Set sail on an 11-day journey in Punta Arenas, where you receive a briefing before flying to King George Island to board the World Voyager. Experience your first views of Antarctica from the air, then explore the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula by Zodiac and on guided landings. Encounter Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins, search for whales, and listen to calving glaciers. Cross the Antarctic Circle if conditions allow, entering a remote region defined by sea ice and midnight sun. Continue north along the Peninsula for more wildlife and iceberg sightings before returning to King George Island for your flight back to Punta Arenas to conclude your adventure.
Highlights
Explore Punta Arenas museums, restaurants, and waterfront
Fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island for embarkation
Land on beaches filled with penguins, including gentoo & chinstrap colonies
Cross the Antarctic Circle and see remote southern wilderness landscapes
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Begin in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia. If arriving early, numerous museums, restaurants, and shops offer plenty to keep you busy. By early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions representative meets you at the official starting-point hotel, where you enjoy a welcome dinner and receive a briefing on preparations for embarkation day.
Note:Please arrive at Punta Arenas airport by 3:00 PM. Due to King George Island's unpredictable weather, scheduled charter flights may be made the night before the planned date should there be weather disruptions.
The charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica allows you to cross the legendary Drake Passage in just two hours, while far below the ship approaches King George Island for your arrival. Your first view of Antarctica’s dramatic landscapes comes from a unique vantage point as the plane descends toward the South Shetland Islands. After landing, proceed to the shore before boarding a Zodiac that transfers you to the ship to begin your journey toward the Antarctic Peninsula.
Note: A clear sky with great visibility is required for safe take-off and landing at King George Island. Should the weather be uncooperative at this remote airstrip, flights can be moved earlier, or delayed later. Historically, 85% of flights occur on the day they are scheduled. But if this is not possible, the ship operator will follow their established contingency plan, which can be read here.
Day 3-5: 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. Even more exciting are your land excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget. Setting foot on a beach inhabited by thousands of penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and 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 and chinstrap penguin. 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 this unrivaled wilderness experience. Your Expedition Team accompanies you along the way, ensuring safety and providing insights into the places you visit. The expert education team also provides in-depth explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and an impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. If conditions allow you to cross this famed latitude of 66°33´ S, you’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to King George Island. You continue to explore by Zodiac or on land as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team is always on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your two-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your group transfers to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.
Please note: If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator will follow their well-established contingency plan, again.
Day 11: Depart Punta Arenas
1 Breakfast
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 note: Flights arranged for later in the day provide more buffer against any of those potential flight delays out of King George Island.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$32,5952-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Infinity Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds and a floor-to-ceiling glass Juliet balcony. A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state-of-the-art “infotainment” system, and a private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
Veranda Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) walk-out balcony. A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state-of-the-art “infotainment” system, and a private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
Superior Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from a sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, walk-in closet, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
Deluxe Suite
Located on Deck 5, and approximately 345 sq. ft. (32 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from a sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with a sofa, double closets, refrigerator, TV, state-of-the-art “infotainment” system, and a private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
Owner's Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 365 sq. ft. (34 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from a sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state-of-the-art “infotainment” system, and a private bathroom with shower, dual vanity, and bathtub is also featured in each cabin.
Initial deposit is 25% of cruise fare (minimum $1000) plus the cost of kayaking (if applicable), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 161 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
