Antarctica By Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands (26.27)

Embark on a 12-day expedition from Buenos Aires to the untamed Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the Ultramarine. Explore towering volcanic landscapes and colossal tabular icebergs through Zodiac landings, guided hikes, and an included scenic helicopter flight, enjoying a premium open bar.


Weddell Sea
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Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
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. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included


Long description + Highlights (2026.27)
Embark on one of the most exclusive exploration expeditions to Antarctica, beginning your journey in Buenos Aires with a private charter flight to Ushuaia. Aboard the state-of-the-art Ultramarine, you’ll sail through the Beagle Channel and venture into the legendary Drake Passage, where the Expedition Team will lead a programme of talks on the region’s wildlife, history and glaciology, crossing the Antarctic Convergence at 60° South.

The heart of the adventure unfolds in the Weddell Sea, the Gulf of Erebus and Terror, and the Antarctic Channel. The experience takes to the skies thanks to the on-board helicopters, offering an included 10- to 15-minute panoramic flight to admire the vastness of the frozen landscape from the air. At sea and on land, there will be Zodiac boat trips and guided walks to visit massive colonies of Adélie penguins at Brown Bluff and Paulet Island, explore historical remains from the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901–04, and spot leopard seals and humpback whales, before returning via the Drake Passage whilst enjoying treatments at the Tundra Spa and a bar service with complimentary spirits.

Highlights:
A 10- to 15-minute panoramic helicopter flight included to admire the imposing frozen landscape from a bird’s-eye view.
Premium bar service including complimentary spirits, mixed drinks, beers and wines during bar hours and dinner.
In-depth exploration of the Weddell Sea, visiting Adélie penguin colonies on the volcanic cliffs of Brown Bluff.
Daily Zodiac boat trips and shore excursions amongst colossal tabular icebergs.
Integrated transfer package including a pre-expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires and domestic charter flights to Ushuaia.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arriving in Buenos Aires and Hotel Night
Hotel night included
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, make your way to the included group hotel, which is part of your Mandatory Transfer Package. A Quark Expeditions representative will be available to answer your questions and give information about the next day’s flight and ship embarkation.

Day 2: Arrive in Ushuaia and Embarkation
Sailing the Beagle Channel
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to enjoy some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in the remote Antarctic wilderness.

Day 3: Crossing the Drake: A Polar Rite of Passage
Fauna watching and ocean transit
Crossing the legendary 800-km stretch of water is a must-do for many travelers. Prepare yourself for dramatic seascapes as you stand on the deck of Ultramarine and gaze at the water stretching beyond the distant horizon. Be on the lookout for dolphins, whales, and seabirds, especially albatrosses, petrels and skuas. As the ship approaches the Antarctic Peninsula, keep your eyes peeled for your first glimpse of towering, multi-shaped icebergs.

Day 4: At Sea With Polar Experts
Crossing the Antarctic Convergence boundary
Today we cross the Antarctic Convergence, moving into the biological Antarctic, where the warmer waters of the sub-Antarctic meet the cold Antarctic. Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.

Day 5-9: Explore the Weddell Sea by Water, Land, & Air
Helicopter operations and penguin colonies
Helicopter operations in Antarctica are acutely weather-dependent. We have designed this itinerary so we can spend time each day in stunning locations that allow us to enjoy helicopter opportunities if the weather allows and, alternately, to maximize your experience of Antarctic wildlife, ice and landscapes. Together, Antarctic Sound, Erebus and Terror Gulf, northwestern Weddell Sea are the theater of this venture. Initially we plan to sail into Antarctic Sound where we will visit Madder Cliffs on Joinville Island, and Brown Bluff on the most northerly tip of the Antarctic Continent to visit large Adélie penguin colonies by Zodiac. There will be time to marvel at the 678-meter (2,225-foot) volcanic rock cliffs at Brown Bluff—though, if weather allows, we may pivot to embark on our first flightseeing experience of the voyage. Continuing into Erebus and Terror Gulf, Ultramarine will maximize both helicopter and Zodiac excursions. The James Ross Island group offers opportunities to explore historically relevant sites from the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04, hiking to a summit to view Adélie colonies and ancient ventifacts smoothly polished over time by wind and sand erosion. When not flying, we can Zodiac cruise to Devil Island on Vega Island or head to renowned Paulet Island, home to one of the largest Adélie penguin rookeries and the historic hut of the 1901-04 expedition. A dramatic finale to the helicopter segment includes a flightseeing excursion to Livingston Island to view the Tangra Mountains and Mount Friesland (1,700 meters / 5,578 feet). Another option is Deception Island, featuring rusting whaling relics against dark volcanic sand and geothermal steam.

Day 10: At Sea Day: Rejuvenate and Relax on Ultramarine
Tundra Spa and ocean views
Take some time, as we journey back across the 800-kilometer Drake Passage, to relax after your off-ship adventures. Ultramarine is home to Tundra Spa, where you can book a soothing facial treatment or massage. Additionally, you can also relax in the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows that keep you connected to the polar seas while you rejuvenate indoors.

Day 11: At Sea Day
Ambassador Theater lectures
Your polar learning isn’t over. Join our on-board experts as they continue to share their vast polar expertise through scheduled presentations in our Ambassador Theater. The state-of-the-art, high-resolution LED screen wall ensures high-definition viewing from any angle. This is an excellent opportunity to ask any lingering questions.

Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires
End of itinerary
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will then make your way towards your included group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arriving in Buenos Aires and Hotel Night
Hotel night included
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, make your way to the included group hotel, which is part of your Mandatory Transfer Package. A Quark Expeditions representative will be available to answer your questions and give information about the next day’s flight and ship embarkation.

Day 2: Arrive in Ushuaia and Embarkation
Sailing the Beagle Channel
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to enjoy some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in the remote Antarctic wilderness.

Day 3: Crossing the Drake: A Polar Rite of Passage
Fauna watching and ocean transit
Crossing the legendary 800-km stretch of water is a must-do for many travelers. Prepare yourself for dramatic seascapes as you stand on the deck of Ultramarine and gaze at the water stretching beyond the distant horizon. Be on the lookout for dolphins, whales, and seabirds, especially albatrosses, petrels and skuas. As the ship approaches the Antarctic Peninsula, keep your eyes peeled for your first glimpse of towering, multi-shaped icebergs.

Day 4: At Sea With Polar Experts
Crossing the Antarctic Convergence boundary
Today we cross the Antarctic Convergence, moving into the biological Antarctic, where the warmer waters of the sub-Antarctic meet the cold Antarctic. Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.

Day 5-9: Explore the Weddell Sea by Water, Land, & Air
Helicopter operations and penguin colonies
Helicopter operations in Antarctica are acutely weather-dependent. We have designed this itinerary so we can spend time each day in stunning locations that allow us to enjoy helicopter opportunities if the weather allows and, alternately, to maximize your experience of Antarctic wildlife, ice and landscapes. Together, Antarctic Sound, Erebus and Terror Gulf, northwestern Weddell Sea are the theater of this venture. Initially we plan to sail into Antarctic Sound where we will visit Madder Cliffs on Joinville Island, and Brown Bluff on the most northerly tip of the Antarctic Continent to visit large Adélie penguin colonies by Zodiac. There will be time to marvel at the 678-meter (2,225-foot) volcanic rock cliffs at Brown Bluff—though, if weather allows, we may pivot to embark on our first flightseeing experience of the voyage. Continuing into Erebus and Terror Gulf, Ultramarine will maximize both helicopter and Zodiac excursions. The James Ross Island group offers opportunities to explore historically relevant sites from the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04, hiking to a summit to view Adélie colonies and ancient ventifacts smoothly polished over time by wind and sand erosion. When not flying, we can Zodiac cruise to Devil Island on Vega Island or head to renowned Paulet Island, home to one of the largest Adélie penguin rookeries and the historic hut of the 1901-04 expedition. A dramatic finale to the helicopter segment includes a flightseeing excursion to Livingston Island to view the Tangra Mountains and Mount Friesland (1,700 meters / 5,578 feet). Another option is Deception Island, featuring rusting whaling relics against dark volcanic sand and geothermal steam.

Day 10: At Sea Day: Rejuvenate and Relax on Ultramarine
Tundra Spa and ocean views
Take some time, as we journey back across the 800-kilometer Drake Passage, to relax after your off-ship adventures. Ultramarine is home to Tundra Spa, where you can book a soothing facial treatment or massage. Additionally, you can also relax in the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows that keep you connected to the polar seas while you rejuvenate indoors.

Day 11: At Sea Day
Ambassador Theater lectures
Your polar learning isn’t over. Join our on-board experts as they continue to share their vast polar expertise through scheduled presentations in our Ambassador Theater. The state-of-the-art, high-resolution LED screen wall ensures high-definition viewing from any angle. This is an excellent opportunity to ask any lingering questions.

Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires
End of itinerary
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will then make your way towards your included group charter flight to Buenos Aires.


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INCLUSIONS

An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)
Leadership throughout the 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. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals
Complimentary select beer, wines and select 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.)
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship

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
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: 27 Nov 2026 - 08 Dec 2026 (4794)
Explorer Triple
$16,890
$12,212
Explorer Suite
$19,690
$14,172
Balcony Suite
$21,490
$15,432
Solo Panorama
$26,990
$21,032
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$25,090
$17,952
Terrace Suite
$26,090
$18,652
Penthouse Suite
$27,890
$19,912
Owner´s Suite
$34,290
$24,395
Ultra Suite
$37,990
$26,982
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 07 Dec 2026 - 18 Dec 2026 (4795)
Explorer Triple
$16,890
$14,551
Explorer Suite
$19,690
$16,931
Balcony Suite
$21,490
$18,461
Solo Panorama
$26,990
$25,261
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$25,090
$21,521
Terrace Suite
$26,090
$22,371
Penthouse Suite
$27,890
$23,901
Owner´s Suite
$34,290
$29,341
Ultra Suite
$37,990
$32,486

* 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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