Expedition
Ocean Explorer - 138 Guests
Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle
Antarctica Expedition

Spend less time getting to and from the Antarctic Peninsula with this fly-in, fly-out option. We fly from Punta Arenas to Antarctica, spend a week cruising the peninsula and crossing the Antarctic Circle, and then fly back to Punta Arenas.

PROMOTIONAL OFFER

Antarctica 2024/25 Season:

Save up to 10% on select departures. Promotion can change at anytime. Contact us today to lock in a quote!

• Valid on new bookings only. Promotion can change at anytime and is subject to availability



 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The fastest, most direct way to Antarctica
  • Fly over the Drake Passage
  • All the Antarctic Peninsula highlights including crossing the Antarctic Circle
  • Photography instruction included
  • Crossing of the Antarctic Circle
  • Optional Polar camping along the Peninsula
  • Enjoy on board lectures and educational presentations from Polar specialists

DATES / RATES

Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
Start DateEnd DateStudio DoubleStudio SingleStudio Veranda StateroomDeluxe VerandaGrand Veranda StateroomRoyal Veranda StateroomJunior SuiteStudio Veranda SingleExplorer SuiteOwner's Suite
Jan 24, 2025Feb 03, 202522,49528,49523,49526,99528,49533,49537,49534,99538,99540,495
Jan 09, 2026Jan 19, 202630,09538,59531,89536,49538,59539,69544,29540,69545,99549,595
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
Start DateEnd Date(Starting from)
Studio Double
(Mid-range)
Royal Veranda Stateroom
(High-end)
Owner's Suite
Jan 24, 2025Feb 03, 202522,49533,49540,495
Jan 09, 2026Jan 19, 202630,09539,69549,595


ITINERARY

Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile

Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in 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 all passengers at the official starting point hotel where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.

Day 2: Embarkation Day

Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship is approaching King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctica landscapes will be from a very unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetlands. After landing, stretch your legs and spend some time exploring the island before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship. Meet the rest of your shipmates and set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

Days 3-5: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the white continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes.

Your first sightings will be from the ship itself. As the Captain and Expedition Team keep their eyes out for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted 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 your daily excursions to land. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! 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 and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between an Adélie, Gentoo or chinstrap penguin.

You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs in Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming shot of a calving glacier at Neko Harbour to the complete silence of night, while camping on the ice in Antarctica, you’ll welcome each day with the excitement and energy of a young child.

Our Expedition Team will be with you all along, providing insights into the places you visit.

Days 6-7: The Antarctic Circle

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66° 33’ S. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne!

With a toast to the first explorers who ventured this far south, you can take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, Weddell seals and some of the most magical, odd ice formations you’ll see anywhere in Antarctica.

Days 8-9: Northbound Along the Peninsula

If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time we return to the Drake Passage. You will continue to journey onto land by Zodiac twice daily as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula.

Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.

Day 10: Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas

After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to the Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your three-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile brings your adventure to an end. After we transfer you from the airport to the hotel, you can enjoy a final dinner in the city to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Day 11: Depart for home

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

Ocean Explorer (Luxury Expedition, 138-guests)

Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.

(Click image to view Ship details)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Beginning Antarctica 2024/25, Quark Expeditions will be offering Bar service and Wi-Fi for all guests
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage
  • Beer and wine served with dinner (2018/19 season only)
  • Soft drinks included at all time (2018/19 season only)
  • All shore landings per the daily program
  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
  • An official expedition parka to keep
  • Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • All flights to or from Antarctica as specified in the itinerary
  • Pre-night hotel in Punta Arenas with breakfast included
  • Group transfers between the hotel and airport in conjunction with the charter flight
  • Group transfer to hotel upon arrival in Punta Arenas
  • A briefing dinner on arrival day to prepare you for your trip
  • One night post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast included

Kayaking: USD 995
Paddling: USD 295

 

Contact Epic Polar!
We can assist in finding you the right trip, and provide exclusive discounts not advertised on our site. Find out more by completing the form or call toll free USA 1 888 423 4535 or Mobile/WhatsApp +1 604 970 0165
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DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person and subject to change.