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Ocean Explorer, Antarctic Express Fly the Drake ex Punta Arenas Return

Cruise Ocean Explorer, Antarctic Express Fly the Drake ex Punta Arenas Return
Cruise Line Quark Expeditions
Ship Ocean Explorer
Destination Antarctica
Brief Description 5 Night Cruise sailing from King George Island roundtrip aboard Ocean Explorer. Hotel stays pre and post cruise in Punta Arenas.
Type of Cruise Expedition
Departure Date 04 Jan 2026
Cruise Description 5 Night Cruise sailing from King George Island roundtrip aboard Ocean Explorer. Hotel stays pre and post cruise in Punta Arenas.

Day 1 — Punta Arenas, Chile
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern 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 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!

Days 3 to 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. 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 presenters will deepen your experience with explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region.

Even more exciting are your daily excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking on a beach dotted with 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 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 killer whales in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore during this unrivaled travel experience.

Your Expedition Team will accompany 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 two-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your group transfer 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.

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.
Sailing Dates
09 Jan 2025
14 Jan 2025
19 Jan 2025
04 Jan 2026
Pricing
Please enquire for pricing
Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
4 Jan 2026 Punta Arenas, Chile Hotel
5 Jan 2026 Punta Arenas, Chile Flight to King George Island
5 Jan 2026 King George Island, South Shetland Islands Embark
6 Jan 2026 Antarctic Peninsula
7 Jan 2026 Antarctic Peninsula
8 Jan 2026 South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
9 Jan 2026 South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
10 Jan 2026 King George Island, South Shetland Islands Disembark Flight to Punta Arenas
10 Jan 2026 Punta Arenas, Chile Hotel
11 Jan 2026 Punta Arenas, Chile
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

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