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
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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

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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.


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INCLUSIONS

Specialist Expedition Leaders
Our team is comprised of the most professional and passionate Expedition Leaders in the world, who bring a wide range of experience and expertise to every adventure.

Immersive Off-ship Activities
Itineraries are packed with adventure options designed to immerses travelers in the polar wilderness, enabling them to connect with the natural wonders of their surroundings.

On-Ship Experiences & Facilities
Designed for comfort and adventure, each ship accommodates no more than 200 guests. Facilities include comfortable cabins, exceptional dining options, wellness treatments, and breathtaking panoramic views of the polar landscape.

Food & Beverages
Premium dining, with a wide selection of options that accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.

Quark Expedition Perks
Complementary Wi-Fi, alcohol on all voyages, and the Official Quark Expeditions parka to take home.

Transfers
Select voyages include essential transportation and accommodation arrangements for guests, ensuring seamless travel to and from the expedition starting point.

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare & visa expenses, travel insurance, mandatory expedition gear, on-ship expenses, adventure options and trip extensions are not included.
Anything not mentioned on the inclusions


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 06 Nov 2027 - 17 Nov 2027 (4676)
Explorer Triple
$16,290
$14,791
Explorer Suite
$18,990
$17,221
Balcony Suite
$20,690
$18,751
Solo Panorama
$25,990
$25,771
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$24,290
$21,991
Terrace Suite
$25,090
$22,711
Penthouse Suite
$26,890
$24,331
Owner´s Suite
$33,090
$29,911
Ultra Suite
$36,590
$33,061
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 08 Dec 2027 - 19 Dec 2027 (4677)
Explorer Triple
$16,290
$14,791
Explorer Suite
$18,990
$17,221
Balcony Suite
$20,690
$18,751
Solo Panorama
$25,990
$25,771
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$24,290
$21,991
Terrace Suite
$25,090
$22,711
Penthouse Suite
$26,890
$24,331
Owner´s Suite
$33,090
$29,911
Ultra Suite
$36,590
$33,061
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 18 Dec 2027 - 29 Dec 2027 (4678)
Explorer Triple
$17,690
$16,051
Explorer Suite
$20,590
$18,661
Balcony Suite
$22,490
$20,371
Solo Panorama
$28,190
$27,931
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$26,290
$23,791
Terrace Suite
$27,290
$24,691
Penthouse Suite
$29,190
$26,401
Owner´s Suite
$35,890
$32,431
Ultra Suite
$39,790
$35,941
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 28 Dec 2027 - 08 Jan 2028 (4679)
Explorer Triple
$19,290
$17,491
Explorer Suite
$22,490
$20,371
Balcony Suite
$24,590
$22,261
Solo Panorama
$30,990
$30,631
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$28,790
$26,041
Terrace Suite
$29,890
$27,031
Penthouse Suite
$31,990
$28,921
Owner´s Suite
$39,390
$35,581
Ultra Suite
$43,590
$39,361
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 07 Jan 2028 - 18 Jan 2028 (4680)
Explorer Triple
$18,090
$16,411
Explorer Suite
$21,090
$19,111
Balcony Suite
$23,090
$20,911
Solo Panorama
$28,990
$28,651
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$26,990
$24,421
Terrace Suite
$27,990
$25,321
Penthouse Suite
$29,990
$27,121
Owner´s Suite
$36,890
$33,331
Ultra Suite
$40,790
$36,841
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 07 Feb 2028 - 18 Feb 2028 (4681)
Explorer Triple
$17,690
$16,051
Explorer Suite
$20,590
$18,661
Balcony Suite
$22,490
$20,371
Solo Panorama
$28,190
$27,931
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$26,290
$23,791
Terrace Suite
$27,290
$24,691
Penthouse Suite
$29,190
$26,401
Owner´s Suite
$35,890
$32,431
Ultra Suite
$39,790
$35,941
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 29 Feb 2028 - 11 Mar 2028 (4682)
Explorer Triple
$16,090
$14,611
Explorer Suite
$18,690
$16,951
Balcony Suite
$20,490
$18,571
Solo Panorama
$25,690
$25,411
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$23,990
$21,721
Terrace Suite
$24,790
$22,441
Penthouse Suite
$26,590
$24,061
Owner´s Suite
$32,690
$29,551
Ultra Suite
$36,090
$32,611
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 10 Mar 2028 - 21 Mar 2028 (4683)
Explorer Triple
$14,990
$13,621
Explorer Suite
$17,390
$15,781
Balcony Suite
$18,990
$17,221
Solo Panorama
$23,790
$23,611
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$22,190
$20,101
Terrace Suite
$22,990
$20,821
Penthouse Suite
$24,590
$22,261
Owner´s Suite
$30,190
$27,301
Ultra Suite
$33,390
$30,181

* 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.

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