Quark Expeditions Antarctic Express Fly The Drake Davidmerronimg 6923

Fly & Cruise

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Spectacular aerial views and all the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
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Overview

If you’re keen to fly to Antarctica instead of sailing, this 8-day trip is ideal; by flying over the Drake Passage, you are choosing the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica. Landing on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, you'll still be able to enjoy all of Antarctica's iconic wildlife. Travel on outstanding expedition ships with optional adventure activities and enjoy complimentary hotel nights and parka jackets.

 

Experiences

Quark Expeditions Antarctic Express Fly The Drake 21A4760 David Merron

4 full days in Antarctica, with 8 planned excursions

Quark Expeditions Antarctic Express Fly The Drake P1010990 Puntaarenas 4C

Access Antarctica in just 2 hours by flying, instead of 2 days by ship

Quark Expeditions Antarctic Express Fly The Drake 21A7387 David Merron

Starts/ finishes from Punta Arenas in Southern Chile

Quark Expeditions Antarctic Express Fly The Drake Antarctic Kayaking Samantha Crimmin

Optional kayaking excursion and stand up paddleboarding on select departures (additional cost)

Quark Expeditions Antarctic Express Fly The Drake Davidmerronuntitled 24 4

Complimentary Punta Arenas hotel nights + parka jacket

Endeavour 1 (3)

Choice of 2 ships with capacity for 128 & 176 guests

Itinerary

Day 1 - Punta Arenas:

Your adventure begins in the most populated city in Patagonia, Punta Arenas. Depending on your arrival time, there are many museums, restaurants and shops for you to explore. In the early afternoon, an expedition guide will bring everyone together at your hotel, where you'll enjoy a welcome dinner and have a briefing prior to embarkation day.

Day 2 - Embarkation Day:

A charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica means you’ll be crossing the infamous Drake Passage in only a few hours. Way below, you might spot the ship approaching King George Island for your arrival. As your plane descends for landing in the South Shetlands, the dramatic Antarctic landscapes soon become visible. After landing, there’s some time to stretch your legs and explore the island before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship, where you’ll meet the rest of your shipmates and set sail for the Peninsula.

Days 3 to 6 - Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands:

As we approach the infamous White Continent, don't be surprised if you are overcome by feelings of excitement and awe; there are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. Your first sightings will be from the ship itself and the Captain and Expedition Team will be scanning for whales and seabirds, alerting you to any new sightings. A team of expert lecturers will also provide you with in-depth explanations of the wildlife, history and geology of the region.

It gets even more exciting as you start taking daily landing excursions; 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. Every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities and each landing is different, particularly because of the weather. You might take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a chinstrap rookery the next day.

From the booming sounds of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting leopard seals and killer whales in action, you'll welcome each day with unlimited excitement and energy. The Expedition Team will be with you throughout, helping you get the most out of your expedition by providing insights into the places you visit and offering you photography tips.

Day 7 - Disembarkation and Return Flight:

After four days of exploration, you'll bid farewell to the Expedition Team and disembark the vessel at King George Island. A three-hour flight across the Drake Passage returns you to Punta Arenas, bringing 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 of the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Day 8 - Departure:

After breakfast, make your own way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

Please Note:

This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Furthermore, it's important to understand that the charter flights to and from Antarctica are particularly prone to weather, which requires a flexible flight schedule.

All excursions are included in price unless stated as 'optional'


What's Included?

Includes:

  • Flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica 
  • Pre and post voyage transfers
  • 1 pre-night's hotel stay with breakfast, 1 post-night's hotel stay with breakfast.
  • Online photo journal of voyage
  • Complimentary parka jacket
  • Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • Accommodation and meals during the voyage on full board
  • Beer and wine during dinner, and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • All shore excursions and zodiac activities
  • Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
  • Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
  • Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • Port taxes and any entry fees to landing sites

Excludes:

  • Any flights and transfers to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation not listed as included
  • Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
  • Transfers not specified in the itinerary
  • Optional non-complimentary adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
  • Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, beverages and communication
  • Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
  • Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)

128 Capacity Luxury Vessel (USD)

Trip start and end date Triple Lower Deck Twin Twin Porthole Twin Window Superior Deluxe Suite Owner's Suite Notes
Dec 3 2019 - Dec 10 2019 $10,795pp $12,395pp $13,395pp $14,895pp $16,395pp $17,495pp $19,395pp $21,595pp
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Porthole - SOLD OUT
Dec 8 2019 - Dec 15 2019 $10,795pp $12,395pp $13,395pp $14,895pp $16,395pp $17,495pp $19,395pp $21,595pp
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Lower Deck & Porthole - SOLD OUT
Dec 13 2019 - Dec 20 2019 $10,795pp $12,395pp $13,395pp $14,895pp $16,395pp $17,495pp $19,395pp $21,595pp
Enquire
Triple, Lower Deck, Porthole & Suite - SOLD OUT
Jan 10 2020 - Jan 17 2020 $10,795pp $12,395pp $13,395pp $14,895pp $16,395pp $17,495pp $19,395pp $21,595pp
Enquire
Triple, Lower Deck & Porthole - SOLD OUT
Jan 15 2020 - Jan 22 2020 $10,795pp $12,395pp $13,395pp $14,895pp $16,395pp $17,495pp $19,395pp $21,595pp
Dec 7 2020 - Dec 14 2020 $10,495pp $11,995pp $13,495pp $14,495pp $15,995pp $17,495pp $18,995pp $21,995pp
Dec 12 2020 - Dec 19 2020 $10,495pp $11,995pp $13,495pp $14,495pp $15,995pp $17,495pp $18,995pp $21,995pp
Dec 17 2020 - Dec 24 2020 $10,495pp $11,995pp $13,495pp $14,495pp $15,995pp $17,495pp $18,995pp $21,995pp
Dec 22 2020 - Dec 29 2020 $10,995pp $12,495pp $13,995pp $15,495pp $16,995pp $18,495pp $19,995pp $21,995pp
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Triple - SOLD OUT
Dec 27 2020 - Jan 3 2021 $10,995pp $12,495pp $13,995pp $15,495pp $16,995pp $18,495pp $19,995pp $21,995pp
Jan 16 2021 - Jan 23 2021 $10,995pp $12,495pp $13,995pp $15,495pp $16,995pp $18,495pp $19,995pp $21,995pp

176 Capacity Luxury Vessel (USD)

Trip start and end date Triple Infinity Suite Veranda Suite Superior Suite Deluxe Suite Owner's Suite Notes
Feb 9 2020 - Feb 16 2020 $10,795pp $16,495pp $16,495pp $18,395pp $19,195pp $19,995pp
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Triple, Superior, Deluxe & Owner's - SOLD OUT
Feb 26 2021 - Mar 5 2021 $12,495pp $17,995pp $16,995pp $19,995pp $21,495pp $22,995pp

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