Antarctic · From 11 Days

Antarctic Express

Crossing the Circle

Starts from £21,395 GBP

£18,186 GBP


Starting from
Punta Arenas, Chile
Ships
Ocean Explorer, World Voyager
Departures
2 Departures between January 2027 to February 2028

From £21,395 GBP

£ 18,186 GBP

Expedition Overview

Check off a travel milestone by crossing the Antarctic Circle with the best expedition team in the industry. Our 11-day Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle voyage enables you to skip the notorious Drake Passage sailing with a charter flight to and from King George Island, where your Antarctic adventure begins and ends. Cruise the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, then push farther to 66°33′ south. Along the way, add bucket-list experiences like sea kayaking through iceberg-dotted channels and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Highlights

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

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

Marvel at Antarctic Peninsula highlights, including crossing the Antarctic Circle

Celebrate crossing the Antarctic Circle with a toast

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

Select Your Season & Itinerary

Select Season

2026.27
2027.28

Select Itinerary

Punta Arenas, Chile

11 Days · Ocean Explorer

Starts from £18,186 GBP

Punta Arenas, Chile

11 Days · World Voyager

Starts from £23,456 GBP

Starts from £21,395 GBP £ 18,186 GBP
Starts from £27,595 GBP £ 23,456 GBP

11 Days – From Punta Arenas, Chile on Ocean Explorer (Season 2026.27)

Itinerary Activities

  • Included Activities

    Zodiac Cruising, Hiking, Science and Discovery, Polar Plunge, Photography, Presentations
  • Adventure Options

    Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion

Day By Day & Map

  1. 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 on preparations for your embarkation day.

  2. Day 2

    Fly to King George Island and Embarkation

    Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica enables you to cross the legendary Drake Passage in only two hours, while far below your 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!

  3. Day 3 to 5

    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.

    Even more exciting are your land excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Setting foot on a beach inhabited by thousands of penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica.

    Each landing is different and 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 orcas in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore this unrivaled wilderness experience.

    Your Expedition Team will accompany you along the way, ensuring safety and providing insights into the places you visit. Our expert education team will also provide in-depth explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region.

  4. Day 6 & 7

    Antarctic Circle

    Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. If conditions allow us to cross this famed latitude of 66°33 ́ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

  5. Day 8 & 9

    Northbound Along the Peninsula

    If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to King George Island. 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.

  6. Day 10

    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.

  7. Day 11

    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.

Details for Selected Itinerary

  • Included Activities

    Zodiac Cruising, Hiking, Science and Discovery, Polar Plunge, Photography, Presentations
  • Adventure Options

    Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion

11 Days – From Punta Arenas, Chile on World Voyager (Season 2026.27)

Itinerary Activities

  • Included Activities

    Zodiac Cruising, Hiking, Science and Discovery, Polar Plunge, Photography, Presentations
  • Adventure Options

    Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion, Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Day By Day & Map

  1. 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 on preparations for your embarkation day.

  2. Day 2

    Fly to King George Island and Embark

    Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica enables you to cross the legendary Drake Passage in only two hours, while far below your 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.

  3. Day 3 to 5

    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. Even more exciting are your land excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget. Setting foot on a beach inhabited by thousands of penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and 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 orcas in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore this unrivaled wilderness experience. Your Expedition Team will accompany you along the way, ensuring safety and providing insights into the places you visit. Our expert education team will also provide in-depth explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region.

  4. Day 6 & 7

    Antarctic Circle

    Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. If conditions allow us to cross this famed latitude of 66°33´ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

  5. Day 8 & 9

    Northbound Along the Peninsula

    If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to King George Island. 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.

  6. Day 10

    Disembark 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.

  7. Day 11

    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.

Details for Selected Itinerary

  • Included Activities

    Zodiac Cruising, Hiking, Science and Discovery, Polar Plunge, Photography, Presentations
  • Adventure Options

    Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion, Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Choose Season & Departure Date
1 Choose Season & Departure Date
2 Select Cabin & Occupancy

Explore Activities

Activities vary by itinerary, ship, destination and are subject to weather conditions. Checkout our Itineraries to explore what’s included in each voyage.

Expedition Ships

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.

Your Life Onboard

This is polar exploration at its finest. Our ships are intimate, luxurious floating hotels, packed with exciting experiences.

Enjoy panoramic views while you mingle in our comfy lounges, or head outside and chat with fellow adventurers on the wraparound deck. Our social spaces foster connections & shared experiences.

Engage with world-class experts in our auditorium. Presentations cover wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology, & geology, to enhance your polar knowledge & excitement for exploration.

Enjoy onboard amenities, attend lectures, or watch for wildlife from our observation decks. Sea days offer a perfect blend of education, relaxation, and anticipation.

Find tranquility in our well-stocked library, perfect for reading or quiet contemplation. The glass-domed Observation Lounge offers a peaceful retreat to reflect & enjoy awe-inspiring polar views.

Prepare for off-ship excursions in our spacious mudroom. Kayak, paddleboard, or take a plunge in polar waters. Stay active onboard with our gym, outdoor track, and pool facilities.

Polar Expedition Team Leader, dressed in warm outdoor gear, with a friendly expression

Ready For Your Expedition?

Our Polar Travel Advisors will recommend the best expedition itinerary to suit your requirements.

Know Before You Go

For your personal safety—and to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your polar adventure—please assess your mobility and medical requirements before booking. It is essential that guests have a high level of mobility to get in and out of Zodiac boats, and for off-ship activities such as hiking on uneven terrain. Our destinations are remote. Apart from our basic ship infirmary, it could take up to 72 hours to reach adequate medical facilities. For more details to help you assess your mobility and medical requirements before booking your voyage, please review Health & Safety.

Some of our expeditions have included transfers and these will be detailed in your Invoice and Trip Brochure.

Please note that if you have an airport transfer included in your trip, it is only available if you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary. Please ensure your flight information on your Passenger Forms is up to date so our ground crew know when to expect you. There will be someone with a sign in Arrivals waiting for you. Please look for them and they will direct you to our group shuttle.

If you do not have included transfers, or you are arriving before Day 1, you will need to make your own way to the hotel. Most airports we travel in and out of have good taxi ranks in the Arrivals area, or you can often prebook a transfer online.

Packing is an exciting part of the trip for many of us. You will find a handy packing list towards the end of your Trip Brochure. You will have received a copy of this when you first booked. We also have two excellent videos, which you can check out here: What to Pack

Whether you are thinking of an expedition, or you’ve booked the trip of a lifetime with Quark Expeditions, review all our FAQs for comprehensive tips to help you prepare for the Polar Regions and how to make the most out of your voyage with the most experienced expedition team in the industry. If your specific question isn’t covered below, please reach out to your Polar Travel Advisor or helpful Client Experience Team at customerops@exodus.co.uk.