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Antarctic Express – Fly South, Cruise North Expedition

Antarctic Express – Fly South, Cruise North Expedition

From AUD $17,671

Description

Take the fastest route over the 800-km (500-mile) Drake Passage to Antarctica—a three-hour flight from Punta Arenas, Chile—and glimpse the 7th Continent from the air on our 9-day Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North. Then board your waiting ship at King George Island to explore Antarctica, and sail back across the Drake to Ushuaia. Flying one way and sailing the other gives you the best of both worlds. Expect unique wildlife sightings, rugged landscapes, penguins and seals—and the unforgettable excitement of standing on the Antarctic Continent for the first time. 
Some departures may have slightly modified itineraries. Please confirm the itinerary with an Expedition Specialist.

Trip Name
Antarctic Express - Fly South, Cruise 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: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern 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 meet you at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.
Day 2 - Day 2: Fly to King George Island and Embark
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will enable you to cross the legendary Drake Passage in only two hours, while far below, the ship will approach King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends onto the South Shetland Islands. After landing, make your way to the shore, before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 3 - Day 3 to 6: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. The Antarctic Continent is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes. As your Captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert presenters will deepen your experience with explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region, and presentations on photography to help you take memory-catching images. Even more exciting are your daily excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget. Walking on a shore inhabited by thousands of penguins 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, and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins. You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and orcas in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore during this unrivaled wilderness experience. Your Expedition Team will accompany you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.
Day 4 - Day 7 & 8: Crossing the Drake Passage
A rite of passage for any Antarctic adventurer, crossing the Drake signals the end of your journey. No matter the sea conditions, you will benefit from having developed your sea legs over the course of the previous four days. While the journey home has begun, your wildlife spotting continues. Your Expedition Team will be available on deck and on the ship’s bridge to help you spot the majestic wandering albatross and a number of whale species, such as minke and humpback. When you’re not looking at photos and reminiscing about the previous days, the Expedition Team will conclude their series of engaging presentations on subjects such as marine biology, polar history and glaciology.
Day 5 - Day 9: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, after which you can continue your onward journey, or catch your f lights home.
Day 6 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
Day 7 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
13-03-202622-03-2026AUD $20,927Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
13-03-202622-03-2026AUD $21,977Veranda Stateroom
13-03-202622-03-2026AUD $23,307Veranda Suite
13-03-202622-03-2026AUD $27,367Studio Single
13-03-202622-03-2026AUD $27,367Junior Suite
13-03-202622-03-2026AUD $29,607Studio Veranda Single
13-03-202622-03-2026AUD $31,777Penthouse Suite
13-03-202622-03-2026AUD $34,017Owners Suite
11-12-202619-12-2026AUD $31,731Superior Suite
11-12-202619-12-2026AUD $34,167Deluxe Suite
11-12-202619-12-2026AUD $36,514Owner's Suite
11-12-202619-12-2026AUD $23,067Infinity Suite
11-12-202619-12-2026AUD $24,691Veranda Suite
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $18,421Triple Suite
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $20,729Deluxe Veranda Forward
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $21,755Veranda Stateroom
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $23,294Veranda Suite
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $27,569Studio Single
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $28,895Junior Suite
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $29,878Studio Veranda Single
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $32,272Penthouse Suite
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $34,580Owners Suite
26-02-202706-03-2027AUD $17,671Infinity Suite
26-02-202706-03-2027AUD $18,611Veranda Suite
26-02-202706-03-2027AUD $24,254Superior Suite
26-02-202706-03-2027AUD $26,135Deluxe Suite
26-02-202706-03-2027AUD $28,016Owner's Suite
14-12-202722-12-2027AUD $21,946Infinity Suite
14-12-202722-12-2027AUD $23,143Veranda Suite
14-12-202722-12-2027AUD $30,239Superior Suite
14-12-202722-12-2027AUD $32,548Deluxe Suite
14-12-202722-12-2027AUD $34,942Owner's Suite
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $21,499Triple Suite
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $24,235Deluxe Veranda Forward
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $25,517Veranda Stateroom
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $27,142Veranda Suite
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $32,272Studio Single
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $32,272Junior Suite
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $34,922Studio Veranda Single
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $37,658Penthouse Suite
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $40,309Owners Suite
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $21,499Triple Suite
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $24,235Deluxe Veranda Forward
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $25,517Veranda Stateroom
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $27,142Veranda Suite
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $32,272Junior Suite
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $32,272Studio Single
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $34,922Studio Veranda Single
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $37,658Penthouse Suite
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $40,309Owners Suite
25-02-202804-03-2028AUD $18,355Infinity Suite
25-02-202804-03-2028AUD $19,295Veranda Suite
25-02-202804-03-2028AUD $25,195Superior Suite
25-02-202804-03-2028AUD $27,161Deluxe Suite
25-02-202804-03-2028AUD $29,042Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • 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
    • Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts

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