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Ocean Explorer, Antarctic Express: Fly South Cruise North ex Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

Cruise Ocean Explorer, Antarctic Express: Fly South Cruise North ex Punta Arenas to Ushuaia
Cruise Line Quark Expeditions
Ship Ocean Explorer
Destination Antarctica
Brief Description Fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island for a 7 night cruise to Ushuaia aboard Ocean Explorer. Hotels stay in Punta Arenas pre-cruise and Ushuaia post-cruise.
Type of Cruise Expedition
Departure Date 17 Jan 2026
Cruise Description Fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island for a 7 night cruise to Ushuaia aboard Ocean Explorer. Hotels stay in Punta Arenas pre-cruise and Ushuaia post-cruise.

Day 1 Punta Arenas, Chile
Your journey begins in Punta Arenas. This port city is situated at the southern tip of Chile, on the north bank of the Strait of Magellan. Once a Chilean penal colony, Punta Arenas has transformed into a vibrant city offering you plenty of attractions including historic sites and museums. Explore the city by day, and then join us for an evening dinner to meet your fellow Antarctic adventurers.

Day 2 Embarkation Day
Today you board your chartered flight to Antarctica. The journey over the Drake Passage will take you less than four hours, whereas our ship-based travelers take two days to make the journey by sea. Your first glimpse of Antarctica comes into view shortly before the aircraft descends towards King George Island—hope for clear skies so you can appreciate the vastness of this great continent! You will have free time to photograph parts of the island and stretch your legs before joining the ship. Once aboard, you’ll enjoy your first trip in a Zodiac and begin your exploration of the Antarctic region.

Days 3 to 6 Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
You’ll get a sense that you’ve arrived on a new planet during the start of your Antarctic voyage, as the pristine nature and dramatic environments are like nothing else on earth. From the vessel you can watch whales swim and feed in nutrient-rich waters and spot penguins frolicking in the water and jumping aboard ice floes. Just as amazing as the wildlife are the towering snowcovered mountains and massive glaciers of the Peninsula, which will be your playground for the next few days.

Every Zodiac excursion and landing presents new sights, sounds and smells. Some landings may be as relaxing as sitting on a beach, taking photographs of curious gentoo penguins. Other landings may provide exhilarating panoramic views of the Antarctic continent by hiking atop a hill. Perhaps you’ll catch a calving glacier crumbling into the sea at Petermann Island, or take a Zodiac cruise in search of fur and elephant seals around Pleneau Island.

Even common travel experiences like mailing a postcard take on an extra level of excitement in Antarctica. While weather and sea conditions determine which landings we can make, your Expedition Team will ensure that each day of your Antarctic adventure leaves a lasting impression.

Days 7 and 8 Crossing the Drake Passage to Ushuaia
A rite of passage for any Antarctic adventurer, crossing the Drake signals the end of your journey. No matter the sea conditions, you will benefit from having developed your sea legs over the course of the previous four days. While the journey home has begun, your wildlife spotting continues. Your Expedition Team will be available on deck and on the ship’s bridge to help you spot the majestic wandering albatross and a number of whale species, such as minke and humpback.

When you’re not looking at photos and reminiscing about the previous days, the Expedition Team will conclude their series of engaging presentations on subjects such as marine biology, polar history and glaciology.

Day 9 Disembark and overnight in Ushuaia, Argentina
After a final breakfast aboard the ship, say goodbye to your crew as we disembark in Ushuaia. We’ll transfer you to the hotel to check in and then you’ll have a chance to explore the town on your own to shop, sightsee and sample some Argentinian cuisine.

Day 10 Depart for home
Today you are free to make your way to the airport for departure, or extend your stay in Ushuaia.
Sailing Dates
17 Jan 2026
Pricing
Please enquire for pricing
Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
17 Jan 2026 Punta Arenas, Chile Hotel
18 Jan 2026 Punta Arenas, Chile Flight to King George Island
18 Jan 2026 King George Island, South Shetland Islands Embark
19 Jan 2026 Antarctic Peninsula
20 Jan 2026 Antarctic Peninsula
21 Jan 2026 South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
22 Jan 2026 South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
23 Jan 2026 Drake Passage
24 Jan 2026 Drake Passage
25 Jan 2026 Ushuaia, Argentina Disembark Hotel
26 Jan 2026 Ushuaia, Argentina
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

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