Learn how to Journey to Antarctica by Ship and Airplane, In line with a Prime Journey Advisor

So, you are planning your dream journey to Antarctica, however do not know tips on how to get there. There are two choices: set sail on a 48-hour journey throughout the Drake Passage by ship, or hop on a constitution and fly over. I’ve had the luxurious of touring to this magical a part of the world each methods, and under are my experiences of every. 

A New Strategy to Get to Antarctica 

Lately, expedition cruise strains have begun providing itineraries that give friends the choice to skip the two-day tour at sea, and as an alternative take a two-hour flight over the Drake Passage. This may be a wonderful alternative for vacationers who haven’t got time for a multi-week journey, are intimidated of turbulent winds and tough water, or are vulnerable to movement illness. 

This previous March, I went on this very journey. As a part of the itinerary aboard Silversea’s Silver Endeavour — at the moment the world’s largest ice-class expedition yacht — I took the flight over the Drake Passage to Antarctica. 

The journey started at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, the place all Silversea friends loved a cushty night time’s relaxation previous to boarding the three.5-hour flight to Punta Arenas, Chile. There, we spent the night time at Resort José Nogueira, positioned lower than a block from Punta Arenas’ primary sq.. The lodge was constructed as a non-public dwelling in 1890 and is taken into account one of many oldest buildings in Patagonia. 

The next morning, we returned to the airport and boarded our jet certain for King George Island, a part of the South Shetland Islands. In slightly below two hours, we landed on a gravel runway. A fast 10-minute Zodiac boat trip later, and there I used to be, prepared to satisfy the gorgeous Silver Endeavour. I even caught my first glimpse of penguins — a implausible welcome to Antarctica.

I discovered the surroundings to be essentially the most thrilling facet of flying over the Drake Passage. The topography was completely beautiful, and I felt fortunate to witness the formations and glaciers seen by few individuals on this world.

Exploring Antarctica by Sea

On board the Silver Endeavour, I loved a full 5 days of exploring Antarctica. We ventured out within the mornings and afternoons included lunch and a nap. If somebody wanted a break from the actions, they may get pleasure from a spa remedy or attempt to spot whales whereas on the deck’s sizzling tub. Each night, the expedition staff chief would focus on what we noticed that day, educating us in regards to the land and wildlife, and setting expectations for the following day. Then, at dinner, we’d share drinks and dance or play video games with new pals. 

When it was time to return to King George Island for our flight again to Punta Arenas, the captain introduced we might as an alternative cross the Drake Passage by ship. Our airplane wasn’t capable of fly by means of the key storm heading our approach. 

I used to be anticipating some fairly tall waves, however the journey was not as scary as I had imagined. As soon as we safely arrived at Puerto Williams, Chile, I boarded the ultimate airplane again to Punta Arenas. On this journey, I realized the most effective recollections occur when your detailed plans journey off track. I am pleased I used to be capable of expertise each, and whereas there are extra advantages to flying than crossing the Drake by ship, what’s most essential is that each are thought of secure. 

Julie Jones is a member of Journey + Leisure’s A-Checklist and focuses on customized small and expedition ship journeys. You may create a tailored itinerary with Jones by contacting her at julie@topflight.journey.