Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North | Ocean Explorer | iExpedition

Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North

  • Overview

    Take the fastest route to Antarctica – a three-hour flight – and enjoy your first glimpse of the continent from the air, a unique introduction to the vast and dramatic landscape that remains one of the last unspoiled regions in the world. Continue your journey on ship, where an adventure beyond your wildest imagination awaits. Later, return through the world’s most legendary – and exciting – passage of water, as you follow the path of historic explorers across the infamous Drake Passage.

    Expect the unexpected and be rewarded with unique wildlife and natural attractions, each highlight surpassing the last. Marvel at the contrast of a desolate landscape inhabited by abundant wildlife including curious, playful penguins and seals. And embrace the excitement of standing on the continent for the very first time.

    Expedition Highlights

    • Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica

    • Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales

    • Marvel at many of the Antarctic Peninsula highlights

    • Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts

    Duration: 9 days
    Passengers: 132 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Punta Arenas, Chile
    Disembarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Mandatory extra flight
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 2 - Fly to King George Island and Embark

      Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will enable you to cross the legendary Drake Passage in only two hours, while 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 onto 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.

    • Day 3/6 - Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

      There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. The Antarctic Continent 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 presenters will deepen your experience with explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region, and presentations on photography to help you take memory-catching images. Even more exciting are your daily excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget. Walking on a shore inhabited by thousands of penguins 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 Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins. You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and orcas in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore during this unrivaled wilderness experience. Your Expedition Team will accompany you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.

    • Day 7/8 - Crossing the Drake Passage

      A rite of passage for any Antarctic adventurer, crossing the Drake signals the end of your journey. No matter the sea conditions, you will benefit from having developed your sea legs over the course of the previous four days. While the journey home has begun, your wildlife spotting continues. Your Expedition Team will be available on deck and on the ship’s bridge to help you spot the majestic wandering albatross and a number of whale species, such as minke and humpback. When you’re not looking at photos and reminiscing about the previous days, the Expedition Team will conclude their series of engaging presentations on subjects such as marine biology, polar history and glaciology.

    • Day 9 - Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina

      You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, after which you can continue your onward journey, or catch your f lights home.

    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

    Paddling Excursion

    If you’re interested in kayaking and would like to try something less in depth than Sea Kayaking, you can still enjoy the benefits of adding an on-water experience to your expedition with a Paddling Excursion. Sign up for a onetime paddle on our sit-on-top kayaks, which are stable and unencumbered— perfect for anyone with little to no kayak experience. Expert guides take rotating groups of passengers on calm days to connect with the sea.

    USD$ 393 per person

    Sea Kayaking

    One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic or any of our global voyages. The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or under soaring bird cliffs, or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery

    USD$ 2,031 per person

    Photography

    Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guides will help you learn skills to capture the beauty of the Polar Regions.

    Included

    Polar Plunge

    This rite of passage, experienced just once per expedition, sees you safely jumping into icy ocean waters under the watchful eye of our staff—and just about every single camera lens on board!

    Included

    Zodiac Cruising

    Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar expeditions, safely transporting guests to remote shorelines and shallow inlets—places the ships can’t reach. Expedition staff make stepping in and out of them safe and comfortable.

    Included

    Hiking

    There are options on most excursions for shorter walks, often to take advantage of excellent lookouts, that don’t require hiking boots and other equipment. Hiking participation is optional and your Expedition Team will advise you of what you can expect prior to each excursion.

    Included
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
    - Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings and other activities
    - All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
    - All shore landings as per the daily program
    - Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
    - All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage.
    - Complimentary select beer, wines and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
    - Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
    - Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
    - A photographic journal documenting your expedition
    - A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
    - Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
    - All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
    - All luggage handling aboard the ship
    - Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data-intensive applications.) Note: Internet access in the polar regions is subject to geography, climate, and other factors beyond our control.
    - A group arrival transfer in Punta Arenas from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
    - One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast. (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
    - A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
    - A pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport
    - Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
    - Group departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage.

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Our complimentary data card does not include Premium packages which enable more dataintensive applications
    - Our complimentary alcohol and bar service does not include spirits
    - Transfer to airport at end of trip.
    - Phone charges may vary by location
    - Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
    - Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
    - Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
    - Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
    - Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
    - Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
    - Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
    - Passport and applicable visa expenses
    - Additional overnight accommodation
    - Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
    - International airfare
  • Map
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  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    Ocean Explorer - the 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.  

    Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.  

    Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines. 

    Features & Facilities
    • Sauna
    • Library
    • Fitness Center
    • Jacuzzi
    • Observation lounge
    • Main and Private Dining Room
    • High Observation Outdoor Decks
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating:
    Guests #: 138
    Crew #: 105
    Ice Class: 1A, PC6
    Speed: 16
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 104m
    Width:
    Draft: 5
    Tonnage:
    Registry: Portugal
    Elec Outlets:
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  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Deluxe Veranda Forward

07 Feb 2028 - 15 Feb 2028
Enjoy privacy and elegance at the front of the ship where guests are treated to sweeping views from their private veranda.
USD$ 19,282pp
USD$ 15,631pp
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Veranda Stateroom

07 Feb 2028 - 15 Feb 2028
Near the center of the ship on Deck 6, this stateroom offers easy access to the lounge, dining room and a private veranda.
USD$ 20,249pp
USD$ 16,458pp
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Veranda Suite

07 Feb 2028 - 15 Feb 2028
These classic staterooms ensure guests have easy access to all amenities the ship has to offer.
USD$ 21,475pp
USD$ 17,506pp
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Studio Single

07 Feb 2028 - 15 Feb 2028
Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor..
USD$ 25,345pp
USD$ 20,815pp
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Junior Suite

07 Feb 2028 - 15 Feb 2028
The decor and layout of this stately suite will amaze. The private veranda, convenient Deck 6 location, plus proximity to the lounge and downstairs dining room are equally impressive.
USD$ 25,345pp
USD$ 20,815pp

Studio Veranda Single

07 Feb 2028 - 15 Feb 2028
Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7. It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
USD$ 27,344pp
USD$ 22,524pp

Penthouse Suite

07 Feb 2028 - 15 Feb 2028
Enjoy the calm ambience of this stateroom which features a porthole window and every amenity essential for your polar voyage.
USD$ 29,408pp
USD$ 24,289pp

Owners Suite

07 Feb 2028 - 15 Feb 2028
This palatial, airy apartment offers stunning views from its large private veranda on the highest cabin level. The luxurious suite features a large master bedroom, living room and dining area and two large master bathrooms, among other amenities.
USD$ 31,408pp
USD$ 25,999pp