Ocean Explorer
Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)
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9 Night Antarctic Express Fly South Sail North Cruise and Land Tour from Punta Arenas

Ship: Ocean Explorer
Cruise Line: Quark Expeditions
Sailed: Saturday, Jan 17, 2026 from Punta Arenas, Chile
Ended: Monday, Jan 26, 2026
The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Saturday, Jan 17, 2026 departure of the Ocean Explorer. If Quark Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.
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Day by Day Summary and Map

Itinerary Map
9 Night Antarctic Express Fly South Sail North Cruise and Land Tour from Punta Arenas
Day 1 - Saturday - Jan 17, 2026
Punta Arenas, Chile
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 - Sunday - Jan 18, 2026
Punta Arenas, Chile
Punta Arenas, Chile
Air Travel
Cruise Begins
King George Island, Antarctica
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.
Day 3 - Monday - Jan 19, 2026
Cruising Antarctica, Antarctica
Cruising Antarctica, Antarctica
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 snow-covered 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.
Day 4 - Tuesday - Jan 20, 2026
Cruising Antarctica, Antarctica
Cruising Antarctica, Antarctica
Day 5 - Wednesday - Jan 21, 2026
Cruising Antarctica, Antarctica
Cruising Antarctica, Antarctica
Day 6 - Thursday - Jan 22, 2026
Cruising Antarctica, Antarctica
Cruising Antarctica, Antarctica
Day 7 - Friday - Jan 23, 2026
Drake Passage, Antarctica
Drake Passage, Antarctica
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 8 - Saturday - Jan 24, 2026
Drake Passage, Antarctica
Drake Passage, Antarctica
Day 9 - Sunday - Jan 25, 2026
Ushuaia, Argentina
Ushuaia, Argentina
Cruise Ends
Ushuaia, Argentina
After a final breakfast onboard 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 - Monday - Jan 26, 2026
Ushuaia, Argentina
Ushuaia, Argentina
Today you are free to make your way to the airport for departure, or extend your stay in Ushuaia.

Other Sail Dates and Itineraries on Ocean Explorer

Sail Date Itinerary Name Inside
From
Oceanview
From
Balcony
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Suite
From
Details
Jan 24, 2026(Saturday) 17 Night South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula Penguin Safari and Land Tour
Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina
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    Feb 9, 2026(Monday) 13 Night Crossing the Antarctic Circle Southern Expedition and Land Tour
    Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina
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    Feb 21, 2026(Saturday) 9 Night Antarctic Express Sail South Fly North and Land Tour
    Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina
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    Mar 8, 2026(Sunday) 7 Night Antarctic Express Fly the Drake and Land Tour
    Departing from Punta Arenas, Chile
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    $16,797per personView
    Mar 13, 2026(Friday) 9 Night Antarctic Express Fly South Sail North and Land Tour
    Departing from Punta Arenas, Chile
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    $14,837per personView
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