Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

8 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Ship Cruise
You’re ready to explore King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula – and no Drake Passage crossings required! Included charter flights between Punta Arenas and Antarctica have you experiencing the majesty of the Seventh Continent with a spectacular aerial view before transferring to your ship in no time. Keep your camera ready as you Zodiac cruise in se...
From$9,995
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Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • The fastest, most direct way to Antarctica
    • Enjoy all the Antarctic Peninsula highlights
    • Enjoy on-board lectures and educational presentations from polar specialists

What's this trip about?

    You’re ready to explore King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula – and no Drake Passage crossings required! Included charter flights between Punta Arenas and Antarctica have you experiencing the majesty of the Seventh Continent with a spectacular aerial view before transferring to your ship in no time. Keep your camera ready as you Zodiac cruise in search of whales, seabirds and astounding icebergs. Beaches dotted with leopard seals and penguins give way to icy plateaus, with snowcapped mountain peaks looming behind. You’ll find yourself thankful for the near-constant sunlight by which you can continue to take it all in.

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Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityPunta Arenas
End CityPunta Arenas

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife
  • National Parks
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Whale Watching
  • Wildlife Viewing

View Similar Trips

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 bring everyone together to you...

Days 3 to 6: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As we approach the white continent, don’t be surprised if you are overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through the human eye.

...
Day 7: Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas

After your four days 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 journey to an end. After we transfer you from the airport to the hotel, you can enjoy one final dinner (not included) to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Day 8: 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.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $9,995
Price per day$1,249
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Quark Expeditions.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Quark Expeditions Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
198
Great
2
Average
0
Disappointing
1
Terrible
19
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Other Quark Expeditions Reviews

A

Anonymous

Mar 2024

Whales!!!

Zodiac trips are fantastic. The whale watching is amazing.

T

Tuck Wah

Mar 2024

Most memorable

Sunset, crossing the circle, zodiac cruises, watching all penguins, seals, wales especially while we were on the deck. Surprising orca visit, professional talks. Mak...

C

Carrie

Mar 2024

Stepping onto the 7th continent

During the zodiac cruise of Graham Passage we were very close to about 7 or 8 humpback whales and were able to see their feeding behavior close up. It was also wonde...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Ship & cabin information
Sea Adventurer
Designed to carry travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world, Sea Adventurer was built in Yugoslavia in 1976, refurbished in 1999 and had further upgrades in 2002. You will be impressed by this ice-strengthened ship, which carries up to 117 passengers and features a spacious forward lounge and bar, window-lined dining room and promenades. The nimble, ice-strengthened Sea Adventurer is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. Take a look at what to expect for 2017: A new look and feel throughout Renovations to the interior of the ship including outside cabins with ensuites, spacious forward lounge and bar, and other amenities The addition of new passenger cabins New bathrooms in every cabin, and upgrades to the Main Lounge and Main Dining Room, gym, and select suites Significant technical enhancements – including two new engines, generators, gear boxes, drive systems, and re-bladed propellers Increased fuel efficiency, and a minimized carbon footprint.
Staff and Crew: 83 Guests: 117 Lifeboats: 4 partially enclosed Length: 101.1 meters Breadth: 16.2 meters Draft: 4.5 meters Propulsion: Diesel Twin Engines - 5,200 horsepower. Ice Class: 1A Cruising Speed: 12 knots in open water Registration: Bahamas
Cancellation policy

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less an administrative fee of minimum US$1250, AU$1000, £650, €800 per person. If cancellation is received between 179 days and 120 days, the deposit is forfeited. If cancellation occurs less than 120 days prior to departure, all payments are forfeited. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. To protect the traveler’s investment, we recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.

Cancellations cannot be made online.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
quarke-AntDraQua

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