Antarctic Explorer – Discovering the 7th Continent

002151 - W20

Journey to one of the world’s most pristine, exotic natural environments, the Antarctic. Landing on the Antarctic Peninsula, the last continent’s most northern region and exploring the iconic sights makes this journey unforgettable!

Highlights
Details
Itinerary
Included
Not Included
Tour Notes
Map
Highlights
  • Discover Ushuaia, the spectacular port city in southern Argentina
  • Cross the infamous Drake Passage
  • Penguin rookeries, humpback and Minke whales, southern seal species including the cunning leopard seal
  • Hike up to the Orne Harbour chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge
  • Take a Polar Plunge swim, if you dare
Details

Tour Code:
002151 - W20

Itinerary
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Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive to Ushuaia anytime today and spend the balance of the day and overnight in this stunning, small city. With a population of more than 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city of Ushuaia has grown over the past few years, yet it has retained an easy going and accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. Today, you can spend time hiking nearby, enjoy Argentine wines and barbecues in the city, or visit the many boutiques and cafes.

*This trip also has an option of departing from/returning to Buenos Aires. 

Buenos Aires transfer package – US$950 per person, includes:

  • One night’s hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires, with breakfast
  • Group transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires
  • Charter flight from the Buenos Aires international airport to Ushuaia, and return
  • Group transfer from the Ushuaia airport to the ship, and return
  • Combined airport transfer and express bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after disembarkation
Day 2: Embarkation Day

Do some more exploring in Ushuaia or the surrounding area before you leave for your expedition to Antarctica. Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail through the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you’ll see land, you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!

Days 3 & 4: Crossing the Drake Passage

Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You’ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates, while we’ll provide safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.

Days 5 to 7: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

When the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You can begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica we witness something new or unexpected, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience. We will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and Minke whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.

The majesty of the Peninsula’s mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbour, gives the opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you’ll have the choice between going for a mountain hike or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the antics of curious penguins. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets! Amidst the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes now become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbour.

Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team so as to entertain and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

Days 8 & 9: Crossing the Drake Passage

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy a few final presentations by your Expedition Team or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Your cruise program ends on arrival back to Ushuaia this morning. You may choose to stay here for a night or two, tour the nearby parks, fly onward to Buenos Aires, or extend your time in this stunning part of the world and take a cruise through the fjords or southern Argentina, around the cape to Punta Arenas, Chile. The choice is yours. We can book any of these options and more for you to complete your travel program.

11-Day Expedition Cruises from Ushuaia

The 11-Day cruise itinerary gives you an extra day to explore the Shetland Islands, on Days 5-8. Days 9 & 10 will be crossing the Drake and Day 11 will be your arrival and disembarkation in Ushuaia.

2021 & 2022 Dates:
Select dates in November & December, 2021; January-March, 2022

2021 & 2022 Prices:
From US$7,995, triple cabin to US$21,495, Owner’s Suite

**Prices listed do no include any promotional discounts or special offers, which will be quoted to you at the time of your inquiry.

Prices are shown as starting from, per person in US$, based on three people sharing a triple cabin and two people sharing a twin cabin or suite. Prices are available on request for solo use of a range of cabin categories.

 

12-Day Expedition Cruises from Ushuaia

The 12-Day cruise itinerary gives you an extra day to explore the Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, on Days 5-9. Days 10 & 11 will be crossing the Drake and Day 12 will be your arrival and disembarkation in Ushuaia.

2021 Dates:
December: 28

2021 Prices:
From US$11,995, triple cabin to US$22,495, Owner’s Suite

**Prices listed do no include any promotional discounts or special offers, which will be quoted to you at the time of your inquiry.

Prices are shown as starting from, per person in US$, based on three people sharing a triple cabin and two people sharing a twin cabin or suite. Prices are available on request for solo use of a range of cabin categories.

11-Day Expedition Cruises from Buenos Aires

Day 1: arrive Buenos Aires
Day 2: fly to Ushuaia
Day 3 & 4: cross the Drake Passage
Days 5-8: Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Day 9 & 10: cross the Drake Passage
Day 11: arrive and disembark at Ushuaia, fly to Buenos Aires

2022 & 2023 Dates:
October: 31
December: 18
March: 05

2022 & 2023 Prices:
From US$12,795, triple to US$33,695, Ultra Suite

Mandatory Buenos Aires Stay & Charter flight package: US$995 per person

**Prices listed do no include any promotional discounts or special offers, which will be quoted to you at the time of your inquiry.

Prices are shown as starting from, per person in US$, based on three people sharing a triple cabin and two people sharing a twin cabin or suite. Prices are available on request for solo use of a range of cabin categories.

 

12-Day Expedition Cruises from Buenos Aires

The 12-Day cruise itinerary gives you an extra day to explore the Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, on Days 5-9. Days 10 & 11 will be crossing the Drake and Day 12 will be your arrival and disembarkation in Ushuaia and flight to Buenos Aires.

2022 Dates:
December: 22

2022 Prices:
From US$15,295, triple to US$39,795, Ultra Suite

Mandatory Buenos Aires Stay & Charter flight package: US$995 per person

**Prices listed do no include any promotional discounts or special offers, which will be quoted to you at the time of your inquiry.

Prices are shown as starting from, per person in US$, based on three people sharing a triple cabin and two people sharing a twin cabin or suite. Prices are available on request for solo use of a range of cabin categories.

Optional Add-on Programs:

Alpine Heli-Trekking on the Antarctic Peninsula:
Let us take you on an active adventure high up in the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll be part of an intimate group of adventurers to board one of Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters for a trekking excursion in an area only safely accessed by air. The helicopter flight alone rewards guests with unforgettable views of the expansive polar landscape down below. On land, during an invigorating walk, hike or snowshoe trek (depending on conditions), you’ll be rewarded with equally stunning views of remote ridgelines, glaciated terrain, and snow-topped peaks. This once-in-a-lifetime heli-adventure will leave you marveling at the overwhelming beauty of the Antarctic.

Pre and Post-Trip Options: Getting to the Antarctic can be just as much fun as being there. There are multiple travel options you can add to your cruising adventure. Some suggestions are: Introduction to Buenos Aires; Easter Island – World’s Most Remote Inhabited Island and Experience Iguazu Falls, Argentina. Multiple Programs may be combined if schedules allow.

Included
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
  • All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage. (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
  • All shore landings per the daily program.
  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition leader, including shore landings and other activities.
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program.
  • Helicopter flight-seeing on one of the Ultramarine's twin-engine helicopters
  • Guided hiking on the Antarctic continent
  • Polar Plunge
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
  • Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage.
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings.
  • An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep.
  • Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock.
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader.
  • A group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport.
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
  • All luggage handling aboard ship.
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per person.
Not Included
  • Airfare to/from Ushuaia or Buenos Aires from your home city
  • Mandatory Buenos Aires stay and Charter flight package, for cruise programs beginning in Buenos Aires (price shown separately)
  • Passport and visa expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes
  • Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
  • Telecommunications charges
  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
  • Massage services
Tour Notes

Not sure what to pack? Watch this video on Packing for the Polar Regions to get an idea!

Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.

Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that information posted on our website is correct at the time of publication, however trip details are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however, we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators.

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