Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North
Highlights
- Bypass the two-day Drake Passage crossing with a scenic charter flight straight to King George Island—maximizing time in Antarctica itself.
- Encounter dazzling wildlife from whales and seals to curious penguins, as you explore surreal icescapes by Zodiac and foot.
- Marvel at Antarctica’s sculpted peaks and thunderous glaciers, with the chance to witness natural spectacles like calving ice and breaching whales.
This extraordinary 10-day fly-and-cruise expedition begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, and whisks you swiftly across the infamous Drake Passage by air, allowing for more time immersed in the otherworldly beauty of Antarctica itself. Upon landing on King George Island, you’ll step straight into the heart of the Antarctic experience, bypassing the traditional two-day sea crossing and launching directly into exploration.
The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands offer one of the planet’s most jaw-dropping natural environments—towering ice cliffs, immense glaciers, and vivid wildlife displays at every turn. Traveling in the austral summer, you’ll encounter bustling penguin colonies at the height of their activity and have excellent chances to spot whales as they feed in krill-rich waters. From gentoo penguins waddling ashore to humpbacks slicing through the waves beside your Zodiac, every moment pulses with life and wonder.
On daily excursions led by seasoned polar guides, you might trek panoramic hills for sweeping views of the continent, photograph lounging elephant seals, or simply sit in stillness as a glacier groans and cracks nearby. Back on board, expert-led lectures will deepen your connection to this remote world, bringing to life its scientific, historical, and ecological dimensions.
This itinerary offers an unbeatable mix of comfort and thrill, perfectly suited for travelers eager to experience Antarctica but short on time—or those who prefer to skip the rougher seas of a full Drake crossing. You’ll come away not only with indelible memories of this rarefied realm, but also with the satisfaction of having touched one of Earth’s final frontiers—a place few humans have ever set foot.
Ships
World Explorer
Ocean Explorer
World Voyager
Standard Activities
About the Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North
This extraordinary 10-day fly-and-cruise expedition begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, and whisks you swiftly across the infamous Drake Passage by air, allowing for more time immersed in the otherworldly beauty of Antarctica itself. Upon landing on King George Island, you’ll step straight into the heart of the Antarctic experience, bypassing the traditional two-day sea crossing and launching directly into exploration.
The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands offer one of the planet’s most jaw-dropping natural environments—towering ice cliffs, immense glaciers, and vivid wildlife displays at every turn. Traveling in the austral summer, you’ll encounter bustling penguin colonies at the height of their activity and have excellent chances to spot whales as they feed in krill-rich waters. From gentoo penguins waddling ashore to humpbacks slicing through the waves beside your Zodiac, every moment pulses with life and wonder.
On daily excursions led by seasoned polar guides, you might trek panoramic hills for sweeping views of the continent, photograph lounging elephant seals, or simply sit in stillness as a glacier groans and cracks nearby. Back on board, expert-led lectures will deepen your connection to this remote world, bringing to life its scientific, historical, and ecological dimensions.
This itinerary offers an unbeatable mix of comfort and thrill, perfectly suited for travelers eager to experience Antarctica but short on time—or those who prefer to skip the rougher seas of a full Drake crossing. You’ll come away not only with indelible memories of this rarefied realm, but also with the satisfaction of having touched one of Earth’s final frontiers—a place few humans have ever set foot.
Itinerary Day to Day
Punta Arenas, Chile
Your journey begins in Punta Arenas. This port city is situated at the southern tip of Chile, on the north bank of the Strait of Magellan. Once a Chilean penal colony, Punta Arenas has transformed into a vibrant city offering you plenty of attractions including historic sites and museums. Explore the city by day, and then join us for an evening dinner to meet your fellow Antarctic adventurers.
Embarkation day
Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Crossing the Drake Passage to Ushuaia
Disembark and overnight in Ushuaia, Argentina
Depart for home
Route Map
Explore the untamed beauty of this world’s most captivating regions, and save up to 30% on select voyages to Antarctic. Experience adventure-filled expeditions which immerse you in one-of-a-kind experiences in remote destinations such as the Falkland Islands, and more. Witness epic wildlife, fascinating cultur...
Explore the untamed beauty of this world’s most captivating regions, and save up to 30% on select voyages to Antarctic. Experience adventure-filled expeditions which immerse you in one-of-a-kind experiences in remote destinations such as the Falkland Islands, and more. Witness epic wildlife, fascinating cultures, and breathtaking landscapes with the best expedition team in the Polar Regions.
Terms & Conditions
- — Indicates the discount percent offer in effect at the time this record that was updated.
- — 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.
Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a sit-on-top kayak. No experience is required to manoeuvre these very stable kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you want greater flexibility to try other Adventure options, this shorter excursion is for you.
Paddling in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent and a one-time experience. Your kayak guides will attempt to take you out on the water for 1-1.5 hours of paddling. Offered on most voyages, spaces are limited. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.
Pricing subject to change based on season. Please proceed to checkout or contact a Polar Travel Adviser for more details.
*These can be booked in advance at an extra cost. Activities vary by itinerary, destination and are weather permitting.
Sea kayaking is offered on all of our departures and you require no previous experience to enjoy this activity. Our sea kayaks are the ideal means by which to get some good exercise and explore the cliffs and shores of the various visitor sites around the archipelago.
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.
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.
Stand-up Paddleboarding, popularly known as SUPing, originated in Hawaii. Quark Expeditions is the first company to bring this watersport all the way to Antarctica.
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)
What's Included
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Specialist Expedition Leaders: Our team is comprised of the most professional and passionate Expedition Leaders in the world, who bring a wide range of experience and expertise to every adventure.
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Immersive Off-ship Activities: Itineraries are packed with adventure options designed to immerses travelers in the polar wilderness, enabling them to connect with the natural wonders of their surroundings.
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On-Ship Experiences & Facilities: Designed for comfort and adventure, each ship accommodates no more than 200 guests. Facilities include comfortable cabins, exceptional dining options, wellness treatments, and breathtaking panoramic views of the polar landscape.
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Food and Beverages: Premium dining, with a wide selection of options that accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.
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Complementary Wi-Fi, alcohol on all voyages, and the Official Quark Expeditions parka to take home
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Transfers: Select voyages include essential transportation and accommodation arrangements for guests, ensuring seamless travel to and from the expedition starting point.
What's Excluded
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International airfare & visa expenses, travel insurance, mandatory expedition gear, on-ship expenses, adventure options and trip extensions are not included.
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World Explorer and World Voyager guests will receive a free 1GB data card for limited Wi-Fi access. (Additional data can be purchased on the ship.)
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent
In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica - Basecamp
Antarctic Circle Expedition (18D)
Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake
Spirit of Antarctica
Highlights of Antarctica
Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition + Flights