Antarctica Detailed ItineraryPrint this page


Classic Antarctic Explorer Adventure

Multiple departures.


Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina:

Your adventure commences in Ushuaia, Argentina, the most southern settlement in South America. Before embarking, spend some time to shop for souvenirs, stock up on handcrafted chocolate treats or buy any last-minute items you may have forgot to pack. The city offers abundant services and the nearby mountains and national park offer natural beauty, hiking trails and activities to keep you busy.

Day 2 Embarkation Day:

Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the wildlife-rich Beagle Channel. This will be your first opportunity to get to know your fellow adventurers and get acquainted with the shipboard services. As land fades away from sight, you can prepare for your first night and sea! Next stop? Antarctica.

Days 3, 4 Crossing the Drake:

It is impossible to predict the sea and weather conditions we will encounter as we cross the Drake Passage Your time during these first days is largely spent chatting with other travelers and listening to the presentations given by your Expedition Team. By the time Day 4 draws to an end the anticipation and excitement of landfall will reach a feverish pitch.

Days 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 South Shetland & Antarctic Peninsula:

When the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. We can finally begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica we witness something new or unexpected, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other - creating a unique, personal experience. We will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day . With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for Humpback and Minke Whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning Leopard Seal.

The majesty of the Peninsula's mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbor, gives the opportunity to visit a Chinstrap Penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you'll have the choice between going for a mountain hike or depending on the time of year spend time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the antics of curious penguin chicks. While cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula we'll also give you the chance to take a Polar Plunge! Cheer on other travelers or strap on a harness yourself to take a dip and swim in the frigid waters of an icy Antarctic bay.

Amidst the peaceful silence of Antarctica, noisy interruptions become indelible memories such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbor. You can make a bit of noise yourself too. Hear the echo of voices bounce off a giant glacier, glide your kayak across a quiet bay or strap on some cross-country skis or snowshoes to explore further.

As you sail from island to shore to bay during your four days in the Peninsula, the Expedition Team will educate and entertain you. We'll provide opportunities for quiet contemplation, activities for testing your endurance and more than enough wildlife interactions to satisfy your curiosity.

Days 10, 11 Drake Passage:

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities for spotting seabirds and scouting for whales. Your Expedition Team will run their last lectures and presentations, recapping the great Antarctic adventure you've just had. This is a time to share your favourite encounters and memories with the crew and your shipmates. Enjoy a farewell dinner and final night on the seas.

Day 12 Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina:

The time to say goodbye has arrived. After breakfast, you will have time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team, after which we will transfer you to the airport for your homeward flights.

11 DAY ITINERARIES SPEND ONE LESS DAY EXPLORING THE CONTINENT

Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy - and excitement - of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.

Nov 21 - Dec 02, 2012 12 - Sea Spirit $7,295 - $14,995

Nov 25 - Dec 06, 2012 12 - Clipper Adventurer $6,995 - $10,595

Nov 29 - Dec 09, 2012 11 - Ocean Diamond $4,795 - $12,395

Dec 01 - Dec 12, 2012 12 - Sea Spirit $7,295 - $14,995

Dec 05 - Dec 16, 2012 12 - Clipper Adventurer $5,495 - $10,595

Dec 08 - Dec 18, 2012 11 - Ocean Diamond $4,795 - $12,395

Dec 15 - Dec 26, 2012 12 - Clipper Adventurer $6,795 - $12,595

Dec 17 - Dec 27, 2012 11 - Ocean Diamond $6,395 - $15,395

Dec 25 - Jan 04, 2013 11 - Clipper Adventurer $6,995 - $12,995

Dec 29 - Jan 09, 2013 12 - Sea Spirit $9,895 - $20,995

Jan 13 - Jan 23, 2013 11 - Ocean Diamond $6,395 - $15,395

Jan 21 - Jan 31, 2013 12 - Clipper Adventurer $6,795 - $12,595

Jan 22 - Feb 01, 2013 11 - Ocean Diamond $6,395 - $15,395

Jan 29 - Feb 09, 2013 12 - Sea Spirit $9,895 - $15,495

Jan 31 - Feb 10, 2013 11 - Ocean Diamond $6,395 - $15,395

Feb 09 - Feb 19, 2013 11 - Ocean Diamond $6,395 - $15,395

Feb 20 - Mar 03, 2013 12 - Sea Spirit $7,995 - $15,995

Feb 23 - Mar 06, 2013 12 - Clipper Adventurer $5,495 - $10,595

Lowest rate is for triple share. Please contact us for availability and specific cabin rates.

This expedition includes

One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast.
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage.
All shore landings per the daily program.
Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader.

All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program.
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage.
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings.
An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep.
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock.
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin.
Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader.
A group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
All luggage handling aboard ship.
Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per person.


This expedition excludes

Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes.
Any meals ashore unless otherwise specified.
Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
Excess baggage charges.
Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified.
Telecommunications charges.
The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.

Duration: 10 OR 11 nights

Max Group Size: 112 to 189

Accomodations: hotel, outside cabin

Price: Prices range from $4,795USD per person triple cabin Ocean Diamond up to $20,995 USD for suite Sea Spirit