The new season introduces additional fly-and-sail departures, short-duration air-access voyages and extended itineraries to the Antarctic Circle, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
Atlas Ocean Voyages has unveiled 25 expeditions for its 2028–29 Antarctica season, offering travellers a wider choice of ways to explore the White Continent between October 2028 and March 2029.
The programme expands the company’s Drake Fly & Sail offering from two departures in 2027–28 to four in the new season. It also includes Drake Express itineraries, which fly across the Drake Passage in both directions, alongside conventional voyages that make the crossing by sea and longer expeditions to destinations across the Southern Ocean.
James A. Rodriguez, president and chief executive officer of Atlas Ocean Voyages, said the expanded programme would give travellers more ways to experience Antarctica while retaining the company’s focus on small-group exploration, expert-led discovery and personalised service.
Three ways to reach Antarctica
The programme offers three principal approaches to the Drake Passage, a defining feature of many Antarctic voyages.
Drake Fly & Sail comprises four nine-night expeditions, combining a sea crossing in one direction with a private charter flight in the other. The expanded schedule doubles the number of departures compared with the 2027–28 season.
Drake Express features two seven-night expeditions, with flights across the Drake Passage both ways. According to Atlas, these itineraries provide six full days to explore the Antarctic Peninsula.
Antarctic Discovery offers nine-night voyages that cross the Drake Passage by sea in both directions, retaining the traditional maritime approach to the continent.
Extended journeys beyond the Antarctic Peninsula
Travellers seeking longer itineraries can choose from expeditions that venture farther south and across the wider Southern Ocean.
Two 12-night Crossing the Antarctic Circle voyages will travel south of 66°33′ latitude, with seven expedition days dedicated to exploring the region’s landscapes, waterways and wildlife.
The 18-night Grand Antarctica expedition, departing on 7 January 2029, combines visits to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. The itinerary offers opportunities to observe South Georgia’s king penguin colonies and experience the rugged scenery and birdlife of the Falklands.
Selected departures are also scheduled around major calendar occasions, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Valentine’s Day.
Marking a milestone in Antarctic aviation
The season will include a commemorative Antarctic Discovery departure on 16 November 2028, marking the centenary of a pioneering powered flight over Antarctica by Sir Hubert Wilkins and Carl Ben Eielson, who departed Deception Island on the same date in 1928.
The anniversary provides a historical connection between early aviation exploration and the modern range of air-and-sea options available to Antarctic travellers.
Expert-led exploration and onboard inclusions
Antarctic conditions and wildlife patterns vary throughout the austral summer. Early-season voyages may coincide with penguin courtship and nesting, while later departures can offer opportunities to observe chicks and increased whale activity.
Atlas says its expedition teams adapt daily activities to prevailing weather, sea, ice and wildlife conditions. Each voyage is supported by a multidisciplinary team of up to 17 experts, with guided shore landings and Zodiac safaris among the core activities. Sea kayaking and Antarctic camping are available on selected departures.
The company’s Polar Expeditions also include a pre-expedition hotel stay, destination briefings, enrichment programmes, expedition gear and a Polar Plunge. Charter flights are included where applicable, alongside Atlas Ocean Voyages’ yacht-style hospitality.
Launch offer for the 2028–29 season
Atlas is offering up to 10% in bonus savings, together with its Explorer’s Choice programme. Depending on the selected benefit, guests can receive up to US$2,000 in air savings per suite, a one-night hotel package or enhanced unlimited Wi-Fi.
Bookings made by 31 December 2026 can also secure currently published fares before new pricing takes effect on 1 January 2027, according to the company’s launch announcement.
