Antarctic Express - Fly South, Cruise North

Antarctic Express - Fly South, Cruise North 10 days

Prices From £9,773pp
December to March | 9 nights

Big Discounts!

Single Cabins Available

Antarctic Express - Fly South, Cruise 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. We will reach Antarctica by air, flying from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands! From here you will board your Polar expedition vessel to enjoy 4 days of exploration around the South Shetland Islands and stunning Antarctic Peninsula.

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 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
  • Reach the 7th continent 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 Punta Arenas, with breakfast and briefing dinner included
  • One night's post-voyage hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast included
  • Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, Antarctica
  • 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 airport on day 2
  • Group transfer from ship to hotel on day 9

Big Discounts!

Book 2028/29 departures now and receive a 10% discount, a £750 Early Booking Discount, plus a further 5% discount if you pay in full at the time of booking!
Or book select 2026, 2027 & 2028 departures and get up to 18% discount!

Triple berths were from £12,095 - now from only £9,773! While availability lasts!

Offer applicable when booked before 4th August 2026

Applies to new bookings on select departure dates and is subject to availability. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. 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

Punta Arenas - Fly to Antarctica
1 - 2Days

Punta Arenas - Fly to Antarctica

Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, where after having arrived independently you can join a group transfer from the airport to your hotel for an included overnight stay. Punta Arenas is the most populated city in southern Patagonia and we recommend arriving early to allow you some time to discover some of the city’s many museums, restaurants and shops. In the afternoon you will meet your fellow passengers and tour representatives for a briefing on the adventures that lie ahead, before enjoying an included welcome dinner and a good night’s rest in preparation for embarkation day.

The following morning, your adventure begins in earnest as you join your transfer to the airport for your 3 hour flight to Antarctica! A buzz of excitement will be in the air as you board your plane ready to fly across the legendary Drake Passage. Within just a few hours you will catch your first glimpse of the dramatic Antarctica landscapes below as your plane prepares to land in the South Shetland Islands. Flying into Antarctica is a unique and exciting experience and upon landing the excitement continues as we leave the plane and step foot on the white continent, one of the most remote and spectacular places on earth. We can stretch our legs and take a walk around the island before boarding our Zodiac boats to transfer to our Polar expedition ship to begin our sail to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Antarctic Peninsula
3 - 6Days

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.

Drake Passage
7 - 8Days

Drake Passage

As your thrilling Antarctica cruise nears its conclusion, there’s time for some more adventure as we set sail 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 conclude their exciting programme of informative lectures and presentations covering everything from the wildlife and geology of Antarctica to historic polar exploration. Take the time to relax after what will have been a very busy week full of incredible experiences.

Ushuaia
9 - 10Days

Ushuaia

Arrival into the port city of Ushuaia in southern Argentina will signal the conclusion of your Antarctica expedition. After breakfast, it will be time to disembark and bid a fond farewell to your crew. A transfer will be provided to your hotel where you can enjoy an included overnight stay. You could spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, or take the chance 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 if you’re still feeling adventurous.

The following morning, after checkout, your itinerary will come 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

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Sheena’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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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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