Epic Antarctica: The Falklands, South Georgia and Crossing the Circle

The ultimate 23-day Antarctic journey, visiting all major highlights: the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), the colossal penguin and seal colonies of South Georgia, the magnificent Antarctic Peninsula, and culminating with the achievement of crossing the Antarctic Circle.


Falkland, South Georgia, Antarctica
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Duration: 23 days / 22 nights
Starts: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ends: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary includes a pre-expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires and round-trip private charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia
A bonus flightseeing experience is included.
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
Optional


Our 23-day Epic Antarctica: The Falklands, South Georgia & Crossing the Circle delivers every major Antarctic highlight in one unforgettable, comprehensive voyage. The journey is made seamless with included private charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia. The adventure begins in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), a sub-Antarctic gem where you'll explore the quaint British town of Stanley and encounter five species of penguins, albatross, and dolphins on surprisingly white-sand beaches. The wildlife spectacle intensifies in South Georgia, home to an astonishing 450,000 breeding pairs of King Penguins, 50 million seabirds, and 5 million seals. Here, you'll follow the perilous wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton, visiting his grave site.

The expedition then proceeds to the Antarctic Peninsula for exploration by Zodiac and foot, culminating in the achievement of crossing the Antarctic Circle (66°33´ South), the ultimate milestone for world travelers. Every step of the way, your journey is enhanced by presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology, and geology from our onboard polar experts. As a bonus, every guest enjoys an included flightseeing experience, adding another extraordinary perspective to this epic adventure, ensuring a truly profound immersion in the icy realm.

Highlights:
Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts.
Explore the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).
See incredible wildlife—more than 30 species of breeding birds, including seven species of penguin.
Follow in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyage to South Georgia and visit his grave site.
Cross the Antarctic Circle and celebrate with a toast, achieving the ultimate polar milestone.

Itinerary

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.Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrival and Transfer to Group Hotel
Upon arriving in this cosmopolitan city, you will independently transfer to your group hotel. The pre-expedition hotel night is included as part of your Charter Flight and Hotel Package.

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Charter Flight, Downtown Exploration, and Beagle Channel Sailing
After an early breakfast, the group transfers to the airport for the private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a central downtown location for free time to explore the quaint port town before making your way to the pier. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, departing with an air of anticipation for the remote Antarctic wilderness.

Day 3: At Sea
Presentations and Wildlife Spotting
The day at sea is filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. Spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with shipmates.

Days 4–5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Wildlife, Stanley Town, and Sub-Antarctic Exploration
Upon arrival, your camera will get its first workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of this sub-Antarctic region. You will explore East and West Falkland through daily Zodiac excursions and landings. A favorite stop is Stanley (Port Stanley), a unique British outpost where you can explore, visit museums, or grab a pint. The archipelago is rich in birds, home to Magellanic, Gentoo, and Southern Rockhopper penguins, and potentially Black-Browed Albatross and endemic bird species like the Falkland steamer duck.

Days 6–7: At Sea
Sailing to South Georgia and Crossing the Antarctic Convergence
Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you officially enter Antarctic waters upon crossing the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible boundary where cold Antarctic waters mix with warmer oceans, nourishing the abundance of krill that attracts whales, seals, and birdlife. Your Expedition Team will notify you when you cross this important line and help you look out for marine life.

Days 8–11: South Georgia
King Penguin Kingdom and Shackleton’s Wake
South Georgia is the Galapagos of the Poles, offering four days of wildlife sightings unrivaled anywhere else. Each landing provides opportunities to witness huge populations of King Penguins (hundreds of thousands of pairs) and beaches dominated by hundreds of Fur or Elephant Seals. You will explore historic sites, including remnants of old whaling stations and abandoned outposts. A significant visit is to the settlement of Grytviken, which holds the burial spot of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Days 12–13: At Sea
Sailing to Antarctica and Polar Preparation
Say goodbye to the King Penguins as the ship sails toward Antarctica. These days are filled with presentations, workshops, and social activities led by your Expedition Team, preparing you for the wildlife and landscapes of the 7th Continent.

Days 14–16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Reverence, Wildlife Encounters, and Optional Adventures
Upon reaching the Antarctic Continent, experience a sense of reverence and awe. Your days will be highlighted by Zodiac cruising, visits to historical sites, and communing with seals (Weddell, Fur, Crabeater, Leopard) and penguins (Chinstrap, Adélie, Gentoo). Keep a lookout for Antarctic Minke whales. Optional activities like kayaking or the Polar Plunge are offered.

Days 17–18: Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Ultimate Polar Milestone
If conditions allow, we cross the Antarctic Circle (66°33´ South), a memorable achievement. We toast the first explorers who ventured here. This is raw Antarctica, providing your best chances of encountering sea ice, Weddell seals, and the famous midnight sun phenomenon.

Days 19–20: Northbound Along the Peninsula
Final Excursions and Continued Wildlife Spotting
Continue to make excursions by Zodiac as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals, and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.

Days 21–22: Crossing the Drake Passage
Adventure of the Drake and Reflection
After more than three weeks of exploration, your journey home begins across the unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage. Spend time on deck gazing out at the ocean, taking pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and reflecting on your remarkable adventure.

Day 23: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
Morning Disembarkation and Return Charter Flight
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Your Charter Flight and Hotel Package includes a transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires, where your expedition concludes.

Itinerary

.Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrival and Transfer to Group Hotel
Upon arriving in this cosmopolitan city, you will independently transfer to your group hotel. The pre-expedition hotel night is included as part of your Charter Flight and Hotel Package.

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Charter Flight, Downtown Exploration, and Beagle Channel Sailing
After an early breakfast, the group transfers to the airport for the private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a central downtown location for free time to explore the quaint port town before making your way to the pier. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, departing with an air of anticipation for the remote Antarctic wilderness.

Day 3: At Sea
Presentations and Wildlife Spotting
The day at sea is filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. Spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with shipmates.

Days 4–5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Wildlife, Stanley Town, and Sub-Antarctic Exploration
Upon arrival, your camera will get its first workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of this sub-Antarctic region. You will explore East and West Falkland through daily Zodiac excursions and landings. A favorite stop is Stanley (Port Stanley), a unique British outpost where you can explore, visit museums, or grab a pint. The archipelago is rich in birds, home to Magellanic, Gentoo, and Southern Rockhopper penguins, and potentially Black-Browed Albatross and endemic bird species like the Falkland steamer duck.

Days 6–7: At Sea
Sailing to South Georgia and Crossing the Antarctic Convergence
Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you officially enter Antarctic waters upon crossing the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible boundary where cold Antarctic waters mix with warmer oceans, nourishing the abundance of krill that attracts whales, seals, and birdlife. Your Expedition Team will notify you when you cross this important line and help you look out for marine life.

Days 8–11: South Georgia
King Penguin Kingdom and Shackleton’s Wake
South Georgia is the Galapagos of the Poles, offering four days of wildlife sightings unrivaled anywhere else. Each landing provides opportunities to witness huge populations of King Penguins (hundreds of thousands of pairs) and beaches dominated by hundreds of Fur or Elephant Seals. You will explore historic sites, including remnants of old whaling stations and abandoned outposts. A significant visit is to the settlement of Grytviken, which holds the burial spot of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Days 12–13: At Sea
Sailing to Antarctica and Polar Preparation
Say goodbye to the King Penguins as the ship sails toward Antarctica. These days are filled with presentations, workshops, and social activities led by your Expedition Team, preparing you for the wildlife and landscapes of the 7th Continent.

Days 14–16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Reverence, Wildlife Encounters, and Optional Adventures
Upon reaching the Antarctic Continent, experience a sense of reverence and awe. Your days will be highlighted by Zodiac cruising, visits to historical sites, and communing with seals (Weddell, Fur, Crabeater, Leopard) and penguins (Chinstrap, Adélie, Gentoo). Keep a lookout for Antarctic Minke whales. Optional activities like kayaking or the Polar Plunge are offered.

Days 17–18: Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Ultimate Polar Milestone
If conditions allow, we cross the Antarctic Circle (66°33´ South), a memorable achievement. We toast the first explorers who ventured here. This is raw Antarctica, providing your best chances of encountering sea ice, Weddell seals, and the famous midnight sun phenomenon.

Days 19–20: Northbound Along the Peninsula
Final Excursions and Continued Wildlife Spotting
Continue to make excursions by Zodiac as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals, and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.

Days 21–22: Crossing the Drake Passage
Adventure of the Drake and Reflection
After more than three weeks of exploration, your journey home begins across the unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage. Spend time on deck gazing out at the ocean, taking pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and reflecting on your remarkable adventure.

Day 23: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
Morning Disembarkation and Return Charter Flight
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Your Charter Flight and Hotel Package includes a transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires, where your expedition concludes.


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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: 18 Jan 2026 - 09 Feb 2026 (3070)
Explorer Triple
$41,790
$35,701
Explorer Suite
$48,890
$41,736
Balcony Suite
$53,690
$45,816
Solo Panorama
$67,990
$57,971
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$63,190
$53,891
Terrace Suite
$65,590
$55,931
Penthouse Suite
$70,390
$60,011
Owner´s Suite
$87,090
$74,206
Ultra Suite
$96,590
$82,281
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 16 Jan 2027 - 07 Feb 2027 (3912)
Explorer Triple
$37,890
$32,584
Explorer Suite
$44,390
$38,142
Balcony Suite
$48,690
$41,818
Solo Panorama
$61,590
$52,848
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$57,290
$49,171
Terrace Suite
$59,690
$50,967
Penthouse Suite
$63,690
$54,643
Owner´s Suite
$78,790
$67,554
Ultra Suite
$87,390
$74,907
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 17 Jan 2028 - 08 Feb 2028 (4741)
Explorer Triple
$38,990
$31,815
Explorer Suite
$45,690
$37,543
Balcony Suite
$50,090
$41,305
Solo Panorama
$63,390
$52,677
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$58,990
$58,915
Terrace Suite
$61,190
$50,796
Penthouse Suite
$65,590
$54,558
Owner´s Suite
$81,090
$67,810
Ultra Suite
$89,990
$75,420

* 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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