Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North
Quark Expeditions is a worldwide leader in polar exploration with a fleet of 3 small and intimate ships sailing in the icy waters of Antarctica between Nov and Mar and in the Polar North between May and Sep. Led by a team who bring 30+ years of polar experience, Quark’s ships take you safely and comfortably into the breath taking wilderness on the most adventurous and memorable expeditions.
To deliver an authentic polar experience, Quark Expeditions provide the most immersive off-ship experiences that includes hiking, sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, zodiac cruising, camping, helicopter flightseeing and more.
On Quark’s Antarctic Express sailing itinerary, travel the fastest route to King George Island in Antarctica with a thrilling two-hour flight over the Drake Passage from Punta Arenas in Chile. As you approach the landing strip on King George Island, you will be treated to an aerial view of the continent's stunning, untouched landscape. Embark your Quark Expedition vessel for an adventure that will exceed all expectations. Encounter unique wildlife and breath-taking natural wonders, with each new discovery surpassing the last. Witness the striking contrast of a barren, yet wildlife-rich environment, home to playful penguins and curious seals. Sail near monolithic glaciers and among scatterings of icebergs. And relish the unforgettable moment of setting foot on the Antarctic continent for the first time. And on your return journey, sail through the legendary Drake Passage, retracing the steps of historic explorers.
About the Ship: World Explorer
Discover the World Explorer - a sleek, fast, and spacious ship offering six tiers of deluxe accommodations. Enjoy exceptional personal space with suites featuring private walk-out or French balconies and stunning ocean views. Relax in elegant public spaces, including the glass-domed Observation Lounge, Explorer Lounge, and intimate library. Attend engaging presentations in the dedicated lecture theatre. Stay fit with a small gym, outdoor track, sauna, and spa, or embrace adventure with kayaking, paddle-boarding, and camping.
Tour Highlights
-
Soar across the Drake Passage for the quickest, most direct route to Antarctica
-
Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula onboard the World Explorer, a modern expedition vessel with a capacity of 172 guests
-
Discover iconic Antarctic wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales
-
Enjoy a range of activities that includes Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking, hiking, stand up paddle boarding and more
-
Soak in the breath-taking sights of the Antarctic Peninsula
-
Attend informative presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology, and geology by Quark’s onboard polar experts
-
Meet like-minded travel enthusiasts who are also on their bucket list adventure in Antarctica
-
Experience sailing through the legendary Drake Passage on your return journey retracing the steps of historic explorers
Tour Details
Tour Dates
-
Tour Start Date: 20 - 29 December 2025 & 13 - 22 March 2026
-
Duration: 9 Nights | 10 Days
Tour Price
-
Price per person on twin sharing basis: US$ 14,980
-
Per person in a Single Cabin: US$ 16,700
Inclusions
-
Punta Arenas overnight stay with breakfast
-
Welcome dinner on Day 1
-
Chartered Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island
-
Cruise Accommodation in a Explore Suite
-
Ship cruise as indicated in the program
-
Daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner on board ship
-
All guided shore excursions
-
Lectures and entertainment on board
-
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material
-
Contingency Plan
-
IAATO passenger fee
-
Specialist Expedition Leaders
-
Immersive Off-ship Activities like the Polar Plunge, Zodiac cruising and more.
-
On-Ship Experiences & Facilities
-
Premium dining, with a wide selection of options
-
Quark Expedition Perks: Complimentary Wi-Fi, alcohol on all voyages, and the Official Quark Expeditions parka to take home.
Exclusions
-
International Airfare to Punta Arenas, Chile
-
Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary
-
Travel insurance
-
Visas for Chile and/or Argentina
-
Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
-
Gratuities
-
Anything not specifically mentioned under Inclusions
-
GST & TCS
Notes
-
The schedule and itinerary may change due to weather conditions.
-
Booking a dedicated Single Cabin: No supplement is applied for single use of dedicated Single Cabins
-
Some voyages may have age restrictions, especially for certain remote or challenging itineraries like those to the polar regions. Quark Expeditions typically recommends that children be at least 8 years old. Keep in mind that some activities and excursions may have additional age restrictions for safety reasons.
-
Generally, soft-sided luggage is recommended as it’s easier to transport and store. There is plenty of storage space in the cabins, but not all hard-shelled suitcases will fit under the beds/in the wardrobes, so we recommend other baggage solutions if you have them.
Payment Terms
-
An initial deposit of 30% is required to confirm a cabin.
-
The balance is due in full 120 days prior to departure.
Changes & Cancellation
|
Cancellation Period |
Per person cancellation fee |
|
Within 15 days after the date the booking confirmation is issued (where the booking is confirmed more than 180 days prior to day 1 of the Expedition) |
Free cancellation, less a USD 1000 per person processing fee that will be retained. |
|
From 15 days after booking confirmation up to (and including) 120 days prior to day 1 of the Expedition |
Loss of deposit payment. |
|
119 to 90 days prior to day 1 of the Expedition |
75% of total booking price. |
|
89 or less prior to day 1 of the Expedition (including any cancellation after the Expedition has started) |
100% of total booking price. |