Antarctic Express: Crossing the Polar Circle 35% Discount

Immerse yourself in an extraordinary adventure with the Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle Expedition. This journey begins in the charming city of Punta Arenas, Chile, and offers you the opportunity to experience the impressive beauty of Antarctica up close. Fly over the legendary Drake Passage and enjoy the spectacular views before boarding the Ocean Explorer. Discover the fascinating wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales, and experience the majestic landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula. This expedition promises countless photo opportunities and exciting experiences, while you have the unique opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle. Look forward to informative lectures and workshops on board, providing you with deeper insights into the geology, glaciology, and history of this impressive region. Let yourself be enchanted by the untouched wilderness and create memories that will last a lifetime.
 

Itinerary: Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

 
Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia. This vibrant destination offers a rich variety of activities for those arriving early, with numerous museums narrating the history and culture of the region, as well as a wide selection of restaurants delighting with local cuisine. The shops, in turn, offer a perfect opportunity to explore and acquire unique souvenirs. As the afternoon progresses, a representative of Quark Expeditions will welcome you at the official starting hotel, where you will enjoy a welcome dinner. During this meeting, you will receive a detailed briefing on the preparations for the embarkation day, ensuring you are fully prepared for the exciting adventure that awaits you.
 
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, while far below your ship heads to King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of the dramatic landscapes of Antarctica will be from a unique perspective as your plane approaches landing on the South Shetland Islands. After landing, you will head to the shore before being brought to your ship by Zodiac to set course for the Antarctic Peninsula!
 
Day 3 to 5: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Few places in the world are as evocative as Antarctica, a land of stark beauty and unparalleled wonder. The Antarctic Continent is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes, as words simply cannot capture its majesty. Even more exciting are your land excursions, which promise memorable experiences. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget, a moment etched in memory forever! Setting foot on a beach inhabited by thousands of penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica, offering a close encounter with nature like no other. Each landing is different and 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, and chinstrap penguin. 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 this unrivaled wilderness experience. Your Expedition Team will accompany you along the way, ensuring safety and providing insights into the places you visit. Our expert education team will also provide in-depth explanations of the glaciology, history, and wildlife of the region, enriching your journey with knowledge and understanding.
 
Day 6 & 7: Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and an impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. This journey takes you to a realm that is not only remote but also steeped in the history of exploration. If conditions allow us to cross this famed latitude of 66°33 ́ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, celebrating their courage and spirit of adventure. You can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people, a place where the natural world remains largely untouched. This is raw Antarctica, a land of stark beauty and wonder, home of the midnight sun, where the light lingers long into the night, casting an ethereal glow over the icy landscape. Here, you may encounter Weddell seals, gracefully navigating the frigid waters, and experience your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem, a vital component that supports a diverse array of wildlife.
 
Day 8 & 9: Northbound Along the Peninsula
If you haven't had enough of the Antarctic wildlife and majestic icebergs by now, you will surely be satisfied when you return to King George Island. Your journey continues north along the western Antarctic Peninsula, where you can explore the fascinating environment both by Zodiac and on land. Your expedition team will always be on the lookout for various species of seabirds, seals, and whales that you may have missed on your southern route. These impressive encounters with the unique wildlife of Antarctica will make your journey an unforgettable experience.
 
Day 10: Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
After a week of exploration, you bid farewell to your expedition team and disembark on King George Island. Your two-hour flight over the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, marks the end of your adventure. After the group transfer to the hotel, you have the freedom to spend the evening as you wish. Whether you explore the city or stay at the hotel to reflect on the sights and sounds of Antarctica, the choice is entirely yours. Take the opportunity to quietly reflect on the experiences of the past days and let the unique atmosphere of this journey resonate.
 
Day 11: Depart Punta Arenas
After enjoying breakfast, you have the freedom to continue with your own travel plans, exploring more of what this fascinating region has to offer, or you can head to the Punta Arenas airport to catch your flights back home. This is a moment to reflect on the experiences lived and the landscapes you have had the opportunity to admire during your stay. Whether you decide to prolong your adventure or embark on the journey back, this day marks the closure of a chapter filled with discoveries and memorable moments. Make sure to carry with you all the memories and stories you have accumulated, ready to be shared with friends and family.
 
 
Further Information: The Antarctic expedition lasts 11 days and starts in Punta Arenas, Chile. The journey takes place on the ship Ocean Explorer. A total of three departures are planned between January 2026 and January 2027, with the duration of the trip varying on different dates.
 
Discover the impressive beauty of Antarctica on this unique journey, offering you unforgettable experiences and fascinating wildlife observations. The coveted departures between January 2026 and January 2027 are quickly booked, so don't hesitate to send us your inquiry to secure your spot!
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