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

Cruise World Explorer, Antarctic Express Fly the Drake ex Punta Arenas Return
Cruise Line Quark Expeditions
Ship World Explorer
Destination Antarctica
Brief Description 5 Night Cruise sailing from King George Island roundtrip aboard World Explorer. Hotel stays pre and post cruise in Punta Arenas.
Type of Cruise Speciality
Departure Date 15 Dec 2025
Cruise Description 5 Night Cruise sailing from King George Island roundtrip aboard World Explorer. Hotel stays pre and post cruise in Punta Arenas.

Answer the call of Antarctica by flying over the notorious Drake Passage by charter plane to land at King George Island before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by ship. In just 8 adventure-packed days, you’ll experience rewarding shore visits and Zodiac cruises, marvel at intimate wildlife encounters, explore historic sites and make the most of your landmark visit to the 7th Continent. Select from a range of adventure options and onboard activities that match your personal interests and make your expedition uniquely yours.

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 have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only two hours. 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 for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, stretch your legs with a one-mile (1.6 km) walk 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. Much of 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 lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region.

Even more exciting are your daily land excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking up to a beach 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 Adélie, gentoo or chinstrap penguin.

You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs around Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier at Neko Harbour to the thrill of watching a leopard seal as it hunts a penguin, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of excitement and a desire to explore that which is unrivaled by any other travel experience.

Your Expedition Team will be with 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
05 Dec 2024
15 Dec 2024
20 Dec 2024
15 Dec 2025
Pricing
Please enquire for pricing
Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
15 Dec 2025 Punta Arenas, Chile Hotel
16 Dec 2025 Punta Arenas, Chile Flight to King George Island
16 Dec 2025 King George Island, South Shetland Islands Embark
17 Dec 2025 Antarctic Peninsula
18 Dec 2025 Antarctic Peninsula
19 Dec 2025 South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
20 Dec 2025 South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
21 Dec 2025 King George Island, South Shetland Islands Disembark Flight to Punta Arenas
21 Dec 2025 Punta Arenas, Chile Hotel
22 Dec 2025 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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