Antarctica By Helicopter

Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands​


Weddell Sea
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Soar beyond the ordinary to the rarely-visited east coastline of Antarctica. Offering helicopter adventures no one else can, our cutting-edge 12-day Antarctica by Helicopter

Duration: 12 days
Starts: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ends: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage


Included


Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands itinerary maximizes your opportunities to explore the interior of the magical 7th Continent, as well as Erebus and Terror Gulf, Antarctic Sound and the great Weddell Sea. Anticipate unrivalled views you never dreamt possible: sculpted icebergs arising from the depths of the sea; and snow-capped peaks you’re tempted to reach out and touch as you fly by. Enjoy two Heli Flightseeing adventures and one Heli Excursion—all included in the price of your voyage—while exploring in the comfort of Ultramarine.


You’ll learn what it’s like to step out of a helicopter onto Antarctica and gaze upon polar landscapes previously seen by just a few fearless explorers. In fact, some areas of the east side of the Peninsula resemble the planet Mars. Ultimately, this innovative voyage on board Ultramarine—with its two twin-engine helicopters—will translate into the expedition of a lifetime. 

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
• Enjoy off-ship excursions by Zodiac for intimate marine and land-based experiences
• 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
• Travel aboard our technologically-advanced Ultramarine, enjoying the sauna or one of the ship's many other onboard amenities
• Learn from our polar experts during our enhanced onboard education program.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
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
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, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. 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
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 fo dolphins, whales, and seabirds, especially albatrosses, petrels and skuas as they glide over the sometimes rough waters. 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
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 to 9: Explore the Weddell Sea by Water, Land, & Air
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 when flying conditions are not favorable. Each day on the Antarctic Peninsula will showcase the flexibility and technical prowess of our industry-leading expedition team, pilots and crew.

As Ultramarine gains access to the Antarctic Peninsula, our team will look for opportunities to experience Antarctica beyond the coast and over the expansive glacial terrain of the last great wilderness.

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 two towering geological features:

Madder Cliffs on Joinville Island, and Brown Bluff on the most northerly tip of the Antarctic Continent. Our goal is to visit large Adélie penguin colonies in this area by Zodiac. Gentoo penguins and seals also frequently roam this coast. There will be time to marvel at the impressive topography, namely the 678 meter (2,225-foot) volcanic rock cliffs at Brown Bluff- though, if weather allows, we may pivot from our marine operations and embark on our first flightseeing experience of the voyage. What you will have just seen from sea, you will now experience from the sky as you gaze over the vastness of Antarctica with the perspective of a snow petrel.

Continuing through Antarctic Sound and into Erebus and Terror Gulf, located on the tip of the southeast side of the Antarctic Peninsula, Ultramarine will be positioned to maximize both helicopter and Zodiac excursions. The James Ross

Island group, which comprises several Islands, offers myriad opportunities to explore historically relevant sites that were discovered by the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04. Upon landing, we plan to hike to a summit to view an Adélie penguin colony, as well as the northern Weddell Sea. If the tide is low, there may be grounded bergs in the shallow waters— a surreal sight you’re unlikely to encounter on many polar expeditions. These islands, highly valued for their geological significance, are home to fossil finds, ventifacts (ancient rocks polished smooth over time by wind and grains of sand) and the remains of the KT Boundary, which marks the transition between the Cretaceous Period (dinosaurs and reptiles) and the Tertiary Period (mammals). Our goal is to provide opportunities for you to see ventifacts up close, to better appreciate the significance of wind erosion-by sand or ice particles— over long periods of time. These ventifacts provide valuable information about the climatic history and prevailing wind patterns of the region.

As already mentioned, atmospheric conditions influence when and where we fly-on any day of our voyage-at any of the superb locations in the region.

When not flying, we’ll shift our focus from geology to wildlife. For instance, we could Zodiac cruise to Devil Island and head out on a hike that will allow participants to appreciate the twin towering cones of ash and hardened lava that rises from a bay on the north shore of Vega Island. Alternatively, we may aim for renowned Paulet Island, home to one of the largest Adélie penguin rookeries in the area, as well as the historic hut built by members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04. A cross marks the grave site of Ole Wennersgaard, a member of the crew.

Another potential destination for helicopter operations includes the dramatic headland on the northeastern tip of Joinville island. One of the first features you’ll see as we approach the island by air is, of course, the distinct rocky headland sticking out of the rugged, icy landscape.

This prominent landmark has proven useful for navigation and exploration over the years.

Expect a dramatic finale to the helicopter-focused segment of the expedition as we prepare to return back across the Drake Passage. While our team has devised multiple back-up plans-crucial on any polar expedition- our ultimate goal at this point is a heli flightseeing excursion to Livingston Island, home of the most spectacular mountains of the South Shetland Islands. Among the towering peaks you’ll see from air are the Tangra Mountains (stretching 32 kilometres long by 8.5 kilometres wide), Mount Friesland (rising to 1,700 metres/ 5,578 feet) , Bowles Ridge and Pliska Ridge (667 metres/2,188 feet).

Another landing option is Deception Island. Along with waddling penguins and lounging seals, you can also see the rusting remnants of long-ago whaling operations on the beach. The landscape of Deception Island often presents opportunities for longer walks to striking vistas. The stark contrast between snow and dark volcanic sand, and the geothermic steam along the shoreline gives this location an atmospheric feel.

Day 10: At Sea Day: Rejuvenate and Relax on Ultramarine
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
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 in the main theater ensures high-definition viewing of presentations from your Expedition Team from any angle. This is an excellent opportunity to ask any lingering questions you have about any aspect of your Antarctic experiences.

Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast.

The mandatory transfer package includes a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park for a taste of Patagonia, after which you’ll transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
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
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, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. 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
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 fo dolphins, whales, and seabirds, especially albatrosses, petrels and skuas as they glide over the sometimes rough waters. 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
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 to 9: Explore the Weddell Sea by Water, Land, & Air
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 when flying conditions are not favorable. Each day on the Antarctic Peninsula will showcase the flexibility and technical prowess of our industry-leading expedition team, pilots and crew.

As Ultramarine gains access to the Antarctic Peninsula, our team will look for opportunities to experience Antarctica beyond the coast and over the expansive glacial terrain of the last great wilderness.

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 two towering geological features:

Madder Cliffs on Joinville Island, and Brown Bluff on the most northerly tip of the Antarctic Continent. Our goal is to visit large Adélie penguin colonies in this area by Zodiac. Gentoo penguins and seals also frequently roam this coast. There will be time to marvel at the impressive topography, namely the 678 meter (2,225-foot) volcanic rock cliffs at Brown Bluff- though, if weather allows, we may pivot from our marine operations and embark on our first flightseeing experience of the voyage. What you will have just seen from sea, you will now experience from the sky as you gaze over the vastness of Antarctica with the perspective of a snow petrel.

Continuing through Antarctic Sound and into Erebus and Terror Gulf, located on the tip of the southeast side of the Antarctic Peninsula, Ultramarine will be positioned to maximize both helicopter and Zodiac excursions. The James Ross

Island group, which comprises several Islands, offers myriad opportunities to explore historically relevant sites that were discovered by the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04. Upon landing, we plan to hike to a summit to view an Adélie penguin colony, as well as the northern Weddell Sea. If the tide is low, there may be grounded bergs in the shallow waters— a surreal sight you’re unlikely to encounter on many polar expeditions. These islands, highly valued for their geological significance, are home to fossil finds, ventifacts (ancient rocks polished smooth over time by wind and grains of sand) and the remains of the KT Boundary, which marks the transition between the Cretaceous Period (dinosaurs and reptiles) and the Tertiary Period (mammals). Our goal is to provide opportunities for you to see ventifacts up close, to better appreciate the significance of wind erosion-by sand or ice particles— over long periods of time. These ventifacts provide valuable information about the climatic history and prevailing wind patterns of the region.

As already mentioned, atmospheric conditions influence when and where we fly-on any day of our voyage-at any of the superb locations in the region.

When not flying, we’ll shift our focus from geology to wildlife. For instance, we could Zodiac cruise to Devil Island and head out on a hike that will allow participants to appreciate the twin towering cones of ash and hardened lava that rises from a bay on the north shore of Vega Island. Alternatively, we may aim for renowned Paulet Island, home to one of the largest Adélie penguin rookeries in the area, as well as the historic hut built by members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04. A cross marks the grave site of Ole Wennersgaard, a member of the crew.

Another potential destination for helicopter operations includes the dramatic headland on the northeastern tip of Joinville island. One of the first features you’ll see as we approach the island by air is, of course, the distinct rocky headland sticking out of the rugged, icy landscape.

This prominent landmark has proven useful for navigation and exploration over the years.

Expect a dramatic finale to the helicopter-focused segment of the expedition as we prepare to return back across the Drake Passage. While our team has devised multiple back-up plans-crucial on any polar expedition- our ultimate goal at this point is a heli flightseeing excursion to Livingston Island, home of the most spectacular mountains of the South Shetland Islands. Among the towering peaks you’ll see from air are the Tangra Mountains (stretching 32 kilometres long by 8.5 kilometres wide), Mount Friesland (rising to 1,700 metres/ 5,578 feet) , Bowles Ridge and Pliska Ridge (667 metres/2,188 feet).

Another landing option is Deception Island. Along with waddling penguins and lounging seals, you can also see the rusting remnants of long-ago whaling operations on the beach. The landscape of Deception Island often presents opportunities for longer walks to striking vistas. The stark contrast between snow and dark volcanic sand, and the geothermic steam along the shoreline gives this location an atmospheric feel.

Day 10: At Sea Day: Rejuvenate and Relax on Ultramarine
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
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 in the main theater ensures high-definition viewing of presentations from your Expedition Team from any angle. This is an excellent opportunity to ask any lingering questions you have about any aspect of your Antarctic experiences.

Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast.

The mandatory transfer package includes a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park for a taste of Patagonia, after which you’ll transfer to the airport for the return 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

• International airfare & visa expenses, travel insurance, mandatory expedition gear, on-ship expenses, adventure options and trip extensions are not included.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 27 Nov 2025 - 08 Dec 2025 (3308)
Solo Panorama
$26,795
$24,030
Explorer Triple
$16,295
$14,055
Explorer Suite
$19,095
$16,715
Balcony Suite
$21,095
$18,615
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$24,895
$22,225
Terrace Suite
$25,795
$23,080
Penthouse Suite
$27,695
$24,885
Owner´s Suite
$34,395
$31,250
Ultra Suite
$38,195
$34,860
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 07 Dec 2025 - 18 Dec 2025 (3309)
Solo Panorama
$27,790
$25,177
Explorer Triple
$17,290
$15,701
Explorer Suite
$20,090
$18,228
Balcony Suite
$22,090
$20,033
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$25,890
$23,462
Terrace Suite
$26,790
$24,275
Penthouse Suite
$28,690
$25,989
Owner´s Suite
$35,390
$32,036
Ultra Suite
$39,190
$35,466
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 27 Nov 2026 - 08 Dec 2026 (3907)
Solo Panorama
$24,590
$21,212
Explorer Triple
$15,490
$13,431
Explorer Suite
$17,990
$15,569
Balcony Suite
$19,690
$17,022
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$22,990
$19,844
Terrace Suite
$23,790
$20,528
Penthouse Suite
$25,490
$21,982
Owner´s Suite
$31,290
$26,941
Ultra Suite
$34,590
$29,762
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 07 Dec 2026 - 18 Dec 2026 (3908)
Solo Panorama
$24,590
$21,212
Explorer Triple
$15,490
$13,431
Explorer Suite
$17,990
$15,569
Balcony Suite
$19,690
$17,022
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$22,990
$19,844
Terrace Suite
$23,790
$20,528
Penthouse Suite
$25,490
$21,982
Owner´s Suite
$31,290
$26,941
Ultra Suite
$34,590
$29,762
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 16 Feb 2027 - 01 Mar 2027 (3914)
Solo Panorama
$29,290
$25,230
Explorer Triple
$18,290
$15,825
Explorer Suite
$21,290
$18,390
Balcony Suite
$23,290
$20,100
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$27,290
$23,521
Terrace Suite
$28,290
$24,376
Penthouse Suite
$30,290
$26,086
Owner´s Suite
$37,290
$32,071
Ultra Suite
$41,290
$35,491

* 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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