Depart
Hiking
Hiking in polar regions offers unique, immersive experiences across tundra, snow, and beaches, with organized hikes ranging from short wildlife visits to longer excursions, guided by experts.
From
AU$23,547 per person
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Duration
10 Days
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Ships
Ocean Explorer -
Embark
King George Island, Antarctica
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Disembark
Punta Arenas, Chile
Quark Antarctic Express Fly South Cruise North – 10 days
Routes
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Depart
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Route Information
Embark: King George Island, Antarctica
Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina
Destinations: Punta Arenas, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia
Ships: Ocean Explorer
Duration: 10 days
Additional Information: 1 night in Punta Arenas and flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island included.
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Depart
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Route Information
Embark: Ushuaia, Argentina
Disembark: King George Island, Antarctica
Destinations: Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Punta Arenas
Ships: Ocean Explorer
Duration: 10 days
Additional Information: 1 night in Punta Arenas and flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas included.
Day-to-day itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populous city in southern Patagonia. Should you arrive early, you will find numerous museums, restaurants, and shops to explore. By early afternoon, a representative from Quark Expeditions will greet you at the official starting point hotel, where you will enjoy a welcome dinner and receive a briefing on the preparations for your embarkation day.
Day 2 Fly to King George Island and Embarkation
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica allows you to cross the legendary Drake Passage in just two hours. Meanwhile, your ship will be making its way to King George Island for your arrival. Your first view of the stunning Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique vantage point as your plane descends into the South Shetland Islands. After landing, head to the shore and transfer by Zodiac to your ship, ready to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!
Days 3 - 6 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
As your Antarctic voyage begins, you'll feel like you've arrived on another planet, with the pristine landscapes and dramatic environments unlike anything else on Earth. From the vessel, you can observe whales swimming and feeding in nutrient-rich waters and spot penguins frolicking and leaping onto ice floes. Equally awe-inspiring are the towering snow-covered mountains and massive glaciers of the Peninsula, which will be your playground for the next few days.
Every Zodiac excursion and landing offers new sights, sounds, and experiences. Some landings may be as serene as sitting on a beach, photographing curious gentoo penguins. Other landings might provide thrilling panoramic views of the Antarctic continent as you hike atop a hill. You might witness a glacier calving into the sea at Petermann Island or take a Zodiac cruise around Pleneau Island in search of fur and elephant seals.
Even everyday activities, like mailing a postcard, become extraordinary in Antarctica. While weather and sea conditions dictate which landings are possible, the Expedition Team will ensure that each day of your Antarctic adventure is unforgettable.
Days 7 - 8 Crossing the Drake Passage
Crossing the Drake Passage is a rite of passage for any Antarctic adventurer, marking the conclusion of your journey. Regardless of sea conditions, you'll be well-prepared, having developed your sea legs over the previous four days. While the journey home has commenced, the wildlife spotting continues. The Expedition Team will be on deck and on the ship’s bridge to assist you in spotting the majestic wandering albatross and various whale species, including minke and humpback.
When you're not looking at photos and reminiscing about the past days, the Expedition Team will wrap up their series of engaging presentations on marine biology, polar history, and glaciology.
Day 9 Disembark and overnight in Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to your hotel for the night, explore the town on your own to shop, sightsee and sample some Argentinian cuisine.
Day 10 Depart Ushuaia
Today you are free to make your way to the airport for departure, or extend your stay in Ushuaia.
Day 1 Arrive in Ushuaia
This quaint city at the southernmost tip of South America is your gateway to Antarctica. The city itself provides a wide range of jewellery shops, cafés, gear shops and restaurants to explore before your voyage. Outside the city, snow-capped mountains and hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park offer ample adventure activities if you enjoy exploring nature.
Day 2 Embark from Ushuaia
You will embark in the afternoon today, with a journey through the picturesque Beagle Channel. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled and be out on deck, as the channel is home to a wide variety of wildlife including seabirds and seals. Rainbows are common here too, creating a great photographic opportunity to kick off the start to your Antarctic adventure.
Days 3 - 4 Crossing the Drake Passage
The Drake Passage, known for its unpredictability, offers an adventure all on its own. With expert onboard staff and leaders ensuring your comfort, you'll have ample time to enjoy the ocean, photograph seabirds flying around the ship, and connect with your Expedition Team and fellow travellers.
Days 5 - 8 Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
As your Antarctic voyage begins, you'll feel like you've arrived on another planet, with the pristine landscapes and dramatic environments unlike anything else on Earth. From the vessel, you can observe whales swimming and feeding in nutrient-rich waters and spot penguins frolicking and leaping onto ice floes. Equally awe-inspiring are the towering snow-covered mountains and massive glaciers of the Peninsula, which will be your playground for the next few days.
Every Zodiac excursion and landing offers new sights, sounds, and experiences. Some landings may be as serene as sitting on a beach, photographing curious gentoo penguins. Other landings might provide thrilling panoramic views of the Antarctic continent as you hike atop a hill. You might witness a glacier calving into the sea at Petermann Island or take a Zodiac cruise around Pleneau Island in search of fur and elephant seals.
Even everyday activities, like mailing a postcard, become extraordinary in Antarctica. While weather and sea conditions dictate which landings are possible, the Expedition Team will ensure that each day of your Antarctic adventure is unforgettable.
Day 9 Disembark on King George Island, Fly Punta Arenas
With only the Drake Passage ahead, disembark and enjoy a little time on King George Island before flying off to Punta Arenas, Chile. On arrival in Punta Arenas, transfer from the airport to your hotel, where you are free to explore and enjoy a final dinner out.
Day 10 Depart Punta Arenas
Depart at your leisure today.
Activities
Polar Plunge
This rite of passage, scheduled once per voyage, offers you the chance to jump safely into the bracing polar waters under the watchful eye of our trained staff.
Sea Kayaking
Kayaking offers adventurous travellers a unique, intimate connection to the Antarctic wilderness, allowing exploration of the mazes sea ice and glaciers while forging bonds with fellow explorers at water level.
Paddling Excursion
The Paddle Excursion Program offers sit-on-top, two-person inflatable kayaks for a unique, intimate experience exploring unforgettable Antarctic locations from a different perspective
Stand-up Paddleboarding
Experience a unique view of Antarctica with stand-up paddleboarding in small groups, exploring calm bays and harbours under good weather conditions, guided by a support Zodiac.
Zodiac Cruising
Zodiacs take you places that ships can’t access, allowing you to reach remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets and search for unique wildlife.
Dates & rates
Pricing is dynamic and fluctuates with availability. Subject to change or withdrawal at any time. Contact us for details.
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DatesJan 15 - Jan 24, 2027
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Start/EndUshuaia, Argentina / Punta Arenas, Chile
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ShipOcean Explorer
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Price from (per person)A$24,656was A$27,395
Deluxe Veranda Forward
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Guests
2, Queen/Twin
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Size
16.9m²
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Deck
4
Price from (per person)
A$27,626
was A$30,695
Veranda Statesroom
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Guests
2, Queen/Twin + sofa bed
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Size
19.2m²
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Deck
4,6,7
Price from (per person)
A$28,976
was A$32,195
Veranda Suite
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Guests
2, Queen/Twin + sofa bed
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Size
19.2m²
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Deck
4,6
Price from (per person)
A$30,686
was A$34,095
Single Studio
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Guests
1, Queen
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Size
15.4m²
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Deck
3
Price from (per person)
A$36,176
was A$40,195
Penthouse Suite
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Guests
2, Queen/Twin + sofa bed
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Size
25m²
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Deck
7
Price from (per person)
A$42,026
was A$46,695
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DatesDec 28 - Jan 6, 2028
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Start/EndUshuaia, Argentina / Punta Arenas, Chile
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ShipOcean Explorer
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Price from (per person)A$21,499was A$26,695
Deluxe Veranda Forward
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Guests
2, Queen/Twin
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Size
16.9m²
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Deck
4
Price from (per person)
A$24,235
was A$29,895
Veranda Statesroom
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Guests
2, Queen/Twin + sofa bed
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Size
19.2m²
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Deck
4,6,7
Price from (per person)
A$25,517
was A$31,395
Veranda Suite
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Guests
2, Queen/Twin + sofa bed
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Size
19.2m²
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Deck
4,6
Price from (per person)
A$27,142
was A$33,295
Single Studio
-
Guests
1, Queen
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Size
15.4m²
-
Deck
3
Price from (per person)
A$32,272
was A$39,295
Penthouse Suite
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Guests
2, Queen/Twin + sofa bed
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Size
25m²
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Deck
7
Price from (per person)
A$37,658
was A$45,595
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DatesJan 21 - Jan 30, 2028
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Start/EndUshuaia, Argentina / Punta Arenas, Chile
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ShipOcean Explorer
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Price from (per person)A$21,499was A$26,695
Single Studio
-
Guests
1, Queen
-
Size
15.4m²
-
Deck
3
Price from (per person)
A$32,272
was A$39,295
Deluxe Veranda Forward
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Guests
2, Queen/Twin
-
Size
16.9m²
-
Deck
4
Price from (per person)
A$42,128
was A$50,822
Veranda Statesroom
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Guests
2, Queen/Twin + sofa bed
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Size
19.2m²
-
Deck
4,6,7
Price from (per person)
A$44,308
was A$53,372
Veranda Suite
-
Guests
2, Queen/Twin + sofa bed
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Size
19.2m²
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Deck
4,6
Price from (per person)
A$47,069
was A$56,602
Penthouse Suite
-
Guests
2, Queen/Twin + sofa bed
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Size
25m²
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Deck
7
Price from (per person)
A$76,642
was A$91,190
What's included
Inclusions
Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island or visa versa
An official expedition parka to keep.
Leadership throughout the voyage by an experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings, presentations and other activities.
Shipboard accommodation in your chosen room with private facilities.
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. Beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails also included during bar service hours and dinner.
Waterproof expedition boots to borrow for landings and Zodiac cruising. Snowshoes and walking poles are also provided.
Complimentary Wi-Fi on one device.
Group transfers mentioned through the itinerary.
Exclusions
International airfare to join the cruise.
Passport and applicable visa expenses.
Meals unless otherwise specified.
Waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned.
Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified.
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew.
Additional overnight accommodation.
Adventure options not listed in included activities.