Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake (28.29)

Embark on the most modern, streamlined 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 full support for dietary requirements.


Fly and Cruise Antarctica
© QRK

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


Designed to the highest standards of comfort and efficiency, this season’s itinerary optimises the renowned Fly-Cruise route to the seventh continent. The journey begins in historic Punta Arenas, where transfers and the compulsory orientation dinner are organised. The following day, a charter flight lasting just two hours completely bypasses the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage, transporting passengers directly to the South Shetland Islands. Upon landing on King George Island, Zodiac zodiac boats speed up boarding to begin a week of total immersion in the planet’s most remote landscapes.

This version of the itinerary refines the descriptive details of the activities to focus entirely on the scientific and sailing experience. The Zodiac boats will navigate through bays and imposing glacial channels to reach active scientific research stations and polar bases. The programme stands out for its respectful approach to wildlife, allowing passengers to observe massive penguin colonies and spot marine species such as humpback and minke whales, as well as leopard seals. The experience aboard the Ultramarine has been drastically modernised, removing previous internet restrictions to offer complimentary basic Wi-Fi on one device, complemented by active kitchen management for personalised menus and dietary requirements notified in advance.

Highlights:
Revamped Fly-Cruise programme: Direct two-hour charter flights that eliminate days of sea travel across the Drake Passage.
Unrestricted connectivity: Complimentary basic Wi-Fi with no gigabyte limits on one device throughout the voyage.
Optimised galleys: Active and coordinated on-board management to cater for allergies and dietary requirements notified in advance.
Daily excursions focusing on local glacial bays, active ice channels and visits to scientific research stations.
Polar wildlife sightings with a respectful approach to colonies of Adélie, chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, as well as large marine mammals.
Operations led by experienced, internationally certified Expedition Leaders.

Itinerary

© QRK
© QRK
© QRK

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 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 your embarkation day.

Day 2: Fly to King George Island and Embark
Drake Passage cross by charter flight
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
Untouched wilderness exploration
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. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience. 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, all of which can be found here. 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. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy.

Day 7: Disembark and Fly to Punta Arenas
Charter flight back to Patagonia
After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your two-hour 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 flight.

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 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 your embarkation day.

Day 2: Fly to King George Island and Embark
Drake Passage cross by charter flight
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
Untouched wilderness exploration
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. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience. 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, all of which can be found here. 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. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy.

Day 7: Disembark and Fly to Punta Arenas
Charter flight back to Patagonia
After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your two-hour 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 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
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

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: 02 Dec 2028 - 09 Dec 2028 (5481)
Triple Suite
$24,995
$21,596
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$27,995
$24,296
Veranda Stateroom
$29,395
$25,556
Veranda Suite
$31,195
$27,176
Studio Single
$40,495
$37,526
Penthouse Suite
$42,695
$37,526
Studio Veranda Single
$43,695
$38,426
Owners Suite
$45,595
$40,136
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 07 Dec 2028 - 14 Dec 2028 (5482)
Triple Suite
$24,995
$21,596
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$27,995
$24,296
Veranda Stateroom
$29,395
$25,556
Veranda Suite
$31,195
$27,176
Studio Single
$40,495
$35,546
Penthouse Suite
$42,695
$37,526
Studio Veranda Single
$43,695
$38,426
Owners Suite
$45,595
$40,136
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 16 Jan 2029 - 23 Jan 2029 (5483)
Triple Suite
$24,995
$21,596
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$27,995
$24,296
Veranda Stateroom
$29,395
$25,556
Veranda Suite
$31,195
$27,176
Studio Single
$40,495
$35,546
Penthouse Suite
$42,695
$37,526
Studio Veranda Single
$43,695
$38,426
Owners Suite
$45,595
$40,136
Ship: World Voyager (QRK) | Date: 04 Feb 2029 - 11 Feb 2029 (5484)
Infinity Suite
$21,295
$18,266
Veranda Suite
$22,395
$19,256
Superior Suite
$29,195
$25,376
Deluxe Suite
$31,395
$27,356
Owner´s Suite
$33,595
$29,336
Ship: World Voyager (QRK) | Date: 09 Feb 2029 - 16 Feb 2029 (5485)
Infinity Suite
$21,295
$18,266
Veranda Suite
$22,395
$19,256
Superior Suite
$29,195
$25,376
Deluxe Suite
$31,395
$27,356
Owner´s Suite
$33,595
$29,336

* 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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