Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

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Answer the call of Antarctica by flying over the notorious Drake Passage by charter plane to land at King George Island before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by ship. In just 8 adventure-packed days, you’ll experience rewarding shore visits and Zodiac cruises, marvel at intimate wildlife encounters, explore historic sites and make the most of your landmark visit to the 7th Continent. Select from a range of adventure options and onboard activities that match your personal interests and make your expedition uniquely yours.

Some departures offer a combination of flying and cruising (10 days), while others involve flying both ways over the Drake Passage (8 days)

  • Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica
  • Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales
  • Marvel at many of the Antarctic Peninsula highlights
  • Cruise in a Zodiac to get up close to icebergs, wildlife and more

Map & Itinerary

Day 1Punta Arenas, Chile

Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days. By early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions representative will bring everyone together to your starting hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.

Day 2Embarkation Day

Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the infamous Drake Passage in only a few hours. Way below, the ship is approaching King George Island for your arrival. The dramatic Antarctic landscapes soon become visible as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetlands. After landing, stretch your legs and spend some time exploring the island before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship. Meet the rest of your shipmates and set sail for the Peninsula!

Day 3–6Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As we approach the white continent, don’t be surprised if you are overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through the human eye.
Your first sightings will be from the ship itself. As the Captain and Expedition Team keep their eyes out for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region.
Even more exciting are your daily excursions to land. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking up to a beach that is dotted with penguins and seals is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities. You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs in Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a chinstrap rookery the next day. From the booming shot of a calving glacier at Petermann Island to the complete silence of night while camping in Antarctica, you’ll welcome each day with the excitement and energy of a young child. Our Expedition Team will be with you all along, providing insights into the places you visit and offering photography tips to get the most out of your expedition.

Day 7Disembarkation & Fly to Punta Arenas

After your four days of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to the Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your three-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile brings your journey to an end. After we transfer you from the airport to the hotel, you can enjoy one final dinner (not inlcuded) to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Day 8Depart for Home

After breakfast, you will make your own way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

Some departures offer a combination of flying and cruising (10 days), while others involve flying both ways over the Drake Passage (8 days)

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Inclusions/Exclusions

This expedition includes:

  • An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings and other activities
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.
  • Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • A photographic journal documenting your expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • A group arrival transfer in Punta Arenas from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas 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.)
  • A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
  • A pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport
  • Flights to and from King George Island
  • A post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel
  • One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast
  • 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.)

This expedition excludes:

  • International airfare
  • Passport and applicable visa expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
  • Meals unless otherwise specified
  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
  • Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
  • Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
  • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
  • Additional overnight accommodation
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

Adventure Activities

Paddling Excursion: US$ 295 pp

Sea Kayaking: US$ 995 pp

Stand-Up Paddleboarding: US$ 295 pp

Gallery

Dates & Prices

All prices are subject to availability, quoted per person and expressed in USD. Use our advanced filters to tailor your search by month, year, trip length and/or budget. Find the perfect adventure for you and discover beautiful and exciting destinations!

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Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Start : 5 Dec, 2024  End : 12 Dec, 2024
Departure : Punta Arenas   Arrival : Punta Arenas
8 Days
From $16,795
$15,955
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Triple
$16,795 $15,955
Infinity Suite
$20,695 $19,660
Veranda Suite
$20,695 $19,660
Superior Suite
$25,595 $24,315
Deluxe Suite
$27,795 $26,405
Owner's Suite
$29,295 $27,830

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Start : 15 Dec, 2024  End : 22 Dec, 2024
Departure : Punta Arenas   Arrival : Punta Arenas
8 Days
From $17,895
$13,421
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Triple
$17,895 $13,421
Infinity Suite
$21,795 $16,346
Veranda Suite
$21,795 $16,346
Superior Suite
$27,095 $20,321
Deluxe Suite
$29,295 $21,971
Owner's Suite
$30,995 $23,246

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Start : 20 Dec, 2024  End : 27 Dec, 2024
Departure : Punta Arenas   Arrival : Punta Arenas
8 Days
From SOLD OUT
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Triple
SOLD OUT  
Owner's Suite
SOLD OUT  
Infinity Suite
SOLD OUT  
Veranda Suite
SOLD OUT  
Superior Suite
SOLD OUT  
Deluxe Suite
SOLD OUT  

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Start : 9 Jan, 2025  End : 16 Jan, 2025
Departure : Punta Arenas   Arrival : Punta Arenas
8 Days
From $20,995
$19,945
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Deluxe Veranda Fwd
$20,995 $19,945
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$20,995 $19,945
Veranda Stateroom
$22,495 $21,370
Veranda Suite
$23,495 $22,320
Studio Single
$27,995 $26,595
Junior Suite
$27,995 $26,595
Studio Veranda Single
$29,995 $28,495
Penthouse Suite
$32,495 $30,870
Owners Suite
$34,495 $32,770

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Start : 14 Jan, 2025  End : 21 Jan, 2025
Departure : Punta Arenas   Arrival : Punta Arenas
8 Days
From $20,995
$19,945
Show Prices
Ask Us a Question
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$20,995 $19,945
Veranda Stateroom
$22,495 $21,370
Veranda Suite
$23,495 $22,320
Studio Single
$27,995 $26,595
Junior Suite
$27,995 $26,595
Studio Veranda Single
$29,995 $28,495
Penthouse Suite
$32,495 $30,870
Owners Suite
$34,495 $32,770

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Start : 19 Jan, 2025  End : 26 Jan, 2025
Departure : Punta Arenas   Arrival : Punta Arenas
8 Days
From $20,995
$19,945
Show Prices
Ask Us a Question
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$20,995 $19,945
Veranda Stateroom
$22,495 $21,370
Veranda Suite
$23,495 $22,320
Studio Single
$27,995 $26,595
Junior Suite
$27,995 $26,595
Studio Veranda Single
$29,995 $28,495
Penthouse Suite
$32,495 $30,870
Owners Suite
$34,495 $32,770

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Start : 3 Dec, 2025  End : 12 Dec, 2025
Departure : Ushuaia   Arrival : Punta Arenas
10 Days
From $16,795
$13,562
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Triple
$16,795 $13,562
Veranda Suite
$19,695 $15,904
Infinity Suite
$19,695 $15,904
Superior Suite
$25,595 $20,668
Deluxe Suite
$27,595 $22,283
Owner's Suite
$29,495 $23,817

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Start : 10 Dec, 2025  End : 17 Dec, 2025
Departure : Punta Arenas   Arrival : Punta Arenas
8 Days
From $18,995
$15,339
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Triple
$18,995 $15,339
Infinity Suite
$22,295 $18,003
Veranda Suite
$22,295 $18,003
Superior Suite
$28,995 $23,414
Deluxe Suite
$31,195 $25,190
Owner's Suite
$33,495 $27,047

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Start : 15 Dec, 2025  End : 22 Dec, 2025
Departure : Punta Arenas   Arrival : Punta Arenas
8 Days
From $18,995
$15,339
Show Prices
Ask Us a Question
Triple
$18,995 $15,339
Infinity Suite
$22,295 $18,003
Veranda Suite
$22,295 $18,003
Superior Suite
$28,995 $23,414
Deluxe Suite
$31,195 $25,190
Owner's Suite
$33,495 $27,047

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Start : 20 Dec, 2025  End : 29 Dec, 2025
Departure : Punta Arenas   Arrival : Ushuaia
10 Days
From $17,995
$13,676
Show Prices
Ask Us a Question
Triple
$17,995 $13,676
Veranda Suite
$21,195 $16,108
Infinity Suite
$21,195 $16,108
Superior Suite
$27,495 $20,896
Deluxe Suite
$29,595 $22,492
Owner's Suite
$31,695 $24,088

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Start : 28 Dec, 2025  End : 6 Jan, 2026
Departure : Ushuaia   Arrival : Punta Arenas
10 Days
From $19,995
$17,171
Show Prices
Ask Us a Question
Deluxe Veranda Fwd
$19,995 $17,171
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$20,995  
Veranda Stateroom
$22,095  
Veranda Suite
$23,395  
Studio Single
$27,595  
Junior Suite
$27,595  
Studio Veranda Single
$29,795  
Penthouse Suite
$31,995  
Owners Suite
$34,195  

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Start : 4 Jan, 2026  End : 11 Jan, 2026
Departure : Punta Arenas   Arrival : Punta Arenas
8 Days
From $22,595
$15,146
Show Prices
Ask Us a Question
Deluxe Veranda Fwd
$22,595 $15,146
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$23,795 $19,215
Veranda Stateroom
$24,995 $20,184
Veranda Suite
$26,495 $21,395
Studio Single
$31,295 $25,271
Junior Suite
$31,295 $25,271
Studio Veranda Single
$33,795 $27,290
Penthouse Suite
$36,295 $29,308
Owners Suite
$38,695 $31,246

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Start : 17 Jan, 2026  End : 26 Jan, 2026
Departure : Punta Arenas   Arrival : Ushuaia
10 Days
From $19,995
$16,146
Show Prices
Ask Us a Question
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$19,995 $16,146
Veranda Stateroom
$20,995 $16,954
Veranda Suite
$22,295 $18,003
Deluxe Veranda Fwd
$18,995 $18,356
Studio Single
$26,295 $21,233
Junior Suite
$26,295 $21,233
Studio Veranda Single
$28,295 $22,848
Penthouse Suite
$30,395 $24,544
Owners Suite
$32,495 $26,240

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Start : 21 Feb, 2026  End : 2 Mar, 2026
Departure : Ushuaia   Arrival : Punta Arenas
10 Days
From $19,995
$17,095
Show Prices
Ask Us a Question
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$19,995 $17,095
Veranda Stateroom
$20,995 $17,950
Veranda Suite
$22,295 $19,062
Studio Single
$26,295 $22,482
Junior Suite
$26,295 $22,482
Studio Veranda Single
$28,295 $24,192
Penthouse Suite
$30,395 $25,987
Owners Suite
$32,495 $27,783
Deluxe Veranda Fwd
$18,995 $31,021

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Start : 8 Mar, 2026  End : 15 Mar, 2026
Departure : Punta Arenas   Arrival : Punta Arenas
8 Days
From $21,495
$16,336
Show Prices
Ask Us a Question
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$21,495 $16,336
Veranda Stateroom
$22,595 $17,172
Veranda Suite
$23,995 $18,236
Deluxe Veranda Fwd
$20,495 $19,546
Studio Single
$28,295 $21,504
Junior Suite
$28,295 $21,504
Studio Veranda Single
$30,495 $23,176
Penthouse Suite
$32,795 $24,924
Owners Suite
$35,095 $26,672

Antarctic Express Fly the Drake

Start : 13 Mar, 2026  End : 22 Mar, 2026
Departure : Punta Arenas   Arrival : Ushuaia
10 Days
From $18,995
$13,534
Show Prices
Ask Us a Question
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$18,995 $13,534
Veranda Stateroom
$19,995 $14,246
Veranda Suite
$21,195 $15,101
Studio Single
$24,895 $17,737
Junior Suite
$24,895 $17,737
Studio Veranda Single
$26,895 $19,162
Penthouse Suite
$28,895 $20,587
Owners Suite
$30,895 $22,012
Deluxe Veranda Fwd
$18,095 $24,556

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