Flying vs. Sailing the Drake Passage: Which Should You Choose?
Flying vs. Sailing the Drake Passage: Which Should You Choose?
Every traveler planning an Antarctic expedition eventually faces the same question:
Should I sail across the Drake Passage, or fly over it?
Neither option is objectively better. The right choice depends on what kind of adventure you're looking for, how much time you have, and how comfortable you are with spending several days at sea.
At MoreTime Expeditions, we offer both classic sailing expeditions across the Drake Passage and Fly & Sail itineraries, giving every traveler the opportunity to experience Antarctica in the way that suits them best.
Here's how the two options compare.
What Is the Drake Passage?
The Drake Passage is the stretch of ocean between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula. At roughly 800 km (500 miles) wide, it connects the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Oceans.
For centuries it has been one of the world's most famous sea crossings.
Crossing the Drake by sail typically takes two to three days each way, depending on weather conditions.
Option 1: Sail Across the Drake Passage
For many travelers, the Drake Passage is part of the adventure.
Rather than simply traveling to Antarctica, you're following the route taken by legendary explorers like Shackleton, Scott, and Amundsen.
On a traditional sailing yacht, you'll experience:
Ocean sailing in one of the world's most legendary waterways
Watching albatrosses and petrels follow the yacht
Learning how the crew navigates the Southern Ocean
Seeing your first icebergs appear on the horizon
A genuine expedition atmosphere
Many guests describe the moment Antarctica appears after days at sea as one of the most rewarding experiences of the entire journey.
Why Choose Sailing?
Sailing across the Drake is ideal if you want the complete expedition experience.
You'll spend more time at sea, become part of life aboard the yacht, and experience the transition from South America to Antarctica exactly as explorers have for generations.
It's especially popular with travelers who enjoy:
Sailing
Ocean adventures
Wildlife watching
Photography
Maritime history
The crossing itself becomes an unforgettable chapter of the expedition.
Option 2: Fly Across the Drake Passage
Not everyone dreams of spending several days crossing the Southern Ocean.
Some travelers simply want to reach Antarctica as quickly and comfortably as possible.
With MoreTime Expeditions' Fly & Sail program, you'll board a charter flight from southern Chile and fly directly to King George Island.
Instead of spending two days crossing the Drake Passage, you'll arrive in Antarctica in just a few hours.
From there, you'll join your expedition sailing yacht and continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by sea.
Why Choose Fly & Sail?
Flying eliminates the longest and roughest part of the journey while keeping everything that makes a small-ship expedition special.
You still enjoy:
Sailing among glaciers and icebergs
Daily Zodiac landings
Penguin colonies
Whale watching
Small-group exploration
Overnight stays aboard a traditional expedition yacht
The only thing you skip is the Drake crossing itself.
Sailing vs. Flying: Side-by-Side Comparison
Sailing the DrakeFly & Sail
Full ocean crossing experience
Skip the Southern Ocean crossing
2–3 days sailing each direction
Flight takes only a few hours
Authentic polar expedition atmosphere
More comfortable for many travelers
Ideal for sailing enthusiasts
Ideal for guests concerned about seasickness
More time at sea
More time exploring Antarctica
Both options spend the majority of the expedition exploring Antarctica itself.
What About Seasickness?
This is usually the deciding factor.
While many crossings are surprisingly calm ("Drake Lake"), others become the famous "Drake Shake."
If you're worried about motion sickness, Fly & Sail offers a stress-free alternative without sacrificing the Antarctic experience.
If you're excited by the idea of crossing one of the world's great oceans, sailing may become one of your favorite memories.
Is Flying Less Authentic?
Not at all.
Some travelers worry that flying somehow means "missing Antarctica."
In reality, Fly & Sail guests still explore Antarctica aboard the same expedition yachts.
You'll visit the same glaciers, wildlife colonies, research stations, and remote anchorages.
You'll still sail among icebergs, launch Zodiac landings, kayak, photograph wildlife, and experience Antarctica from the water.
The difference is simply how you reach the continent.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choose Sailing if you:
Dream of crossing the legendary Drake Passage
Want the full ocean expedition experience
Enjoy traditional sailing
Love maritime history
Don't mind spending several days at sea
Choose Fly&Sail if you:
Want to avoid the roughest seas
Are concerned about seasickness
Have limited vacation time
Prefer to maximize your time in Antarctica
Are traveling with children or less experienced adventurers
MoreTime Expeditions Offers Both
One of the biggest advantages of traveling with MoreTime Expeditions is flexibility.
We believe Antarctica should be accessible to everyone.
Some guests want to earn their arrival by sailing across the legendary Drake Passage. Others simply want to begin exploring Antarctica as soon as possible.
That's why we offer both options.
Whether you choose to cross the Southern Ocean under sail or fly directly to King George Island before boarding your expedition yacht, you'll experience Antarctica in small groups, with expert guides, flexible itineraries, and access to places that large cruise ships often cannot reach.
The best expedition isn't the one someone else recommends—it's the one that matches your idea of adventure.
Ready to Choose Your Antarctic Adventure?
Whether you dream of sailing across the legendary Drake Passage or prefer to fly directly to Antarctica before joining a small expedition yacht, MoreTime Expeditions offers both experiences.
Explore our Fly & Sail Antarctica itineraries or our classic Drake Passage sailing expeditions and find the journey that fits your travel style best.