Flying or Fly and Sail | How to Reach Antarctica from Puerto Natales or Ushuaia

For decades, reaching Antarctica meant sailing both ways across the Drake Passage. Today, there are faster and more flexible options. At Secret Atlas, we offer two efficient ways to reach the white continent on our 36-guest small expedition ship:

• Fly to Antarctica—a direct flight from Puerto Natales to King George Island, saving several days at sea.

• Fly and cruise—fly one way and sail the other between Puerto Natales or Ushuaia and King George Island, combining the efficiency of flying with the adventure of a Drake Passage crossing.

Both routes maximise your time exploring Antarctica while keeping groups small and experiences personal. The best choice depends on your schedule, comfort level, and appetite for adventure.

Flying to Antarctica – Puerto Natales to King George Island

Flying from Puerto Natales to King George Island is the fastest way to reach Antarctica. The flight takes about 2.5 hours, bypassing up to four days at sea and giving you more time on the Antarctic Peninsula itself. Most of your ten-day expedition is spent exploring ice-clad landscapes and wildlife rather than travelling there.

The flight itself is part of the adventure: sweeping views of glaciers, sea ice, and rugged Antarctic coastline before landing on King George Island, the gateway to the white continent. Operated with specialised high-wing aircraft, these flights are designed for short, icy runways and provide both safety and comfort.

Unique to Secret Atlas: because flights depart from Puerto Natales, any weather delays mean extra time in Torres del Paine National Park, one of Patagonia’s most spectacular landscapes—rather than being stuck in Ushuaia or Punta Arenas. We also offer Torres del Paine extension packages, so you can plan to experience its dramatic peaks, wildlife, and hiking trails before or after your Antarctic voyage.

Flying one way, sailing the Drake Passage the other—via Puerto Natales or Ushuaia

For travellers who want both efficiency and adventure, a fly-and-cruise itinerary offers the ideal balance. You’ll fly one way between Puerto Natales or Ushuaia and King George Island, and sail the other across the legendary Drake Passage—experiencing the thrill of Antarctica from the air and the sea without committing to both legs at sea.

Choose your direction:

• Sail south first—arrive in Antarctica fully prepared, having enjoyed onboard lectures, photography workshops, and time bonding with fellow explorers.

• Fly in first—maximise your time on the ice, then sail back across the Drake for a reflective return, sharing stories and highlights with guides and companions.

Secret Atlas advantage: departures from Puerto Natales give you the chance to combine your Antarctic voyage with time in Torres del Paine National Park—either planned as an extension or as a rewarding option in case of flight delays.

Why we don’t sail both ways 

Many operators still offer roundtrip sailings from Ushuaia to Antarctica, which involve spending up to six days at sea crossing the Drake Passage. While this traditional route has a long history, it means less time on the Antarctic Peninsula itself.

At Secret Atlas we focus on time-efficient, small-ship itineraries that maximise your time exploring Antarctica itself. That’s why we don’t offer roundtrip sailings; instead, we specialise in fly to Antarctica or fly and sail Antarctica expeditions that provide greater comfort, flexibility, and more immersive days in the white continent.

Which route should you choose?

Your choice comes down to  time, comfort, and your appetite for adventure. 

• Fly both ways – the fastest option, perfect if you want to maximise time in Antarctica and avoid the Drake Passage entirely. This is the best choice if you’re prone to seasickness, since sailing within Antarctica is generally more calm and sheltered than the open ocean.

• Fly and cruise – the balanced option, combining the efficiency of flying with the adventure of a single Drake Passage crossing. You can either sail south and fly back (a classic, lecture-filled journey into Antarctica) or fly in first and sail back (maximising time on the ice, then enjoying a reflective Drake Passage crossing on the return). For most guests, seasickness is mainly a concern during the Drake crossing—waters around the Antarctic Peninsula are typically more calm and sheltered.

In the end, the right route depends on whether you’d rather save every possible day for exploration, or combine efficiency with the adventure of the Southern Ocean.

Choose your route—Fly to Antarctica or Fly and Cruise—and explore the white continent on a 36-guest small ship with Secret Atlas, blending efficient air access with the immersive sea journey.