Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake Tour with 7 Reviews by Quark Expeditions

8 daysDuration

Cruise TourExperience this tour on a cruise

20 peopleMaximum group size

8 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Strenuous

Highly demanding activities designed for individuals with excellent physical fitness.

Starts

Punta Arenas, Chile

Ends

Punta Arenas, Chile

Highlights

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

Cruise in a Zodiac to get water-level views of icebergs, wildlife and more

Itinerary

Craving the ultimate polar adventure? The "Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake" tour offers an exhilarating shortcut to the White Continent, flying you over the notorious Drake Passage by charter plane before beginning an eight-day exploration of Antarctica. With Punta Arenas as your gateway, land on King George Island and embark on a cruise through the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Choose from a variety of adventure activities and onboard programs tailored to your interests, from Zodiac cruises to wildlife encounters with penguins and seals. The unique selling point of this trip is its time-saving approach—perfect for intrepid travelers keen to maximize their Antarctic experience without enduring days at sea.

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.

Meals:Dinner

day 2 - Fly to King George Island and Embarkation

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!

days 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 7 - Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas

After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your two-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your group transfer to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

day 8 - Depart Punta Arenas

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

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeepingAll shore landings per the daily program

Meals

1 Breakfast and 1 DinnerBeer and house wine during dinnerCoffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock

Guide

Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader

Others

All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily programFormal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as scheduledPhotographic journal documenting the expeditionWaterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landingsOfficial Quark Expeditions® parka to keepComplimentary reusable water bottleHair dryer and bathrobe in every cabinComprehensive onboard materials, including a map and an informative Arctic/Antarctic ReaderAll miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programAll luggage handling aboard the shipEmergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500, 000 per personMandatory price included

What's Excluded

Ship Details

World Explorer

Distinct and comfortable, refined and roomy—these attributes and more describe World Explorer. Not only is it among our fastest ships, but it is also one of our finest, with six tiers of deluxe accommodation. The personal space is exceptional. Every suite has either a private walk-out or French balcony for direct ocean views. World Explorer also delivers plenty of public areas to unwind in after a day outdoors, including the glass-domed Observation Lounge for quiet contemplation and full skyline views, the Explorer Lounge for a drink and a chat, and the library for more intimate relaxing and reading. Presentations and discussions are facilitated in a dedicated lecture theatre. Health and wellness facilities feature an outdoor track, a small gym and a sauna, plus a spa with change rooms, showers and lockers. For the active adventurers, add-ons include kayaking, camping and stand-up paddleboarding.

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Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

5.0

based on 7 reviews

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