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Antarctica

Antarctic Express – Fly the Drake

8 Days aboard Ocean Explorer. From AUD $33,795$31,786pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
No obligation enquiry
Details

Overview

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.

Save up to A$1550 pp

Book by 31 December 2025

Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
View cruise map

Itinerary Highlights

  • Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica
  • Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales
  • Marvel at many of the Antarctic Peninsula highlights
  • Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts
  • Cruise in a Zodiac to get water-level views of icebergs, wildlife and more

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile
  • Day 2: Fly to King George Island and Embarkation
  • Days 3 to 6: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
  • Day 7: Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
  • Day 8: Depart Punta Arenas

Ship Information

For more information on the Ocean Explorer please view the ship page.

View Ocean Explorer

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
View cruise map

Day 1: Arrive in 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: Fly to King George Island and Embarkation

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, make your way to the shore, before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 3 to 6: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. The White 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. Our 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 dotted with penguins 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 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 apex predators like leopard seals and orcas in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore during this unrivaled travel experience.

Your Expedition Team will accompany you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 7: Disembarkation 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.

Breakfast included.

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.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 04 Jan 2026
DatesCabinFromAdditional
04 Jan 2026 - 11 Jan 2026 AUD$31786ppExpand to view prices - Includes specials!
Deluxe Veranda FwdAUD $37395pp AUD$31786ppSave 15%
Veranda StateroomAUD $39295pp AUD$33401ppSave 15%
Veranda SuiteAUD $41595pp AUD$35356ppSave 15%
Studio SingleAUD $49195pp AUD$41816ppSave 15%
Junior SuiteAUD $49195pp AUD$41816ppSave 15%
Studio Veranda SingleAUD $53095pp AUD$45131ppSave 15%
Penthouse SuiteAUD $56995pp AUD$48446ppSave 15%
Owner's SuiteAUD $60795pp AUD$51676ppSave 15%
08 Mar 2026 - 15 Mar 2026 AUD$33795ppExpand to view prices
04 Jan 2028 - 11 Jan 2028 AUD$33640ppExpand to view prices - Includes specials!
09 Jan 2028 - 16 Jan 2028 AUD$33640ppExpand to view prices - Includes specials!
28 Jan 2028 - 04 Feb 2028 AUD$33640ppExpand to view prices - Includes specials!

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake

Cabin Details

Studio Single

Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 166 sq. ft. (15,4 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

Studio Single
Studio Single
Deluxe Veranda Fwd

Located on Deck 4 and approximately 182 sq. f. (16.9 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

Deluxe Veranda Fwd
Deluxe Veranda Fwd
Veranda Stateroom

Located throughout the ship and approximately 208 sq. f. (19.3 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.

Veranda Stateroom
Veranda Stateroom
Veranda Suite

Located throughout the ship and approximately 205 sq. ft. (19.2 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

Veranda Suite
Veranda Suite
Junior Suite

Located on Deck 6 and approximately 298 sq. f. (27.7 sq. m,) in size. These 2-room suites have one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom and an outer sitting room furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. From the bedroom there a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.

Junior Suite
Junior Suite
Studio Veranda Single

Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. f. (15.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

Studio Veranda Single
Studio Veranda Single
Penthouse Suite

This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. f (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom.and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.

Penthouse Suite
Penthouse Suite
Owner's Suite

This massive 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 443 sq. f (41.2 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom. The inner bedroom has a private en-suite with a bathdub, vanity and heated floor. The outer room is furnished with a sofabed, club chair and 4-seat dining table. Walk-out from either room to a triple sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and an additional private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor for the outer room.

Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite

Ocean Explorer Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Infinity class vessel delivered in 2021 by SunStone Maritime Group, the largest expedition-only shipbuilding provider in the world. 
  • 138-passengers. 
  • Built for polar expeditions with an Ice Class 1A and PC6 rating. 
  • Staff and Crew: 105
  • Length: 342 ft (104.4m)
  • Draft: 17.3ft (5.3m)
  • Lifeboats: 2
  • Ice Class: 1A, PC6
  • Registration: Bahamas
  • Zodiacs: 15
  • Cruising Speed: 16.5 knows, in open water

Ocean Explorer is among the most technologically-advanced ships in the industry—it features: 

  • Ulstein X-Bow - a unique inverted bow design to slice through rough seas, minimizing vibration for faster transits with lower fuel consumption. 
  • Zero-speed stabilizers that keep things smooth while sailing, but also level and steady when at rest. 
  • Safe Return to Port system, providing duplicate power to keep the operating and comfort systems working even in cases of engine failure 
  • Dynamic positioning is a computer-controlled system to automatically maintain a vessel's position and heading by using its own propellers and thrusters. 

What's included?

  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
  • Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • A photographic journal documenting the expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • A group arrival transfer in Punta Arenas from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
  • A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
  • A pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport
  • Flights to and from King George Island
  • A post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel
  • One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast

What's not?

  • International airfare
  • Passport and applicable visa expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
  • Meals unless otherwise specified
  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
  • Excess-baggage fees on international flights
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
  • Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
  • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
  • Additional overnight accommodation
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated

Important notes and additional information

*Baggage allowance on charter flights is 33 lbs (15 kg) checked and 11 lbs (5 kg) carry-on.  

**Gratuities

Please note gratuities will no longer be included in your voyage price from 1 November 2019. 

Adventure Options:

  • Sea Kayak: US$1,995
  • Paddling Excursion: US$395

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

No obligation enquiry

Destination: Antarctica

On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.
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Travel information

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

View Antarctica travel guide

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