Atlas Ocean Voyages is expanding its "Fly the Drake" Antarctica program for the 2027-2028 season, adding six departures across two itinerary styles that use private charter flights between Punta Arenas, Chile, and King George Island instead of a full Drake Passage crossing. The Drake Express option is a seven-night round-trip fly-cruise with four departures (late November, early December 2027, and two in February 2028), while the Drake Fly & Sail combines a sea crossing one way with a flight back, offered on two dates in November 2027 and February 2028.
Each itinerary includes six days of exploration in the Antarctic Peninsula via Zodiac landings, a 17-member expedition team, hotel stays in Punta Arenas, and optional activities like kayaking and overnight camping. November/December sailings emphasize snow landscapes and penguin nesting, while February departures highlight penguin chicks, seal pups and whale activity. Guests sail on Atlas's small, under-200-guest Polar Category C ice-class yachts, with limited space still available on select December 2026 departures.