HIGHLIGHTS
- See
150,000 pairs of king penguins at St. Andrew’s Bay, the
largest rookery on South Georgia
- Explore
Antarctica with the best expedition in the industry
- Wander
the quaint British town of Stanley
- Follow
in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages to
South Georgia
- Explore
the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac, kayak and foot
- Enjoy
presentations by our onboard polar experts
- Enjoy
an optional kayaking excursion
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
Start Date | End Date | Deluxe Veranda Fwd | Studio Single | Veranda Stateroom | Veranda Suite | Junior Suite | Studio Veranda Single | Penthouse Suite | Owner's Suite |
Oct 25, 2026 | Nov 13, 2026 | 27,695 | 36,395 | 29,095 | 30,895 | 36,395 | 39,295 | 42,195 | 45,095 |
Feb 10, 2027 | Mar 01, 2027 | 27,695 | 36,395 | 29,095 | 30,895 | 36,395 | 39,295 | 42,195 | 45,095 |
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
Start Date | End Date | (Starting from) Deluxe Veranda Fwd | (Mid-range) Junior Suite | (High-end) Owner's Suite |
Oct 25, 2026 | Nov 13, 2026 | 27,695 | 36,395 | 45,095 |
Feb 10, 2027 | Mar 01, 2027 | 27,695 | 36,395 | 45,095 |
ITINERARY
Day
1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
Your
gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Located within the
Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia has a small-town feel yet boasts
many shops, museums, cafés and restaurants that you can
enjoy before your voyage. If you’re feeling adventurous, the
nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park and Martial Glacier offer plenty
of outdoor activities, such as hiking.
Day
2: Embark
As
you embark, the anticipation grows. Trade your land legs for sea legs,
meet and greet your fellow travelers and get acquainted with your ship.
Since every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and
experiences, embarkation day is just as exciting for your Expedition
Team as it is for you. On board your team will be there both to ensure
your comfort and safety as well as help make your wildlife dreams come
true.
Day
3: At Sea
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
4 - 5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Upon
your arrival in the Falklands (Malvinas), your camera will get its
first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of
this sub- Antarctic region. The archipelago contains two main islands,
East Falkland and West Falkland, which you will explore during daily
excursions.
Stanley,
also known as Port Stanley, is often a favored landing site, as the
town offers a unique British outpost feel, complete with eclectic
charm. You’ll be free to explore, grab a pint at the local
pub or visit the cathedral and museum.
In
terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to Magellanic, gentoo and
southern rockhopper penguins. If you’re lucky, you may even
spot king penguins here as well! You can expect to see black- browed
albatross, plus two endemic bird species—the flightless
Falkland steamer duck and, possibly, the elusive Cobb’s wren.
Your
expert education team will enrich your understanding of the local flora
and fauna, making the most out of your time in the Falklands.
Day
6 - 7: At Sea
Sailing
southeast to South Georgia, you’ll officially enter Antarctic
waters once you cross the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible
biological boundary encircling the continent. This meeting of oceans,
where the cold Antarctic waters mix and mingle with the warmer waters
of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, helps nourish the abundance
of krill that attracts whales, seals, and birdlife to this part of the
world. Your Expedition Team will notify you when you cross this
invisible yet important line, and also look out for the seabirds and
marine life that frequent this nutrient-rich area.
Day
8 - 11: South Georgia
This
remote, mountainous island was a popular stop for many historic
Antarctic expeditions and was once known for whale– and
seal–hunting. Today, island wildlife populations are
rebounding, but you’ll still see remnants of old whaling
stations and other abandoned outposts.
One
significant and historic site is the grave of the great explorer Sir
Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of
Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, plus a museum,
gift shop, church and small research station.
Although
South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the
island, its incredible densities of wildlife make it truly memorable.
Each landing you make on South Georgia, often referred to as the
Galapagos of the Southern Sea, will open your eyes to the wondrous
lives of new, enthralling creatures.
One
day you may see colonies with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king
penguins waddling on shore, and the next, you may visit another beach
inhabited by hundreds of fur or elephant seals. The grasses, mountains
and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding
and survival of different species on the island. This fragile and
interwoven relationship is something your Expedition Team will instill
in you during your time here.
Day
12 - 13: At Sea
Say
goodbye to the king penguins as you leave for your next destination:
Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations, workshops,
and social activities led by your Expedition Team.
If
conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands,
our first official stop in Antarctica.
Day
14 - 17: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The
most common reaction upon reaching the Antarctic Continent is a sense
of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places
are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica.
You
will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment
you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and
silence, and at the next moment you’ll be inspired by nature
as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a curious
penguin waddles by to observe the human.
Your
Expedition Team will take care of you at each excursion, whether you
are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or consorting with
penguin colonies.
Chinstrap,
Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with
Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. During Zodiac cruises, keep
an eye out for Antarctic whales such as minkes, as you may get a chance
for an intimate experience with these majestic animals. Each day and
each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to entertain
you and keep your camera busy.
As
exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps
you’ll treat yourself to an extra-special Antarctic
experience by partaking in an optional paddling excursion (at an extra
cost) or cast reason aside and jump into Antarctic waters for the Polar
Plunge!
Day
18 - 19: Crossing the Drake Passage
After
more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, your journey home
begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage,
completing your Antarctic adventure. Enjoy your final moments
celebrating with your fellow shipmates and savor the silence of the sea
as long as you can.
Day
20: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
After
breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to
your Expedition Team. Airport transfers will be provided for those
departing on the first homeward flights. Other guests will be
transferred to town.
Ocean Explorer (Luxury Expedition, 138-guests)
Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, is modern, elegant
and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has
been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the
ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine
engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing
experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the
two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to
the expedition ship.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Premium dining, with a wide selection of options that
accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.
- Complementary Wi-Fi, alcohol on all voyages, and the
Official Quark Expeditions parka to take home.
- Select voyages include essential transportation and
accommodation arrangements for guests, ensuring seamless travel to and
from the expedition starting point.