as you glide a paddle between ice floes on a possible sea kayaking excursion guided by an expert expedition team. Watch for whales sitting just 30 feet above the sea line at Water's Edge, keeping your binoculars and camera ready when an expedition team member calls out wildlife sightings. While on a Zodiac safari, curious and friendly Gentoo penguins may hop out of the water near the vessel, welcoming you into their world. And at the end of your voyage, fly from Eduardo Frei Montalva Station on King George Island, over the Drake Passage back to mainland Chile. This expedition includes the following:
FREE Private Charter Jet Service from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
FREE Private Charter Jet Service from King George Island to Punta Arenas
FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay in Buenos Aires
FREE Pre-Cruise Cultural Immersion: Exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park
Drake Express
7-nights King George Island roundtrip aboard the World Voyager™
December 9, 2025
Bypass the Drake Passage at the beginning and end of your expedition, thus maximizing your exploration time on the ground, and getting to experience the most of available exploration in the shortest amount of time. This is the perfect adventure for explorers with less available time to travel. Admire penguin rookeries during penguin courtship rituals and crabeater seals during mating season. On a shore landing, take an invigorating hike guided by expedition team members, filling you with a sense of triumph and allowing you to make a deeper connection with nature. As you paddle through the pristine waters on a kayaking excursion, moments of serenity invite you to open up to life-changing experiences. This expedition includes the following:
FREE Private Charter Jet Service between King George Island and Punta Arenas
FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay in Punta Arenas
FREE Pre-Cruise Cultural Immersion: A True Taste of Chile
No matter which option you choose for your Antarctica experience, after a day of roaming, venturing and exploring, indulge in the comfort of a balcony stateroom or modern suite, including accommodation options designed exclusively for solo travellers. Every room features a spacious bathroom with L’OCCITANE amenities, plush bedding designed for dreaming, flat-screen TVs with state-of-the-art infotainment systems for downtime and sitting or living areas to unwind. Gaze at the horizon from the comfort of your own balcony or panoramic window as you replay the adventures of the day. Awaken fully refreshed and begin your day by pouring yourself a cup of Nespresso Coffee or Kusmi Tea.
World Voyager’s onboard dining options bring you extraordinary culinary adventures with globally inspired gourmet cuisine crafted to awaken your senses one delectable morsel at a time. Just like your adventures ashore, your culinary explorations on board are designed to engage all of the senses. Relaxed, unhurried, each meal becomes another memorable experience to savour with your travel companions and new found friends.
Atlas Ocean Voyages encourages a holistic approach to life that incorporates mind, body and spirit. Aboard Antarctica Expeditions, expedition leaders, naturalists, kayak guides, photographers, scientists and other experts guide and educate you through your explorations on board and on shore.
Atlas Always Includes:
• FREE cultural immersion
• FREE gourmet dining with ever-changing menus
• FREE unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
• FREE open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapés
• FREE stocked in-room minibar
• FREE specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
• FREE afternoon and high tea
• FREE Champagne and gourmet canapés during meet and greet
• FREE 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
• FREE L’OCCITANE bath amenities
• FREE pre-paid gratuities
• FREE use of walking sticks and binoculars
• FREE reusable water bottle
• FREE butler service and expanded room service menu in suites
Trip delay and medical evacuation coverage included at no additional cost.
Exclusively on Polar Expeditions:
- Private charter jet service with private group transfers
- Enrichment lectures and destination briefings
- Shore landings led by expert field guides
- Escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac
- Thrilling Polar plunge
- Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest
- Use of knee boots
Contact Your Travel Professional for details or visit here.