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.
Highlights
Marvel at the staggering scenery and observe the unique wildlife.
From mid to late December the penguin chicks start to hatch, and in January you will catch the the feeding frenzy that ensues.
Go whale spotting from February to early March and look out for fur seals too.
Jennifer Richt
Senior Travel Designer
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
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury Antarctica Cruise Ships
Why book with Jacada?
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.
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.
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
Whatever you want from your Antarctica tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Discover more of Antarctica
Antarctica Cruises
Sailing the Southern Oceans to explore Antarctica is both a privileged and unforgettable experience that can be done in the highest possible comfort and luxury.
Discover moreMeet your Polar Regions team
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
Plan your trip to Antarctica
Whatever you want from your adventure in Antarctica, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Amazing, curated travel planning. The more we use Jacada the better they know us = a progressively more personalized trip each time. They have experts for each continent and consequently there is a wealth of personal knowledge which goes into the planning of every journey. (On occasion, right down to which *room* on a particular ship is the best to…
Amazing trip - four different stops running the length of Chile and then Antarctica, all flawless in terms of logistics, support service of local agency, and perfect hotels/ excursions/ guides etc….just a joy to travel and see the world without having to worry about all of the complex arrangements. A level of personal service and attention to details, and a…
What a delight it was planning our trip but it was even more delightful taking it. We visited Chile (wine country and Patagonia) and Antarctica. Everything was better than we we imagined. Jacada is highly professional and extremely competent. The trip was tailored to our exact wants and needs. We couldn’t be happier. Every person we dealt with whether before,…
As Covid-19 unfolded, our Antarctica trip planned for December 2020 was in jeopardy. Berni and her team were frequently in touch with us through email and video calls. Once it was clear that travelling was not possible, she was very quick in securing places for next year, including transferring security deposits, changing flights etc. The company was also gracefully postponing…
Excellent service. Brilliant company for arranging a luxury holiday and listening to our requirements. Jen kept in touch well above average and even arranged surprise upgrades. Reccomended
Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.