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Photo: David Merron
Antarctic
Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Starting From:
$11,525 USD
Duration:
8 days

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. 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.

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
Expedition in Brief

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

Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales

Marvel at many of the Antarctic Peninsula highlights

Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts

Cruise in a Zodiac to get water-level views of icebergs, wildlife and more

Make Your Polar Dream a Reality

All we need is a little bit of information about your travel preferences and one of our Polar Travel Advisors will be in touch.

Your Ships

When it comes to polar expeditions, you’re only as good as where your ships can take you. And our diverse fleet of small polar vessels, which includes icebreakers and expedition ships, can take you to places larger ships can’t navigate. View All of Our Ships

Ice Class

1B

Cruising Speed

16 knots

in open water

Guests

172

140 on Antarctic Express programs

Staff and Crew

130

World Explorer - Deck 3
Deck 3

The spacious Mudroom on Deck 3 enables you to comfortably prepare for your Zodiac excursions, off-ship adventure options and shore landings. The Mudroom is conveniently located adjacent to the two Zodiac embarkation points.

World Explorer - Deck 4
Deck 4

Deck 4 is the social and educational hub on World Explorer. Key facilities and amenities on Deck 4 include the Dining Room, and the Lecture Theatre where you’ll attend expert-led presentations and watch films. Also on this floor is the Explorer Lounge, where you’ll participate in special functions and events, or grab a cup of complimentary coffee. Deck 4 will also be your go-to location to purchase souvenirs and outdoor gear at the Gift Shop. The Medical Clinic is also on this level.

World Explorer - Deck 5
Deck 5

Some of the ship's largest cabins are on Deck 5:: the 355 sq.-ft. (33 sq.-m) Owner's Suites, which—in addition to the 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony—have one double or two single beds, plus a separate sitting area that includes a state of the art “infotainment” system. Other suites on Deck 5 are the 278 sq. ft. (26 sq. m) Superior Suites, which also feature a state-of-the-art “infotainment” system, as well as a 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony which guests can access from their sitting room and bedroom. There are also the 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) Infinity Suites, with a floor-to-ceiling glass French balcony, and the 15 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) Veranda Suite that includes a walk-out balcony.

  • Owner's Suite
  • Deluxe Suite
  • Superior Suite
  • Infinity Suite
  • Veranda Suite
World Explorer - Deck 6
Deck 6

Guests wishing to visit the Bridge, to view the ship's operations, will do so on Deck 6. Cabins on this level include the 355 sq.-ft. (33 sq.-m) Owner's Suites, which—in addition to featuring a fabulous 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony—have one double or two single beds, plus a separate sitting area that includes a state of the art “infotainment” system. Also on this level are the 278 sq. ft. (26 sq. m) Superior Suites, which also feature a state-of-the-art “infotainment” system, as well as a 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony which guests can access from their sitting room and bedroom. The other two options on Deck 5 are the 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) Infinity Suites, designed with a floor-to-ceiling glass French balcony, and the 15 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) Veranda Suite which includes a walk-out balcony.

  • Owner's Suite
  • Superior Suite
  • Infinity Suite
  • Veranda Suite
  • Triple
World Explorer - Deck 7
Deck 7

Deck 7 is all about inspiration and rejuvenation. For incredibly inspiring panoramic views, guests can visit the glass-domed Observation Lounge on Deck 7. For well-earned indulgence after a day spent exploring off-ship, Deck 7 features the world’s only l’Occitane Spa at Sea, where guests can reward themselves with a facial or other spa treatment. Located nearby are the sauna, the large heated outdoor pool and two hot tubs. There’s also the well-equipped Fitness Center on Deck 7.

World Explorer - Deck 8
Deck 8

What polar traveler hasn’t envisioned themselves taking in the magnitude of their polar surroundings while standing on the upper deck of a ship? The Wrap-around Deck provides guests with stunning panoramic views as they breathe in the fresh polar air—resulting in a total connection to the polar environment. In addition, the heated seating on Deck 8 allows guests optimal comfort while they’re outside. Also on Deck 8: the Outdoor Track which enables guests to jog or walk as the ship sails past glaciers, icebergs and the expansive ocean waters.

Ice Class

1A

PC6

Cruising Speed

16.5 knots

in open water

Guests

138

Staff and Crew

105

Deck 2
Deck 3
  • Studio Single
  • Studio Double
Deck 4
  • Royal Veranda Stateroom
  • Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
  • Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom 
  • Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
Deck 5
Deck 6
  • Royal Veranda Stateroom
  • Junior Suite
  • Grand Veranda Stateroom
  • Studio Veranda Stateroom
Deck 7
  • Owners Suite
  • Explorer Suite
  • Studio Veranda Single
Deck 8

Included Activities

Passengers hiking in Antarctic Landscape
Hiking

Hiking

Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the... Read more
Passenger enjoying the Polar Plunge experience

Polar Plunge

The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes plac... Read more
Zodiac cruising in the Antarctic
Zodiac

Zodiac Cruising

Zodiacs are used for transferring you ashore, transporting your luggage when necessary and for taking you ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites th... Read more

Adventure Options

Paddling excursion in the Antarctic
Paddling

Paddling Excursion

Every sweep of the paddle as your craft glides through the pristine polar waters creates an incredible soundtrack: the jostle of glacial ice, the lapping of waves against the rocky shore, the perpetual drip from your paddle, the c... Read more
Passengers Kayaking near icy landscape

Sea Kayaking

Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Progr... Read more
Passengers Stand-up Paddleboarding in the Antarctic
Stand up Paddleboarding

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Stand-up Paddleboarding, popularly known as SUPing, originated in Hawaii. Quark Expeditions is the first company to bring this watersport all the way to Antarctica.   SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a ... Read more

Possible Excursions

When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. The following sites are a sample of what you may experience on your expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, helicopter, or shore landing.

Cierva Cove

If one of your expedition goals is to witness incredible icebergs and sea ice, Cierva Cove is the place for you. A massive glacial face regularly calves into the bay, and the floating ice can be quite spectacular. Seals can be spotted on ice floes, and later in the season, humpback whales occasionally feed in the icy waters.

Damoy Point

Damoy Point is the site of a historical ice runway used by the British Antarctic Survey for their flights further south since 1975. The well-maintained hut was used as a staging-post to store supplies and for accommodation while awaiting ideal flying conditions. The point is also home to a penguin rookery and allows for spectacular views of the mountains of Anvers Island.

Enterprise Island

Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island’s protected coves were once used by whalers. A Zodiac cruise exploring the island passes the rusting remains of a wrecked whaling ship, and provides opportunities to search for humpback whales.

Melchior Islands

This group of low, glaciated islands in Dallmann Bay is where you may see hauled-out male fur seals as they recuperate from their battles for supremacy at the end of their breeding season.

Waterboat Point

A surveyor and a geologist lived in a makeshift shelter utilizing a water boat on this point from 1921 to 1922. The remains of their camp have been designated an Antarctic historic site. The aptly named Waterboat Point is also home to a Chilean Antarctic research station, named González Videla Base after the first sitting head of state to visit the Antarctic continent. When the base is manned, you may be welcomed inside for a visit by the base personnel, or you may visit the resident nesting gentoo rookery if the base is inactive.

Cuverville Island

A gentoo penguin rookery is situated on a rocky beach at the north end of the island. Depending on when in the season you arrive, you may see the penguins building nests or attending to their chicks. Giant petrels and kelp gulls breed on the island.

Danco Island

Home to gentoo penguins, this small dome-shaped island provides you with a stunning view of the Errera Channel.

Port Lockroy, Goudier Island

As part of Operation Tabarin during the Second World War, a secret British base was built in this sheltered harbor, located on the west side of Wiencke Island. Now a designated historic site, the base is a museum and post office. Proceeds from your purchases in Port Lockroy support the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, which preserves British and other historic sites dating to the Heroic Age of Exploration. A large gentoo penguin population resides here.

Lemaire Channel

One of the most scenic locations on the peninsula’s west coast, this dramatic strait runs between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula. The channel may become impassable when ice fills the narrow, 6.8-mile (11 km)-long passageway, so we’ll hope for clear waters.

Neko Harbour

Little evidence remains that this bay was once used by the floating whale factory ship Neko. You might see whale vertebrae being used by resident gentoo penguins as shelter from the wind. Climb up a steep slope for spectacular views of the glacier-rimmed harbor.

Petermann Island

Here, near the Lemaire Channel, you can stand ashore and see the southernmost breeding colony of gentoo penguins. Adélie penguins, shags and south polar skuas also inhabit the island.

Deception Island

Deception Island is a flooded circular caldera formed by the collapse of an active volcano. To reach this protected harbor, it is necessary to sail through a narrow passage called Neptune’s Bellows. Inside are several bays used at various times for whaling and scientific research. Along with waddling penguins and lounging seals, you’ll see the rusting remains of whaling operations on the beach in some locations. The landscape of Deception Island often presents opportunities for longer walks to striking vistas. The stark contrast between snow and dark volcanic sand and the steam along the shoreline from geothermic activity when the tide is right, gives this location an atmospheric feel.

Penguin Island

Antarctica has two flowering plants, both of which you can find on Penguin Island: Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort (Colobanthus quitensis). Chinstrap penguins, fur seals and southern elephant seals can also be spotted here.

Robert Point

A beautiful spot for Zodiac cruising, this point was known to sealers as early as 1820. Chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and pintado petrels breed here, and whales may be seen in the surrounding waters.

Turret Point

Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries are found on this point, situated on the south coast of King George Island. The beaches here are often crowded with southern elephant, fur and Weddell seals hauled out on the rocks.

Yankee Harbour

Gentoo penguins have established a rookery at this harbor, situated on the southwest side of Greenwich Island. Here, you can see an abandoned Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier that stretches along the east and north sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing try pot is all that remains of the activity that brought men thousands of miles in tall ships to seek their fortune. Enjoy a rare chance for a longer walk along the expansive beach, dotted with historical artifacts and wildlife.

Aitcho Islands

This group of small islands, some still unnamed, is situated in the northern entrance of the English Strait. You can often spot a great mix of wildlife in the area, with gentoo and chinstrap penguins having established rookeries on the islands. Southern elephant and fur seals frequently haul out here, too.

Half Moon Island

This crescent-shaped island was known to sealers as early as 1821. While they tried to keep this productive location secret, we’re happy to bring you ashore on this impressive island. Many Antarctic birds breed here, including chinstrap penguins, shags, Wilson’s storm petrels, kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic terns and skuas.

Hannah Point

On the southern coast of Livingston Island at Hannah Point, you may see chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries, along with the occasional breeding macaroni penguin. Due to the rather congested area available to the nesting penguins, we are able to visit here only after January 10.

Departure Dates and Cabins

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 Departures
Save up to 20%
  • Departure Date

    Dec 5 – 12, 2024

  • Itinerary

    8 days

  • Starting from

    Punta Arenas, Chile

  • Ship

    World Explorer

  • Languages

    English

Adventure Options
  • Paddling
  • Stand up Paddleboarding
Starting from
$13,436 USD
$16,795 USD
Save up to 20%
  • Departure Date

    Dec 15 – 22, 2024

  • Itinerary

    8 days

  • Starting from

    Punta Arenas, Chile

  • Ship

    World Explorer

  • Languages

    English

Adventure Options
  • Paddling
  • Stand up Paddleboarding
Starting from
$14,316 USD
$17,895 USD
Save up to 20%
  • Departure Date

    Dec 20 – 27, 2024

  • Itinerary

    8 days

  • Starting from

    Punta Arenas, Chile

  • Ship

    World Explorer

  • Languages

    English

Adventure Options
  • Paddling
  • Stand up Paddleboarding
Starting from
$14,316 USD
$17,895 USD
Save up to 33%
  • Departure Date

    Dec 15 – 22, 2025

  • Itinerary

    8 days

  • Starting from

    Punta Arenas, Chile

  • Ship

    World Explorer

  • Languages

    English

Adventure Options
  • Paddling
  • Stand up Paddleboarding
Starting from
$12,821 USD
$18,995 USD
Make Your Polar Dream a Reality

All we need is a little bit of information about your travel preferences and one of our Polar Travel Advisors will be in touch.

Extend Your Trip

Getting to the Antarctic can be just as much fun as being there. Quark Expeditions offers multiple travel packages that enable you to see more of the world before and after your Antarctic adventure. Contact Us
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Look no further than the pink-toned La Casa Rosada, the opulent presidential residence, to truly appreciate that cosmopolitan Buenos Aires is proud of its art and architecture. The metropolis attracts more tourists than any other city in South America. Visitors gravitate toward the city’s artful graffiti, alfresco dining, tango dancing, and the energy of the crowds in Playa de Mayo in the heart of the 400-year-old capital.

Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island (its Polynesian name is Rapa Nui) is a remote volcanic island in Polynesia that’s known for its nearly 900 monumental statues called moai, which date from the 13th to 16th centuries. Easter Island is one of the world's most isolated inhabited islands. Despite being part of Chile, it’s more than 3,500 kilometers from the west coast of the South American continent. Easter Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in1966.

Iguazú Falls, Argentina

Iguazú Falls, Argentina

Iguazú Falls is a three-kilometer stretch of massive waterfalls on the Iguazú River on the border between Argentina and Brazil. The falls, 80% of which are on the Argentine side of the river, are the largest waterfall system in the world. There are 275 individual waterfalls, some of which reach 269 feet high (82 metres). The falls actually lie within Iguazú National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The falls were named one of the Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011.

Santiago, Chile

Santiago, Chile

It’s a city blessed by nature, yet cosmopolitan at the same time. The Chilean capital of Santiago (population 6.5 million) sits in a valley surrounded by the snow-covered peaks of the Andes and the Chilean Coast Range. Visitors have their pick of sidewalk eateries, cafes and beer halls, hillside parks, grand architecture, museums, pedestrian malls, and tony restaurants of chic neighborhoods like Providencia and Las Condes, and colorful barrios like Brasil, Lastarria and Bellavista.

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