Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North (PUQ-USH 28.29)

Participate in the most modern version of our Antarctic fly-cruise expedition. Fly over the Drake Passage in just two hours to King George Island and explore the Antarctic Peninsula featuring complimentary Wi-Fi with no data limits and expert leadership by Quark Expedition Leaders.


Fly and Cruise Antarctica
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Duration: 9 days
Starts: Punta Arenas, Chile
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included
Optional


Organised to the industry’s highest standards, this air-and-sea expedition makes the most of your time exploring the White Continent. The itinerary begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, with a pre-flight briefing dinner. The following day, you will board a private charter flight to cross the Drake Passage in just two hours, avoiding the usual two-day sea crossing. Upon landing on King George Island, you will immediately board the vessel to sail through the channels and majestic fjords of the Antarctic Peninsula.

This version of the programme is characterised by an experiential approach deeply rooted in reverence, wonder and active learning. Using Zodiac zodiac boats and landings coordinated by the Expedition Leaders, passengers will explore local glacial bays, visit active scientific research stations and walk amongst thousands of Gentoo, Adélie and Chinstrap penguins. Onboard amenities have been upgraded, removing satellite data restrictions to offer complimentary basic Wi-Fi on one device, complemented by an open-kitchen policy to cater for special dietary requirements notified in advance, and a bar service serving selected cocktails during dinner. The voyage concludes by sailing across the Drake Passage back to Ushuaia.

Highlights:
Modernised Express Transit: A two-hour one-way charter flight that eliminates the initial sea crossing of the Drake Passage.
Unlimited connectivity: Complimentary basic Wi-Fi with no data limits on one device throughout the voyage.
Personalised meals: Coordinated on-board management to cater for dietary requirements and allergies notified in advance.
Daily Zodiac excursions exploring glacial bays, penguin colonies and active research stations.
Return voyage guided by polar experts with high-definition lectures in the Ambassador Theatre.
Operations and landings led by experienced, certified Expedition Leaders.

Itinerary

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© QRK
© QRK

Day 1: Arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile
Briefing dinner included
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to enjoy. By early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions representative will meet you at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparations for embarkation day.

Day 2: Fly To King George Island and Embark
Swift two-hour Drake crossing
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will enable you to cross the legendary Drake Passage in only two hours. Down below, your ship awaits your arrival at King George Island. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends onto the South Shetland Islands. After landing, make your way to the shore, before the Zodiac transfer to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.

Day 3-6: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
A sense of reverence and awe
The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or observing chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise.

Day 7-8: Crossing the Drake Passage
Northbound return crossing
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, rounding up the engages presentations on polar biology and glaciology.

Day 9: Disembark Ushuaia, Argentina
End of itinerary
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, after which you can continue your onward journey, or catch your homeward-bound flight.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile
Briefing dinner included
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to enjoy. By early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions representative will meet you at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparations for embarkation day.

Day 2: Fly To King George Island and Embark
Swift two-hour Drake crossing
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will enable you to cross the legendary Drake Passage in only two hours. Down below, your ship awaits your arrival at King George Island. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends onto the South Shetland Islands. After landing, make your way to the shore, before the Zodiac transfer to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.

Day 3-6: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
A sense of reverence and awe
The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or observing chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise.

Day 7-8: Crossing the Drake Passage
Northbound return crossing
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, rounding up the engages presentations on polar biology and glaciology.

Day 9: Disembark Ushuaia, Argentina
End of itinerary
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, after which you can continue your onward journey, or catch your homeward-bound flight.


© QRK
© QRK
© QRK


INCLUSIONS

An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, 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 (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible.)
Complimentary select beer, wines 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 the 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.) Note: Internet access in the polar regions is subject to geography, climate, and other factors beyond our control
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
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 departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage.

EXCLUSIONS

Charter Flight & Hotel Package* (when applicable – please review trip-specific details below)
International airfare
Arrival and departure transfers
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Meals ashore 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 cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, spa and other personal charges unless specified
Phone charges may vary by location
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 12 Dec 2028 - 20 Dec 2028 (5486)
Triple Suite
$18,295
$15,566
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$20,495
$17,546
Veranda Stateroom
$21,495
$18,446
Veranda Suite
$22,795
$19,616
Studio Single
$29,595
$25,736
Penthouse Suite
$31,195
$27,176
Studio Veranda Single
$31,995
$17,896
Owners Suite
$33,395
$19,156
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 26 Jan 2029 - 03 Feb 2029 (5487)
Triple Suite
$18,295
$15,566
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$20,495
$17,546
Veranda Stateroom
$21,495
$18,446
Veranda Suite
$22,795
$19,616
Studio Single
$29,595
$25,736
Penthouse Suite
$31,195
$27,176
Studio Veranda Single
$31,995
$27,896
Owners Suite
$33,395
$29,156

* 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.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. 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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