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Antarctic Express – Cruise South, Fly North Expedition

Antarctic Express – Cruise South, Fly North Expedition

From AUD $21,499

Description

Get the best of both worlds on our 10-day Antarctic Express: Sail South, Fly North. Achieve a polar rite of passage by crossing the legendary 800-km (500-mile) Drake Passage by ship—and on your return, board a comfortable charter flight at King George Island for a three-hour flight over the infamous waterway. That leaves several full days to experience the wonders of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Expect to encounter minke and humpback whales, along with Adélie penguins, as you explore rugged snow-capped peaks, stark icescapes, and immense penguin colonies thriving in this remote wilderness.
Some departures may have slightly modified itineraries. Certain departures leave from Ushuaia and do not include charter flights. Please confirm the itinerary with an Expedition Specialist.

Trip Name
Antarctic Express - Cruise South, Fly North Expedition
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition Length: 342 ft (104.4 m) Passenger Capacity: 138 Built: 2021 The Ocean Explorer is a modern, purpose-built expedition vessel combining contemporary elegance with advanced polar exploration technology. Accommodating up to 138 guests, this state-of-the-art ship features the innovative ULSTEIN X-BOW® design, which ensures smooth, stable sailing even in rough seas. A highlight of the vessel is its stunning two-story, glass-walled library located at the bow—perfect for quiet reflection with panoramic views of the polar landscapes. Almost all spacious cabins include private verandas, while the ship’s sleek Scandinavian-inspired interiors create a sense of understated luxury. Guests can unwind in the fitness centre, sauna with large windows overlooking the ice, or one of two outdoor Jacuzzis while taking in the surrounding scenery. Designed with both exploration and comfort in mind, Ocean Explorer offers generous outdoor viewing spaces and elevated observation decks for exceptional photography and wildlife watching. A fleet of 15 Zodiacs ensures quick, safe embarkation for off-ship adventures. Social spaces such as the elegant Main Dining Room, Latitude Bar, and Observation Lounge provide a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, complemented by fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines and cutting-edge sustainability systems, including waste-to-energy technology. Every detail of the Ocean Explorer reflects innovation, comfort, and environmental consciousness—setting a new standard for luxury expedition cruising.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: 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.
Day 2 - Day 2: Arrive in Ushuaia and Embarkation
Your Charter Flight and Hotel package will provide you with some free time to explore this quaint port town at the bottom of South America. Steeped in marine history, this walkable Argentine city has plenty of museums, galleries and historic sites to visit quite easily. We will transfer the group to the ship for embarkation around 4 pm.
Day 3 - Day 3 & 4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, you may get lucky and have surprisingly calm seas through the Drake Passage. Spend your time in the lounge or chatting with your fellow travelers. As you develop your sea legs during the crossing, our Expedition Team will begin their series of presentations to help prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, a biological boundary that fluctuates around 60° south.
Day 4 - Day 5 to 8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other— creating a unique, personal experience. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or observing chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
Day 5 - Day 9: Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
With only the Drake Passage ahead, you’ll disembark on King George Island before flying to Punta Arenas, Chile. Once you’re in Punta Arenas, we’ll transfer you from the airport to your hotel, where you’re free to explore and enjoy a final dinner on your own, before your homeward journey.
Day 6 - Day 10: Depart Punta Arenas
After breakfast, you are free to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.
Day 7 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
24-11-202603-12-2026AUD $21,918Infinity Suite
24-11-202603-12-2026AUD $22,968Veranda Suite
24-11-202603-12-2026AUD $29,589Superior Suite
24-11-202603-12-2026AUD $31,689Deluxe Suite
24-11-202603-12-2026AUD $33,869Owner's Suite
14-01-202723-01-2027AUD $35,435Studio Veranda Single
14-01-202723-01-2027AUD $37,983Penthouse Suite
14-01-202723-01-2027AUD $40,668Owners Suite
14-01-202723-01-2027AUD $24,962Deluxe Veranda Forward
14-01-202723-01-2027AUD $26,244Veranda Stateroom
14-01-202723-01-2027AUD $27,783Veranda Suite
14-01-202723-01-2027AUD $32,751Studio Single
14-01-202723-01-2027AUD $32,751Junior Suite
15-01-202724-01-2027AUD $23,423Triple Suite
15-01-202724-01-2027AUD $26,244Deluxe Veranda Forward
15-01-202724-01-2027AUD $27,527Veranda Stateroom
15-01-202724-01-2027AUD $29,151Veranda Suite
15-01-202724-01-2027AUD $32,751Junior Suite
15-01-202724-01-2027AUD $34,367Studio Single
15-01-202724-01-2027AUD $37,188Studio Veranda Single
15-01-202724-01-2027AUD $39,924Penthouse Suite
15-01-202724-01-2027AUD $42,746Owners Suite
04-02-202713-02-2027AUD $25,955Infinity Suite
04-02-202713-02-2027AUD $27,323Veranda Suite
04-02-202713-02-2027AUD $35,104Superior Suite
04-02-202713-02-2027AUD $37,669Deluxe Suite
04-02-202713-02-2027AUD $40,234Owner's Suite
02-12-202711-12-2027AUD $22,920Infinity Suite
02-12-202711-12-2027AUD $24,117Veranda Suite
02-12-202711-12-2027AUD $31,384Superior Suite
02-12-202711-12-2027AUD $33,778Deluxe Suite
02-12-202711-12-2027AUD $36,172Owner's Suite
28-12-202706-01-2028AUD $21,499Triple Suite
28-12-202706-01-2028AUD $24,235Deluxe Veranda Forward
28-12-202706-01-2028AUD $25,517Veranda Stateroom
28-12-202706-01-2028AUD $27,142Veranda Suite
28-12-202706-01-2028AUD $32,272Junior Suite
28-12-202706-01-2028AUD $32,272Studio Single
28-12-202706-01-2028AUD $34,922Studio Veranda Single
28-12-202706-01-2028AUD $37,658Penthouse Suite
28-12-202706-01-2028AUD $40,309Owners Suite
21-01-202830-01-2028AUD $21,499Triple Suite
21-01-202830-01-2028AUD $24,235Deluxe Veranda Forward
21-01-202830-01-2028AUD $25,517Veranda Stateroom
21-01-202830-01-2028AUD $27,142Veranda Suite
21-01-202830-01-2028AUD $32,272Junior Suite
21-01-202830-01-2028AUD $32,272Studio Single
21-01-202830-01-2028AUD $34,922Studio Veranda Single
21-01-202830-01-2028AUD $37,658Penthouse Suite
21-01-202830-01-2028AUD $40,309Owners Suite
05-02-202814-02-2028AUD $25,827Infinity Suite
05-02-202814-02-2028AUD $27,366Veranda Suite
05-02-202814-02-2028AUD $35,488Superior Suite
05-02-202814-02-2028AUD $38,224Deluxe Suite
05-02-202814-02-2028AUD $40,875Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales
    • Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica
    • Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts
    • Cruise in a Zodiac to get water-level views of icebergs, wildlife and more

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