Antarctica Express: Crossing the Circle

An 11-day expedition designed to maximize time in the Antarctic by flying round-trip over the Drake Passage (Fly/Fly). Cross the Antarctic Circle, explore the Peninsula, and enjoy bucket-list experiences like sea kayaking and up-close encounters with seals and three penguin species.


Fly and Cruise Antarctica
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Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Starts: Punta Arenas, Chile
Ends: Punta Arenas, Chile
Language: English speaking voyage

Includes a pre-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas with a welcome dinner and mandatory pre-flight briefing.
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


The 11-day Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle voyage is designed for adventurers seeking to check off the polar milestone of crossing the Antarctic Circle (66°33′ South) while maximizing their time on the White Continent. By taking a convenient two-hour charter flight to and from King George Island, you entirely skip the notorious Drake Passage sailing, giving you nine full days dedicated to Antarctic exploration. The journey is led by the best expedition team in the industry, ensuring safety and an unparalleled experience.

The cruise focuses on the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, pushing farther south to the famed latitude of the Circle, a region known as the home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and vast expanses of sea ice. Daily Zodiac excursions and landings bring you up close to incredible wildlife, allowing you to walk among Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins, and search for apex predators like leopard seals and orcas. Beyond the classic experiences, you can add bucket-list activities like sea kayaking through iceberg-dotted channels, all while enjoying in-depth presentations from our expert education team on glaciology, history, and wildlife.

Highlights:
Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica (Fly/Fly).
Witness iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins (Adélie, Gentoo, Chinstrap), seals, and whales.
Marvel at Antarctic Peninsula highlights, including achieving the milestone of crossing the Antarctic Circle (66°33′ S).
Celebrate crossing the Antarctic Circle with a toast, joining an exclusive group of travelers.
Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile
Arrival, Briefing, and Welcome Dinner
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile. 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 on preparations for your embarkation day. Arriving early allows time to explore this populated city in southern Patagonia.

Day 2: Fly to King George Island and Embark
Charter Flight Over the Drake Passage and Ship Boarding
Transfer to Punta Arenas airport for your two-hour charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica, crossing the legendary Drake Passage from a unique aerial perspective. After landing in the South Shetland Islands, you will be transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.

Days 3–5: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Zodiac Landings, Wildlife Encounters, and Glacial Views
The Antarctic Continent is an indescribable experience. Your days will be filled with land excursions and Zodiac cruises. Your first Zodiac landing, setting foot on a beach inhabited by thousands of penguins (Adélie, Gentoo, Chinstrap), is an unforgettable way to experience the unique wildlife. Excursions, dependent on weather, may include Zodiac cruises in search of whales and icebergs or a hike to a penguin rookery. Be alert for calving glaciers and apex predators like leopard seals and orcas. The Expedition Team will ensure safety and provide insights, while the expert education team offers in-depth explanations of the region's glaciology, history, and wildlife.

Days 6–7: Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Polar Milestone and Raw Antarctica
This phase is dedicated to crossing the Antarctic Circle (66°33´ S), an impressive achievement few travelers reach. If conditions allow, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice, the foundation of the marine ecosystem.

Days 8–9: Northbound Along the Peninsula
Continued Exploration and Final Sightings
You will continue to explore by Zodiac or on land as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals, and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south, ensuring you are fully satisfied with wildlife and icebergs before returning.

Day 10: Disembark and fly to Punta Arenas
Farewell Antarctica and Return Charter Flight
After a 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 the city or relax and reminisce.

Day 11: Depart Punta Arenas
Departure and Onward Travel
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
Arrival, Briefing, and Welcome Dinner
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile. 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 on preparations for your embarkation day. Arriving early allows time to explore this populated city in southern Patagonia.

Day 2: Fly to King George Island and Embark
Charter Flight Over the Drake Passage and Ship Boarding
Transfer to Punta Arenas airport for your two-hour charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica, crossing the legendary Drake Passage from a unique aerial perspective. After landing in the South Shetland Islands, you will be transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.

Days 3–5: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Zodiac Landings, Wildlife Encounters, and Glacial Views
The Antarctic Continent is an indescribable experience. Your days will be filled with land excursions and Zodiac cruises. Your first Zodiac landing, setting foot on a beach inhabited by thousands of penguins (Adélie, Gentoo, Chinstrap), is an unforgettable way to experience the unique wildlife. Excursions, dependent on weather, may include Zodiac cruises in search of whales and icebergs or a hike to a penguin rookery. Be alert for calving glaciers and apex predators like leopard seals and orcas. The Expedition Team will ensure safety and provide insights, while the expert education team offers in-depth explanations of the region's glaciology, history, and wildlife.

Days 6–7: Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Polar Milestone and Raw Antarctica
This phase is dedicated to crossing the Antarctic Circle (66°33´ S), an impressive achievement few travelers reach. If conditions allow, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice, the foundation of the marine ecosystem.

Days 8–9: Northbound Along the Peninsula
Continued Exploration and Final Sightings
You will continue to explore by Zodiac or on land as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals, and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south, ensuring you are fully satisfied with wildlife and icebergs before returning.

Day 10: Disembark and fly to Punta Arenas
Farewell Antarctica and Return Charter Flight
After a 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 the city or relax and reminisce.

Day 11: Depart Punta Arenas
Departure and Onward Travel
After breakfast, you are welcome 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.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 09 Jan 2026 - 19 Jan 2026 (3039)
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$28,295
$21,222
Veranda Stateroom
$29,795
$22,347
Veranda Suite
$31,595
$23,697
Studio Single
$37,195
$27,897
Junior Suite
$37,195
$27,897
Studio Veranda Single
$40,195
$30,147
Penthouse Suite
$34,095
$32,322
Owners Suite
$46,095
$34,572
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 28 Feb 2026 - 10 Mar 2026 (3076)
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$25,595
$17,917
Veranda Stateroom
$26,895
$18,827
Veranda Suite
$28,595
$20,017
Studio Single
$33,695
$23,587
Junior Suite
$33,695
$23,587
Studio Veranda Single
$36,395
$25,477
Penthouse Suite
$38,995
$27,297
Owners Suite
$41,695
$29,187
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 28 Feb 2026 - 10 Mar 2026 (3077)
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$25,595
$17,917
Veranda Stateroom
$26,895
$18,827
Veranda Suite
$28,595
$20,017
Studio Single
$33,695
$23,587
Junior Suite
$33,695
$23,587
Studio Veranda Single
$36,395
$25,477
Penthouse Suite
$38,995
$27,297
Owners Suite
$41,695
$29,187
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 21 Jan 2027 - 31 Jan 2027 (3922)
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$29,495
$25,219
Veranda Stateroom
$30,995
$26,501
Veranda Suite
$32,895
$28,126
Studio Single
$38,795
$33,170
Junior Suite
$38,795
$33,170
Studio Veranda Single
$41,895
$35,821
Penthouse Suite
$44,995
$38,471
Owners Suite
$48,095
$41,122
Ship: World Voyager (QRK) | Date: 17 Feb 2028 - 27 Feb 2028 (4747)
Infinity Suite
$32,595
$27,014
Veranda Suite
$34,295
$28,468
Superior Suite
$44,595
$37,274
Deluxe Suite
$47,995
$40,181
Owner´s Suite
$51,395
$43,088

* 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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