Antarctic Express - Cruise South, Fly North

Antarctic Express - Cruise South, Fly North 10 days

Prices From £12,308pp
December to March | 9 nights

Up To 14% Discount!

Single Cabins Available

Antarctic Express - Cruise South, Fly North 10 days

Aboard: Ocean Explorer World Voyager

This unique express expedition offers those short on time the ideal opportunity to explore the exceptionally scenic, wildlife paradise of Antarctica, whilst also avoiding one crossing of the notorious Drake Passage. Sailing from Ushuaia to Antarctica, and returning to South America via a special charter flight from King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, you will enjoy a classic Antarctica expedition with a twist.

Enjoying thrilling Zodiac cruises through the crackling sea ice, getting up close to huge colonies of bustling penguins as they go about their daily lives, navigating through mazes of towering icebergs of all shapes and sizes, and of course stepping foot on the magnificent 7th continent…this adventure of a lifetime is sure to delight even the most experienced of travellers. A fantastic opportunity to experience one of the most spectacular places on earth without spending 2 days getting back from there.

This trip operates on various dates aboard 3 different vessels. Mentioned activities may not be applicable to all departure dates. This route also operates in reverse. Please enquire for full rates and dates.

Highlights

  • Discover the wonders of Antarctica on a fantastic, express itinerary
  • Return to South America via a special flight over the Drake Passage
  • Spectacular scenery
  • See numerous species of penguin
  • Abundant wildlife including birds, whales and seals
  • Enjoy exciting Zodiac excursions
  • Activity options including stand-up paddlebaording, kayaking & paddling (select departures - charges apply)

What's Included

  • One night's pre-voyage hotel accommodation in Ushuaia, with breakfast included
  • One night's post-voyage hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast included
  • Flight Antarctica to Punta Arenas
  • Full board ship accommodation including all meals, snacks & hot & soft drinks on board
  • Free alcohol during dinner and bar service hours
  • All zodiac excursions and landings
  • Programme of expert lectures and presentations
  • Loan of waterproof boots
  • Expedition parka to keep
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • All service and port charges
  • Group transfer from airport to hotel on day 1, and hotel to ship on day 2
  • Group transfer from airport to hotel on day 9

Up To 14% Discount!

Book select 2027/28 season departures now and receive up to 10% discount, plus a further 5% discount if you pay in full at the time of booking!
Or book select 26/27 departures and get up to 5% discount!

Triple berths were from £14,395 - now from only £12,308! While availability lasts!

Offer applicable when booked before 6th July 2026

Applies to new bookings in select cabins on select departure dates and is subject to availability. Discounts will fluctuate depending on dates and cabins chosen. Can not be combined with any other offer. Full terms & conditions apply. / Available on selected dates/vessels.

Single Cabins Available

This vessel offers single occupancy cabins, which is a perfect option for solo travellers. Travelling alone is often the best way to see the world. No responsibilities, no difficult choices and no trying to please anyone else…just you, your itinerary and your adventurous spirit!

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Ushuaia
1 - 2Days

Ushuaia

Your adventure begins in Ushuaia, where after having arrived independently you can join a group transfer to a downtown hotel for your included overnight stay before enjoying some time to explore the southernmost city in the world. Thanks to its unique location at the bottom of the world, Ushuaia has enjoyed a tourism boost in recent years but has managed to retain the easy-going charm that it is famed for. Surrounded by the spectacular landscape of the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, Ushuaia is an enchanting place to explore and we recommend enjoying some of the area’s local wines, sampling some of the local restaurant’s famous barbeques or taking an excursion into the National Park.

After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast you will have time for some more exploration of Ushuaia in the morning before joining your group transfer to the port where your polar expedition ship awaits you. Embarkation will begin in the late afternoon and after meeting your expedition team and settling into your comfortable cabin, you can spend some time exploring your new surroundings and watching from deck as we sail through the scenic and historic Beagle Channel, leaving civilisation far behind as we start our journey to the Antarctic wilderness.

Drake Passage
3 - 4Days

Drake Passage

We will spend 2 days at sea sailing through the famously unpredictable Drake Passage. Over the course of these 2 days there may potentially be some rough waters, but your polar expedition ship has been designed to navigate these waters with ease. We hope for a smooth sailing that will allow us to spend some time on deck enjoying searching for the abundant seabirds that are likely to be following the ship. Your expedition team will begin their exciting programme of informative lectures and presentations covering everything from the wildlife and geology of Antarctica to historic polar exploration. There will also be safety and bio-environmental briefings to prepare you for your time in Antarctica.

Antarctic Peninsula
5 - 8Days

Antarctic Peninsula

You are likely to feel a sense of euphoria as we reach the peninsula and Antarctica’s spectacular beauty really comes to light. There are few places in the world that could match Antarctica’s dramatic pristine landscapes and today you get to be one of a small group of people who have been able to witness this outstanding area up close. Soon you will begin to appreciate exactly why these remarkable lands have long captivated the attentions of explorers and intrepid adventurers.

As with all Antarctica expeditions our exact itinerary over the course of the next 4 days will be flexible and dependent upon weather and ice conditions, with your captain and experienced crew deciding each day on the best course for unrivalled wildlife, scenery and adventure experiences. Each expedition to Antarctica is different and you can be guaranteed of multiple unique, once in a lifetime moments that you will live long in the memory.

Exploring each day by Zodiac boat alongside your experienced expedition crew you will discover multiple bays, channels and landing sites on a constant lookout for wildlife sightings including humpback and minke whales, various southern seal species and, of course, bustling penguin rookeries. You are likely to see at least 3 different penguin species on your trip and one of our favourite places for spotting penguins is Danco Island where we can enjoy a short hike to visit a large colony which resides high up on a ridge that affords spectacular views of the surrounding pristine landscape.

There will ample opportunities for enjoyable hikes and walks throughout our time in Antarctica and the majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings.

Throughout your time here you can enjoy walks along the beaches alongside the penguins, thrilling Zodiac cruises through the crackling sea ice, navigating through mazes of towering icebergs of all shapes and sizes, experience the awesome sights and sounds of calving glaciers including those in Neko Harbour, and fully immerse yourself in all that this wonderful continent has to offer. For the more adventurous we highly recommend a Polar Plunge in the frigid Antarctic waters, and there will be exciting kayaking and paddling options available too.

King George Island to Punta Arenas
9Day

King George Island to Punta Arenas

After your thrilling exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula we will arrive at King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. Here you will disembark the ship and bid a fond farewell to your expedition team before boarding your special, included flight to Punta Arenas, Chile. The flight back across the Drake Passage takes approximately 3 hours and upon arrival in Punta Arenas you can join your group transfer to your hotel for an included overnight stay. This evening is yours to do with what you please. Spend some time collating all of the many photos you will have taken on your adventure, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant, or reminisce with your new found friends about all that you have experienced together over the last week or so.

Punta Arenas
10Day

Punta Arenas

After breakfast at the hotel it will be time to check out and bid goodbye to your fellow passengers as your thrilling Antarctica adventure comes to an end.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Ocean Explorer
vessel

Ocean Explorer

Launched in 2024, the modern and elegant Ocean Explorer has been purpose-built for polar exploration and accommodates up to 138 passengers within a range of stylish and superbly equipped cabins and suites. Each cabin or suite features a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design, and, unlike most expedition vessels, almost every cabin offers a veranda.

The ship has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology, with features including the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience, and an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines and the ground-breaking MAGS gasification system that converts waste into energy, eliminating the environmental impact of waste transportation.

With stunning interior design throughout, adventurers can enjoy an array of high-class amenities including two outdoor jacuzzis, a dry sauna and a fitness centre. Delicious meals are served within the wonderful main dining room or Compass restaurant, and the welcoming, beautifully-lit Latitude Bar with its lush sofas and faux marble-topped end tables is the perfect spot in which to socialise or relax after a long day of exploring. Enjoy a cocktail and a chat in the stylish observation lounge and observation deck, join an expert talk in the presentation lounge, or relax with a book in the wonderful two-story, light-filled library located at the bow as you explore the pristine wilderness of the polar regions.

World Voyager
First class vessel

World Voyager

The newest addition to the Quark fleet, the World Voyager is a modern expedition ship purpose-built for exploration and discovery. With deluxe all-balcony suites offering supreme comfort and sweeping views of the polar wilderness, a glass-domed Observation Lounge, a beautifully designed restaurant, and an inspiring Science Hub, every detail invites guests to connect deeply with the remote landscapes visited. From expert-led lectures to hands-on learning with scientists in residence, World Voyager is a hub of knowledge and adventure.

After days spent exploring ice-filled fjords and wildlife-rich shores, guests can unwind in the spa, sauna, or heated outdoor pool, enjoy a jog on the unique Wraparound Deck or a workout in the gym, or savour panoramic deck views from heated seating areas. Cutting-edge Rolls-Royce hybrid-electric engines and innovative waste-to-energy systems ensure a smoother, more sustainable voyage through some of the world’s most pristine environments, without compromising comfort or style.

we work hard to earn passionate reviews from our clients.

4.9
44 Google reviews

Now that I am back from my odyssey voyage, I thought I would let you know that after all that planning it really did exceed my expectations – we managed landings everywhere even on Tristan da Cuhna and had great bird sightings. The guides all knew what they were talking about too and made sure I got some great photos – still sorting them all out! Thanks for everything and see you at Birdfair!

Dave Martin

Overall I think that it was an excellent trip that was well worth the price paid and I would have no hesitation recommending your company to others.

Steve Sutton

Just a quick note to express my sincere thanks to you and all your staff for making this an epic adventure of immense proportions. Everything went smoothly, pickups, hotels and most of all the expedition itself. Truly a mind blowing experience unlike any I have ever taken.

Mr J Borg, Malta

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Antarctica adventure for you.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Sheena’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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