Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent (Ult 26.27)

Embark on a 12-day Antarctic expedition from Buenos Aires aboard the advanced Ultramarine. Enjoy an included scenic helicopter flight, cruise by Zodiac among icebergs, and explore the Antarctic Peninsula surrounded by massive penguin colonies and marine wildlife, featuring a premium open bar onboard.


Antarctic Peninsula
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Duration: 12 days
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.


Included
Optional


Embark on an unforgettable polar voyage to the seventh continent, setting off from Buenos Aires before connecting via a private charter flight to Ushuaia. On board the Ultramarine, you will sail through the Beagle Channel towards the legendary Drake Passage, an oceanic stretch where our Expedition Team will deliver a comprehensive programme of talks. Crossing the Antarctic Convergence will mark your formal entry into the rich waters of the Southern Ocean, serving as a prelude to your thrilling encounter with the perpetual ice.

Upon reaching the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, you will experience a profound sense of awe in this pristine natural environment. The adventure is taken to new heights thanks to the on-board helicopter, offering an included panoramic flight over the polar landscape. Aboard Zodiac tenders, you will explore glacial bays and observe penguin behaviour and poetic interactions such as their squabbles over pebbles. Shore excursions will allow you to walk through the colourful tundra and spot leopard seals, humpback whales and orcas. Throughout the voyage, you’ll enjoy a premium bar service including complimentary spirits.

Highlights:
A 10- to 15-minute panoramic helicopter flight included to admire the majestic polar landscape from the air.
Premium bar service including complimentary spirits, mixed drinks, beers and wines during bar hours and dinner.
Daily excursions and Zodiac boat trips to explore the glacial channels and bays of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Close-up encounters with polar wildlife, including multiple species of penguins, humpback whales and leopard seals.
Guided walks through unspoilt polar landscapes and overwhelming silence in front of calving glaciers.
Integrated air travel via private return charter flights from Buenos Aires.

Itinerary

© QRK
© QRK
© QRK

Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina
One night’s hotel accommodation included
Upon arrival in this splendid city, renowned for its vibrant Argentine culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan atmosphere, you will make your own way to the designated group hotel, which is included in your compulsory transfer package.

Day 2: Flight to Ushuaia and embarkation
Cruise along the Beagle Channel
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport to board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. On arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central location in the town centre to explore this picturesque harbour town at your leisure before heading to the designated meeting point at the quay. Following embarkation in the late afternoon, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel. Excitement builds as you look forward to your next stop: Antarctica!

Days 3–4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Lectures and life on board
The unpredictable and thrilling Drake Passage is an adventure in itself. Whilst receiving excellent care from our expert crew and leaders on board, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take photos of the seabirds gliding around the ship and get to know your Expedition Team. Experts will deliver interactive lectures to prepare you for the landings.

Days 5–9: South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
Exploring the Seventh Continent
Once the Drake Passage is behind you and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure will truly begin. Each day, you’ll take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. You’ll visit penguin colonies, look out for humpback and minke whales, and search for various species of southern seals, including the elusive leopard seal. The majesty of the mountains on the Antarctic Peninsula will captivate you as you walk along snow-covered trails to viewpoints offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. One moment you’ll feel overwhelmed by a sense of complete isolation and silence, and the next you’ll be inspired by nature just as a glacier calves into the sparkling blue sea or a penguin approaches to inspect your footwear. Amidst the serene silence of Antarctica, moments of noise – such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles – become unforgettable memories.

Days 10–11: Crossing the Drake Passage
Farewell talks and sailing north
The return journey across Drake Passage offers a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating air of the Southern Ocean. Spend time on deck spotting seabirds and whales, or enjoy presentations from your Expedition Team and celebrate the experiences you have shared whilst exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.

Day 12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia and flight to Buenos Aires
End of the expedition
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast, before heading to your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina
One night’s hotel accommodation included
Upon arrival in this splendid city, renowned for its vibrant Argentine culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan atmosphere, you will make your own way to the designated group hotel, which is included in your compulsory transfer package.

Day 2: Flight to Ushuaia and embarkation
Cruise along the Beagle Channel
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport to board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. On arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central location in the town centre to explore this picturesque harbour town at your leisure before heading to the designated meeting point at the quay. Following embarkation in the late afternoon, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel. Excitement builds as you look forward to your next stop: Antarctica!

Days 3–4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Lectures and life on board
The unpredictable and thrilling Drake Passage is an adventure in itself. Whilst receiving excellent care from our expert crew and leaders on board, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take photos of the seabirds gliding around the ship and get to know your Expedition Team. Experts will deliver interactive lectures to prepare you for the landings.

Days 5–9: South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
Exploring the Seventh Continent
Once the Drake Passage is behind you and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure will truly begin. Each day, you’ll take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. You’ll visit penguin colonies, look out for humpback and minke whales, and search for various species of southern seals, including the elusive leopard seal. The majesty of the mountains on the Antarctic Peninsula will captivate you as you walk along snow-covered trails to viewpoints offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. One moment you’ll feel overwhelmed by a sense of complete isolation and silence, and the next you’ll be inspired by nature just as a glacier calves into the sparkling blue sea or a penguin approaches to inspect your footwear. Amidst the serene silence of Antarctica, moments of noise – such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles – become unforgettable memories.

Days 10–11: Crossing the Drake Passage
Farewell talks and sailing north
The return journey across Drake Passage offers a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating air of the Southern Ocean. Spend time on deck spotting seabirds and whales, or enjoy presentations from your Expedition Team and celebrate the experiences you have shared whilst exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.

Day 12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia and flight to Buenos Aires
End of the expedition
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast, before heading to your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.


© QRK
© QRK
© QRK


INCLUSIONS

Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
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
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
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
One 10-to15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)
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.)

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 flights 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: Ultramarine | Date: 17 Dec 2026 - 28 Dec 2026 (5474)
Explorer Triple
$18,890
$17,131
Explorer Suite
$21,990
$19,921
Balcony Suite
$24,090
$21,811
Solo Panorama
$33,090
$29,911
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$28,190
$25,501
Terrace Suite
$29,190
$26,401
Penthouse Suite
$31,290
$28,291
Owner´s Suite
$38,490
$34,771
Ultra Suite
$42,590
$38,461
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 27 Dec 2026 - 07 Jan 2027 (5475)
Explorer Triple
$19,790
$17,941
Explorer Suite
$22,990
$20,821
Balcony Suite
$25,190
$22,801
Solo Panorama
$34,690
$31,351
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$29,490
$26,671
Terrace Suite
$30,590
$27,661
Penthouse Suite
$32,790
$29,641
Owner´s Suite
$40,390
$36,481
Ultra Suite
$44,690
$40,351
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 06 Jan 2027 - 17 Jan 2027 (5476)
Explorer Triple
$19,790
$18,866
Explorer Suite
$22,990
$21,906
Balcony Suite
$25,190
$23,996
Solo Panorama
$34,690
$33,021
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$29,490
$28,081
Terrace Suite
$30,590
$29,126
Penthouse Suite
$32,790
$31,216
Owner´s Suite
$40,390
$38,436
Ultra Suite
$44,690
$42,521
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 28 Feb 2027 - 11 Mar 2027 (5477)
Explorer Triple
$16,090
$14,611
Explorer Suite
$18,690
$16,951
Balcony Suite
$20,390
$18,481
Solo Panorama
$25,690
$23,251
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$23,890
$21,631
Terrace Suite
$24,790
$22,441
Penthouse Suite
$26,490
$23,971
Owner´s Suite
$32,590
$29,461
Ultra Suite
$36,090
$32,611
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 10 Mar 2027 - 21 Mar 2027 (5478)
Explorer Triple
$14,890
$12,851
Explorer Suite
$17,290
$14,891
Balcony Suite
$18,890
$16,251
Solo Panorama
$25,890
$22,201
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$22,090
$18,971
Terrace Suite
$22,890
$19,651
Penthouse Suite
$24,490
$21,011
Owner´s Suite
$30,090
$25,771
Ultra Suite
$33,290
$28,491

* 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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