Robert Swan has led Antarctic expeditions for over 40 years and now uses a lower-impact, more efficient ways to reach the southern continent.
Follow the Journey
Trip Itinerary
Chapter 1: Pre-Arrival Patagonia
We strongly recommend arriving on the 24th to allow a buffer for any travel delays in Chile or Argentina. This is a remote route, and connections can be disrupted. You will be guided by a team leader to your hotel of choice.
Expedition Day 1 | Punta Arenas
You will be welcomed before a mandatory meeting at 2.00 pm, 25th November at the Explorer's House. That afternoon, all participants will cover flight operations, clothing concerns, safety protocols, and Antarctic visitor guidelines. The day concludes with a welcome dinner and introductions. We will all be hosted at Hotel Cabo de Hornos as a team. It is possible due to the weather that we may fly south of the evening of the 25th ", so we need to be ready.
Morning Day 2 | Departure South
An early scheduled flight of 2 hours transports you from Chile to King George Island in the South Shetland region. From the runway, you transit past Chile's Frei Station and Russia's Bellingshausen Station before boarding Zodiacs for your first approach to the expedition vessel. This is the moment you reach the true south. Expedition mode commences.
Chapter 2: Antarctica
Days 2-6 | Antarctica Operations
The ship will now sail South to the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Each day within your own limitations involves Zodiac operations, coastal landings, and exploration with experienced polar guides. You move through ocean, wind, and changing conditions, observing wildlife, ice structures and remarkable landscapes witnessed by few. On board, sessions focus on leadership under pressure, decision-making in uncertainty, and what it takes to lead to achieve sustainable long-term impact when plans break and conditions shift. Antarctica does not run to schedule. Routes and landing sites change with weather and ice. The expedition team adapts daily to what the environment allows. Likely operating zones include the South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Sound, Gerlache Strait, and Penola Strait.
Chapter 3: Integration
Day 7 I Northbound
After a full day of activities, we return to King George Island and depart Antarctica by schedule flight to Punta Arenas. Transfer to your hotel on arrival. Time to reflect with your Antarctic team and reflect on what lies next.
Day 8 I Departure
Transfer to Punta Arenas airport for onward travel. Flights should be scheduled after 2pm, 2nd December. We recommend flexible insured tickets in case of weather-related delays returning from Antarctica.
Simple ideas
In the past, travelers who wanted to reach the Antarctic Peninsula had only one option: a four day sail across the notoriously rough seas of the Drake Passage. However, since 2003, there is a new offering for a more efficient alternative. Fly the Drake.
A two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas, the Chilean gateway to Patagonia, directly to Antarctica, where you then board your expedition ship. No stormy crossing. No seasickness. Just quick, total immersion in your Antarctic adventure.
Lasting impact
This small expedition vessel offers direct access to areas along the Antarctic shore that larger ships simply can’t reach. You get on and off faster, so your time ashore is focused where it should be: appreciating every moment of your expedition experience unlike any other.