Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Call us for prices & availability

Overview

Explore Antarctica with a unique journey that bypasses the Drake Passage by charter plane, landing directly at King George Island to then embark on a ship to view the captivating Antarctic Peninsula.

This eight-day odyssey is brimming with exhilarating shore excursions and Zodiac cruises, offering intimate encounters with the local wildlife, visits to historic sites, and the unforgettable experience of setting foot on the 7th Continent.

Select from a diverse array of adventure options and onboard activities tailored to your interests, ensuring your expedition is distinctively your own.(Q)

Whats included?

International airfare & taxes
Accommodation
Transfers
Checked baggage
In resort assistance & 24 hour contact center

Why Book with Tropical Sky?

Hassle-free - book direct quickly and easily
Choice of airlines and the option to switch
A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
Low deposits

Why Tropical Sky?

Your money is safe We safeguard your money with ATOL protection and have membership to codes of best conduct.

Why Tropical Sky?

We answer quickly On average, calls are answered within three rings. We also respond within hours to emails.

Why Tropical Sky?

We offer expert advice and great service Our luxury tailor-made holidays are created with impeccable service from start to finish.

Itinerary
What's Included

Itinerary

**Please note that on certain flights you can connect straight through to Punta Arenas,. Where you cannot you must overnight in Santiago outbound and inbound. Please ask our travel consultants.**

Day 1

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile

Start your adventure in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city of southern Patagonia. Arriving early offers the chance to explore a variety of museums, restaurants, and shops at your leisure. In the early afternoon, a representative from Quark Expeditions® will greet you at the designated starting hotel. Here, you will be treated to a welcome dinner and receive important information to prepare you for the embarkation day ahead.

Day 2

Fly to King George Island and Embarkation

Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will take you across the legendary Drake Passage in only two hours. Far below, the ship will approach King George Island for your arrival.

Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, make your way to the shore before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

Days 3 to 6

Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

As your Captain and Expedition Team spot for whales and seabirds, they will promptly inform you of any new sightings. The team's expert presenters will enrich your journey with detailed explanations about the region's glaciology, history, and wildlife. Additionally, photography presentations will be offered to assist you in capturing unforgettable images.

The excitement escalates with your daily expeditions. Your inaugural Zodiac landing is an experience that will forever be etched in your memory. Setting foot on a beach teeming with penguins offers an exceptionally personal encounter with Antarctica's unique wildlife.

Your activities might include a Zodiac cruise in pursuit of whales and icebergs one day, and a hike to a penguin colony the next. Experiences range from the thunderous sound of a glacier calving to the excitement of observing apex predators like leopard seals and orcas in their natural habitat.

Throughout your journey, the Expedition Team will be by your side, offering insight and understanding into the incredible destinations you visit.

Day 7

Disembarkation and Flight to Punta Arenas

Following a week filled with discovery, you'll bid farewell to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. A two-hour flight across the Drake Passage will take you back to Punta Arenas, Chile, marking the conclusion of your journey. Upon arrival and a group transfer to your hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy. You can choose to explore the city, relax at the hotel, or spend the evening reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and natural wonders of Antarctica.

Day 8

Depart Punta Arenas

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

What's Included

Expert guidance from our seasoned Expedition Leaders throughout the voyage, including all shore landings and activities
All Zodiac transfers and cruising activities as detailed in the daily itinerary
Comprehensive shore landings as outlined in the daily schedule
Onboard accommodation with daily housekeeping services
Full meal service including all meals, snacks, soft drinks, and juices onboard during the voyage (Kindly inform us of any specific dietary needs well in advance. Please note that our ship’s galleys are unable to prepare kosher meals.)
A selection of beers and wines during dinner, and 24-hour access to coffee, tea, and cocoa
A mix of formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers, as per the schedule
A photographic journal capturing moments from the expedition
Complimentary loan of waterproof expedition boots for landings and Zodiac excursions
An official Quark Expeditions® parka, yours to keep
Hair dryer and bathrobes provided in each cabin
All applicable service taxes and port charges for the duration of the program
Full luggage handling services onboard the ship
Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers, up to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
Group transfer upon arrival in Punta Arenas from the airport to the pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
One-night pre-expedition hotel stay in Punta Arenas with breakfast included (Note: Hotel room occupancy will match the cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited hotel availability, guests booking a suite onboard may be accommodated in standard hotel rooms. Availability of triple rooms may be limited.)
Welcome dinner and briefing on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
Group transfer from the hotel to the airport in Punta Arenas for the pre-expedition flight
Roundtrip flights between Punta Arenas and King George Island
Group transfer from the airport to the hotel in Punta Arenas post-expedition
One-night post-expedition hotel stay in Punta Arenas with breakfast included

What's Not Included:

Meals not explicitly included in the itinerary
Recommended travel insurance covering baggage, cancellation, interruption, and medical emergencies
Additional baggage fees for international flights
Required waterproof trousers for Zodiac landings and cruising excursions, along with any other unspecified equipment
Personal expenses such as laundry, bar, spa services, unless otherwise mentioned
Charges for phone and internet use (note that connectivity may vary depending on location)
Optional tips for expedition staff and shipboard crew at the voyage's conclusion
Extra overnight stays not included in the program
Transfers for both arrival and departure, unless specifically stated as included