Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Visit the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, but skip the Drake Passage crossing by flying instead

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

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Trip Fee

$ 18.995

Date

10 - 17 December 2025

Trip Information

This trip is the perfect short, introductory expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, the most pristine wilderness on earth. We reduce the Drake Passage crossing from two days to two hours by flying from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. We spend the next four days sailing between the South Shetlands and the Antarctic Peninsula, past towering glacier-capped mountains rising from a brilliant blue sea, dotted with ice floes, and enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. We hope to visit magnificent spots such as Petermann Island, Neko Harbour and the Gerlache Strait, and have the chance to scramble up to a high point for an unforgettable view of Port Lockeroy. On this adventure we will also visit penguin colonies, listen for calving glaciers, and visit both historic sites and research stations.

Activity Areas

Polar
Polar Marine and Wildlife

Region & Country & City

Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, Chile

Included in the Price

— All meals while on the ship — Beer and wine during dinner — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Full complement of qualified Expedition Staff — We can include flights from the UK. Please contact us for a quote.

Not Included In The Price

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation Information

— 5  nights on the ship plus 2 nights in Punta Arenas — Expedition cruising in comfortable conditions

Map

Itinerary

Day 1 Start Punta Arenas; overnight in hotel

Our 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 we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day. Please note that you need to arrive at the hotel in Punta Arenas no later than 3pm today.

Day 2 Charter flight to King George Island; board ship and embark

A quick 2-hour flight from Punta Arenas lands on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. En route, from our bird's eye view, we can bid the Drake Passage a fond Bon Voyage. After exploring the portion of the island where the Chilean Research Base, Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva and the Russian Base, Bellingshausen, are located, we transfer to the ship by Zodiac to embark on our Antarctic adventure.

Day 3 - 6 Antarctic Peninsula and the 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. Our first sightings will be from the ship itself. As the Captain and Expedition Team keep their eyes out for whales and seabirds, and will alert us 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 our daily excursions to land. 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. We 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 in Antarctica, each day offers exciting opportunities.

Day 7 Disembark on King George Island; charter flight to Punta Arenas and overnight in hotel

From King George Island, we will fly across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas and transfer to our hotel to spend the night.

Day 8 End Punta Arenas

After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

Travel Dates

10 - 17 December 2025 $ 18.995

15 - 22 December 2025 $ 16.145

04 - 11 January 2026 $ 20.225

08 - 15 March 2026 $ 15.046

01 - 08 December 2026 $ 21.595

06 - 13 December 2026 $ 21.595

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