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
11 Days
King George Island, Antarctica
King George Island, Antarctica
Embark: King George Island, Antarctica
Disembark: King George Island, Antarctica
Destinations: South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Ships: Ocean Explorer
Duration: 11 days
Additional Information: 2 nights in Punta Arenas and return flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island included.
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.
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!
Few places on Earth are as evocative as Antarctica. The Antarctic Continent is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated firsthand.
Even more thrilling are the land excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is an unforgettable experience! Stepping onto a beach populated by thousands of penguins offers the most intimate encounter with Antarctica’s unique wildlife.
Each landing varies, depending on the weather, but every day brings new sights 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, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next. From the booming sound of a glacier calving to the excitement of seeing apex predators like leopard seals and orcas in action, you’ll rise early each day, eager to explore this unparalleled wilderness.
Your Expedition Team will be with you every step of the way, ensuring your safety and offering insights into the locations you visit. The expert education team will also provide comprehensive explanations of the region’s glaciology, history, and wildlife.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is a truly unforgettable milestone and an impressive feat, given that only a select few travellers venture this far south. If conditions are favourable for us to cross the iconic latitude of 66°33′ S, we will celebrate the pioneering explorers who first reached this remote region. Raise your glass and take pride in knowing you’ve journeyed to one of the least visited parts of the world. This is unspoiled Antarctica, where the midnight sun reigns, Weddell seals thrive, and the chances of encountering sea ice – the backbone of the Antarctic marine ecosystem – are at their highest.
If you haven’t yet fully indulged in the wonders of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs, your return to King George Island will surely complete the experience. As you journey north along the western Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll have more opportunities to explore by Zodiac or on land.
Your Expedition Team will remain vigilant, on the lookout for seabirds, seals, and whales that may have escaped your notice on the southward leg of your adventure.
After breakfast, continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homebound flights.
Jan 9 – Jan 19, 2026
King George Island / King George Island
Ocean Explorer
Feb 28 – Mar 10, 2026
King George Island / King George Island
Ocean Explorer
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.
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.
We love a good chat, so please feel free to give us a call! You can also email us on hello@polarfrontiers.com.
+61 3 9640 0622Alternatively, fill out the form below.