Credit David Merron
Credit David Merron
Credit Acacia Johnson
Credit Acacia Johnson
Credit Michelle Sole
Credit Acacia Johnson
Credit David Merron
Credit Sam Edmonds
Credit David Merron

Antarctica Express Fly the Drake

From

A$24,140 per person

  • Dates

    Dec and Jan

  • Duration

    8 Days

  • Embark

    King George Island, Antarctica

  • Disembark

    King George Island, Antarctica

Routes

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  • Depart

Route Information

Embark: King George Island, Antarctica

Disembark: King George Island, Antarctica

Destinations: Punta Arenas, King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula

Ships: Ocean Explorer

Duration: 8 days

Additional Information: 2 nights in Punta Arenas and return flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island included.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile

Your adventure kicks off in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populous city in southern Patagonia. Should you arrive early, you will find numerous museums, restaurants, and shops to explore. By early afternoon, a representative from Quark Expeditions will greet you at the official starting point hotel, where you will enjoy a welcome dinner and receive a briefing on the preparations for your embarkation day.

Day 2 Fly to King George Island and Embarkation

Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica allows you to cross the legendary Drake Passage in just two hours. Meanwhile, your ship will be making its way to King George Island for your arrival. Your first view of the stunning Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique vantage point as your plane descends into the South Shetland Islands. After landing, head to the shore and transfer by Zodiac to your ship, ready to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

Days 3 - 6 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Few destinations are as captivating as Antarctica. This vast, icy continent is beyond description and must be seen to be fully appreciated.

As your Captain and Expedition Team scan the horizon for whales and seabirds, you’ll be promptly informed of any new sightings. The expert presenters will enrich your journey with detailed explanations of the region’s glaciology, history, and wildlife, along with photography presentations to help you capture unforgettable images.

The daily excursions are even more thrilling. Your first Zodiac landing is an experience you’ll never forget! Stepping onto a shore teeming with thousands of penguins offers the most intimate encounter with Antarctica’s unique wildlife.

Each landing is unique and weather-dependent, but every day brings new sightings and photo opportunities. Before long, you’ll be able to distinguish between Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins.

One day, you might take a Zodiac cruise to spot whales and icebergs, and the next, you might hike to a penguin rookery. From the thunderous sound of a calving glacier to the excitement of observing apex predators like leopard seals and orcas, you’ll greet each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore this unparalleled wilderness.

Your Expedition Team will be with you every step of the way, offering valuable insights into the incredible places you visit.

Day 7 Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas

After a week of exploration, bid farewell to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. A two-hour flight across the Drake Passage will take you back to Punta Arenas, Chile, marking the end of your Antarctic adventure. Upon arrival, your group transfers to the hotel, you will have the evening free to either explore the city or relax at the hotel, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and breathtaking sights of Antarctica

Day 8 Depart Punta Arenas

After breakfast, continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homebound flights.

Activities

    Credit Acacia Johnson

    Sea Kayaking

    Kayaking offers adventurous travellers a unique, intimate connection to the Antarctic wilderness, allowing exploration of the mazes sea ice and glaciers while forging bonds with fellow explorers at water level.

    Credit David Merron

    Polar Plunge

    This rite of passage, scheduled once per voyage, offers you the chance to jump safely into the bracing polar waters under the watchful eye of our trained staff.

    Credit David Merron

    Hiking

    Hiking in polar regions offers unique, immersive experiences across tundra, snow, and beaches, with organized hikes ranging from short wildlife visits to longer excursions, guided by experts.

    Credit Quark:Michelle Sole

    Paddling Excursion

    The Paddle Excursion Program offers sit-on-top, two-person inflatable kayaks for a unique, intimate experience exploring unforgettable Antarctic locations from a different perspective

    Credit David Merron

    Zodiac Cruising

    Zodiacs take you places that ships can’t access, allowing you to reach remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets and search for unique wildlife.

    Credit Michelle Sole

    Stand-up Paddleboarding

    Experience a unique view of Antarctica with stand-up paddleboarding in small groups, exploring calm bays and harbours under good weather conditions, guided by a support Zodiac.

    Presentations

    Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by our world-class onboard polar experts—expedition guides, specialists, photography guides and other special guests who will introduce you to the fascinating history, biology, ornithology, glaciology and geology of the region, and much, much more.

    Dates & rates

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    • Dates

      Jan 4 – Jan 11, 2026

    • Embark

      King George Island / King George Island

    • Ship

      Ocean Explorer

    • Price range (per person)
      A$31,731 - $49,092 was A$39,295 - $60,795
    • Dates

      Mar 8 – Mar 15, 2026

    • Embark

      King George Island / King George Island

    • Ship

      Ocean Explorer

    • Price range (per person)
      A$25,684 - $41,872 was A$33,795 - $55,095

    What's included

    Inclusions

    Flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island return.
    An official expedition parka to keep.
    Leadership throughout the voyage by an experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings, presentations and other activities.
    Shipboard accommodation in your chosen room with private facilities.
    All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. Beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails also included during bar service hours and dinner.Waterproof expedition boots to borrow for landings and Zodiac cruising. Snowshoes and walking poles are also provided.
    Complimentary Wi-Fi on one device.
    Group transfers mentioned through the itinerary.

    Exclusions

    International airfare to join the cruise.
    Passport and applicable visa expenses.
    Meals unless otherwise specified.
    Waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned.
    Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified.
    Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew.
    Additional overnight accommodation.
    Adventure options not listed in included activities.