Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
with Quark Expeditions
| PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
|---|---|---|
|
USD
$20,495
|
Days
8
|
Nights
7
|
| PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
|---|---|---|
|
USD
$20,495
|
Days
8
|
Nights
7
|
Introduction
The fastest way to get to Antarctica is by air, affording some spectacular views during the flight and avoiding the two-day crossing in each direction of the Drake Passage, which helps maximise your time in Antarctica.
Land at King George Island before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by ship.
Highlights include: Flying from Punta Arenas to King George Island, exploring historic sites, discovering majestic natural environments by zodiac and on foot, and getting up close and personal with penguins, whales and other wildlife.
Your Ship: The Quark Expeditions fleet never exceed more than 200 passengers , which gives guests the best polar experience on a smaller ship. Their ice strengthened vessels are built for challenging polar environments, which takes you to places ordinary cruise companies wouldn’t dream of going.
World Explorer: This all-suite, all-balcony, ice-class ship offers plenty of space inside and out including observation deck & lounge, library and explorer lounge. Health and wellness facilities include outdoor running track, small gym and spa, plus an outdoor swimming pool.
Ocean Explorer: Was built to provide a more spacious and intimate guest experience. With just 70 cabins, the accommodations are larger than on other ships and nearly all cabins have balconies. The interior was designed to provide comfort, space, and a luxurious ambience.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Punta Arenas, Chile
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in 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 bring everyone together to your starting hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.
Day 2 : Embarkation Day
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the infamous Drake Passage in only a few hours. Way below, the ship is approaching King George Island for your arrival. The dramatic Antarctic landscapes soon become visible as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetlands. After landing, stretch your legs and spend some time exploring the island before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship. Meet the rest of your shipmates and set sail for the Peninsula!
Days 3 – 6 : Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As we approach the white continent, don’t be surprised if you are overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through the human eye.
Your first sightings will be from the ship itself. As the Captain and Expedition Team keep their eyes out for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region.
Even more exciting are your daily excursions to land. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking up to a beach that is dotted with penguins and seals 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. You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs in Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a chinstrap rookery the next day. From the booming shot of a calving glacier at Petermann Island to the complete silence of night while camping in Antarctica, you’ll welcome each day with the excitement and energy of a young child. Our Expedition Team will be with you all along, providing insights into the places you visit and offering photography tips to get the most out of your expedition.
Day 7 : Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
After your four days of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to the Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your three-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile brings your journey to an end. After we transfer you from the airport to the hotel, you can enjoy one final dinner (not included) to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.
Day 8 : Depart for Home
After breakfast, you are free to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.
NB
Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
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Pricing
Pricing (per person), USD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | |||
| Standard Cabins priced from: | |||
| 5 Dec, World Explorer |
US$20,695 |
||
| 15, 20 Dec, World Explorer |
US$21,795 |
||
| 2025 | |||
| Standard Cabins priced from: | |||
| 9, 14, 19 Jan, Ocean Explorer |
US$20,995 |
||
| 10, 15 Dec, World Explorer |
US$22,295 |
||
| 2026 | |||
| Standard Cabins priced from: | |||
| 4 Jan, Ocean Explorer |
US$22,595 |
||
| 8 Mar, Ocean Explorer |
US$20,495 |
||
| Please enquire about other cabin categories. |
Special Offer
Save up to 25%!
Save from 5% to 25% on select departures in the Antarctic 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 seasons.
Savings apply to the voyage-only cost. Offer applies to new bookings only, savings vary per departure and cabin category, and are based on availability at the time of booking. Offer may be removed at any time without notice.
Please enquire about specific departure dates and rates.
Solo Traveller Deal
Solo travellers are able to book double-occupancy standard cabins for the discounted price of a single berth aboard select departures in December 2025.
This offer is valid on new bookings only and is subject to availability.
Departs
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
| 5, 15, 20 Dec | 9, 14, 19 Jan | 4 Jan |
| 10, 15 Dec | 8 Mar |
Included
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising
• All shore landings
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
• Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
• 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 (NB: Guests per hotel room to match cabin occupancy. Due to limited availability, all guests 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
Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data intensive applications.)
Not Included
• International airfares
• 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)
• Gratuities
• Additional overnight accommodation
• Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
Gratuity
• Gratuities are voluntary and can be given at the end of your cruise
• We recommend that you budget US$10 to US$15 per person per day, if you are pleased with the service on board
Important Notes
• Quark Expeditions pricing is dynamic and is therefore subject to change until the booking is confirmed
• Please enquire for pricing on other cabin categories, including single pricing
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions
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