South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari

An 18-day voyage—the fastest way to reach remote South Georgia Island and the 7th Continent. Walk beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals, and explore Antarctica by ship, Zodiac, and foot.


South Georgia and Antarctica
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Starts: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
Ends: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
Language: English Speaking Voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. The Captain and/or Expedition Leader will make necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included
Optional


The 18-day South Georgia and Antarctica: Penguin Safari is the fastest way to reach remote South Georgia Island while also setting foot on the 7th Continent. South Georgia is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife. You will walk beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals, and observe four penguin species: Gentoo, Chinstrap, Adélie, and Macaroni. You can also observe albatross soaring above the ship.

Antarctica awaits with its soaring peaks and overwhelming enormity. Your Expedition Team will take you on Zodiac rides to photograph glistening glaciers or witness the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak. The journey follows in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages to South Georgia, where you can pause for a moment at his grave site in Grytviken. The voyage immerses you in the icy realm, with abundant wildlife and expert presentations on glaciology and history.

Highlights:
See South Georgia’s incredible wildlife, including 30 breeding bird species and four penguin species.
Follow in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages and pause for a moment at his grave site in Grytviken.
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac, and foot.
Encounter vast beaches blanketed with king penguins and elephant seals, rivaled nowhere else on Earth.
Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
Gateway to Patagonia
Arrive in Ushuaia, the ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.

Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
Sailing down the historic Beagle Channel
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon. Your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart.

Days 3-6: At Sea
Polar Experts, seabirds, and Shag Rocks
Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team. You will be prepped on safety procedures and given instructions for getting the most out of your optional sea kayaking adventures. If conditions are right, you may sight birds and whales around Shag Rocks.

Days 7-9: South Georgia
Wildlife sightings unrivaled anywhere else on Earth
The sites you visit will provide you with wildlife sightings unrivaled anywhere else on Earth. Walk beaches blanketed with penguins and seals. Visit the historic Grytviken whaling station, the site of the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Days 10-11: At Sea
Sailing to Antarctica and final preparations
Say goodbye to the king penguins as you leave for your next destination: Antarctica. Your days at sea are filled with presentations and workshops led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife and landscapes that will surround you.

Days 12-15: Antarctic Peninsula
Unforgettable landscape and wildlife encounters
You will discover a land of extremes. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each excursion, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or observing penguin colonies. Keep a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise.

Days 16-17: Crossing the Drake Passage
Rite of passage and reflection
Your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

Day 18: Disembark in Ushuaia
Departure
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, after which you can continue exploring locally or head to the airport to connect to your onward flight.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
Gateway to Patagonia
Arrive in Ushuaia, the ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.

Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
Sailing down the historic Beagle Channel
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon. Your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart.

Days 3-6: At Sea
Polar Experts, seabirds, and Shag Rocks
Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team. You will be prepped on safety procedures and given instructions for getting the most out of your optional sea kayaking adventures. If conditions are right, you may sight birds and whales around Shag Rocks.

Days 7-9: South Georgia
Wildlife sightings unrivaled anywhere else on Earth
The sites you visit will provide you with wildlife sightings unrivaled anywhere else on Earth. Walk beaches blanketed with penguins and seals. Visit the historic Grytviken whaling station, the site of the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Days 10-11: At Sea
Sailing to Antarctica and final preparations
Say goodbye to the king penguins as you leave for your next destination: Antarctica. Your days at sea are filled with presentations and workshops led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife and landscapes that will surround you.

Days 12-15: Antarctic Peninsula
Unforgettable landscape and wildlife encounters
You will discover a land of extremes. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each excursion, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or observing penguin colonies. Keep a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise.

Days 16-17: Crossing the Drake Passage
Rite of passage and reflection
Your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

Day 18: Disembark in Ushuaia
Departure
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, after which you can continue exploring locally or head to the airport to connect to your onward flight.


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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.
Anything not mentioned on the inclusions


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 24 Jan 2026 - 10 Feb 2026 (3040)
Veranda Stateroom
$31,195
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$29,695
Studio Single
$38,995
Veranda Suite
$33,095
Junior Suite
$38,995
Owners Suite
$48,395
Penthouse Suite
$45,295
Studio Veranda Single
$42,195
Ship: World Explorer | Date: 01 Feb 2026 - 18 Feb 2026 (1142)
Triple
$27,195
Infinity Suite
$31,995
Veranda Suite
$31,995
Superior Suite
$41,595
Deluxe Suite
$44,795
Owner´s Suite
$47,995
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 27 Oct 2027 - 13 Nov 2027 (4668)
Veranda Stateroom
$26,895
$21,286
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$25,595
$20,174
Studio Single
$33,595
$27,014
Veranda Suite
$28,495
$22,654
Junior Suite
$33,595
$27,014
Owners Suite
$41,695
$33,940
Penthouse Suite
$38,995
$31,631
Studio Veranda Single
$36,295
$29,323

* 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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