Enjoy Antarctica in style – by flying and then cruising south of the Antarctic Circle! A short three-hour flight is all it takes to travel between Punta Arenas, Chile, and King George Island in Antarctica. Skipping all the extra days at sea, enjoy only the best scenery and wildlife experiences of the Antarctic. Prepare yourself for a sensory overload, as you are inundated by the sheer beauty and dramatic landscapes of the white continent. Soon after, your team of Polar Experts on the ship have you searching for penguins and whales in Antarctica on this unforgettable Antarctic cruise.

Highlights

Land on King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands
Look out for whales and seabirds on your way to the Antarctic Peninsula
Enjoy daily land excursions and explore beaches dotted with penguins
Cross the Antarctic Circle and reach 66º33´ South

Activities

Places Visited

Trip Type:

Small Ship

Activity Level: Relaxed

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile

Hotels
1 Dinner

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 representative meets everyone at the official starting point hotel, where you enjoy a welcome dinner and are briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.

Day 2: Fly to King George Island | Embark

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica has you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship is approaching King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctica landscapes is from a very unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetlands. After landing, stretch your legs and spend some time exploring the island before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship. Meet the rest of your shipmates and set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

Day 3-5: Antarctic Peninsula | South Shetland Islands

Ship
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. Much of the continent is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through the human eye.

Your first sightings are from the ship itself. As the Captain and Expedition Team keep their eyes out for whales and seabirds, be alerted to any new sightings. Your team of expert lecturers also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history, and wildlife of the region.

Even more exciting are your daily excursions to land. Your first Zodiac landing is something you never forget! Walking up to a beach that is 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 is not long before you can tell the difference between an Adelie, gentoo, or chinstrap penguin.

You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs in Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming shot of a calving glacier at Petermann Island to the complete silence of night while camping on the ice in Antarctica, welcome each day with the excitement and energy of a young child.

Your Expedition Team is with you all along, providing insights into the places you visit and offering photography tips to get the most out of your expedition.

Day 6-7: The Antarctic Circle

Ship
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66° 33’ S. You and your shipmates celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne!

With a toast to the first explorers who ventured this far south, take pride in knowing you have made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and some of the most magical, odd ice formations seen anywhere in Antarctica.

Day 8-9: Northbound along the Peninsula

Ship
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

If you have not had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, surely be satisfied by the time you return to the Drake Passage. Continue to journey onto land and out by Zodiac twice daily as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team is always on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals, and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.

Day 10: Disembark | Fly to Punta Arenas

Hotels
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

After your week of exploration, say goodbye to the 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 transferring from the airport to the hotel, enjoy a final dinner in the city to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Day 11: Depart Punta Arenas

1 Breakfast

Enjoy an early breakfast and depart to the Punta Arenas airport for your return flight home.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Adventurer

Name: Antarctica Cruises & Tours
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.9 (270 reviews)

Ocean Adventurer

Designed to carry travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world, the Ocean Adventurer (Sea Adventurer) is the perfect expedition ship for adventurous people who enjoy the creature comforts offered on board.

Bar at the Main Lounge, Ocean Adventurer

Punta Arenas - Hotels

Hotel Rey Don Felipe

Stay in the Hotel Rey Don Felipe on your next visit to Punta Arenas, Chile. A city of strong contrasts and personality, you will find a warm reception at Hotel Rey Don Felipe, located in the heart of Punta Arenas. Guests will enjoy the historical charm, modern amenities and technology offered at the Hotel Rey Don Felipe.

La Yegua Loca

La Yegua Loca Boutique Hotel is located in the beautiful and southern city of Punta Arenas in Chile, just below the most important viewpoint called "Cerro de la Cruz", where you can appreciate a panoramic view of the entire city center and the historical Strait of Magellan.

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Hotel Isla Rey Jorge

The Hotel Isla Rey Jorge - a taste of luxury in the southernmost city in the world. The hotel has been qualified as a four-star facility. The quality, the familiar services offered to the tourist and the warm atmosphere make this an excellent place to stay while visiting Punta Arenas.

More Punta Arenas Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Early Booking Discount: Book your Antarctic trip from November 2, 2021, to January 5, 2022, and save up to 25% plus 10% savings when you pay full within 30 days upon booking. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to Feb 23, 2023 departure

Per person starting at

$14,295

Select a Date

Triple

Averaging 128 sq. ft. (12 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths and one upper berth. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.

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Lower Deck Twin

Averaging 133 sq. ft. (12 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Lower Deck, it has private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.

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Main Deck Twin with Porthole

Averaging 118 sq. ft. (11 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.

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Main Deck Twin with Window

Averaging 139 sq. ft. (13 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and two windows with exterior views.

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Superior

Averaging 142 sq. ft. (13 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Upper Deck, it has private facilities, and windows with exterior views.

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Deluxe

Averaging 160 sq. ft. (15 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Upper and Captain’s Decks, it has private facilities, and windows with exterior views.

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Suite

Averaging 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Captain’s Deck, it has windows with exterior views and private facilities. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Suites have shower stalls.

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Owner's Suite

Averaging 290 sq. ft. (27 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Bridge Deck, it has private facilities, and windows with exterior views.

Notes

Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that everything can be accomplished. A measure of flexibility is something all must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.

Rates Include:

Group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas, with breakfast
A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
Pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport
Flights to and from Antarctica
Post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel
One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas, with breakfast
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks on board throughout your voyage
All shore landings per the daily program
Leadership throughout the voyage by experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
Formal and informal presentations by your Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landing
Snowshoes available on loan for shore excursions on designated voyages
An official parka to keep
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person
Beer and wine during dinner

Rates Exclude:

International airfare
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
Baggage, cancellation, interruption, and medical travel insurance
Excess baggage charges
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
Phone and internet charges
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Optional adventure activities
Transfer from the hotel to the airport at the end of the expedition.

Payment Details

Terms & Conditions

Operated by Quark Expeditions

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Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile

Day 2: Fly to King George Island | Embark

Day 3-5: Antarctic Peninsula | South Shetland Islands

Day 6-7: The Antarctic Circle

Day 8-9: Northbound along the Peninsula

Day 10: Disembark | Fly to Punta Arenas

Day 11: Depart Punta Arenas

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Adventurer

Punta Arenas - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Notes

Map

Inquire

We Love to Talk Travel

Antarctica Travel Guide

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