ocean adventurer fly cruise antarctica cruise

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

  • Overview
    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: 8 days
    Passengers: 132 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Punta Arenas, Chile
    Disembarkation Point: Punta Arenas, Chile
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Mandatory extra flight
    Single Supplement: 1.7x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • 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 meet you at the official starting point 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 3/6 - 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 7 - 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 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 your homeward flights.

    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

    Kayaking

    Kayaking is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring ways you can explore the rugged coastlines and calm bays of the Polar regions.

    Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent, however we guarantee at least one outing throughout your voyage, but your kayak guides will take you out as many times as possible throughout your voyage.

    USD$ 1,169 per person

    Penguins

    Taking centre stage on your Antarctic Peninsula expedition, are the Brushtail penguin species. These photogenic and intriguing species include, Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins. The species are in abundance across Peninsula and are always performing.

    On board voyages in our other details you may come across Rockhopper, Macaroni, Magellanic, King and Emperor penguins.

    Lemaire Channel – get your camera ready!

    In a continent of stunning views, Lemaire Channel has been called the Kodak Gap. Locked between the rocky vertical cliffs of Booth Island and the continent this one kilometer wide passage is one of the most photographed attractions of Antarctica. You will be glad your camera is digital.

    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

    Pre-cruise Transfers & Accommodation

    Arrival and departure transfers in Punta Arenas are include to the hotel. Accommodation in Punta Arenas is provide pre and post-cruise.

    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

    - Emergency evacuation insurance up to USD$100 000 per person
    - 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 5.25.28 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    OCEAN ADVENTURER

    The new and improved Ocean Adventurer is designed to carry 132 travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world. Originally built in Yugoslavia in 1976, this nimble, ice-strengthened ship has become a passenger favourite over the years and underwent refurbishments in 1999 and 2002 with the most significant being in 2017. With the latest rounds of refurbishments guests will enjoy: A refreshed, contemporary new look and feel throughout the ship. - The addition of six new twin cabins and three new suites. - All existing cabins will be furnished with all new soft furnishings and brand new bathrooms. - Main common areas such as the Lounge and Dining Room will be remodeled as well as the Bar. - Major technical enhancements – include two new Rolls Royce engines, which will significantly increase fuel efficiency and minimized carbon footprint.

    Features & Facilities
    • Recently refurbished
    • superior accommodation
    • Lounge/Dining Room
    • Bar
    • Gym
    • Internet/Wifi
    • Library
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 4
    Guests #: 132
    Crew #: 87
    Ice Class: 1A
    Speed: 14
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 100m
    Width: 16
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 4376
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
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.

Triple

28 Dec 2017 - 04 Jan 2018
Triple cabin with private facilities
USD$ 8,568pp
USD$ 8,568pp

Lower Deck Twin

28 Dec 2017 - 04 Jan 2018
Two lower berths with private facilities
USD$ 9,792pp
USD$ 9,792pp

Main Deck Twin Porthole

28 Dec 2017 - 04 Jan 2018
Two lower berths with private facilities and porthole
USD$ 10,676pp
USD$ 10,676pp

Main Deck Twin Window

28 Dec 2017 - 04 Jan 2018
Two lower berths with private facilities and window
USD$ 11,832pp
USD$ 11,832pp

Superior

28 Dec 2017 - 04 Jan 2018
Two lower berths with private facilities and window
USD$ 12,920pp
USD$ 12,920pp

Deluxe

28 Dec 2017 - 04 Jan 2018
Two lower berths with private facilities and window
USD$ 13,940pp
USD$ 13,940pp

Suite

28 Dec 2017 - 04 Jan 2018
Two lower berths with private facilities and window
USD$ 15,368pp
USD$ 15,368pp

Owner's Suite

28 Dec 2017 - 04 Jan 2018
Two lower berths with private facilities and window
USD$ 17,204pp
USD$ 17,204pp