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    Epic Antarctica

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    Our Epic Antarctica voyage is called so for a reason—it includes all of the major Antarctic highlights you can imagine. From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will have countless unforgettable moments on this adventure-packed, 23-day voyage. Start with the Falklands, reminiscent of both sandy Cape Cod and the English moors, home to albatross, dolphins, and five species of penguins. From there, venture to South Georgia where you’ll enter the home of 300,000 breeding king penguins, 50 million other seabirds and 5 million seals. Then, explore the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, and finally cross the Antarctic Circle—a significant milestone for any world traveler.

    Starting in 2021, this itinerary allows you to the opportunity to experience our pioneering new vessel, Ultramarine. This purpose-built vessel is designed to extend the boundaries of polar exploration and offer an unmatched Antarctic experience, including a flightseeing tour you’ll never forget and a range of adventure options more extensive than any other ship in its class. 

    Map & Itinerary

    Day 1Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Upon arriving in this cosmopolitan city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

     

     

    Day 2Fly to Ushuaia & Embark

    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 have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier.

    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. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in the remote Antarctic wilderness!

    Day 3At sea

    Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team who will prepare you for the wildlife, glaciology and history that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar. 

    Day 4-5Falklands Islands

    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 Zodiac excursions and landings.

    Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, is a favorite 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 numerous churches and museums.

    The archipelago is rich in wildlife, especially birds, and home to Magellanic, gentoo and southern rockhopper penguins. If you’re lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! Chances are good that you’ll see black– browed albatross, plus two endemic bird species—the flightless Falkland steamer duck, and possibly, the elusive Cobb’s wren.

    Your team of polar experts will enrich your understanding of the local flora and fauna, helping you make the most of your time in the Falklands.

    Day 6-7At 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 the area. 

    Day 8-11South Georgia

    This remote, mountainous island was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and seals. 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, it is the tremendous abundance of wildlife that you and your shipmates will surely find most captivating. Each landing you make on South Georgia, often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, will open your eyes to the wondrous lives of new, enthralling creatures. 

    One day you may see rookeries with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins waddling on a beach, and the next, you may visit another beach blanketed with 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 12-13At Sea

    Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations, workshops, and social activities led by your Expedition Team. 
     
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Day 14-16South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula

     

    The experience is hard to put into words, but the most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes: at one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and solitude; the next, you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin. 

    Zodiac cruising, visits to historical sites and, of course, communing with seals and penguins are sure to keep you smiling every day. Perhaps you’ll catch sight of the fearless penguin eater, the leopard seal, or maybe you’ll come eye to eye with a humpback whale while you are cruising in a Zodiac. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy. 

    If you find yourself wanting more, treat yourself to an optional kayaking adventure (reserve in advance when booking your trip) or a swim in Antarctic waters during the Polar Plunge! 

     

    Day 17 - 18Antarctic Circle

    Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. If conditions allow us to cross this famed latitude of 66°33´ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem. 

    Day 19-20 Northbound Along the Peninsula

    If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to the Drake Passage. You will 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 - 22Crossing the Drake Passage

    After more than three weeks of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of approval on your Antarctic adventure. 
     

     

    Day 23Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

    You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a little taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

    Inclusions/Exclusions

    Rates include the following:

    • An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
    • Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Team, 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. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals
    • Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
    • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
    • A photographic journal documenting your expedition
    • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
    • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
    • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
    • All luggage handling aboard the ship
    • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
    • One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)
    • 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.)

    Rates do not include the following:

    • International airfare
    • Passport and applicable visa expenses
    • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
    • 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 landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
    • Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
    • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
    • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
    • Additional overnight accommodation
    • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
    • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

    For this itinerary rates include helicopter flight seeing and the Mandatory Transfer Package:

    • Hotel Night in Buenos Aires
    • Return flight Buenos Aires – Ushuaia
    • All transfers

    Adventure Activities

    Exclusive Heli-Landing: US$ 395 pp

    Paddling Excursion: US$ 295 pp

    Sea Kayaking: US$ 995 pp

    Stand-Up Paddleboarding: US$ 295 pp 

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    Start: Jan 16, 2027

    End: Feb 7, 2027

    Departure: Buenos Aires

    Arrival: Buenos Aires

    Ultramarine

    Duration: 23 Days

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    From$50,990$46,021

    Start: Jan 17, 2028

    End: Feb 8, 2028

    Departure: Buenos Aires

    Arrival: Buenos Aires

    Ultramarine

    Duration: 23 Days

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    From$51,390$46,381

    Start: Jan 18, 2029

    End: Feb 9, 2029

    Departure: Buenos Aires

    Arrival: Buenos Aires

    Ultramarine

    Duration: 23 Days

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    From$42,870$36,921

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