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

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: World Explorer | Date: 10 Dec 2025 - 17 Dec 2025 (1223)
Triple
$18,995
Infinity Suite
$22,295
Veranda Suite
$22,295
Superior Suite
$28,995
Deluxe Suite
$31,195
Owner´s Suite
$33,495
Ship: World Explorer | Date: 15 Dec 2025 - 22 Dec 2025 (2273)
Triple
$18,995
Infinity Suite
$22,295
Veranda Suite
$22,295
Superior Suite
$28,995
Deluxe Suite
$31,195
Owner´s Suite
$33,495
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
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$21,495
Studio Single
$28,295
Veranda Suite
$23,995
Junior Suite
$28,295
Owners Suite
$35,095
Penthouse Suite
$32,795
Studio Veranda Single
$30,495

* 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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