best antarctica cruise | The Antarctic Peninsula without the Drake

The Antarctic Peninsula without the Drake



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ITINERARY THE NAVIREDATES & TARIFFS THE MAP
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Be prepared to explore King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula without navigating the Drake Pass! The BAE 146-200 charter flights between Punta Arenas and Antarctica by Aerovías DAP show you all the majesty of the 7th Continent with a spectacular aerial view, before you are transferred to the ship.

Keep your camera at your fingertips on inflatable boat cruises and go on a quest for whales, seabirds and incredible icebergs. The beaches are dotted with leopards, penguins are in the middle of the ice and mountain peaks snowy. You will be grateful for the almost constant light of the sun, thanks to which you will continue to enjoy all this.


DAY 1 - PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city of Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to visit. In the early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions representative will meet everyone at the planned hotel, where you will enjoy a welcome dinner and be informed of the boarding process.

DAY 2 - DAY OF BOARDING
Your flight from Punta Arenas to the Antarctic Peninsula will take you through the legendary Drake Passage in just a few hours. Below, the ship will also approach King George Island for your arrival. The breathtaking landscapes of Antarctica become visible as you descend to the South Shetlands. After landing, enjoy your free time to stretch your legs and explore the island before taking your zodiac shuttle to join the ship. Join the rest of your fellow travelers and en route to explore Antarctica!

DAYS 3 TO 6 - THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA AND SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Few places in the world are as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the white continent, you will be overwhelmed by a sense of enthusiasm and admiration. Antarctica is indescribable and can only be appreciated when seen with one's own eyes.

The captain and his expedition team are on the lookout for whales and seabirds and you will be informed of any sightings. Our team of expert-experts will also provide detailed explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the area.

Your daily shore excursions will be even more exciting. Your first zodiac ride is something you'll never forget! Walking on a beach inhabited by penguins and seals is the most intimate way to discover the unique wildlife of Antarctica.

Each downhill is different and weather dependent, but each day presents new panoramas and new photographic opportunities and it will not take much time before you can tell the difference between an Adélie penguin, a Gentoo penguin and a penguin jugular.

You can go in zodiac looking for whales and icebergs at Pléneau Island one day, then hike to a colony of chinstrap penguins the next day. From the explosion caused by the calving of a glacier in Neko Harbor to the excitement of seeing a leopard seal chasing a penguin, you will wake up at dawn full of enthusiasm to start a new day and with the desire to explore your surroundings on no other expeditions. Our expedition team will be with you throughout the cruise and will inform you about the places and wildlife you will discover.

DAY 7 - LANDING THE SHIP & FLIGHT RETURN TO PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE
After so many memorable days of exploration, say goodbye to your expedition team and land on King George Island for your three-hour flight over the Drake Pass to Punta Arenas, Chile, which will mark the end of your adventure. After your transfer from the airport to the hotel, you can enjoy a last dinner and remember all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

DAY 8 - DEPARTURE FROM PUNTA ARENAS
After breakfast, you will be free to continue your own trip or to return to Punta Arenas airport for your return flight.

IMPORTANT REMINDER
Enjoying the unexpected is part of the adventure - and excitement - of expedition travel. There is no guarantee that we can respect the itinerary and activities mentioned above. A certain flexibility is therefore necessary for each of us in these extreme journeys. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. The places mentioned above can be modified by others just as interesting.