Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent (O.E 26.27)

Embark on a classic 11-day expedition from Ushuaia to the White Continent. Cross the legendary Drake Passage, attend a comprehensive polar presentation program, and explore the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula by Zodiac, interacting with massive penguin colonies and spotting marine wildlife.


Antarctic Peninsula
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Duration: 11 days
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, 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.


Included
Optional


Embark on an unforgettable polar voyage to the ends of the Earth, setting sail from Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. The adventure begins as we sail through the Beagle Channel towards the legendary Drake Passage, an iconic stretch of ocean where our Expedition Team will deliver a comprehensive programme of talks on the region’s wildlife, history and glaciology. Crossing the Antarctic Convergence at 60° South will mark our formal entry into the richest waters of the Southern Ocean, serving as a prelude to our thrilling encounter with the seventh continent.

Upon reaching the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, you will experience a profound sense of awe in the face of a pristine and enduring natural environment. Through daily Zodiac boat trips, you will explore bays and majestic channels flanked by glacier fronts. Travellers will be able to take guided walks across the polar landscape, visit scientific research stations and observe the behaviour of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins at close quarters. The excursions will also offer exceptional opportunities to photograph Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, as well as to witness the majestic passage of humpback whales and orcas before the final return journey. Throughout the voyage, you will enjoy a premium bar service including complimentary spirits and the convenience of a pre-expedition hotel night included in Ushuaia.

Highlights:
Pre-expedition hotel night included in Ushuaia with all group transfers arranged.
Cruising and educational introduction whilst crossing the mythical waters of the legendary Drake Passage and the Antarctic Convergence. Daily excursions and Zodiac boat trips to explore the glacial channels and bays of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Close-up sightings of polar wildlife, including multiple species of penguins, humpback whales and leopard seals. Guided walks through unspoilt polar landscapes and visits to active scientific research stations. Open-bar service on board, including spirits, mixed drinks, beer and standard wine at no extra cost.

Itinerary

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Día 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
Hotel night included
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Enjoy the mountains or sample handcrafted chocolate at a café in town. Your Mandatory Transfer Package includes your arrival transfer and pre-expedition hotel night with breakfast.

Día 2: Embark
Sailing initiation
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which 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 see land, you’ll be on the world’s most southern continent! Your luggage will be transferred from the hotel directly to your cabin.

Día 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Lectures and shipboard life
Legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, you may get lucky and have surprisingly calm seas through the Drake Passage. Spend your time in the lounge or chatting with your fellow travelers. As you gain your sea legs during the crossing, our Expedition Team will begin their series of presentations to help prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, a biological boundary that fluctuates around 60° south.

Día 5-8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Exploring the White Continent
The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will 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, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or consorting with chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

Día 9-10: Crossing the Drake Passage
Farewell presentations and northbound transit
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team and celebrate the experiences shared exploring Antarctica.

Día 11: Disembark in Ushuaia
End of itinerary
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure onward or catch your flights home. Your package includes a group departure transfer from ship to local airport or to luggage storage facility.

Itinerary

Día 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
Hotel night included
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Enjoy the mountains or sample handcrafted chocolate at a café in town. Your Mandatory Transfer Package includes your arrival transfer and pre-expedition hotel night with breakfast.

Día 2: Embark
Sailing initiation
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which 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 see land, you’ll be on the world’s most southern continent! Your luggage will be transferred from the hotel directly to your cabin.

Día 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Lectures and shipboard life
Legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, you may get lucky and have surprisingly calm seas through the Drake Passage. Spend your time in the lounge or chatting with your fellow travelers. As you gain your sea legs during the crossing, our Expedition Team will begin their series of presentations to help prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, a biological boundary that fluctuates around 60° south.

Día 5-8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Exploring the White Continent
The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will 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, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or consorting with chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

Día 9-10: Crossing the Drake Passage
Farewell presentations and northbound transit
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team and celebrate the experiences shared exploring Antarctica.

Día 11: Disembark in Ushuaia
End of itinerary
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure onward or catch your flights home. Your package includes a group departure transfer from ship to local airport or to luggage storage facility.


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INCLUSIONS

An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Team, 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. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals
Free beer, standard wines, spirits, 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 your expedition
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
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.)
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia 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 transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
Group departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage storage facility

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare
Passport and applicable visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
Meals 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 landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
Phone charges may vary by location
Our basic complimentary Wi-Fi service does not include Premium packages which enable more data-intensive applications
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 12 Nov 2026 - 22 Nov 2026 (3895)
Triple Suite
$13,795
$12,416
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$15,395
$13,856
Veranda Stateroom
$16,195
$14,576
Veranda Suite
$17,195
$15,476
Studio Single
$20,195
$19,976
Penthouse Suite
$23,495
$21,146
Studio Veranda Single
$21,795
$21,596
Owners Suite
$25,095
$22,586
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 21 Nov 2026 - 01 Dec 2026 (3896)
Triple Suite
$14,895
$14,151
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$16,595
$15,766
Veranda Stateroom
$17,495
$16,621
Veranda Suite
$18,495
$17,571
Studio Single
$21,795
$22,796
Penthouse Suite
$25,295
$24,031
Studio Veranda Single
$23,595
$24,601
Owners Suite
$26,995
$25,646
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 30 Nov 2026 - 10 Dec 2026 (3897)
Triple Suite
$16,695
$15,026
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$18,595
$16,736
Veranda Stateroom
$19,595
$17,636
Veranda Suite
$20,795
$18,716
Studio Single
$26,895
$24,206
Penthouse Suite
$28,395
$25,556
Studio Veranda Single
$29,095
$26,186
Owners Suite
$30,295
$27,266
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 09 Dec 2026 - 19 Dec 2026 (3898)
Triple Suite
$15,195
$13,676
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$16,695
$15,296
Veranda Stateroom
$17,895
$16,106
Veranda Suite
$18,995
$17,096
Studio Single
$22,295
$22,136
Penthouse Suite
$25,895
$23,306
Studio Veranda Single
$24,095
$23,846
Owners Suite
$27,695
$24,926
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 18 Dec 2026 - 28 Dec 2026 (3899)
Triple Suite
$15,795
$14,106
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$17,595
$15,721
Veranda Stateroom
$18,595
$16,571
Veranda Suite
$19,695
$17,591
Studio Single
$23,195
$20,736
Penthouse Suite
$26,895
$23,966
Studio Veranda Single
$25,095
$22,351
Owners Suite
$28,795
$25,666
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 27 Dec 2026 - 06 Jan 2027 (3900)
Triple Suite
$16,595
$15,766
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$10,495
$17,571
Veranda Stateroom
$19,495
$18,521
Veranda Suite
$20,695
$19,661
Studio Single
$24,395
$23,176
Penthouse Suite
$20,195
$26,786
Studio Veranda Single
$26,295
$24,981
Owners Suite
$30,195
$28,686
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 05 Jan 2027 - 15 Jan 2027 (3901)
Triple Suite
$18,395
$17,476
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$20,595
$19,566
Veranda Stateroom
$21,595
$20,516
Veranda Suite
$22,895
$21,751
Studio Single
$29,695
$28,211
Penthouse Suite
$31,395
$29,826
Studio Veranda Single
$32,095
$30,491
Owners Suite
$33,495
$31,821
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 28 Feb 2027 - 10 Mar 2027 (3903)
Triple Suite
$15,895
$14,306
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$17,795
$16,016
Veranda Stateroom
$18,695
$16,826
Veranda Suite
$19,895
$17,906
Studio Single
$25,695
$23,126
Penthouse Suite
$27,095
$24,386
Studio Veranda Single
$27,795
$25,016
Owners Suite
$28,995
$26,096
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 09 Mar 2027 - 19 Mar 2027 (3904)
Triple Suite
$14,495
$13,046
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$16,195
$14,576
Veranda Stateroom
$16,995
$15,296
Veranda Suite
$18,095
$16,286
Studio Single
$23,395
$21,056
Penthouse Suite
$24,695
$22,226
Studio Veranda Single
$25,295
$22,766
Owners Suite
$26,395
$23,756

* 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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