Luxury Fly-Cruises to Antarctica made for you
Shorten your travel time to Antarctica by flying
Avoid the often unpredictable Drake Passage and travel by air instead
The Drake Passage between the Southern tip of Patagonia and Antarctica typically takes two days each way. Infamously unpredictable conditions mean it is down to luck whether you get a calm ‘Drake Lake’ or ‘Drake Shake’ (though for purists the latter is an Antarctic right of passage).
Thankfully for those not willing to risk it, or where time is at a premium, there is the option to fly from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, to join you Antarctic expedition cruise waiting there for you.
From there you are at the gateway of the Antarctic Peninsula and the last ‘wild’ continent, a vast undiscovered territory. A truly magnificent and pristine environment for you to explore, with majestic scenery and surprisingly abundant wildlife. Few destinations can compare in the spirit of adventure and sense of accomplishment one feels having visited here.
We can put together itineraries that facilitate a fly-in cruise to Antarctica, including time in Chile beforehand, return flights to Antarctica and the cruise itself. Simply see below then call us for more detailed programmes.
From our experts
Experiences picked by our Antarctic specialists
Marvel at Antarctica's wildlife
You’ll have plenty of time to take in the staggering scenery and observe the unique wildlife.
See the penguin chicks hatch in December
From mid to late December the penguin chicks start to hatch, and in January you will catch the the feeding frenzy that ensues.
Spot whales and fur seals
You can go whale spotting from February to early March. Look out for fur seals too.
A word from one of our experts
Avoiding the Drake Passage crossing, which can take two days, and flying two hours from Punta Arenas not only saves time, but also means you get to miss out on a journey that can be quite unpredictable, with rough seas. Getting there faster, also means you have more time for exploring once you've touched down on King George Island and boarded your ship.
Jennifer Richt
Luxury Antarctica Cruise Ships
There are many incredible ships on which to explore Antarctica. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Antarctica21: Magellan Explorer
The Magellan Explorer is an expedition vessel custom built for Antarctic cruises. For Antartica21's air-cruises, the Magellan Explorer has capacity for 76 pass…
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Antarctica21: Ocean Nova
Antarctica21's Ocean Nova is a unique set-up allowing you to make the very most of your precious time and maximise exploration at Antarctica itself.
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Why book with Jacada?
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Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
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Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
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Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Antarctica example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
Luxury Antarctica Fly-in Cruise
This adventure takes you on a luxury fly-in cruise to discover the icy landscapes of Antarctica. You’ll begin with a couple of days of culture and great food i…
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Grand Chile & Antarctica Luxury Explorer
A truly extraordinary trip and grand tour to some the most stirring scenery of South America and Antarctica. This adventure through Chile and the Antarctic has…
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When to visit
The best time to go to Antarctica is during its summer season, which lasts from November to March. December and January are the best time to go for wildlife spotting. From mid to late December the penguin chicks start to hatch, and in January you will catch the the feeding frenzy that ensues. February to early March is the best time to spot whales, and there are generally a good number of fur seals to be seen too.
Penguin spotting
November
Whale watching
February–March
Good weather
December–March
When Is the Best Time to Visit Antarctica?
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We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.