Antarctic Express: Sail South, Fly North from Buenos Aires

A 10-day itinerary featuring the best of both worlds: cross the 800-km Drake Passage by ship and return by charter flight. Experience the South Shetland Islands, pristine icescapes, and iconic Antarctic wildlife.


Fly and Cruise Antarctica
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Duration: 10 days / 7 nights on board
Starts: Buenos Aires, Argentina
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. The Captain and/or Expedition Leader will make necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.
This is a Fly/Sail itinerary, crossing the Drake Passage by ship (southbound) and returning by charter flight (northbound).
Includes a Charter Flight & Hotel Package (Buenos Aires hotel, flight to Ushuaia, and hotel in Punta Arenas).


Included
Optional


Get the best of both worlds on this 10-day Antarctic Express itinerary. You will achieve a polar rite of passage by crossing the legendary 800-km Drake Passage by ship. Then, on your return, you will board a comfortable charter flight at King George Island for a three-hour flight over the waterway, maximizing your time in the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

You will spend four full days exploring rugged snow-capped peaks, stark icescapes, and immense penguin colonies. Expect to encounter minke and humpback whales, Adélie penguins, and a number of southern seal species. The expedition includes expert presentations on history, biology, and glaciology to deepen your experience. Amid the serene silence, noisy interludes, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, become indelible memories.

Highlights:
Achieve the polar rite of passage by crossing the legendary 800-km Drake Passage by ship.
Return via a comfortable charter flight from King George Island, the fastest way out.
Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, including minke and humpback whales, Adélie penguins, and various seal species.
Explore rugged snow-capped peaks and immense penguin colonies on the South Shetland Islands and the Peninsula.
Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arriving in Buenos Aires and Hotel Night
Charter Flight & Hotel Package check-in
Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer independently to the designated group hotel. A Quark Expeditions representative will be available to answer your questions and give information about the next day’s flight and ship embarkation.

Day 2: Arrive in Ushuaia and Embarkation
Private charter flight and Beagle Channel sailing
After an early breakfast, board our private charter flight to Ushuaia. Enjoy some free time to explore this quaint port town before the late afternoon embarkation. We will sail along the historic Beagle Channel.

Days 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Polar lectures, presentations, and Antarctic Convergence
Spend your time getting your sea legs. Our Expedition Team will begin their series of presentations to help prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence.

Days 5-8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Zodiac excursions, hiking, and wildlife viewing
The Antarctic adventure truly begins once the Drake Passage is left behind. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. You will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species.

Day 9: Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
Charter flight across the Drake Passage
With only the Drake Passage ahead, you’ll disembark on King George Island before flying to Punta Arenas, Chile. Once you’re in Punta Arenas, we’ll transfer you from the airport to your hotel, where you’re free to explore and enjoy a final dinner on your own.

Day 10: Depart Punta Arenas
Departure
After breakfast, you are free to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arriving in Buenos Aires and Hotel Night
Charter Flight & Hotel Package check-in
Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer independently to the designated group hotel. A Quark Expeditions representative will be available to answer your questions and give information about the next day’s flight and ship embarkation.

Day 2: Arrive in Ushuaia and Embarkation
Private charter flight and Beagle Channel sailing
After an early breakfast, board our private charter flight to Ushuaia. Enjoy some free time to explore this quaint port town before the late afternoon embarkation. We will sail along the historic Beagle Channel.

Days 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Polar lectures, presentations, and Antarctic Convergence
Spend your time getting your sea legs. Our Expedition Team will begin their series of presentations to help prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence.

Days 5-8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Zodiac excursions, hiking, and wildlife viewing
The Antarctic adventure truly begins once the Drake Passage is left behind. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. You will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species.

Day 9: Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
Charter flight across the Drake Passage
With only the Drake Passage ahead, you’ll disembark on King George Island before flying to Punta Arenas, Chile. Once you’re in Punta Arenas, we’ll transfer you from the airport to your hotel, where you’re free to explore and enjoy a final dinner on your own.

Day 10: Depart Punta Arenas
Departure
After breakfast, you are free to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.


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INCLUSIONS

Specialist Expedition Leaders
Our team is comprised of the most professional and passionate Expedition Leaders in the world, who bring a wide range of experience and expertise to every adventure.

Immersive Off-ship Activities
Itineraries are packed with adventure options designed to immerses travelers in the polar wilderness, enabling them to connect with the natural wonders of their surroundings.

On-Ship Experiences & Facilities
Designed for comfort and adventure, each ship accommodates no more than 200 guests. Facilities include comfortable cabins, exceptional dining options, wellness treatments, and breathtaking panoramic views of the polar landscape.

Food & Beverages
Premium dining, with a wide selection of options that accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.

Quark Expedition Perks
Complementary Wi-Fi, alcohol on all voyages, and the Official Quark Expeditions parka to take home.

Transfers
Select voyages include essential transportation and accommodation arrangements for guests, ensuring seamless travel to and from the expedition starting point.

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare & visa expenses, travel insurance, mandatory expedition gear, on-ship expenses, adventure options and trip extensions are not included.
Anything not mentioned on the inclusions


Dates & Rates


Ship: World Voyager (QRK) | Date: 24 Nov 2026 - 03 Dec 2026 (4693)
Infinity Suite
$16,990
$14,642
Veranda Suite
$17,790
$15,326
Superior Suite
$22,890
$19,687
Owner´s Suite
$26,290
$22,594
Deluxe Suite
$24,590
$21,140
Ship: World Voyager (QRK) | Date: 04 Feb 2027 - 13 Feb 2027 (4694)
Infinity Suite
$19,190
$16,523
Veranda Suite
$20,190
$17,378
Superior Suite
$25,990
$22,337
Owner´s Suite
$29,790
$25,586
Deluxe Suite
$27,890
$23,962
Ship: World Voyager (QRK) | Date: 02 Dec 2027 - 11 Dec 2027 (4695)
Infinity Suite
$17,890
$14,557
Veranda Suite
$18,790
$15,326
Superior Suite
$24,190
$19,943
Owner´s Suite
$27,790
$23,021
Deluxe Suite
$25,990
$21,482
Ship: World Voyager (QRK) | Date: 05 Feb 2028 - 14 Feb 2028 (4696)
Infinity Suite
$20,090
$16,438
Veranda Suite
$21,190
$17,378
Superior Suite
$27,290
$22,594
Owner´s Suite
$31,290
$26,014
Deluxe Suite
$29,290
$24,304

* 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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