Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North 2026/27 Season
Highlights
- Sail the fabled Drake Passage southbound, then skip its return by flying north from King George Island to Punta Arenas.
- Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, home to gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin colonies.
- Cruise icy bays by Zodiac, spotting whales, seals, and calving glaciers amid Antarctica’s breathtaking silence.
Embark on the Antarctic Express Sail South, Fly North voyage for an adventure that blends the thrill of ocean exploration with the ease of a quick return flight. Beginning with a charter flight to Ushuaia, you’ll sail the storied Drake Passage, retracing the paths of legendary explorers as you cross the Antarctic Convergence into the remote realm of the Seventh Continent.
Here, the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula reveal landscapes and wildlife unlike anywhere else on Earth. Zodiac excursions carry you into iceberg-laden bays where humpback whales surface, leopard seals lounge, and penguins squabble noisily over pebbles. Each landing offers new discoveries—hikes across pristine ice, encounters with bustling penguin rookeries, or visits to research stations that illuminate life at the edge of the world.
This carefully timed itinerary offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to immerse yourself in Antarctica’s summer spectacle, when wildlife is active, glaciers boom, and long days of light enhance exploration. With the added benefit of flying north from King George Island to Punta Arenas, you skip the return voyage across the Drake, maximizing your time in Antarctica itself.
Adventurous souls, wildlife enthusiasts, and history lovers alike will find inspiration and awe in this expedition. More than just a journey, it is an achievement—sailing south across the legendary Drake, setting foot on the world’s last great wilderness, and carrying home memories of a place few have ever truly experienced.
Standard Activities
About the Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North 2026/27 Season
Embark on the Antarctic Express Sail South, Fly North voyage for an adventure that blends the thrill of ocean exploration with the ease of a quick return flight. Beginning with a charter flight to Ushuaia, you’ll sail the storied Drake Passage, retracing the paths of legendary explorers as you cross the Antarctic Convergence into the remote realm of the Seventh Continent.
Here, the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula reveal landscapes and wildlife unlike anywhere else on Earth. Zodiac excursions carry you into iceberg-laden bays where humpback whales surface, leopard seals lounge, and penguins squabble noisily over pebbles. Each landing offers new discoveries—hikes across pristine ice, encounters with bustling penguin rookeries, or visits to research stations that illuminate life at the edge of the world.
This carefully timed itinerary offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to immerse yourself in Antarctica’s summer spectacle, when wildlife is active, glaciers boom, and long days of light enhance exploration. With the added benefit of flying north from King George Island to Punta Arenas, you skip the return voyage across the Drake, maximizing your time in Antarctica itself.
Adventurous souls, wildlife enthusiasts, and history lovers alike will find inspiration and awe in this expedition. More than just a journey, it is an achievement—sailing south across the legendary Drake, setting foot on the world’s last great wilderness, and carrying home memories of a place few have ever truly experienced.
Itinerary Day to Day
Arriving in Buenos Aires and Hotel Night
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, make your way to the included group hotel, which is part of your Charter Flight & Hotel Package. A presentation room will be open from 12 pm to 8 pm for luggage weighing and tagging. A Quark Expeditions representative will be available to answer your questions and give information about the next day’s flight and ship embarkation. After an early breakfast the following morning, your group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world.
Arrive in Ushuaia and Embarkation
Crossing the Drake Passage
Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Disembarkation and fly to Punta Arenas
Depart Punta Arenas
Route Map
Save between 10% and 30% on select voyages to the Antarctic. Discover the untamed beauty of the world’s most captivating region, and witness its epic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes with the best expedition team in the Polar Regions. Discounts can vary by departure and change at short notice.
Pay in full at time of booking & Save 5%
Guests will receive up to 5% additional savings on select departures if full payment is received at the time of booking. The full payment includes the voyage fare and any outstanding balances on the booking (air, hotels, transfers,...
Save between 10% and 30% on select voyages to the Antarctic. Discover the untamed beauty of the world’s most captivating region, and witness its epic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes with the best expedition team in the Polar Regions. Discounts can vary by departure and change at short notice.
Terms & Conditions
- — The discounted percentage indicates the offer in effect at the time this deal was last updated, and may not reflect the current discounts available.
- — Each passenger's full name is required at time of booking in order to initiate a hold, or to process a confirmed booking.
- — Offer applies to voyage only, not applicable to transfer packages, adventure options, additional hotel accommodations, pre/post tours, insurance, flights, or group bookings.
- — If combined with a dollar value discount, this offer will be applied afterwards.
- — Only a hold booking or a confirmed booking can guarantee the offer.
- — No cash value.
- — We keep the right to limit, change or discontinue the promo savings discount offer at any time without notice.
Pay in full at time of booking & Save 5%
Guests will receive up to 5% additional savings on select departures if full payment is received at the time of booking. The full payment includes the voyage fare and any outstanding balances on the booking (air, hotels, transfers, Adventure Options, pre/post tours and insurance).
Terms & Conditions
- — Rates/savings per person.
- — 5% discount applies to the price after any other combinable promotions have already been applied.
- — Not applicable to Transfer Package, Adventure Options, additional hotel accommodation, pre/post tours, insurance, flights, or group bookings.
- — We keep the right to limit, change or discontinue the promotion at any time.
Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.
The Sea Kayak Program is a voyage-length program available in Antarctica, in which kayakers (those who have minimal experience as well as seasoned paddlers) will enjoy the polar regions from a unique perspective.
Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.
In addition to the kayak guides, a safety driver in a Zodiac will always stay nearby to offer assistance if required. Excursions typically last one and a half to three hours.
Note: Due to its popularity and limited space, if you want to ensure a space in the Sea Kayak program, please register when you book your expedition. While the program routinely fills up well before the voyage, if there are vacant spaces when you board the vessel you may sign up. The guides will attempt to lead guests on as many sea kayak excursions as possible, but the number of excursions will depend on weather and sea conditions as well as logistical factors. Be prepared to paddle in a double or single kayak depending on availability.
Is Kayaking Experience Necessary?
The Sea Kayak program was developed to accommodate kayakers with a range of experience. Please don’t hesitate to consult with our polar travel advisors if you have any questions.
Provided gear
- Sea kayaks (single or double)
- Paddle
- Spray-skirt
- Drysuit
- Insulated rubber gloves and pogies*
- PFD (personal flotation device)
- Neoprene booties
- 10L dry bag
- Water bottle (provided in rooms upon embarkation)
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Thermal base layer top and bottom (synthetic or wool, no cotton)
- Thin fleece 200 weight top or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Liner socks
- Thick wool socks
- Neckwarmer
- Thin fleece or wool liner glove to wear under rubber gloves (if you wish)
- Warm hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen
- Camera (either waterproof, in exterior waterproof housing, or stored in a drybag)
- Waterproof backpack or a drybag
SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by.
Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.
Duration: 1 to 1½ hours.
Guide to client ratio: 1 SUP guide and 1 Zodiac safety driver for 10 participants
Is SUP Experience Necessary?
Previous experience isn’t necessary but comfortability with water is an asset. SUP’ing adventures are offered in protected bays and channels during calm weather conditions.
Provided Gear
- Board
- Paddle
- Drysuit
- Neoprene Booties
- Waterproof gloves
- PFD – Personal Flotation Device
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Base and mid-layers (drysuits keep you dry, but not warm)
- Thin fleece or wool liner glove to wear under rubber gloves (optional)
- Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen and lip balm (minimum SPF 30)
- Brimmed hat as well as a warm hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera (either waterproof or in a waterproof case or drybag)
*Only available aboard Ocean Explorer
Every sweep of the paddle as your craft glides through the pristine polar waters creates an incredible soundtrack: the jostle of glacial ice, the lapping of waves against the rocky shore, the perpetual drip from your paddle, the call of seabirds, and the occasional splash as wildlife break the surface of the water.
Our Paddle Excursion Program provides sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks that provide guests with an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations in Antarctica. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. On-ship, you’ll be provided with instruction and equipment including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by a safety driver in another kayak who will stay close by to provide additional support.
Excursions last a minimum of one hour and are offered to participants once per voyage. Each group includes 10 paddlers, 1 guide and 1 one safety Zodiac driver. The wind, weather and water conditions determine the timing and location of Paddling Excursions.
Is Kaying Experience Necessary?
The Paddle Excursion was created for guests with little or no paddling experience, or for those who want a single paddle experience to add variety to their expedition. Participants must be fit enough to enter and exit the kayak from the Zodiac, and to maneuver with your paddle.
Provided Gear
- Inflatable Super Lynx sit-on-top kayak
- Paddle
- Drysuit
- Insulated rubber gloves
- PFD (personal flotation device)
- Neoprene booties
- 10L dry bag
- Water bottle
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Thermal base layer (top and bottom)
- Thin fleece or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Liner socks
- Thick wool socks
- Neck warmer
- Warm hat
- Brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen and lip balm
- Camera (either waterproof, in exterior waterproof housing, or stored in a dry bag)**
- Waterproof backpack
Tip: It’s a good idea to protect any camera gear in a dry bag. Small waterproof cameras should be attached to your PFD with a string and carabiner.
What's Included
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An official Expeditions parka to keep
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An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
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All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
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All shore landings as per the daily program
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Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
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All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage.
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Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
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Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
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Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
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A photographic journal documenting your expedition
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A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
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Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
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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 dataintensive applications.)
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All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
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All luggage handling aboard the ship
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Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
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Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
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One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast. (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
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Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
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Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas
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Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
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A post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel
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One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast.
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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.)
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Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
What's Excluded
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Mandatory travel insurance
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International airfare
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Passport and applicable visa expenses
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Meals unless otherwise specified
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Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
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Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
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Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
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Laundry, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
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Phone charges may vary by location
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Additional overnight accommodation
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Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
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Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
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Transfer to airport at end of trip.
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica - Basecamp
Antarctic Circle Expedition (18D)
Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake
Spirit of Antarctica
Highlights of Antarctica
Crossing 66º South Latitude
Crossing the Circle (14D)