Antarctic Express - Crossing the Circle (Fly/Fly)
11 Days - Ocean Adventurer
Enjoy Antarctica in style – by flying and then cruising south of the Antarctic Circle! A short 3 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, you’ll enjoy only the best scenery and wildlife experiences of the Antarctic. Prepare yourself for a sensory overload, as you’ll be inundated by the sheer beauty and dramatic landscapes of the white continent. Soon after, our team of Polar Experts on the ship will have you searching for penguins and whales in Antarctica.
from USD $13995 $13872pp
Home » 11 Day Ocean Adventurer: Antarctic Express – Crossing the Circle (Fly/Fly)
Itinerary Highlights
- Experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica
- Fly over the Drake Passage
- Marvel at all the Antarctic Peninsula highlights, including crossing the Antarctic Circle
- Take advantage of optional polar camping along the Peninsula
- Enjoy on-board lectures and educational presentations from polar specialists
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile
- Day 2: Fly to King George Island - Embarkation Day
- Days 3-5: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
- Days 6-7: The Antarctic Circle
- Days 8-9: Northbound Along the Peninsula
- Day 10: Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
- Day 11: Depart Puntas Arenas
![map](../../images/image_local/47310/web_standard_Ocean-Adventurer-Antarctic-Express-Crossing-the-Circle-900x.jpg)
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 everyone 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 is approaching King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctica landscapes will be 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!
Days 3-5: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the white continent, don’t be surprised if you are overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through the human eye.
Your first sightings will be from the ship itself. As the Captain and Expedition Team keep their eyes out 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 excursions to land. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll 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 won’t be 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, you’ll welcome each day with the excitement and energy of a young child.
Our Expedition Team will be with you all along, providing insights into the places you visit and offering photography tips to get the most out of your expedition.
Days 6-7: The Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66° 33’ S. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne!
With a toast to the first explorers who ventured this far south, you can take pride in knowing you’ve 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 you’ll see anywhere in Antarctica.
Days 8-9: Northbound Along the Peninsula
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time we return to the Drake Passage. We’ll continue to journey onto land and out by Zodiac twice daily as we travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula.
Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.
Day 10: Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
After your week of exploration, you’ll 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 we transfer you from the airport to the hotel, you can enjoy a final dinner in the city to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.
Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us 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.
Day 11: 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.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
23 Feb 2023 - 05 Mar 2023 | USD $13995pp | ||
Triple | USD $13995pp | Contact us | |
Lower Deck Twin Porthole | USD $18295pp | Contact us | |
Main Deck Twin Porthole | USD $18795pp | Contact us | |
Main Deck Twin Window | USD $20895pp | Contact us | |
Deluxe Cabin | USD $21995pp | Contact us | |
Superior Cabin | USD $21995pp | Contact us | |
Suite | USD $28995pp | Contact us | |
Owner's Suite | USD $31095pp | Contact us | |
25 Jan 2024 - 04 Feb 2024 | USD $16295pp | Save 15% | |
Triple | USD $16295pp | Contact us | |
Lower Deck Twin Porthole | USD $16911pp | Save 15% | |
Main Deck Twin Porthole | USD $17846pp | Save 15% | |
Main Deck Twin Window | USD $19206pp | Save 15% | |
Deluxe Cabin | USD $20396pp | Save 15% | |
Superior Cabin | USD $20396pp | Save 15% | |
Suite | USD $26771pp | Save 15% | |
Owner's Suite | USD $28556pp | Save 15% | |
03 Mar 2024 - 13 Mar 2024 | USD $13872pp | Save 25% | |
Triple | USD $14995pp | Contact us | |
Lower Deck Twin Porthole | USD $13872pp | Save 25% | |
Main Deck Twin Porthole | USD $14622pp | Save 25% | |
Main Deck Twin Window | USD $15747pp | Save 25% | |
Deluxe Cabin | USD $16872pp | Save 25% | |
Superior Cabin | USD $16872pp | Save 25% | |
Suite | USD $22122pp | Save 25% | |
Owner's Suite | USD $23622pp | Save 25% |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Triple
12m², two lower berths, one upper berth, on main deck, private facilities, porthole, porthole with exterior views.
Lower Deck Twin Porthole
12m², two lower berths, on lower deck, private facilities, porthole with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Porthole
11m², has two lower berths, on main deck, private facilities, porthole with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Window
13m², two lower berths, on main deck, private facilities, twin windows, exterior views
Superior Cabin
12.5m², two lower berths, private facilities, windows, exterior views.
Deluxe Cabin
15m², two lower berths, on captain's deck, private facilities, windows, exterior views
Suite
20m², double bed, located on captain's deck, private facilities, windows, exterior views, (cabin 403 has a bathtub other suites have showers)
Owner's Suite
22m², double bed, on bridge deck, private sitting room, private facilities, large panoramic window, exterior view of aft, port and starboard.
Ocean Adventurer Deckplan
Specifications
- Staff and Crew: 87
- Guests: 132
- Length: 101.1 meters
- Breadth: 16.2 meters
- Draft: 4.5 meters
- Propulsion: Diesel Twin Engines - 5,400 horsepower
- Ice Class: 1A
- Cruising Speed: 12 knots, in open water
- Registration: Bahamas
- Lifeboats: 4 partially-enclosed
Whats included?
- Return flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island*
- Group transfers in Punta Arenas to/from airport and hotel
- One pre- and post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas
- Activities/shore excursions as specified
- Presentations by expedition leaders and naturalist staff
- All meals during voyage
- Selected alcoholic beverages during dinner
- An expedition parka for you to keep
- Waterproof boots on loan
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
- Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person
- Any miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
- On-board accommodation
What’s not included?
- International airfares
- Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities (subject to availability)**
- Airport departure transfers
- Mandatory waterproof pants for zodiac cruising
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
*Baggage allowance on charter flights is 33 lbs (15 kg) checked and 11 lbs (5 kg) carry-on.
*Optional activities
- Sea Kayaking - US$995 per person
- Paddling - US$295 per person