Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake (26.27/27.28)

Avoid the Drake Passage crossing by flying directly to Antarctica. Take a swift two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island to embark on an 8-day expedition along the Antarctic Peninsula, exploring penguin rookeries and glaciated bays by Zodiac.


Fly and Cruise Antarctica
© QEX

Duration: 8 days
Starts: Punta Arenas, Chile
Ends: Punta Arenas, Chile
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


Embark on a highly efficient polar expedition that maximises your time on the White Continent by avoiding the four days of traditional open-sea sailing. The adventure begins in the Patagonian city of Punta Arenas, where you will enjoy a pre-flight orientation dinner. The following day, you will board an exclusive charter flight that will cross the legendary Drake Passage in just two hours, offering spectacular aerial views before landing on the South Shetland Islands. Once on King George Island, Zodiac zodiac boats will transfer you to the expedition vessel to begin your polar voyage straight away.

Over the course of an action-packed week, you will explore deep channels flanked by active glacier fronts and ice-covered bays. The on-board programme includes lectures by experts in glaciology and polar history, as well as satellite photography workshops. Each day offers shore landings and Zodiac cruises, allowing you to walk up close amongst thousands of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins, and spot predators such as orcas and the elusive leopard seal. At the end of the week, you will return on a two-hour charter flight to Punta Arenas for one last evening in Patagonia.

Highlights:
Drake Passage Express: Private return charter flights that reduce the sea crossing of the Drake Passage to just two hours each way.
Full logistics package including two nights’ hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas (pre- and post-expedition) and group transfers.
Daily excursions and guided Zodiac boat trips to explore ice-filled channels and glacial bays.
Close encounters with polar wildlife, including multiple species of penguins, whales and leopard seals.
Educational programme led by scientists on board, focusing on history, photography and polar biodiversity.
Complimentary 1GB physical Wi-Fi data card for basic connectivity on one device.

Itinerary

© David Merron
© Samantha Crimmin
© David Merron

Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile
Hotel night and 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 keep you busy for days. 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 preparing for your embarkation day.

Day 2: Fly to King George Island and Embark
Crossing the Drake Passage by plane
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will enable you to cross the legendary Drake Passage in only two hours, while far below, the ship will approach King George Island for your arrival. 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 being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

Day 3-6: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Intensive polar expeditions
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. The Antarctic Continent is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes. As your Captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert presenters will deepen your experience with explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region, and presentations on photography to help you take memory-catching images. Even more exciting are your daily excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking on a shore inhabited by thousands of penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities, and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins. You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and orcas in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore during this unrivaled wilderness experience.

Day 7: Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
Return flight to Patagonia
After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your group transfer to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Day 8: Depart Punta Arenas
End of itinerary
After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile
Hotel night and 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 keep you busy for days. 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 preparing for your embarkation day.

Day 2: Fly to King George Island and Embark
Crossing the Drake Passage by plane
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will enable you to cross the legendary Drake Passage in only two hours, while far below, the ship will approach King George Island for your arrival. 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 being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

Day 3-6: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Intensive polar expeditions
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. The Antarctic Continent is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes. As your Captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert presenters will deepen your experience with explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region, and presentations on photography to help you take memory-catching images. Even more exciting are your daily excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking on a shore inhabited by thousands of penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities, and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins. You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and orcas in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore during this unrivaled wilderness experience.

Day 7: Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
Return flight to Patagonia
After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your group transfer to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Day 8: Depart Punta Arenas
End of itinerary
After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.


© David Merron
© Samantha Crimmin
© David Merron


INCLUSIONS

An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
Leadership throughout the 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.
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 your expedition
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
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.)
World Voyager guests will receive a free 1GB data card for limited Wi-Fi access for use on one device, permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Additional data can be purchased on ship.) Note: Internet access in the polar regions is subject to geography, climate, and other factors beyond our control.
A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
A pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport
Flights to and from King George Island
A post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel
One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation (with breakfast) in Punta Arenas, as well as luggage storage.

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare
Passport and applicable visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Our complimentary alcohol and bar service does not include spirits
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
Phone charges may vary by location
Our complimentary data card does not include Premium packages which enable more dataintensive 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.


Dates & Rates


Ship: World Voyager (QRK) | Date: 01 Dec 2026 - 08 Dec 2026 (3885)
Infinity Suite
$19,695
$17,726
Veranda Suite
$20,695
$18,626
Superior Suite
$26,895
$24,206
Deluxe Suite
$28,995
$26,096
Owner´s Suite
$31,095
$27,986
Ship: World Voyager (QRK) | Date: 06 Dec 2026 - 13 Dec 2026 (3886)
Infinity Suite
$19,695
$16,741
Veranda Suite
$20,695
$17,591
Superior Suite
$26,895
$22,861
Deluxe Suite
$28,995
$24,646
Owner´s Suite
$31,095
$26,431
Ship: World Voyager (QRK) | Date: 11 Feb 2027 - 18 Feb 2027 (3892)
Infinity Suite
$22,195
$19,976
Veranda Suite
$23,395
$21,056
Superior Suite
$30,395
$27,356
Deluxe Suite
$32,795
$29,516
Owner´s Suite
$35,095
$31,586
Ship: World Voyager (QRK) | Date: 16 Feb 2027 - 23 Feb 2027 (3893)
Infinity Suite
$20,695
$18,626
Veranda Suite
$21,795
$19,616
Superior Suite
$28,295
$25,466
Deluxe Suite
$30,495
$27,446
Owner´s Suite
$32,695
$29,426
Ship: World Voyager (QRK) | Date: 21 Feb 2027 - 28 Feb 2027 (4014)
Infinity Suite
$20,695
$18,626
Veranda Suite
$21,795
$19,616
Superior Suite
$28,295
$25,466
Deluxe Suite
$30,395
$27,356
Owner´s Suite
$32,595
$29,336
Ship: World Voyager (QRK) | Date: 09 Dec 2027 - 16 Dec 2027 (4709)
Infinity Suite
$21,095
$17,931
Veranda Suite
$22,295
$18,951
Superior Suite
$28,895
$24,561
Deluxe Suite
$31,095
$26,431
Owner´s Suite
$33,395
$28,386
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 04 Jan 2028 - 11 Jan 2028 (4701)
Triple Suite
$24,995
$21,246
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$27,895
$23,711
Veranda Stateroom
$29,395
$24,986
Veranda Suite
$31,195
$26,516
Studio Single
$40,395
$34,336
Penthouse Suite
$42,595
$36,206
Studio Veranda Single
$43,595
$37,056
Owners Suite
$45,495
$38,671
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 09 Jan 2028 - 16 Jan 2028 (4702)
Triple Suite
$24,995
$21,246
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$27,895
$23,711
Veranda Stateroom
$29,395
$24,986
Veranda Suite
$31,195
$26,415
Studio Single
$40,395
$34,336
Penthouse Suite
$42,595
$36,206
Studio Veranda Single
$43,595
$37,056
Owners Suite
$45,495
$38,671
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 28 Jan 2028 - 04 Feb 2028 (4703)
Triple Suite
$24,995
$21,246
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$27,895
$23,711
Veranda Stateroom
$29,395
$24,986
Veranda Suite
$31,195
$26,516
Studio Single
$40,395
$34,336
Penthouse Suite
$425,595
$36,206
Studio Veranda Single
$43,595
$37,056
Owners Suite
$45,495
$38,671
Ship: World Voyager (QRK) | Date: 12 Feb 2028 - 19 Feb 2028 (4744)
Infinity Suite
$21,795
$19,616
Veranda Suite
$22,895
$20,606
Superior Suite
$29,795
$26,816
Deluxe Suite
$32,095
$28,886
Owner´s Suite
$34,395
$30,956

* 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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