Antarctica
Weddell Sea
Antarctica
Antarctica
Join an unforgettable 14-day polar quest aimed at reaching the remote Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island. Enjoy scenic Zodiac cruising and exclusive helicopter excursions throughout the pristine Weddell Sea.
Duration: 14 days
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.
Charter Flights More info about this activity
In departures with charter flights, part of the air transport segment is covered by the operation of the trip as part of the itinerary.
Check in the inclusions and exclusions of the program which air sections are included in your itinerary.
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.
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.
Citizen Science More info about this activity
There’s important work being done every day, at some of the most renowned climate research facilities around the world, to record and study the incredible changes happening in remote places like Antarctica and th Arctic. As you might imagine, gathering critical on-site data on a regular basis would be a virtually impossible task for these groups. So we do it for them, in partnership with different research facilities.
If you’d like to get a first-hand look at how climate change is impacting our birds, sea life, glaciers, oceans, and weather patterns, and help scientists better understand our evolving planet, you’re welcome to join our Citizen Science program. And don’t let the word “science” scare you. We make it informative, interactive, and fun.
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.
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.
Standup Paddleboarding More info about this activity
SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by.
Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.
This once-in-a-lifetime 14-day voyage offers a true polar odyssey, with the main aim of reaching the legendary colony of some 8,000 emperor penguins and their chicks on Snow Hill Island. The itinerary has been meticulously designed to take you deep into the icy landscapes of the Weddell Sea and the vicinity of the Antarctic Peninsula, an environment of extreme purity where nature reigns supreme. The expedition combines the cutting-edge technology of a polar vessel with scenic flights and a helicopter landing included, offering an unrivalled aerial and ground-level perspective of this almost inaccessible wilderness sanctuary.
Over five days dedicated to this remote region, passengers will enjoy a comprehensive immersion, combining Zodiac boat trips amongst colossal tabular icebergs with guided landings on the sea ice. On board, a distinguished educational programme complements the adventure with talks by biologists, glaciologists and historians who bring to life the legacy of the early polar explorers. With capacity limited to 150 passengers and an excellent guide-to-guest ratio, an intimate and personalised experience is guaranteed at the far reaches of the white continent.
Highlights:
Seek to get up close to the legendary colony of thousands of pairs of emperor penguins and their chicks at Snow Hill
Spend five days exploring the waters of the Weddell Sea and the area around the island
Enjoy exclusive Zodiac cruises and spectacular scenic helicopter flights
Travel in comfort with a reduced on-board capacity of up to 150 passengers
Learn from scientists and polar experts through the enriched educational programme
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrival and hotel stay in the Argentine capital
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe, you will independently transfer to the designated group hotel, which is included in your Charter Flight & Hotel package.
Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Private charter flight and embarkation along 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 explore this quaint port town on your own before making your way to the designated meeting spot. 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. Excitement builds in anticipation of your next stop: Antarctica.
Day 3 & 4: Crossing the Drake: A Polar Rite of Passage
Sailing the Drake water passage and wildlife watching
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and leaders, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers.
Day 5: Navigating Into the Weddell Sea
Entering Antarctic waters and educational lectures
Onboard presentations by world-respected experts will enrich your polar quest, conveying what it was like a century ago for the brave polar heroes who embraced the unknown. You’ll also learn more about the ice-dwelling Emperor penguins.
Day 6 to 10: Weddell Sea and the Quest to Land at Snow Hill
Helicopter transfers, walking to the colony and Weddell Sea exploration
The journey toward Snow Hill Island puts you in true explorer mode, with the captain and Expedition Leader providing regular weather briefings, meteorological updates and sea ice reports. Ice conditions determine how close Ultramarine can approach; from there, its twin-engine helicopters take over—much like setting out from base camp on a summit attempt—flying guests toward the Emperor penguin colony. The adventure begins with an extended helicopter transfer over a striking polar landscape of snow-capped peaks and apartment-building-sized tabular icebergs. The rookery lies on sea ice off the south coast of Snow Hill Island. Landings are made as close as possible to the colony while maintaining a safe, respectful distance from the penguins. Once on the ice, you’ll walk toward the fabled Emperor penguin colony—feeling the wind, hearing the crunch beneath your boots, and tracing paths carved by penguins before you. The sounds grow louder as you approach one of the rarest wildlife encounters on Earth: approximately 8,000 rarely seen Emperor penguins gathered on the sea ice. The goal is to bring every guest to the colony at least once. The Expedition Team and onboard experts are on hand to interpret what you’re seeing—from the penguins’ tightly knit social structure to how they care for their young and even “body surf” across the ice in surprisingly agile fashion. This helicopter-supported search for the colony is, for many, the defining adventure of a lifetime. Back on Ultramarine, you’ll be immersed in the Weddell Sea each day. Activities may include Zodiac cruising among icebergs, paddle-on-top kayaking, or observing weather forecasting alongside the Expedition Team. Polar experts share insights into Emperor penguin behavior, the formation of tabular icebergs, and the legacy of early explorers. You might also take the polar plunge, try standup paddleboarding, or unwind in Ultramarine’s spa, sauna or fitness room. Conditions ultimately decide our access. If weather prevents a visit, alternative sites may be explored along the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 11 to 13: Crossing the Drake Passage
Open ocean navigation and sharing expedition summaries
As you recross the Drake, Antarctica fades away, leaving you with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up its series of presentations as well, with a slideshow of the adventures you’ve shared and the wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage. Be sure to take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far.
Day 14: Disembark In Ushuaia and Flight To Buenos Aires
Disembarkation and charter flight to the capital city
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast, then make your way to your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrival and hotel stay in the Argentine capital
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe, you will independently transfer to the designated group hotel, which is included in your Charter Flight & Hotel package.
Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Private charter flight and embarkation along 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 explore this quaint port town on your own before making your way to the designated meeting spot. 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. Excitement builds in anticipation of your next stop: Antarctica.
Day 3 & 4: Crossing the Drake: A Polar Rite of Passage
Sailing the Drake water passage and wildlife watching
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and leaders, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers.
Day 5: Navigating Into the Weddell Sea
Entering Antarctic waters and educational lectures
Onboard presentations by world-respected experts will enrich your polar quest, conveying what it was like a century ago for the brave polar heroes who embraced the unknown. You’ll also learn more about the ice-dwelling Emperor penguins.
Day 6 to 10: Weddell Sea and the Quest to Land at Snow Hill
Helicopter transfers, walking to the colony and Weddell Sea exploration
The journey toward Snow Hill Island puts you in true explorer mode, with the captain and Expedition Leader providing regular weather briefings, meteorological updates and sea ice reports. Ice conditions determine how close Ultramarine can approach; from there, its twin-engine helicopters take over—much like setting out from base camp on a summit attempt—flying guests toward the Emperor penguin colony. The adventure begins with an extended helicopter transfer over a striking polar landscape of snow-capped peaks and apartment-building-sized tabular icebergs. The rookery lies on sea ice off the south coast of Snow Hill Island. Landings are made as close as possible to the colony while maintaining a safe, respectful distance from the penguins. Once on the ice, you’ll walk toward the fabled Emperor penguin colony—feeling the wind, hearing the crunch beneath your boots, and tracing paths carved by penguins before you. The sounds grow louder as you approach one of the rarest wildlife encounters on Earth: approximately 8,000 rarely seen Emperor penguins gathered on the sea ice. The goal is to bring every guest to the colony at least once. The Expedition Team and onboard experts are on hand to interpret what you’re seeing—from the penguins’ tightly knit social structure to how they care for their young and even “body surf” across the ice in surprisingly agile fashion. This helicopter-supported search for the colony is, for many, the defining adventure of a lifetime. Back on Ultramarine, you’ll be immersed in the Weddell Sea each day. Activities may include Zodiac cruising among icebergs, paddle-on-top kayaking, or observing weather forecasting alongside the Expedition Team. Polar experts share insights into Emperor penguin behavior, the formation of tabular icebergs, and the legacy of early explorers. You might also take the polar plunge, try standup paddleboarding, or unwind in Ultramarine’s spa, sauna or fitness room. Conditions ultimately decide our access. If weather prevents a visit, alternative sites may be explored along the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 11 to 13: Crossing the Drake Passage
Open ocean navigation and sharing expedition summaries
As you recross the Drake, Antarctica fades away, leaving you with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up its series of presentations as well, with a slideshow of the adventures you’ve shared and the wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage. Be sure to take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far.
Day 14: Disembark In Ushuaia and Flight To Buenos Aires
Disembarkation and charter flight to the capital city
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast, then make your way to your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
INCLUSIONS
An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
Leadership throughout your 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.)
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 the 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
Two (2) flightseeing excursions
One (1) heli landing
EXCLUSIONS
Charter Flight & Hotel Package* (when applicable – please review trip-specific details below)
International airfare
Arrival and departure transfers
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, spa and other personal charges unless specified
Phone charges may vary by location
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities