Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent (12 days)

A classic 12-day journey to the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore by Zodiac, kayak, or on foot, capturing penguins, whales, and seals framed by towering ice and mesmerizing polar landscapes.


Antarctic Peninsula
©QRK

Duration: 12 days / 10 nights on board
Starts: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ends: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. The Captain and/or Expedition Leader will make necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.
The voyage length is 12-days and includes a Charter Flight & Hotel Package (Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and return).


Included
Optional


This classic 12-day Antarctic Explorer itinerary delivers the very best of the Antarctic Peninsula in one unforgettable journey. After crossing the legendary 800-kilometer Drake Passage, you will explore majestic polar landscapes by Zodiac, kayak, or on foot. This expedition is designed to deepen your experience with expert presentations on history, biology, and glaciology.

You will spend five full days immersed in the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, where the unpredictable environment creates a unique, personal experience every time. You will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal. The majesty of the Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views. Amid the serene silence, noisy interludes, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, become indelible memories.

Highlights:
Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula by Zodiac, kayak, or on foot.
Cross the legendary 800-kilometer Drake Passage, an adventure unto itself.
Scout for humpback and minke whales and search for seals, including the cunning leopard seal.
Hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views of the Peninsula’s mountains.
Deepen your experience with expert presentations on history, biology, and glaciology by our onboard polar experts.

Itinerary

©QRK
©QRK

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Independent transfer to designated group hotel
Arrive in this splendid city, known for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe. You will independently transfer to the designated group hotel, which is included in your Charter Flight & Hotel package.

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Private charter flight and Beagle Channel sailing
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to explore this quaint port town on your own before making your way to the designated meeting spot for transfer to the ship. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel.

Days 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Polar experts, presentations, and Antarctic Convergence
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. You’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence.

Days 5-9: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Zodiac excursions, hiking, and wildlife viewing
Once the Drake Passage is left in our wake, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. You will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species. The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike snowy pathways.

Days 10-11: Crossing the Drake Passage
The journey back and final celebration
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Southern Ocean air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you’ve shared exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.

Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
Departure
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will then make your way towards your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Independent transfer to designated group hotel
Arrive in this splendid city, known for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe. You will independently transfer to the designated group hotel, which is included in your Charter Flight & Hotel package.

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Private charter flight and Beagle Channel sailing
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to explore this quaint port town on your own before making your way to the designated meeting spot for transfer to the ship. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel.

Days 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Polar experts, presentations, and Antarctic Convergence
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. You’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence.

Days 5-9: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Zodiac excursions, hiking, and wildlife viewing
Once the Drake Passage is left in our wake, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. You will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species. The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike snowy pathways.

Days 10-11: Crossing the Drake Passage
The journey back and final celebration
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Southern Ocean air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you’ve shared exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.

Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
Departure
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will then make your way towards your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.


©QRK
©QRK


INCLUSIONS

An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
All shore landings as per the daily program
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible.)
Complimentary select beer, wines and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
A photographic journal documenting the expedition
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data-intensive applications.) Note: Internet access in the polar regions is subject to geography, climate, and other factors beyond our control
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)

Charter Flight and Hotel Package
One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia, and returning to Buenos Aires’ international airport (Ezeiza/EZE)
Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires
Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, and return

EXCLUSIONS

Charter Flight & Hotel Package* (when applicable – please review trip-specific details below)
International airfare
Arrival and departure transfers
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, spa and other personal charges unless specified
Phone charges may vary by location
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 06 Nov 2027 - 17 Nov 2027 (4676)
Explorer Triple
$17,490
$15,061
Explorer Suite
$20,290
$17,441
Balcony Suite
$22,190
$19,056
Solo Panorama
$30,490
$26,111
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$25,990
$22,286
Terrace Suite
$26,890
$23,051
Penthouse Suite
$28,790
$24,666
Owner´s Suite
$35,390
$30,276
Ultra Suite
$39,190
$33,506
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 08 Dec 2027 - 19 Dec 2027 (4677)
Explorer Triple
$17,790
$16,141
Explorer Suite
$20,690
$18,751
Balcony Suite
$22,690
$20,551
Solo Panorama
$31,190
$28,201
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$26,490
$23,971
Terrace Suite
$27,490
$24,871
Penthouse Suite
$29,490
$26,671
Owner´s Suite
$36,190
$32,701
Ultra Suite
$40,090
$36,211
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 18 Dec 2027 - 29 Dec 2027 (4678)
Explorer Triple
$21,090
$19,111
Explorer Suite
$24,590
$22,261
Balcony Suite
$26,890
$24,331
Solo Panorama
$37,090
$33,511
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$31,590
$28,561
Terrace Suite
$32,690
$29,551
Penthouse Suite
$34,990
$31,621
Owner´s Suite
$43,190
$39,001
Ultra Suite
$47,790
$43,141
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 28 Dec 2027 - 08 Jan 2028 (4679)
Explorer Triple
$21,090
$18,121
Explorer Suite
$24,590
$21,096
Balcony Suite
$26,890
$23,051
Solo Panorama
$37,190
$31,806
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$31,590
$27,046
Terrace Suite
$32,690
$27,981
Penthouse Suite
$35,090
$30,021
Owner´s Suite
$43,190
$36,906
Ultra Suite
$47,890
$40,901
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 07 Jan 2028 - 18 Jan 2028 (4680)
Explorer Triple
$19,790
$17,016
Explorer Suite
$23,090
$19,821
Balcony Suite
$25,190
$21,606
Solo Panorama
$34,790
$29,766
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$29,590
$25,346
Terrace Suite
$30,690
$26,281
Penthouse Suite
$32,790
$28,066
Owner´s Suite
$40,390
$34,526
Ultra Suite
$44,790
$38,266
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 29 Feb 2028 - 11 Mar 2028 (4682)
Explorer Triple
$17,190
$15,601
Explorer Suite
$20,090
$18,211
Balcony Suite
$21,890
$19,831
Solo Panorama
$30,190
$27,301
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$25,690
$23,251
Terrace Suite
$26,590
$24,061
Penthouse Suite
$28,490
$25,771
Owner´s Suite
$34,990
$31,621
Ultra Suite
$38,790
$35,041
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 10 Mar 2028 - 21 Mar 2028 (4683)
Explorer Triple
$15,990
$13,786
Explorer Suite
$18,590
$15,996
Balcony Suite
$20,290
$17,441
Solo Panorama
$27,890
$23,901
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$23,790
$20,416
Terrace Suite
$24,590
$21,096
Penthouse Suite
$26,390
$226,262
Owner´s Suite
$32,390
$27,726
Ultra Suite
$35,890
$30,701

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

Gallery



Other options you will like


 



THE POLAR TRAVEL COMPANY LLC
USA


Tel: +1 (786) 321-5654
WhatsApp: +1 (786) 705-2241
Email: travel@thepolartravelcompany.com

International Travel Awards - 2023 Winner
Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice Awards 2025

© 2020 The Polar Travel Company | All rights reserved | Terms & Conditions
THE POLAR TRAVEL COMPANY LLC is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST42392.

Write us via WhatsApp