Antarctica By Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands

A 12-day heli-focused voyage maximizing aerial adventures, including heli-flightseeing and a heli-landing on the rarely-visited east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore the Weddell Sea, Adélie penguin colonies, and colossal icebergs aboard the technologically-advanced Ultramarine.


Weddell Sea
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Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Starts: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ends: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

A pre-expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires and group charter flights (Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires) are included in the mandatory transfer package.
Helicopter excursions (at least two heli-flightseeing opportunities and one heli-landing) are included. Helicopter operations are acutely weather-dependent.
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


This 12-day expedition, aboard the Ultramarine, is designed as the most heli-focused voyage in the Antarctic, maximizing helicopter adventures and offering perspectives of the Antarctic Peninsula no one else can offer. The journey begins in Buenos Aires and includes a private charter flight to Ushuaia for embarkation. The route crosses the legendary Drake Passage, a polar rite of passage, before entering the biological Antarctic, south of the Antarctic Convergence. The core of the expedition is spent exploring the rarely-visited east side of the Antarctic Peninsula, specifically the Antarctic Sound, Erebus and Terror Gulf, and the great ice-filled Weddell Sea.

Included excursions feature at least two heli-flightseeing opportunities and one heli-landing amidst Antarctica's vast coastal mountains. Geological sites include Brown Bluff, home to volcanic rock cliffs, and islands with ventifacts and the remains of the KT Boundary, significant for fossil finds. Wildlife opportunities include viewing Adélie and Gentoo penguin colonies, seals, and observing icebergs from the Larsen and Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf. Days at sea are enhanced by the Ultramarine's amenities, like the Tundra Spa and sauna, and an enhanced onboard education program led by polar experts.

Highlights:
Explore the rarely-visited east side of the Antarctic Peninsula
Experience at least two heli-flightseeing excursions -included in the cost of the trip
Participate in one heli-landing amidst Antarctica's vast coastal mountains
Journey into the remote Weddell Sea, Erebus and Terror Gulf and Antarctic Sound
View icebergs amassed and birthed from the Larsen and Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Cosmopolitan Arrival
Upon arriving in this cosmopolitan city, much celebrated for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Charter Flight and Beagle Channel Sailing
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport and board the private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Enjoy time exploring downtown Ushuaia before making your way to the pier for a late afternoon embarkation. Sail along the historic Beagle Channel.

Day 3: Crossing the Drake: A Polar Rite of Passage
Seascapes and Wildlife Watch
Cross the legendary 800-km stretch of water, preparing for dramatic seascapes on the deck of Ultramarine. Be on the lookout for dolphins, whales, and seabirds, especially albatrosses, petrels and skuas. Keep an eye out for your first glimpse of multi-shaped icebergs.

Day 4: At Sea With Polar Experts
Antarctic Convergence and Enhanced Education
Today, cross the Antarctic Convergence, moving into the biological Antarctic. The day is filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. Spend time on deck looking for wildlife or socializing.

Days 5 to 9: Explore the Weddell Sea by Water, Land, & Air
Heli-Excursions, Geological Sites, and Wildlife Colonies
Spend these days maximizing helicopter opportunities, if weather allows, or enjoying Antarctic wildlife, ice, and landscapes when flying conditions are not favorable. Explore the Antarctic Sound, Erebus and Terror Gulf, and the northwestern Weddell Sea. Potential visits by Zodiac include Madder Cliffs on Joinville Island and Brown Bluff to visit large Adélie penguin colonies. Heli-flightseeing may replace marine operations.

Landings may focus on geological sites like the James Ross Island group for fossil finds and ventifacts. Alternative landings include Devil Island and the renowned Paulet Island, home to one of the largest Adélie penguin rookeries. The segment may conclude with a heli flightseeing excursion to Livingston Island or a landing option at Deception Island.

Day 10: At Sea Day: Rejuvenate and Relax on Ultramarine
Tundra Spa and Relaxation
As you journey back across the Drake Passage, take time to relax and rejuvenate. Ultramarine is home to Tundra Spa, offering treatments and a sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Day 11: At Sea Day
Final Presentations and Expert Q&A
Join onboard experts for scheduled presentations in the Ambassador Theater, continuing your polar learning. The high-resolution LED screen wall ensures excellent viewing, and this is an excellent opportunity for Q&A.

Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires
Disembarkation and Charter Flight
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the included group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Cosmopolitan Arrival
Upon arriving in this cosmopolitan city, much celebrated for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Charter Flight and Beagle Channel Sailing
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport and board the private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Enjoy time exploring downtown Ushuaia before making your way to the pier for a late afternoon embarkation. Sail along the historic Beagle Channel.

Day 3: Crossing the Drake: A Polar Rite of Passage
Seascapes and Wildlife Watch
Cross the legendary 800-km stretch of water, preparing for dramatic seascapes on the deck of Ultramarine. Be on the lookout for dolphins, whales, and seabirds, especially albatrosses, petrels and skuas. Keep an eye out for your first glimpse of multi-shaped icebergs.

Day 4: At Sea With Polar Experts
Antarctic Convergence and Enhanced Education
Today, cross the Antarctic Convergence, moving into the biological Antarctic. The day is filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. Spend time on deck looking for wildlife or socializing.

Days 5 to 9: Explore the Weddell Sea by Water, Land, & Air
Heli-Excursions, Geological Sites, and Wildlife Colonies
Spend these days maximizing helicopter opportunities, if weather allows, or enjoying Antarctic wildlife, ice, and landscapes when flying conditions are not favorable. Explore the Antarctic Sound, Erebus and Terror Gulf, and the northwestern Weddell Sea. Potential visits by Zodiac include Madder Cliffs on Joinville Island and Brown Bluff to visit large Adélie penguin colonies. Heli-flightseeing may replace marine operations.

Landings may focus on geological sites like the James Ross Island group for fossil finds and ventifacts. Alternative landings include Devil Island and the renowned Paulet Island, home to one of the largest Adélie penguin rookeries. The segment may conclude with a heli flightseeing excursion to Livingston Island or a landing option at Deception Island.

Day 10: At Sea Day: Rejuvenate and Relax on Ultramarine
Tundra Spa and Relaxation
As you journey back across the Drake Passage, take time to relax and rejuvenate. Ultramarine is home to Tundra Spa, offering treatments and a sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Day 11: At Sea Day
Final Presentations and Expert Q&A
Join onboard experts for scheduled presentations in the Ambassador Theater, continuing your polar learning. The high-resolution LED screen wall ensures excellent viewing, and this is an excellent opportunity for Q&A.

Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires
Disembarkation and Charter Flight
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the included group charter flight to Buenos Aires.


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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

Anything not mentioned in the inclusions


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 27 Nov 2026 - 08 Dec 2026 (4794)
Explorer Triple
$16,890
$13,888
Explorer Suite
$19,690
$16,149
Balcony Suite
$21,490
$17,603
Solo Panorama
$26,990
$22,044
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$25,090
$20,510
Terrace Suite
$26,090
$21,317
Penthouse Suite
$27,890
$22,771
Owner´s Suite
$34,290
$27,939
Ultra Suite
$37,990
$30,927
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 07 Dec 2026 - 18 Dec 2026 (4795)
Explorer Triple
$16,090
$13,888
Explorer Suite
$19,690
$16,149
Balcony Suite
$21,490
$17,603
Solo Panorama
$26,990
$22,044
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$25,090
$20,510
Terrace Suite
$26,090
$21,317
Penthouse Suite
$27,890
$22,771
Owner´s Suite
$34,290
$27,939
Ultra Suite
$37,990
$30,927
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 28 Nov 2027 - 09 Dec 2027 (4796)
Explorer Triple
$16,290
$13,261
Explorer Suite
$18,990
$15,570
Balcony Suite
$20,690
$17,023
Solo Panorama
$25,990
$21,555
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$24,290
$20,101
Terrace Suite
$25,090
$20,785
Penthouse Suite
$26,890
$22,324
Owner´s Suite
$33,090
$27,625
Ultra Suite
$36,590
$30,618

* 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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