Highlights
Skip the Drake Passage and fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island
Explore the remarkable Antarctic Peninsula
Incredible wildlife including seabirds, penguins, seals and whales
Travel on a small expedition vessel
Accompanied by extremely qualified Expedition Staff
Itinerary
Dreaming of Antarctica but short on time? The "Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake" trip delivers an unforgettable polar adventure without the lengthy sea crossing. This eight-day guided expedition begins and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile, and is ideal for experienced travelers eager for a taste of the world’s last great wilderness. By flying over the Drake Passage to King George Island, you skip days at sea and arrive refreshed, ready to explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
Over the next four days, your cruise weaves among glacier-capped mountains, ice floes, and sparkling blue seas. Wildlife encounters are frequent—penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds become your constant companions as you journey to iconic sites such as Petermann Island, Neko Harbour, and the Gerlache Strait. Adventurous souls can scramble to viewpoints for breathtaking vistas, while visits to research stations and historic sites add fascinating context.
The unique selling point of this tour package is its swift, comfortable access to Antarctica, allowing you to experience the continent’s wonders in a compact timeframe. With all logistics, accommodation, and meals expertly handled, this is the perfect expedition for those seeking an easy yet immersive introduction to the polar world.
day 1Start 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 2Charter flight to King George Island; board ship and embark
day 3 - 6Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
day 7Disembark on King George Island; charter flight to Punta Arenas and overnight in hotel
day 8End Punta Arenas
What's Included
Customer Reviews
Amazing
A thoroughly enjoyable trip. It was a priviledge to be able to go to Antarctica, where so few actually go. Very difficult to put into words what the trip meant other than amazing. I would do the trip again.
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