Antarctic Express Fly the Drake
Starting From:
$9,446 USDDuration:
8 daysAnswer 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.
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
Available Itinerary
Our portfolio of immersive itineraries allows you to choose where—and how—you’d like to explore the Antarctic with the best expedition team in the Polar Regions.
- Departing From:
- Punta Arenas, Chile
- Starting From:
- $9,446 USD* Per person
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Ships:
- Ocean Adventurer
- World Explorer
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.
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only two 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, make your way to the shore, before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. The White 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 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 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 travel experience.
Your Expedition Team will accompany you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.
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.
After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.
- 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 Quark 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
- 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
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
World Explorer
Ice Class
1B
Cruising Speed
16 knots
in open water
Guests
172
140 on Antarctic Express programs
Staff and Crew
130
Distinct and comfortable, refined and roomy—these attributes and more describe World Explorer. Not only is it among our fastest ships, but it is also one of our finest, with six tiers of deluxe accommodation. More details
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.
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.
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
- Veranda Suite
- Infinity Suite
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
- Veranda Suite
- Infinity Suite
- Triple
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.
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.
Ocean Adventurer
Ice Class
1A
Cruising Speed
12 knots
in open water
Guests
128
Staff and Crew
87
Ocean Adventurer has long been a fleet favorite among guests and crew who’ve appreciated the charm and intimacy of this 128-passenger vessel, its ample outdoor deck space, numerous cozy spots to socialize onboard—and the outdoor jacuzzi. More details
The Lower Deck Twin cabins feature two lower berths, private facilities (including storage space and heated towel rack), as well as a porthole with exterior views.
- Lower Deck Twin
Guests who book the Main Deck Twin Window, Main Deck Twin Porthole and Triple suites have the advantage of easy access to the gym, which is also located on the Main Deck. Guests on the Main Deck also have direct access to the Zodiac Boarding Rooms, their starting point for exciting off-ship Adventure Options.
- Main Deck Twin Window
- Main Deck Twin Porthole
- Triple
Interacting with fellow guests, crew and members of the Expedition Team is integral to life onboard a polar vessel. Lots of socializing takes place on the Upper Deck of Ocean Adventurer. The Main Lounge, a theatre-style auditorium on the Upper Deck, is large enough to accommodate everyone onboard the vessel. It serves as the main lecture hall where you’ll attend expert presentations and films. The Captain’s Welcome and daily briefings also take place in the Main Lounge, which offers a full-service bar. At the opposite end of the ship is the Main Restaurant and the smaller, more intimate Clipper Club dining room. The Polar Boutique—full of lots of souvenirs and outdoor gear—is conveniently located on this floor, near the Reception. Superior Suites are on the Upper Deck.
- Superior
The well-appointed Deluxe Suite (two berths) and Suite (double bed), both of which have exterior-view windows, are located on the Captain’s Deck as is the ever popular Polar Library. Open 24-hours daily, the library contains polar books, reference and general reading materials in multiple languages, covering subjects such as wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology and geology. Guests can also choose from a selection of games. The Clinic is just adjacent to the Polar Library.
- Suite
- Deluxe
- Superior
Guests may be granted access to the Bridge, where they can observe how the Captain and officers sail and navigate the vessel. Also on this deck are the Owner's Suites, which are furnished with a double bed and private sitting room, as well as a large panoramic window (facing aft, port or starboard depending on the specific suite).
- Owner's Suite
For clear views of your polar surroundings, you’ll want to spend time on the Observation Deck. Bring your camera and binoculars. Passing wildlife, as well as ice-laden landscapes, are frequently observed from the Observation Deck.
Included Activities
Adventure Options
Possible Excursions
Departure Dates and Cabins
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Extend Your Trip
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