Antarctica Express: Fly the Drake

Fly over the Drake Passage by charter plane to land at King George Island before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by ship.


Fly and Cruise Antarctica
© QEX

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

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 have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few
hours. 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 for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, stretch your legs with a one-mile (1.6 km) walk 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. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelingsof excitement and awe. Antarctica 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.
Even more exciting are your daily excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking on a beach dotted with 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 an Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguin.
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 killer whales in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore during this unrivaled travel 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-and-a-half-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 for your homeward flights.

Itinerary

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 have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few
hours. 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 for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, stretch your legs with a one-mile (1.6 km) walk 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. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelingsof excitement and awe. Antarctica 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.
Even more exciting are your daily excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking on a beach dotted with 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 an Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguin.
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 killer whales in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore during this unrivaled travel 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-and-a-half-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 for your homeward flights.


© David Merron
© Samantha Crimmin
© David Merron


INCLUSIONS

• Leadership throughout the 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. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
• Select beer and wine during dinner; and 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
• An official Expeditions parka to keep
• 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

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 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


Dates & Rates


Ship: World Explorer | Date: 05 Dec 2023 - 12 Dec 2023 (1228)
Triple Suite
$15,995
$14,395
Infinity Suite
$19,995
$12,821
Veranda Suite
$18,995
$12,146
Superior Suite
$23,995
$14,486
Deluxe Suite
$24,995
$15,116
Owner's Suite
$27,495
$16,691
Ship: World Explorer | Date: 15 Dec 2023 - 22 Dec 2023 (1226)
Triple Suite
$16,995
$14,395
Infinity Suite
$20,995
$13,496
Veranda Suite
$19,995
$12,821
Superior Suite
$24,995
$15,116
Deluxe Suite
$25,995
$15,746
Owner's Suite
$27,495
$16,691
Ship: World Explorer | Date: 20 Dec 2023 - 27 Dec 2023 (1227)
Triple Suite
$16,995
$15,295
Infinity Suite
$20,995
$14,171
Veranda Suite
$19,995
$13,496
Superior Suite
$24,995
$20,245
Deluxe Suite
$25,995
$21,005
Owner's Suite
$27,495
$22,270
Ship: Ocean Adventurer | Date: 10 Jan 2024 - 17 Jan 2024 (1328)
Triple Cabin
$12,995
$11,695
Lower Deck Twin
$14,995
$10,121
Main Deck Twin
$15,495
$10,459
Twin Window - M.Deck
$17,495
$11,809
Superior
$18,995
$11,966
Deluxe
$18,995
$11,966
Suite
$21,995
$13,856
Owner's Suite
$24,995
$15,746
Ship: Ocean Adventurer | Date: 15 Jan 2024 - 22 Jan 2024 (1309)
Triple Cabin
$12,995
$11,695
Lower Deck Twin
$14,995
$10,121
Main Deck Twin
$15,495
$10,459
Twin Window - M.Deck
$17,495
$11,809
Superior
$18,995
$11,966
Deluxe
$18,995
$11,966
Suite
$21,995
$13,856
Owner's Suite
$24,995
$15,746
Ship: Ocean Adventurer | Date: 20 Jan 2024 - 27 Jan 2024 (1310)
Triple Cabin
$11,995
$10,795
Lower Deck Twin
$13,995
$9,446
Main Deck Twin
$14,495
$9,784
Twin Window - M.Deck
$15,995
$10,796
Superior
$17,495
$9,447
Deluxe
$17,495
$9,447
Suite
$19,995
$10,797
Owner's Suite
$22,995
$12,417
Ship: Ocean Adventurer | Date: 22 Feb 2024 - 29 Feb 2024 (1311)
Triple Cabin
$11,995
$10,795
Lower Deck Twin
$13,995
$9,446
Main Deck Twin
$14,495
$9,784
Twin Window - M.Deck
$15,995
$10,796
Superior
$17,495
$9,447
Deluxe
$17,495
$9,447
Suite
$19,995
$10,797
Owner's Suite
$22,995
$12,417
Ship: Ocean Adventurer | Date: 27 Feb 2024 - 05 Mar 2024 (1312)
Triple Cabin
$11,995
$10,795
Lower Deck Twin
$13,995
$9,446
Main Deck Twin
$14,495
$9,784
Twin Window - M.Deck
$15,995
$10,796
Superior
$17,495
$9,447
Deluxe
$17,495
$9,447
Suite
$19,995
$10,797
Owner's Suite
$22,995
$12,417
Ship: World Explorer | Date: 05 Dec 2024 - 12 Dec 2024 (2271)
Triple Suite
$15,495
$13,045
Infinity Suite
$18,995
$12,146
Veranda Suite
$17,995
$11,471
Superior Suite
$23,495
$15,184
Deluxe Suite
$25,495
$16,533
Owner's Suite
$26,995
$17,546
Ship: World Explorer | Date: 15 Dec 2024 - 22 Dec 2024 (2272)
Triple Suite
$16,495
$13,495
Infinity Suite
$19,995
$12,821
Veranda Suite
$18,995
$12,146
Superior Suite
$24,995
$16,196
Deluxe Suite
$26,995
$17,546
Owner's Suite
$28,495
$18,559
Ship: World Explorer | Date: 20 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024 (2273)
Triple Suite
$16,495
$13,945
Infinity Suite
$19,995
$12,821
Veranda Suite
$18,995
$12,146
Superior Suite
$24,995
$16,196
Deluxe Suite
$26,995
$17,546
Owner's Suite
$28,495
$18,559
Ship: Ocean Adventurer | Date: 09 Jan 2025 - 16 Jan 2025 (2268)
Triple Cabin
$12,494
$10,345
Lower Deck Twin
$14,995
$10,706
Main Deck Twin
$15,995
$11,471
Twin Window - M.Deck
$17,495
$12,619
Superior
$18,495
$13,384
Deluxe
$18,495
$13,384
Suite
$24,495
$17,947
Owner's Suite
$25,995
$19,121
Ship: Ocean Adventurer | Date: 14 Jan 2025 - 21 Jan 2025 (2269)
Triple Cabin
$12,494
$10,345
Lower Deck Twin
$14,995
$10,706
Main Deck Twin
$15,995
$11,471
Twin Window - M.Deck
$17,495
$12,619
Superior
$18,495
$13,384
Deluxe
$18,495
$13,384
Suite
$24,495
$17,947
Owner's Suite
$25,995
$19,121
Ship: Ocean Adventurer | Date: 19 Jan 2025 - 26 Jan 2025 (2270)
Triple Cabin
$12,494
$10,345
Lower Deck Twin
$14,995
$10,706
Main Deck Twin
$15,995
$11,471
Twin Window - M.Deck
$17,495
$12,619
Superior
$18,495
$13,384
Deluxe
$18,495
$13,384
Suite
$24,495
$17,947
Owner's Suite
$25,995
$19,121

* 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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