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

Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle - Fly Cruise

From

A$38,224 per person

  • Dates

    Jan and Feb

  • Duration

    11 Days

  • Embark

    King George Island, Antarctica

  • Disembark

    King George Island, Antarctica

Routes

Swipe to view more

  • Depart

Route Information

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.

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!

Day 3 - 5 South Shetland Islands and 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.

Days 6 - 7 Antarctic Circle

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.

Days 8 - 9 Northbound Along the Peninsula

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.

Day 10 Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas

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

Activities

    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

    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

    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 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 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.

    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.

    Dates & rates

    Swipe to view more

    • Dates

      Jan 9 – Jan 19, 2026

    • Embark

      King George Island / King George Island

    • Ship

      Ocean Explorer

    • Price range (per person)
      A$44,812 - $73,075 was A$55,495 - $90,495
    • Dates

      Feb 28 – Mar 10, 2026

    • Embark

      King George Island / King George Island

    • Ship

      Ocean Explorer

    • Price range (per person)
      A$38,224 - $62,164 was A$50,295 - $81,795

    Special Offers

    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.