Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent (O.E. 27.28/28.29)

Embark on an in-depth 11-day polar expedition to the White Continent. Enjoy the comfort of the revamped onboard service, navigate the unpredictable waters of the Drake Passage, and explore the majestic, towering landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, taking snowy ridge hikes and searching for whales and cunning leopard seals by Zodiac.


Antarctic Peninsula
© QRK

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


Be part of a modernised polar expedition, meticulously designed to optimise the traveller’s experience in the planet’s most extreme environment. The journey begins in Ushuaia, the mountainous capital of Tierra del Fuego, where an exclusive pre-departure briefing is held at the group’s hotel. The following day, after transfer to the quay, the voyage begins as the ship sails through the waters of the Beagle Channel towards the untamed Drake Passage. During the crossing of this legendary ocean, the ship becomes an interactive learning centre led by polar scientists and historians, preparing guests for Zodiac boat excursions whilst they enjoy an enhanced bar service featuring complimentary wines, beers and select cocktails.

As the expedition approaches the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, the focus shifts strongly towards hiking to viewpoints and detailed observation of the pristine polar ecosystem. Zodiac cruises will explore local bays, navigating past imposing glacial calving into the brilliant blue sea. On land, passengers will ascend snow-covered trails to panoramic vantage points and walk amongst bustling penguin colonies, whose inhabitants will occasionally approach to inspect visitors’ footwear. The active search for wildlife focuses on iconic species such as humpback and minke whales, elephant seals and the elusive leopard seal. All cruising is supported by a complimentary Wi-Fi policy adapted to the climatic realities of the polar environment.

Highlights:
Orientation briefing led by the Expedition Leaders at the hotel in Ushuaia the night before setting sail.
Cruising and educational introduction whilst crossing the unpredictable and thrilling Drake Passage, with personalised attention.
Daily excursions and Zodiac boat trips focusing on local bays and active channels around the Antarctic Peninsula.
Guided walks along snow-covered trails to elevated viewpoints offering exceptional panoramic views.
Sightings of iconic polar wildlife, with a particular focus on humpback and minke whales and the elusive leopard seal.
An enhanced bar service featuring a carefully curated selection of beers, wines and complimentary signature cocktails.
Satellite connectivity tailored to the vessel, with realistic terms and conditions regarding polar geography and weather conditions.

Itinerary

© QRK
© QRK
© QRK

Día 1: Arrival in Ushuaia
Hotel night included
You may arrive in Ushuaia at any time on Day 1. This southernmost city of South America is known for its beautiful mountainous surroundings, so we encourage you to consider arriving a day or two before your expedition. We will arrange a transfer from the airport to your hotel, both of which are included in the cost of your trip. An optional pre-departure briefing will be held in the lobby of your hotel at 6 p.m. to meet your Expedition Leaders.

Día 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
Sailing the Beagle Channel
Your luggage will be collected from the lobby of your hotel in the morning and transferred to the ship. Embarkation is usually around 4 p.m. Guests will meet at a designated location near the pier, and board the buses for transfer to the ship. Information about embarkation will be posted in your Ushuaia hotel and discussed during your optional pre-departure briefing on Day 1. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Excitement builds in anticipation of your next stop: Antarctica.

Día 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Lectures and shipboard life
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and leaders, 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.

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. 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, including the cunning leopard seal. The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views of your surroundings. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and the next you’ll be inspired by nature just as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear. Each 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 a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Southern Ocean air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, or enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you’ve shared exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.

Día 11: Disembark in Ushuaia
End of itinerary
Your ship is scheduled to arrive in Ushuaia between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Once the ship has docked, you will bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. You are then free to continue your onward journey.

Itinerary

Día 1: Arrival in Ushuaia
Hotel night included
You may arrive in Ushuaia at any time on Day 1. This southernmost city of South America is known for its beautiful mountainous surroundings, so we encourage you to consider arriving a day or two before your expedition. We will arrange a transfer from the airport to your hotel, both of which are included in the cost of your trip. An optional pre-departure briefing will be held in the lobby of your hotel at 6 p.m. to meet your Expedition Leaders.

Día 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
Sailing the Beagle Channel
Your luggage will be collected from the lobby of your hotel in the morning and transferred to the ship. Embarkation is usually around 4 p.m. Guests will meet at a designated location near the pier, and board the buses for transfer to the ship. Information about embarkation will be posted in your Ushuaia hotel and discussed during your optional pre-departure briefing on Day 1. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Excitement builds in anticipation of your next stop: Antarctica.

Día 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Lectures and shipboard life
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and leaders, 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.

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. 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, including the cunning leopard seal. The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views of your surroundings. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and the next you’ll be inspired by nature just as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear. Each 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 a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Southern Ocean air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, or enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you’ve shared exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.

Día 11: Disembark in Ushuaia
End of itinerary
Your ship is scheduled to arrive in Ushuaia between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Once the ship has docked, you will bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. You are then free to continue your onward journey.


© QRK
© 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
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.

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: Ocean Explorer | Date: 12 Nov 2027 - 22 Nov 2027 (5463)
Triple Suite
$14,795
$12,576
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$16,595
$14,106
Veranda Stateroom
$17,395
$14,786
Veranda Suite
$18,495
$15,721
Studio Single
$23,995
$20,396
Penthouse Suite
$25,295
$21,501
Studio Veranda Single
$25,895
$22,011
Owners Suite
$26,995
$22,946
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 21 Nov 2027 - 01 Dec 2027 (5464)
Triple Suite
$14,795
$13,316
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$16,595
$14,936
Veranda Stateroom
$17,395
$15,656
Veranda Suite
$18,495
$16,646
Studio Single
$23,995
$21,596
Penthouse Suite
$25,295
$22,766
Studio Veranda Single
$25,895
$23,306
Owners Suite
$26,995
$24,296
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 30 Nov 2027 - 10 Dec 2027 (5465)
Triple Suite
$14,795
$13,316
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$16,595
$14,936
Veranda Stateroom
$17,395
$15,656
Veranda Suite
$18,495
$16,646
Studio Single
$23,995
$21,596
Penthouse Suite
$25,295
$22,766
Studio Veranda Single
$25,895
$23,306
Owners Suite
$26,995
$24,296
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 09 Dec 2027 - 19 Dec 2027 (5466)
Triple Suite
$15,595
$14,036
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$17,395
$15,656
Veranda Stateroom
$18,295
$16,466
Veranda Suite
$19,395
$17,456
Studio Single
$25,095
$22,586
Penthouse Suite
$26,495
$23,846
Studio Veranda Single
$27,195
$24,476
Owners Suite
$28,295
$25,466
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 03 Mar 2028 - 13 Mar 2028 (5467)
Triple Suite
$14,895
$12,661
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$16,695
$14,191
Veranda Stateroom
$17,595
$14,956
Veranda Suite
$18,595
$15,806
Studio Single
$24,095
$20,481
Penthouse Suite
$25,495
$21,671
Studio Veranda Single
$26,095
$22,181
Owners Suite
$27,195
$23,116
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 12 Mar 2028 - 22 Mar 2028 (5468)
Triple Suite
$14,895
$12,661
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$16,695
$14,191
Veranda Stateroom
$17,595
$14,956
Veranda Suite
$18,595
$15,806
Studio Single
$24,095
$20,481
Penthouse Suite
$25,495
$21,671
Studio Veranda Single
$26,095
$22,181
Owners Suite
$27,195
$23,116
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 31 Oct 2028 - 10 Nov 2028 (5469)
Triple Suite
$14,595
$12,236
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$16,295
$13,766
Veranda Stateroom
$17,095
$14,486
Veranda Suite
$18,195
$15,476
Studio Single
$23,595
$20,336
Penthouse Suite
$24,795
$21,416
Studio Veranda Single
$25,395
$21,956
Owners Suite
$26,495
$22,946
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 19 Dec 2028 - 29 Dec 2028 (5470)
Triple Suite
$16,495
$13,946
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$18,495
$15,746
Veranda Stateroom
$19,395
$16,556
Veranda Suite
$20,595
$17,636
Studio Single
$26,695
$23,126
Penthouse Suite
$28,195
$24,476
Studio Veranda Single
$28,895
$25,106
Owners Suite
$30,095
$26,186
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 20 Feb 2029 - 02 Mar 2029 (5471)
Triple Suite
$14,695
$12,326
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$16,395
$13,856
Veranda Stateroom
$17,195
$14,576
Veranda Suite
$18,295
$156
Studio Single
$23,695
$20,426
Penthouse Suite
$24,995
$21,596
Studio Veranda Single
$25,595
$22,136
Owners Suite
$26,695
$23,126
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 01 Mar 2029 - 11 Mar 2029 (5472)
Triple Suite
$14,695
$12,326
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$16,395
$13,856
Veranda Stateroom
$17,195
$14,576
Veranda Suite
$18,295
$15,566
Studio Single
$23,695
$20,426
Penthouse Suite
$24,995
$21,596
Studio Veranda Single
$25,595
$22,136
Owners Suite
$26,695
$23,126
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 10 Mar 2029 - 20 Mar 2029 (5473)
Triple Suite
$14,695
$12,326
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$16,395
$13,856
Veranda Stateroom
$17,195
$14,576
Veranda Suite
$18,295
$15,566
Studio Single
$23,695
$20,426
Penthouse Suite
$24,995
$21,596
Studio Veranda Single
$25,595
$22,136
Owners Suite
$26,695
$23,126

* 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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