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From USD 13,101 USD pp (two guests) | Ask for special promotions | 7 departures between December 2026 and March 2028 | Vessels: Ocean Explorer and World Voyager.
This Antarctic fly cruise is designed for travellers who want to reach Antarctica quickly while still experiencing the legendary Drake Passage as part of their journey.
It is especially suited for guests who prefer to fly south from Punta Arenas to King George Island, begin exploring Antarctica sooner, and then return north by sea toward Ushuaia.
This is a strong option for travellers who want a shorter Antarctica program without giving up the feeling of a true expedition cruise. It combines the efficiency of a southbound charter flight with Zodiac landings, wildlife encounters, onboard interpretation and the classic northbound Drake Passage crossing.
This Antarctic expedition begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, one of the main gateways to southern Patagonia and Antarctic air operations.
After a pre-expedition night in Punta Arenas, guests take a charter flight to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Upon arrival, they transfer by Zodiac to the expedition ship and begin exploring the Antarctic Peninsula region.
The voyage then follows a flexible expedition route shaped by polar conditions. Possible experiences include Zodiac cruising among icebergs, shore landings near penguin colonies, wildlife observation, glacier scenery and onboard presentations led by the Expedition Team.
For a broader overview of Antarctic routes, expedition formats, the Drake Passage and how to choose the right voyage, see our Antarctica Travel Guide.
The return journey is made by sea, crossing the Drake Passage northbound. This gives travellers the chance to experience one of the world’s most iconic sea crossings after already spending several days exploring Antarctica.
This expedition is operated aboard modern polar vessels designed for expedition cruising in remote Antarctic waters. Depending on the departure, guests will sail aboard one of the following ships:
Both vessels are designed for expedition operations, offering comfortable onboard spaces, polar navigation capabilities and efficient Zodiac deployment for daily excursions and landings.
The exact vessel and cabin availability should be confirmed according to the selected departure.
All landings, Zodiac operations and wildlife encounters are conducted under the strict operational guidelines of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which supports safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica.
Each day in Antarctica is shaped by weather, ice and wildlife conditions. The Captain and Expedition Team assess conditions continuously to choose the best possible opportunities for exploration.
Typical activities may include:
Adventure options such as paddling, sea kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding may be available at extra cost and must be confirmed in advance.
All activities follow responsible travel principles and strict environmental standards, in line with our Sustainability at KMS Travel – Ethical & Responsible Tourism framework.
The program begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, where guests should arrive on Day 1 in time for expedition preparation, the official briefing and the welcome dinner.
At the end of the voyage, guests disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina. We recommend booking onward flights in the afternoon, allowing enough time after disembarkation.
KMS Travel can also help arrange tailor-made pre- and post-expedition travel in Chile and Argentina, including Patagonia, Torres del Paine, Santiago, Valparaíso, Chilean wine regions, Ushuaia or Buenos Aires extensions.
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.
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.
Included: hotel accommodation, briefing dinner.
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will enable you to cross the legendary Drake Passage by air while the ship approaches 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.
Included: charter flight, Zodiac transfer, cruise, dinner.
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. The 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 one of the most intimate ways 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 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 leopard seals or orcas, 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 will accompany you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.
Included: cruise, full board.
A rite of passage for any Antarctic adventurer, crossing the Drake Passage signals the end of your journey.
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.
Included: cruise, full board.
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows you to continue your adventure onward or catch your flights home. We recommend booking a flight in the afternoon.
Included: breakfast, group departure transfer.
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