Chat now 0449 790 108
Chat now 0449 790 108

Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North 9 Day 2026-2027

Small Marine/Cruise

This tour is not currently unavailable for booking
Take the fastest route to Antarctica – a three-hour flight – and enjoy your first glimpse of the continent from the air, a unique introduction to the vast and dramatic landscape that remains one of the last unspoiled regions in the world. Continue your journey on ship, where an adventure beyond your wildest imagination awaits. Later, return through the world’s most legendary – and exciting – passage of water, as you follow the path of historic explorers across the infamous Drake Passage. Expect the unexpected and be rewarded with unique wildlife and natural attractions, each highlight surpassing the last. Marvel at the contrast of a desolate landscape inhabited by abundant wildlife including curious, playful penguins and seals. And embrace the excitement of standing on the continent for the very first time.

Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest, most direct way to AntarcticaSpot iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whalesMarvel at many of the Antarctic Peninsula highlightsEnjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts

From price

$38,246
$38,246
From price per person, twin share
Number Of Days
9
Start Location
Punta Arenas, Chile
End Location
Ushuaia, Argentina
Age Range
Avg. 50+
Group Size
1 to 50
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
Adventure, Polar, River/Small ship/Barge
Physical Rating
Moderate

Inclusions

  • An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings and other activities
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage.
  • Complimentary select beer, wines and select cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
  • Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • A photographic journal documenting your expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data-intensive applications.)
  • A group arrival transfer in Punta Arenas from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast. (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
  • A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
  • A pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport
  • Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
  • Group Transfer from ship to hotel.
  • bus
  • hotel
  • ship-outline
  • flight

    • Itinerary details

    Day 1 - Punta Arenas, Chile
    Your journey begins in Punta Arenas. This port city is situated at the southern tip of Chile, on the north bank of the Strait of Magellan. Once a Chilean penal colony, Punta Arenas has transformed into a vibrant city offering you plenty of attractions including historic sites and museums. Explore the city by day, and then join us for an evening dinner to meet your fellow Antarctic adventurers.
    Day 2 - Embarkation Day
    Today you board your chartered flight to Antarctica. The journey over the Drake Passage will take you less than four hours, whereas our ship-based travelers take two days to make the journey by sea. Your first glimpse of Antarctica comes into view shortly before the aircraft descends towards King George Island—hope for clear skies so you can appreciate the vastness of this great continent! You will have free time to photograph parts of the island and stretch your legs before joining the ship. Once aboard, you’ll enjoy your first trip in a Zodiac and begin your exploration of the Antarctic region.
    Days 3 to 6 - Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
    You’ll get a sense that you’ve arrived on a new planet during the start of your Antarctic voyage, as the pristine nature and dramatic environments are like nothing else on earth. From the vessel you can watch whales swim and feed in nutrient-rich waters and spot penguins frolicking in the water and jumping aboard ice fls. Just as amazing as the wildlife are the towering snowcovered mountains and massive glaciers of the Peninsula, which will be your playground for the next few days. Every Zodiac excursion and landing presents new sights, sounds and smells. Some landings may be as relaxing as sitting on a beach, taking photographs of curious gentoo penguins. Other landings may provide exhilarating panoramic views of the Antarctic continent by hiking atop a hill. Perhaps you’ll catch a calving glacier crumbling into the sea at Petermann Island, or take a Zodiac cruise in search of fur and elephant seals around Pleneau Island. Even common travel experiences like mailing a postcard take on an extra level of excitement in Antarctica. While weather and sea conditions determine which landings we can make, your Expedition Team will ensure that each day of your Antarctic adventure leaves a lasting impression.
    Days 7 and 8 - Crossing the Drake Passage to Ushuaia
    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 9 - Disembark and overnight in Ushuaia, Argentina
    You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, after which you can continue your onward journey,  or catch your flights home.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    You should choose this tour for its efficiency and unique perspective, as it offers the fastest route to Antarctica with a three-hour flight that allows you to see the dramatic landscape from the air before embarking on your ship. Additionally, you'll benefit from the expertise of onboard polar specialists who provide deep insights into glaciology, history, and wildlife.
    This tour is designed for adventurers and nature lovers who are passionate about exploring one of the world's last unspoiled regions. Those who enjoy wildlife spotting—particularly penguins, seals, and whales—and those interested in the science and history of polar regions will find this experience most rewarding.
    The pros include a significantly faster arrival at the continent via flight, the opportunity for intimate wildlife encounters, and educational presentations from experts. A potential con is that the return journey requires crossing the infamous Drake Passage by ship, which can be challenging depending on sea conditions.
    The provided text does not specify if the tour is tailored for specific group types; however, with a maximum group size of 50 and a standard tour style, it is open to various types of travelers seeking a shared expedition experience.
    This tour is an excellent option for first-time visitors, as it provides a comprehensive introduction to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, guided by an expert team that helps guests identify different penguin species and understand the region's ecology.
    The tour has a physicality rating of 'Moderate' and involves activities such as Zodiac landings and hiking to penguin rookeries, which may be challenging for those with significant mobility concerns. We recommend reviewing the moderate rating to ensure it aligns with your physical capabilities.
    This tour is heavily focused on adventure and sightseeing. The itinerary emphasizes exploring the unrivaled wilderness, witnessing natural attractions like calving glaciers, and engaging in wildlife spotting in one of the most remote places on Earth.
    The pace of the tour is balanced; it begins with a fast-tracked flight to the continent to maximize time spent exploring, followed by several days of daily excursions and educational sessions, and concludes with a steady journey back across the Drake Passage.
    The itinerary feels thoughtfully paced to maximize the experience. By flying over the Drake Passage on the way in, the tour avoids a long initial transit, allowing for four dedicated days of exploration in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands before the return voyage.
    Yes, the tour includes major highlights such as the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, and King George Island, along with opportunities to see iconic wildlife like leopard seals, orcas, and various penguin species.
    While the text mentions that an Expedition Team and polar experts accompany guests to provide insights and presentations, it does not explicitly state the languages spoken or how specific language barriers are handled.
    Disclaimer:
    These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
    as
    Compare tours