Antarctic Express Fly South, Cruise North

Revel in the excitement of crossing the famed Drake Passage after embarking from Ushuaia, with the convenience of a northbound return flight at the end of your expedition.


Fly and Cruise Antarctica
© QEX

Take the fastest route to Antarctica – a three-hour flight – and enjoy your first glimpse of the continent from the air, a unique introduction to the vast and dramatic landscape that remains one of the last unspoiled regions in the world.

Duration: 10 days
Starts: Punta Arenas, Chile
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English Speaking Voyage


Included
Optional


Continue your journey on ship, where an adventure beyond your wildest imagination awaits. Later, return through the world’s most legendary – and exciting – passage of water, as you follow the path of historic explorers across the infamous Drake Passage.

Expect the unexpected and be rewarded with unique wildlife and natural attractions, each highlight surpassing the last. Marvel at the contrast of a desolate landscape inhabited by abundant wildlife including curious, playful penguins and seals. And embrace the excitement of standing on the continent for the very first time.

Itinerary

© David Merron
© Samantha Crimmin
© David Merron

Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile
Your journey begins in Punta Arenas. This port city is situated at the southern tip of Chile, on the north bank of the Strait of Magellan. Once a Chilean penal colony, Punta Arenas has transformed into a vibrant city offering you plenty of attractions including historic sites and museums. Explore the city by day, and then join us for an evening dinner to meet your fellow Antarctic adventurers.

Day 2: Embarkation Day
Today you board your chartered flight to Antarctica. The journey over the Drake Passage will take you less than four hours, whereas our ship-based travelers take two days to make the journey by sea. Your first glimpse of Antarctica comes into view shortly before the aircraft descends towards King George Island—hope for clear skies so you can appreciate the vastness of this great continent! You will have free time to photograph parts of the island and stretch your legs before joining the ship. Once aboard, you’ll enjoy your first trip in a Zodiac and begin your exploration of the Antarctic region.

Days 3 to 6: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
You’ll get a sense that you’ve arrived on a new planet during the start of your Antarctic voyage, as the pristine nature and dramatic environments are like nothing else on earth. From the vessel you can watch whales swim and feed in nutrient-rich waters and spot penguins frolicking in the water and jumping aboard ice floes. Just as amazing as the wildlife are the towering snowcovered mountains and massive glaciers of the Peninsula, which will be your playground for the next few days.

Every Zodiac excursion and landing presents new sights, sounds and smells. Some landings may be as relaxing as sitting on a beach, taking photographs of curious gentoo penguins. Other landings may provide exhilarating panoramic views of the Antarctic continent by hiking atop a hill. Perhaps you’ll catch a calving glacier crumbling into the sea at Petermann Island, or take a Zodiac cruise in search of fur and elephant seals around Pleneau Island.

Even common travel experiences like mailing a postcard take on an extra level of excitement in Antarctica. While weather and sea conditions determine which landings we can make, your Expedition Team will ensure that each day of your Antarctic adventure leaves a lasting impression.

Days 7 and 8: Crossing the Drake Passage to Ushuaia
A rite of passage for any Antarctic adventurer, crossing the Drake signals the end of your journey. No matter the sea conditions, you will benefit from having developed your sea legs over the course of the previous four days. While the journey home has begun, your wildlife spotting continues. Your Expedition Team will be available on deck and on the ship’s bridge to help you spot the majestic wandering albatross and a number of whale species, such as minke and humpback.

When you’re not looking at photos and reminiscing about the previous days, the Expedition Team will conclude their series of engaging presentations on subjects such as marine biology, polar history and glaciology

Day 9: Disembark and overnight in Ushuaia, Argentina
After a final breakfast aboard the ship, say goodbye to your crew as we disembark in Ushuaia. We’ll transfer you to the hotel to check in and then you’ll have a chance to explore the town on your own to shop, sightsee and sample some Argentinian cuisine.

Day 10: Depart for Home
Today you are free to make your way to the airport for departure, or extend your stay in Ushuaia.

Itinerary

Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile
Your journey begins in Punta Arenas. This port city is situated at the southern tip of Chile, on the north bank of the Strait of Magellan. Once a Chilean penal colony, Punta Arenas has transformed into a vibrant city offering you plenty of attractions including historic sites and museums. Explore the city by day, and then join us for an evening dinner to meet your fellow Antarctic adventurers.

Day 2: Embarkation Day
Today you board your chartered flight to Antarctica. The journey over the Drake Passage will take you less than four hours, whereas our ship-based travelers take two days to make the journey by sea. Your first glimpse of Antarctica comes into view shortly before the aircraft descends towards King George Island—hope for clear skies so you can appreciate the vastness of this great continent! You will have free time to photograph parts of the island and stretch your legs before joining the ship. Once aboard, you’ll enjoy your first trip in a Zodiac and begin your exploration of the Antarctic region.

Days 3 to 6: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
You’ll get a sense that you’ve arrived on a new planet during the start of your Antarctic voyage, as the pristine nature and dramatic environments are like nothing else on earth. From the vessel you can watch whales swim and feed in nutrient-rich waters and spot penguins frolicking in the water and jumping aboard ice floes. Just as amazing as the wildlife are the towering snowcovered mountains and massive glaciers of the Peninsula, which will be your playground for the next few days.

Every Zodiac excursion and landing presents new sights, sounds and smells. Some landings may be as relaxing as sitting on a beach, taking photographs of curious gentoo penguins. Other landings may provide exhilarating panoramic views of the Antarctic continent by hiking atop a hill. Perhaps you’ll catch a calving glacier crumbling into the sea at Petermann Island, or take a Zodiac cruise in search of fur and elephant seals around Pleneau Island.

Even common travel experiences like mailing a postcard take on an extra level of excitement in Antarctica. While weather and sea conditions determine which landings we can make, your Expedition Team will ensure that each day of your Antarctic adventure leaves a lasting impression.

Days 7 and 8: Crossing the Drake Passage to Ushuaia
A rite of passage for any Antarctic adventurer, crossing the Drake signals the end of your journey. No matter the sea conditions, you will benefit from having developed your sea legs over the course of the previous four days. While the journey home has begun, your wildlife spotting continues. Your Expedition Team will be available on deck and on the ship’s bridge to help you spot the majestic wandering albatross and a number of whale species, such as minke and humpback.

When you’re not looking at photos and reminiscing about the previous days, the Expedition Team will conclude their series of engaging presentations on subjects such as marine biology, polar history and glaciology

Day 9: Disembark and overnight in Ushuaia, Argentina
After a final breakfast aboard the ship, say goodbye to your crew as we disembark in Ushuaia. We’ll transfer you to the hotel to check in and then you’ll have a chance to explore the town on your own to shop, sightsee and sample some Argentinian cuisine.

Day 10: Depart for Home
Today you are free to make your way to the airport for departure, or extend your stay in Ushuaia.


© David Merron
© Samantha Crimmin
© David Merron


INCLUSIONS

• An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
• Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings and other activities
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
• All shore landings as per the daily program
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage.
• Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
• Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
• A photographic journal documenting your expedition
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
• Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
• Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. • (Premium packages are available for more data intensive applications.)
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
• All luggage handling aboard the ship
• Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
• A group arrival transfer in Punta Arenas from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
• One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast. (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
• A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
• A pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport
• Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
• Group Transfer from ship to hotel for post night
• Post-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia.
• Itineraries are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change

EXCLUSIONS

• International airfare
• Passport and applicable visa expenses
• Meals unless otherwise specified
• Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
• Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
• Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
• Laundry, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
• Phone charges may vary by location
• Our basic complimentary Wi-Fi service does not include Premium packages which enable more data-intensive applications
• Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
• Additional overnight accommodation
• Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
• Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
• Transfer to airport at end of trip.


Dates & Rates


Ship: World Explorer | Date: 20 Dec 2025 - 29 Dec 2025 (2962)
Triple Suite
$17,995
$15,296
Veranda Suite
$21,195
$18,016
Infinity Suite
$21,195
$18,016
Superior Suite
$27,495
$23,371
Deluxe Suite
$29,595
$25,156
Owner\'s Suite
$31,695
$26,941
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 17 Jan 2026 - 26 Jan 2026 (3072)
Studio Single
$24,995
$21,246
Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
$18,995
$16,146
Veranda Stateroom
$19,995
$16,996
Veranda Suite
$21,195
$18,016
Junior Suite
$24,995
$21,246
Studio Veranda Single
$25,695
$21,841
Penthouse Suite
$27,595
$23,456
Owners Suite
$30,995
$26,346
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 13 Mar 2026 - 22 Mar 2026 (3071)
Studio Single
$23,795
$17,846
Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
$18,095
$13,571
Veranda Stateroom
$18,995
$14,246
Veranda Suite
$20,195
$15,146
Junior Suite
$23,795
$17,846
Studio Veranda Single
$25,695
$19,271
Penthouse Suite
$27,595
$20,696
Owners Suite
$29,395
$22,046

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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