Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent (Ush)

A classic 11- or 12-day journey to the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore majestic polar landscapes 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: 11 days / 9 nights on board
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


This classic 11- or 12-day 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. The experience of reaching the 7th Continent is beyond words, evoking a sense of reverence and awe.

You will spend four full days immersed in the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels, and landing sites, creating a unique, personal experience. You’ll encounter diverse wildlife, visiting penguin rookeries, scouting for humpback and minke whales, and searching for southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal. The Expedition Team's presentations on history, biology, and glaciology will deepen your understanding of this enduring place.

Highlights:
Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula by Zodiac, kayak, or on foot.
Cross the legendary 800-kilometer Drake Passage aboard any Quark Expeditions ice-strengthened vessel.
Scout for humpback and minke whales and search for seals, including the cunning leopard seal.
Experience abundant wildlife and be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea.
Deepen your experience with expert presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia
Transfer to your hotel and explore the city
You may arrive in Ushuaia at any time on Day 1. Based on the arrival information you send in advance, we will arrange for a transfer from the airport to your hotel. Many guests choose to arrive early to explore this quaint port city.

Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
Luggage transfer and Beagle Channel sailing
Your luggage will be collected from the hotel lobby and transferred to your cabin. Guests will meet at a designated location near the pier, usually about 4 pm, and board buses for transfer to the ship. After a late afternoon embarkation, we will sail along the historic Beagle Channel.

Days 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Polar experts, presentations, and Antarctic Convergence
Spend your time in the lounge or chatting with your fellow travelers. 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.

Days 5-8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Zodiac excursions, hiking, and wildlife viewing
Your Antarctic adventure truly begins as the South Shetland Islands come into view. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays and landing sites. You will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for southern seal species. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team.

Days 9-10: Crossing the Drake Passage
The journey back and final celebration
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities 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 11: Disembark in Ushuaia
Departure
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

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia
Transfer to your hotel and explore the city
You may arrive in Ushuaia at any time on Day 1. Based on the arrival information you send in advance, we will arrange for a transfer from the airport to your hotel. Many guests choose to arrive early to explore this quaint port city.

Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
Luggage transfer and Beagle Channel sailing
Your luggage will be collected from the hotel lobby and transferred to your cabin. Guests will meet at a designated location near the pier, usually about 4 pm, and board buses for transfer to the ship. After a late afternoon embarkation, we will sail along the historic Beagle Channel.

Days 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Polar experts, presentations, and Antarctic Convergence
Spend your time in the lounge or chatting with your fellow travelers. 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.

Days 5-8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Zodiac excursions, hiking, and wildlife viewing
Your Antarctic adventure truly begins as the South Shetland Islands come into view. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays and landing sites. You will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for southern seal species. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team.

Days 9-10: Crossing the Drake Passage
The journey back and final celebration
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities 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 11: Disembark in Ushuaia
Departure
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.


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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: 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
Studio Veranda Single
$21,795
$21,596
Penthouse Suite
$23,495
$21,146
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
Studio Veranda Single
$23,595
$24,601
Penthouse Suite
$25,295
$24,031
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
Studio Veranda Single
$29,095
$26,186
Penthouse Suite
$28,395
$25,556
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
Studio Veranda Single
$24,095
$23,846
Penthouse Suite
$25,895
$23,306
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
Studio Veranda Single
$25,095
$22,351
Penthouse Suite
$26,895
$23,966
Owners Suite
$28,795
$25,666
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 27 Dec 2026 - 06 Jan 2027 (3900)
Triple Suite
$16,595
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$10,495
Veranda Stateroom
$19,495
Veranda Suite
$20,695
Studio Single
$24,395
Studio Veranda Single
$26,295
Penthouse Suite
$20,195
Owners Suite
$30,195
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
Studio Veranda Single
$32,095
$30,491
Penthouse Suite
$31,395
$29,826
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
Studio Veranda Single
$27,795
$25,016
Penthouse Suite
$27,095
$24,386
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
Studio Veranda Single
$25,295
$22,766
Penthouse Suite
$24,695
$22,226
Owners Suite
$26,395
$23,756
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 12 Nov 2027 - 22 Nov 2027 (4684)
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
Studio Veranda Single
$25,895
$22,011
Penthouse Suite
$25,295
$21,501
Owners Suite
$26,995
$22,946
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 21 Nov 2027 - 01 Dec 2027 (4685)
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
Studio Veranda Single
$25,895
$23,306
Penthouse Suite
$25,295
$22,766
Owners Suite
$26,995
$24,296
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 30 Nov 2027 - 10 Dec 2027 (4686)
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
Studio Veranda Single
$25,895
$23,306
Penthouse Suite
$25,295
$22,766
Owners Suite
$26,995
$24,296
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 09 Dec 2027 - 19 Dec 2027 (4687)
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
Studio Veranda Single
$27,195
$24,476
Penthouse Suite
$26,495
$23,846
Owners Suite
$28,295
$25,466
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 03 Mar 2028 - 13 Mar 2028 (4688)
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
Studio Veranda Single
$26,095
$22,181
Penthouse Suite
$25,495
$21,671
Owners Suite
$27,195
$23,116
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 12 Mar 2028 - 22 Mar 2028 (4689)
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
Studio Veranda Single
$26,095
$22,181
Penthouse Suite
$25,495
$21,671
Owners Suite
$27,195
$23,116

* 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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