Antarctica Express: Fly the Drake

Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica


Fly and Cruise Antarctica
© QEX

Answer the call of Antarctica by flying over the notorious Drake Passage by charter plane to land at King George Island before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by ship. Cruise in a Zodiac to get water-level views of icebergs, spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales, marvel at many of the Antarctic Peninsula highlights and enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts

Duration: 8 days
Starts: Punta Arenas, Chile
Ends: Punta Arenas, Chile
Language: English Speaking Voyage


Included
Optional


In just 8 adventure-packed days, you’ll experience rewarding shore visits and Zodiac cruises, marvel at intimate wildlife encounters, explore historic sites and make the most of your landmark visit to the 7th Continent. Select from a range of adventure options and onboard activities that match your personal interests and make your expedition uniquely yours.


Itinerary

© David Merron
© Samantha Crimmin
© David Merron

IMPORTANT REMINDER
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff should allow the sea, ice and weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative summary of what you will experience on this trip; Please note that a specific itinerary cannot be guaranteed.

DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE
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 EMBARKATION
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!

DAYS 3–6 | ANTARCTIC PENINSULA AND SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
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.

Your Expedition Team will accompany you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.

DAY 7 | DISEMBARKATION AND FLY TO PUNTA ARENAS
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
After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport.

Itinerary

IMPORTANT REMINDER
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff should allow the sea, ice and weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative summary of what you will experience on this trip; Please note that a specific itinerary cannot be guaranteed.

DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE
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 EMBARKATION
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!

DAYS 3–6 | ANTARCTIC PENINSULA AND SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
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.

Your Expedition Team will accompany you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.

DAY 7 | DISEMBARKATION AND FLY TO PUNTA ARENAS
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
After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport.


© 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. Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.
• Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
• 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
• 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
• 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 in Punta Arenas with breakfast
• 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.)
• Itineraries are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change

EXCLUSIONS

• International airfare
• Passport and applicable visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
• 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, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
• Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
• 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 Explorer | Date: 05 Dec 2024 - 12 Dec 2024 (2271)
Triple
$16,795
$15,955
Infinity Suite
$20,695
$19,660
Veranda Suite
$20,695
$19,660
Superior Suite
$25,595
$24,315
Deluxe Suite
$27,795
$26,405
Owner\\\'s Suite
$29,295
$27,830
Ship: World Explorer | Date: 15 Dec 2024 - 22 Dec 2024 (2272)
Triple
$17,895
$15,211
Infinity Suite
$21,795
$18,526
Veranda Suite
$21,795
$18,526
Superior Suite
$27,095
$23,031
Deluxe Suite
$29,295
$24,901
Owner\\\'s Suite
$30,995
$26,346
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 09 Jan 2025 - 16 Jan 2025 (2862)
Veranda Stateroom
$22,495
$21,370
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$20,995
$19,945
Studio Single
$27,995
$26,595
Veranda Suite
$23,495
$2,230
Junior Suite
$27,995
$26,595
Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
$24,495
$17,636
Owners Suite
$34,995
$32,770
Penthouse Suite
$32,495
$30,870
Studio Veranda Single
$29,995
$28,495
Studio Double
$20,295
$14,612
Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom
$23,795
$17,132
Royal Veranda Stateroom
$26,695
$19,220
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 14 Jan 2025 - 21 Jan 2025 (3038)
Veranda Stateroom
$22,495
$20,245
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$20,995
$18,895
Studio Single
$27,995
$25,195
Veranda Suite
$23,495
$21,145
Junior Suite
$27,995
$25,195
Owners Suite
$34,495
$31,045
Penthouse Suite
$32,495
$29,245
Studio Veranda Single
$29,995
$26,995
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 19 Jan 2025 - 26 Jan 2025 (2863)
Veranda Stateroom
$22,495
$20,245
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$20,995
$18,895
Studio Single
$27,995
$25,195
Veranda Suite
$23,495
$21,145
Junior Suite
$27,995
$25,195
Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
$22,195
$13,982
Owners Suite
$34,495
$31,045
Penthouse Suite
$32,495
$29,245
Studio Veranda Single
$29,995
$26,995
Studio Double
$18,295
$11,525
Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom
$21,595
$13,604
Royal Veranda Stateroom
$24,095
$15,179
Ship: World Explorer | Date: 10 Dec 2025 - 17 Dec 2025 (1223)
Triple
$18,995
$15,339
Infinity Suite
$22,295
$18,003
Veranda Suite
$22,295
$18,003
Superior Suite
$28,995
$23,414
Deluxe Suite
$31,195
$25,190
Owner\\\'s Suite
$33,495
$27,047
Ship: World Explorer | Date: 15 Dec 2025 - 22 Dec 2025 (2273)
Triple
$18,995
$15,339
Infinity Suite
$22,295
$18,003
Veranda Suite
$22,295
$18,003
Superior Suite
$28,995
$23,414
Deluxe Suite
$31,195
$25,190
Owner\\\'s Suite
$33,495
$27,047
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 04 Jan 2026 - 11 Jan 2026 (3286)
Veranda Stateroom
$24,995
$20,184
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$23,795
$19,215
Studio Single
$31,295
$25,271
Veranda Suite
$26,495
$21,395
Junior Suite
$31,295
$25,271
Owners Suite
$38,695
$31,264
Penthouse Suite
$36,295
$29,308
Studio Veranda Single
$33,795
$27,290
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 08 Mar 2026 - 15 Mar 2026 (3287)
Veranda Stateroom
$22,595
$17,172
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$21,495
$16,336
Studio Single
$28,295
$21,504
Veranda Suite
$23,995
$18,236
Junior Suite
$28,295
$21,504
Owners Suite
$35,095
$26,672
Penthouse Suite
$32,795
$24,924
Studio Veranda Single
$30,495
$23,176

* 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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