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Antarctic Express: Sail South, Fly North with Flight from Buenos Aires 10 Day 2026-2027

Small Marine/Cruise

This tour is not currently unavailable for booking
Revel in the excitement of crossing the famed Drake Passage after embarking from Ushuaia, with the convenience of a northbound return flight at the end of your expedition. Minke and humpback whales or Adélie penguins floating on ice fls may greet you as you pass, enroute to the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The surreal silence in this vast wilderness may at first overwhelm, but playful, charismatic wildlife and your intrepid traveling companions keep you grounded. You’ll develop a new appreciation and understanding of Antarctica’s extreme contrasts - harsh, rugged mountain peaks and fragile ecosystems; stark, lonely icescapes and populous, gregarious penguins.

Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whalesFly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest, most direct way to AntarcticaEnjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar expertsCruise in a Zodiac to get water-level views of icebergs, wildlife and more

From price

$26,420
$26,420
From price per person, twin share
Number Of Days
10
Start Location
Buenos Aires, Argentina
End Location
Punta Arenas, Chile
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
  • World Voyager guests will receive a free 1GB data card for limited Wi-Fi access for use on one device, permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Additional data can be purchased on ship.)
  • Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas
  • A post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel
  • One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast.

    • Itinerary details

    Day 1 - Arriving in Buenos Aires and Hotel Night
    Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, make your way to the included group hotel, which is part of your Charter Flight & Hotel Package. A presentation room will be open from 12 pm to 8 pm for luggage weighing and tagging. A Quark Expeditions representative will be available to answer your questions and give information about the next day's flight and ship embarkation. After an early breakfast the following morning, your group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world.
    Day 2 - Arrive in Ushuaia and Embarkation
    Your Charter Flight and Hotel package will provide you with some free time to explore this quaint port town at the bottom of South America. Steeped in marine history, this walkable Argentine city has plenty of museums, galleries and historic sites to visit quite easily. We will transfer the group to the ship for embarkation around 4 pm.
    Days 3 and 4 - Crossing the Drake Passage
    Legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, you may get lucky and have surprisingly calm seas through the Drake Passage. Spend your time in the lounge or chatting with your fellow travelers. As you develop your sea legs during the crossing, our Expedition Team will begin their series of presentations to help prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, a biological boundary that fluctuates around 60° south.
    Days 5 to 8 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
    The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other— creating a unique, personal experience. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or observing chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
    Day 9 - Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
    With only the Drake Passage ahead, you’ll disembark on King George Island before flying to Punta Arenas, Chile. Once you’re in Punta Arenas, we’ll transfer you from the airport to your hotel, where you’re free to explore and enjoy a final dinner on your own, before your homeward journey.
    Day 10 - Depart Punta Arenas
    After breakfast, you are free to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    You should choose this tour for its unique combination of adventure and convenience. It offers the fastest and most direct way to reach Antarctica by flying over the Drake Passage on the return journey, and it provides an educational experience with onboard polar experts who give presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology, and geology.
    This tour is designed for intrepid adventurers and nature lovers who are passionate about exploring the most remote places on Earth. Those who enjoy wildlife spotting, learning from experts, and experiencing the surreal silence and extreme contrasts of the Antarctic wilderness will enjoy this expedition the most.
    The pros include the opportunity to see iconic wildlife like penguins, seals, and whales, the convenience of a charter flight, and the expertise of a specialized polar team. A potential con is the crossing of the Drake Passage, which is legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, though some travelers may experience calmer waters.
    This tour is a wonderful option for anyone with a spirit of exploration. While the text does not specifically mention families or couples, it highlights the opportunity to bond with intrepid traveling companions, making it a welcoming environment for solo travelers as well.
    This tour is excellent for both first-time visitors and experienced travelers. For those new to the region, the Expedition Team provides comprehensive presentations to prepare you for excursions, while experienced polar travelers will appreciate Quark Expeditions' 25 years of leadership in polar adventure travel.
    The tour has a physicality rating of 'Moderate' and involves Zodiac cruises to reach landing sites and hiking across the Antarctic landscape. Because of these requirements, individuals with significant mobility concerns may find some activities challenging; however, specific accessibility accommodations are not detailed in the text.
    This tour is heavily focused on adventure and sightseeing. The itinerary emphasizes exploring glaciated bays and channels via Zodiac, observing diverse wildlife in their natural habitat, and experiencing the rugged, untouched wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula.
    The pace of the tour is a blend of anticipation and active exploration. While the days crossing the Drake Passage allow for a more relaxed period of lounging and learning, the days spent in Antarctica are active, featuring daily Zodiac excursions and land landings.
    The itinerary feels well-balanced. It provides a structured start in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, dedicated time to adjust to sea life during the Drake Passage crossing, and several consecutive days of immersive exploration in the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
    Yes, the tour includes major highlights such as the crossing of the Antarctic Convergence, visits to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, and the opportunity to visit a research station and observe iconic wildlife.
    While the text does not explicitly mention translation services, the tour is led by a professional Expedition Team and polar experts who manage all presentations and excursions, ensuring guests are well-informed and cared for throughout the journey.
    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.
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