Antarctica
Weddell Sea
Antarctica
Antarctica
A 12-day expedition devoting three to four days to intensive exploration of the remote, ice-laden Weddell Sea and Antarctic Sound. Witness massive tabular icebergs, colossal Adélie penguin colonies, and search for ancient fossils in this historically significant region.
Duration: 12 días / 11 noches
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. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.
Ship Cruise More info about this activity
Not only we travel from one point to another and find our shelter on board the ship we chose. We also enjoy from incredible scenery, landscapes and interactions that only our noble vessel can provide.
Everyday the Bridge Team navigates the ship to position ourselves on the best posible spots, looking for unique opportunities.
Many times, this includes sainig through narrow passages, on the vicinity of glaciers or entering bays and fjords only approachable from the ship.
Enjoy this incredible places from the comfort of the common areas on board, open decks or your own private balcony!
Shore Excursion More info about this activity
Shore excursions are the backbone of almost all itineraries, with most ships making landfall at least once every day once they reach their destination. The weather plays a huge role in your daily itinerary, although given the sheer array of fantastic landing sites all over there are plenty of options your Captain and Expedition Leader can choose from. On-shore excursions allow you to visit scientific research stations, communities, prominent wildlife colonies and take hikes to elevated viewing points for fantastic photography.
Photo Workshop More info about this activity
The photography workshops are composed of onboard lectures and practical activities led by dedicated expedition guide. Each session is meant to give you additional skills you can put into immediate practice out in nature.
You'll become more familiar with your own camera equipment while also learning best practices for taking pictures of moving wildlife and wide-open terrain in typical polar conditions, such as dim lighting and falling snow.
Zodiac cruising More info about this activity
On board the Zodiac you will discover a world of possibilities; accessing the most exclusive landing sites, cruising the coast in search of wildlife or simply enjoying a tour in the calm of the polar regions in search of marine wildlife or bird colonies.
The blue ice an its intimate presence is experienced at its best on zodiac tours.
It is not uncommon to meet curious seals, or humpback whales feeding.
Enrichment Program More info about this activity
Expedition cruising must be one of the most incredible ways of travelling. Not only for the amazing places you visit and the unforgetable wildlife but for the wildlife, the sensory overload and the unimaginable memories.
But all of this needs a context in order to understand where you are and what you are experiencing.
On board your expedition vessell you will find a group of experts, naturalists, zodiac drivers and guides that that will translate the language of nature for you, telling you the stories of the places you are visiting, reviewing the historical, biological, ecological and geological aspects of your trips.
You will experience first hand what surrounds you and arrive back home wiser and loaded with new knowledge.
Hiking More info about this activity
Hiking options include very easy beach hikes (good for photographers who need time for photography), easier short hikes, medium-difficulty extended hikes, and more challenging long hikes.
Polar Plunge More info about this activity
The ultimate icy challenge! The Polar Plunge is a classic rite of passage for every explorer, it is a heart-pumping experience that earns you a badge of courage and unforgettable memories.
Kayaking More info about this activity
The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul.
Sea kayaking is one of the highlights for any Polar Traveller, providing ice and weather conditions are assessed as safe by your Expedition Team.
This activity requires previous kayaking experience.
Paddling More info about this activity
Paddle Excursion Program provides sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks that provide guests with an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations in both the Arctic and Antarctica. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. On-ship, you'll be provided with instruction and equipment including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by a safety driver in another kayak who will stay close by to provide additional support.
This 12-day Antarctic Peninsula: A Rare Exploration of the Weddell Sea expedition is a unique journey dedicated to spending more time in the remote, ice-laden Weddell Sea and Antarctic Sound than typically offered. While many itineraries touch the Weddell Sea briefly, this voyage devotes three to four days to these farthest reaches, allowing for a true adventure into this endless wilderness. This immensely vast region is home to massive tabular icebergs—calved from ice shelves and sometimes reaching the size of a football field—and colossal Adélie penguin colonies, numbering in the tens or even hundreds of thousands.
Guided by a seasoned Expedition Team, the route is highly flexible, adapting to the ever-shifting sea ice that defines this area, famously linked to polar survival legends like Shackleton. Exploration is a priority, aiming to visit large Adélie penguin colonies at sites like Brown Bluff or Paulet Island. The region also offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient geological history, with 60-million-year-old fossils (gastropods, ammonites) found on islands like The Naze and Vega Island. This itinerary offers the best of polar expedition: soaring ice formations, vast stretches of sea ice, unparalleled Adélie penguin viewing, and the thrill of navigating a truly challenging, historical polar environment.
Highlights:
Join a rare, in-depth journey into the remote Weddell Sea and Antarctic Sound, devoting three to four days to the region.
Photograph massive flat-topped tabular icebergs, some the size of football fields, calved from ice shelves.
See tens of thousands of Adélie penguins, the most southerly breeding penguin on Earth, at colonies like Paulet Island.
Spot a variety of whales: Humpbacks, minkes, fin, and, possibly, killer whales, lured by feeding opportunities.
Explore off-ship by Zodiac and kayak, witnessing the raw display of ice flowing through narrow straits.
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentine
Arrival and Optional City Exploration
Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Many guests choose to arrive a day or two early to explore this quaint port city and the surrounding region. Based on pre-sent arrival information, a transfer from the airport to your hotel will be arranged.
Day 2: Embarkation
Sailing Down the Historic Beagle Channel
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon. Your vessel will then sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Depart with an air of anticipation, knowing the next land sighted will be the world’s most southern continent.
Days 3–4: At Sea: Crossing the Drake Passage
Polar Presentations and Crossing the Antarctic Convergence
The 800-km (500 mile) Drake crossing offers many activity options. As you gain your sea legs, the Expedition Team begins their series of presentations to prepare you for upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when the ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, around 60° south. This is also a great opportunity to meet fellow travelers.
Days 5–9: Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea
Ice Exploration, Massive Colonies, and Historical Sites
Dedicate three to four days to this immense region, known for massive tabular icebergs and vast stretches of sea ice. The course is guided by the ice, aiming to visit large Adélie penguin colonies (up to several hundred thousand penguins) at sites like Brown Bluff, Paulet Island, or Tay Head. We search for fin whales, humpbacks, minkes, and occasional killer whales, lured by krill. Exploration may include visits to volcanic and scenic landscapes where 60-million-year-old fossils can be found on islands like The Naze, Vega Island, and Cockburn Island. Zodiac cruises and kayak excursions will navigate among drifting floes and cracking brash ice, offering a raw display of the ice's power and stunning birdwatching opportunities (cape, snow, southern giant petrels). We also look for ice seals (Weddell, crabeater, leopard) resting on the ice.
Days 10–11: At Sea: Homeward-bound across the Drake Passage
Reflection and Final Polar Presentations
The journey back across the 800-km (500 mile) Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the outer deck watching for seabirds and whales, or attend one of our team’s expert-led polar presentations. This time is for reflection on the profound, humbling, and surreal experiences of the past week.
Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia
Morning Arrival and Transfer
Your ship is scheduled to arrive in Ushuaia between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Disembarkation follows, and you will bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates. An included transfer to the airport is provided, or you may explore the town on your own before taking a taxi to the airport later.
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentine
Arrival and Optional City Exploration
Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Many guests choose to arrive a day or two early to explore this quaint port city and the surrounding region. Based on pre-sent arrival information, a transfer from the airport to your hotel will be arranged.
Day 2: Embarkation
Sailing Down the Historic Beagle Channel
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon. Your vessel will then sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Depart with an air of anticipation, knowing the next land sighted will be the world’s most southern continent.
Days 3–4: At Sea: Crossing the Drake Passage
Polar Presentations and Crossing the Antarctic Convergence
The 800-km (500 mile) Drake crossing offers many activity options. As you gain your sea legs, the Expedition Team begins their series of presentations to prepare you for upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when the ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, around 60° south. This is also a great opportunity to meet fellow travelers.
Days 5–9: Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea
Ice Exploration, Massive Colonies, and Historical Sites
Dedicate three to four days to this immense region, known for massive tabular icebergs and vast stretches of sea ice. The course is guided by the ice, aiming to visit large Adélie penguin colonies (up to several hundred thousand penguins) at sites like Brown Bluff, Paulet Island, or Tay Head. We search for fin whales, humpbacks, minkes, and occasional killer whales, lured by krill. Exploration may include visits to volcanic and scenic landscapes where 60-million-year-old fossils can be found on islands like The Naze, Vega Island, and Cockburn Island. Zodiac cruises and kayak excursions will navigate among drifting floes and cracking brash ice, offering a raw display of the ice's power and stunning birdwatching opportunities (cape, snow, southern giant petrels). We also look for ice seals (Weddell, crabeater, leopard) resting on the ice.
Days 10–11: At Sea: Homeward-bound across the Drake Passage
Reflection and Final Polar Presentations
The journey back across the 800-km (500 mile) Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the outer deck watching for seabirds and whales, or attend one of our team’s expert-led polar presentations. This time is for reflection on the profound, humbling, and surreal experiences of the past week.
Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia
Morning Arrival and Transfer
Your ship is scheduled to arrive in Ushuaia between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Disembarkation follows, and you will bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates. An included transfer to the airport is provided, or you may explore the town on your own before taking a taxi to the airport later.
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.
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 your 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
International airfare
Passport and applicable visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
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
Our basic complimentary Wi-Fi service does not include Premium packages which enable more data-intensive applications
Additional overnight accommodation
Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities.
Size: 296 – 299
Occupancy: 1 to 3 guests
Bed Configuration: Three twin beds
Class: Standard
Location: Deck 6
Enjoy privacy and elegance at the front of the ship where guests are treated to sweeping views from their private veranda.
Size (sqf): 168-195
Occupancy: 1-2
Bed Config: One double bed made up of two twin berths
Located throughout the ship and approximately 208 sq. f. (19.3 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art infotainment system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.
Size (sqf): 173-272
Occupancy: 1-2
Bed Config: One double bed made up of two twin berths
Class: Standard
Location: Deck 4, 6, 7,
Near the center of the ship on Deck 6, this stateroom offers easy access to the lounge, dining room and a private veranda.
Size (sqf): 200-205
Occupancy: 1-2
Bed Config: One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed
Class: Standard
Location: Deck 4, 6
Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 177 sq. ft. (16.5 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"infotainment\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor..
Size (sqf): 177
Occupancy: 1
Bed Config: One double bed made up of two twin berths
Class: Standard
Location: Deck 3
The decor and layout of this stately suite will amaze. The private veranda, convenient Deck 6 location, plus proximity to the lounge and downstairs dining room are equally impressive.
Size (sqf): 296-299
Occupancy: 1-2
Bed Config: Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
Class: Premium
Location: Deck 6
This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. f (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom.and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony . There are also 2 TVs, state of the art infotainment system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.
Size (sqf): 269
Occupancy: 1-2
Bed Config: Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
Class: Premium
Location: Deck 7
Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. f. (15.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'infotainment\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Size (sqf): 238
Occupancy: 1
Bed Config: One twin single
Class: Premium
Location: Deck 7
This palatial, airy apartment offers stunning views from its large private veranda on the highest cabin level. The luxurious suite features a large master bedroom, living room and dining area and two large master bathrooms, among other amenities.
Size (sqf): 443
Occupancy: 1-2
Bed Config: Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
Class: Premium
Location: Deck 7
* 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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