island sky luxury fly cruise antarctic cruise

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake (7 Days)

  • Overview
    *** VOYAGE DEPARTING 12 FEB 2018 IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT *** You’re ready to explore King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula—and no Drake Passage crossings are required! With a spectacular aerial view, included charter flights between Punta Arenas and Antarctica have you experiencing the majesty of the 7th continent before transferring you to your ship in no time. Keep your camera ready as you cruise in a Zodiac in search of whales, seabirds and astounding icebergs. Beaches dotted with leopard seals and penguins give way to icy plateaus, with snow- capped mountain peaks looming behind. You’ll find yourself thankful for the near-constant sunlight by which you can continue to take it all in.
    Duration: 7 days
    Passengers: 100 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Santiago, Chile
    Disembarkation Point: Santiago, Chile
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Mandatory extra flight
    Single Supplement: 1.7x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Santiago and Punta Arenas, Chile

      Your adventure begins with an included flight from international gateway Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in Patagonia. You will be transferred to the included group hotel. In the afternoon, a Quark Expeditions representative will meet you at the group 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 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, stretch your legs and spend time exploring the island before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

    • Day 3/5 - Antarctic Peninsula and 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.

      As your captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout 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 land excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking up to a beach 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 around Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier at Neko Harbor to the thrill of watching a leopard seal as it hunts a penguin, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of excitement and a desire to explore that which is unrivaled by any other travel experience.

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

    • Day 6 - Disembark and Fly to Punta Arenas

      After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your 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 your transfer from the airport to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy one final dinner to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

    • Day 7 - Depart Punta Arenas

      After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Punta Arenas airport for your included return flight to Santiago.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    An iceberg in your whiskey

    Don’t miss your chance for a whiskey or water refreshed by millenary Antarctic ice. While luxury bars in the world’s top cities can double the menu price for adding glacier ice on your whiskey, here it’s quite at hand. What could better than contemplating the latitude you have reached with a noble drink in hand as your expedition cruise heads back to port.

    Fly/Cruise voyage

    Our Fly/Cruise programs an excellent choice to navigate the Drake Passage quickly. This expedition comprises of 1 or 2 charter flights across the Drake Passage, so you need not worry about crossing the passage by sea. These expeditions are great options and often allow for an increased amount of time around the continent.

  • Inclusions

    Expedition Gear

    Comfortable expedition boots and a high quality expedition parka, specifically designed for the polar regions.

    Charter Flights

    Return charter flights are provided from Punta Arenas to King George Island to meet the Ocean Adventurer

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - 000 per person
    - Emergency evacuation insurance up to USD$500,000
    - All services and port taxes
    - Comprehensive pre-departure information
    - Hot beverages
    - Photographic journal
    - All shore excursions and lectures
    - Accommodation and all meals on board
    - Pre-cruise accommodation at the starting point of your itinerary

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Massage services
    - Gratuities
    - Internet and Wifi expenses
    - Airfares unless stated in the itinerary
    - Bar expenses
    - Laundry expenses
    - Mandatory waterproof gear not provided
    - Baggage / cancellation / interruption and medical travel insurance
    - Passport and Visa expenses
  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 07 04 at 5.27.57 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    ISLAND SKY

    The Island Sky is an all suites, all inclusive small expedition vessel with touches of elegance throughout. Quark Expeditions’ only all-suite ship, it carries a maximum of 108 passengers and provides an abundance of public space for wildlife viewing, relaxation and taking in lectures and briefings. Every suite has private bathroom facilities and an exterior view, while some suites include a private balcony. All suites have flat screen televisions and DVD players.

    Features & Facilities
    • Luxury accommodation
    • Observation lounge
    • Observation Bar
    • Library
    • Lecture theatre
    • Large observation deck
    • Internet/Wifi
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 4
    Guests #: 100
    Crew #: 72
    Ice Class: 1C
    Speed:
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 90m
    Width: 15
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 4200
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
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Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Standard Suite

12 Feb 2018 - 18 Feb 2018
Twin or double Suite with private facilities and a porthole
USD$ 10,296pp
USD$ 10,296pp

Superior Suite

12 Feb 2018 - 18 Feb 2018
Twin or double Suite with private facilities and a window
USD$ 10,692pp
USD$ 10,692pp

Premium Suite

12 Feb 2018 - 18 Feb 2018
Twin or double Suite with private facilities and a window
USD$ 10,956pp
USD$ 10,956pp

Corner Suite

12 Feb 2018 - 18 Feb 2018
Twin or double Suite with private facilities and a window
USD$ 11,682pp
USD$ 11,682pp

Deluxe Balcony Suite

12 Feb 2018 - 18 Feb 2018
Twin or double Suite with separate sitting area, private facilities and a private balcony
USD$ 12,342pp
USD$ 12,342pp

Owner's Suite

12 Feb 2018 - 18 Feb 2018
Twin or double Suite with separate sitting area, private facilities and a large private balcony
USD$ 14,454pp
USD$ 14,454pp