Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
8 Days Starting and ending in Punta Arenas
Visiting: Chile, Antarctica
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PSY
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This trip is the perfect short, introductory expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, the most pristine wilderness on earth. We reduce the Drake Passage crossing from two days to two hours by flying from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. We spend the next four days sailing between the South Shetlands and the Antarctic Peninsula, past towering glacier-capped mountains rising from a brilliant blue sea, dotted with ice floes, and enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. We hope to visit magnificent spots such as Petermann Island, Neko Harbour and the Gerlache Strait, and have the chance to scramble up to a high point for an unforgettable view of Port Lockeroy. On this adventure we will also visit penguin colonies, listen for calving glaciers, and visit both historic sites and research stations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Our 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
we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your
embarkation day. Please note that you need to arrive at the hotel in Punta
Arenas no later than 3pm today.
Day 2
A quick 2-hour flight from Punta Arenas lands on King George Island in the
South Shetland Islands. En route, from our bird's eye view, we can bid the
Drake Passage a fond Bon Voyage. After exploring the portion of the island
where the Chilean Research Base, Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva and the
Russian Base, Bellingshausen, are located, we transfer to Ocean Adventurer by
Zodiac to embark on our Antarctic adventure.
Day 3-6
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As we approach
the white continent, don’t be surprised if you are overcome by feelings of
excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully
appreciated through the human eye.
Our first sightings will be from the ship itself. As the Captain and
Expedition Team keep their eyes out for whales and seabirds, and will alert
us to any new sightings. Our team of expert lecturers will also provide
in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region.
Even more exciting are our daily excursions to land. Walking up to a beach
that is dotted with penguins and seals 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. We
may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs in Pleneau Island
one day, followed by a hike to a Chinstrap rookery the next day. From the
booming shot of a calving glacier at Petermann Island to the complete silence
of night in Antarctica, each day offers exciting opportunities.
Day 7
From King George Island, we will fly across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas
and transfer to our hotel to spend the night.
Day 8
After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your
way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.
What's Included
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Meals
4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners.
* All meals while on the ship
* Beer and wine during dinner
* All accommodation
* All transport and listed activities
* Full complement of qualified Expedition Staff
* We can include flights from the UK. Please contact us for a quote.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Visas or vaccinations
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Food
All meals while on the ship included.
*Typical Meals*
The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with
excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes,
accompanied by a wide variety of drinks on sale from around the world.
*Breakfast:* Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit
juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of
bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.
*Lunch:* Three course set meal, or the occasional buffet or BBQ.
*Dinner:* Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice
of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and
coffee.
Accommodation
The Antarctic Fly & Cruise is offered on the Ocean Adventurer, the Ocean Explorer and the World Explorer which are Polar Adventure Ships. Two nighs in a standard hotel in Punta Arenas included. Full board accommodation on the ship, generally on a twin share basis in a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities. Please visit the Polar Fleet page for Ship Information and Deck Plans.
Polar Adventure Ships
These are small ice rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters. Intimate adventures are always more enjoyable with like-minded passengers and staff, so these voyages are for people who like flexible itineraries and plenty to keep them busy. Activities include frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking, kayaking and many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about accessing. Food and staff are excellent and every guest benefits from the technical advances of this superb fleet. Rest assured our Polar Adventure Ships enable any traveller to maximize their experience sensitively in the Poles.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
132
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Are flights included in this tour?
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Minimum 18 year or above pessanger can go on this tour.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
No visa required for British passport holders.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no specific health risks.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.