Discovering the 7th Continent
Embark on an epic journey to the heart of Antarctica, to Explore Antarctica, the 7th continent. This 11-day voyage, offered by our Antarctic Explorer, promises unforgettable adventures, from crossing the famous Drake Passage to exploring the majestic Antarctic Peninsula.
Classic and Customizable Adventure
Our classic trip, Antarctic Explorer, offers the best of the Antarctic Peninsula. Conquer the Drake Passage aboard one of our four polar-class stabilized vessels. So explore stunning natural environments on zodiac expeditions and hikes. Observe unique wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales up close, while enjoying lectures on history, biology and glaciology given by polar experts on board. What’s more, customize your adventure with options that suit your interests and cross the 7th continent off your wish list – your way.
New Itinerary with Helicopter
In the 2024/2025 Antarctic season, we introduced a new helicopter-activated itinerary. Meanwhile, in Antarctic Explorer: Discover the 7th Continent, you’ll have the chance to fly over Antarctica in one of our twin-engine helicopters, appreciating the icy wonders below. This unique experience offers an incomparable perspective on the most remote continent on the planet.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina. Explore the port city as you prepare for your adventure.
Day 2: Embark in the late afternoon and sail along the historic Beagle Channel.
Days 3 and 4: Crossing the Drake Passage, with presentations on photography, wildlife, glaciology and history.
Days 5 to 8: Exploration of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Daily zodiac excursions to explore glacial bays, canals and landing sites. Penguin, seal and whale watching, and visits to research stations.
Days 9 and 10: Return via the Drake Passage, with opportunities for wildlife watching and celebration of shared experiences.
Day 11: Disembark in Ushuaia in the morning, concluding your adventure.
Included in the Trip
The trip includes everything you need for a safe and comfortable exploration: ice-strengthened ships, educational presentations by our polar experts and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic.
Plan Your Adventure
Don’t miss the chance to explore Antarctica in safety and comfort. Book your trip now and dive into the icy world of the 7th continent. However, he discovers untouched landscapes, abundant wildlife and creates memories that will last forever. So Antarctica is waiting for you! 🌊🐧❄️
Explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
Travel safely and comfortably aboard any Quark Expeditions ice-strengthened ship
Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology and geology by our polar experts on board
Experience the abundant wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales
Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic with an optional paddle excursion
Leadership throughout the trip by experienced expedition leaders, including landings and other activities
All transfers by Zodiac and cruise according to the daily programme
All landings according to the daily programme
Accommodation on board with daily cleaning service
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board for the duration of the trip (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ kitchens cannot prepare kosher meals).
Selected beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available 24 hours a day
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers, as scheduled
A photo diary documenting the expedition
A pair of waterproof expedition boots borrowed for the landings and Zodiac cruise excursions
An official Quark Expeditions® parka
Hairdryer and bathrobes in all cabins
All miscellaneous service charges and port taxes throughout the programme
All baggage handling on board the ship
Emergency evacuation insurance for all passengers with a maximum benefit of USD 500,000 per person
Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from the airport to the pre-expedition hotel on day 1
One night’s accommodation in the pre-expedition hotel in Ushuaia with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as the cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travellers who book a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available).
Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
Departure transfer for the group on disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport or luggage storage.
If you choose the Ultramarine Ship:
One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as the cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who book a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available).
Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia, and returning to Buenos Aires’ international airport (Ezeiza/EZE)
Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires
Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, and return (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of the journey is not included. Please make your way to the included hotel.)
Combined airport transfer and express bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after disembarkation in Ushuaia
International flights
Passport and applicable visa fees
Government taxes on arrival and departure not mentioned
Meals outside the cruise, unless otherwise stated
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical insurance – strongly recommended
Excess baggage charges on international and domestic flights
Mandatory waterproof trousers for the Zodiac disembarkation and cruise excursions, or any other equipment not mentioned.
Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
Telephone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary depending on location)
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition personnel and the ship’s crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly indicated
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina
You'll start your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port city at the tip of South America. This Argentinian city is the ideal gateway to explore the southern extension of Patagonia as you prepare for your adventure. Do activities in the mountains or enjoy artisan chocolate in a café in town.
Day 2
Boarding day
Tradução Embarkation will take place in the late afternoon, after which the ship will sail through the historic Beagle Channel, which crosses the Tierra del Fuego archipelago at the southern tip of South America. The next time you see land, you'll be on the southernmost continent in the world!
Day 3
Crossing the Drake Passage
Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology and history. Between shows, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting to your fellow passengers over a drink in the bar.
Day 4
Crossing the Drake Passage
Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology and history. Between shows, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting to your fellow passengers over a drink in the bar.
Day 5
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Tradução The most common reaction when arriving on the White Continent is a feeling of awe and wonder. The experience is beyond words, as few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You'll begin to understand why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travellers. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other, creating a unique and personal experience. Every day, you'll take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glacial bays, canals and landing sites. Your expedition team will take care of you at each landing site, whether you're hiking through the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or socialising with chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals, as well as curious whales such as humpbacks, minkes or perhaps orcas, during a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy. In the middle of the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, like penguins squabbling over valuable pebbles or the rumble of a melting glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this marvellous part of the world.
Day 6
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Tradução The most common reaction when arriving on the White Continent is a feeling of awe and wonder. The experience is beyond words, as few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You'll begin to understand why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travellers. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other, creating a unique and personal experience. Every day, you'll take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glacial bays, canals and landing sites. Your expedition team will take care of you at each landing site, whether you're hiking through the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or socialising with chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals, as well as curious whales such as humpbacks, minkes or perhaps orcas, during a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy. In the middle of the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, like penguins squabbling over valuable pebbles or the rumble of a melting glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this marvellous part of the world.
Day 7
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Tradução The most common reaction when arriving on the White Continent is a feeling of awe and wonder. The experience is beyond words, as few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You'll begin to understand why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travellers. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other, creating a unique and personal experience. Every day, you'll take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glacial bays, canals and landing sites. Your expedition team will take care of you at each landing site, whether you're hiking through the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or socialising with chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals, as well as curious whales such as humpbacks, minkes or perhaps orcas, during a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy. In the middle of the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, like penguins squabbling over valuable pebbles or the rumble of a melting glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this marvellous part of the world.
Day 8
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Tradução The most common reaction when arriving on the White Continent is a feeling of awe and wonder. The experience is beyond words, as few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You'll begin to understand why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travellers. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other, creating a unique and personal experience. Every day, you'll take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glacial bays, canals and landing sites. Your expedition team will take care of you at each landing site, whether you're hiking through the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or socialising with chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals, as well as curious whales such as humpbacks, minkes or perhaps orcas, during a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy. In the middle of the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, like penguins squabbling over valuable pebbles or the rumble of a melting glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this marvellous part of the world.
Day 9
Crossing the Drake Passage
The return journey through the Drake Passage provides the last opportunities to enjoy the fresh Antarctic air. Spend some time on deck watching the seabirds and looking for whales, enjoy presentations from your expedition team and celebrate the shared experiences of exploring Antarctica.
Day 10
Crossing the Drake Passage
The return journey through the Drake Passage provides the last opportunities to enjoy the fresh Antarctic air. Spend some time on deck watching the seabirds and looking for whales, enjoy presentations from your expedition team and celebrate the shared experiences of exploring Antarctica.
Day 11
Disembarking in Ushuaia
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, allowing you to continue your adventure or catch your flight home.
Scheduled departures
11 Dias
Beggining Ushuaia
Expedition Boat World Explorer
Values since: 11390€ per person
11 Dias
Beggining Ushuaia
Expedition Boat World Explorer
Values since: 10200€ per person
11 Dias
Beggining Buenos Aires
Expedition Boat Ultramarine
Values since: 14130€ per person
11 Dias
Beggining Buenos Aires
Expedition Boat Ultramarine
Values since: 12150€ per person
11 Dias
Beggining Ushuaia
Expedition Boat World Explorer
Values since: 9095€ per person
11 Dias
Beggining Ushuaia
Expedition Boat World Explorer
Values since: 8032€ per person
11 Dias
Beggining Ushuaia
Expedition Boat World Explorer
Values since: 8127€ per person
11 Dias
Beggining Buenos Aires
Expedition Boat Ultramarine
Values since: 11813€ per person
11 Dias
Beggining Ushuaia
Expedition Boat Ocean Adventure
Values since: 6867€ per person
11 Dias
Beggining Ushuaia
Expedition Boat World Explorer
Values since: 8127€ per person
11 Dias
Beggining Buenos Aires
Expedition Boat Ultramarine
Values since: 10535€ per person
11 Dias
Beggining Ushuaia
Expedition Boat Ocean Adventurer
Values since: 7357€ per person
11 Dias
Beggining Buenos Aires
Expedition Boat Ultramarine
Values since: 11174€ per person
11 Dias
Beggining Ushuaia
Expedition Boat Ocean Adventurer
Values since: 7357€ per person
11 Dias
Beggining Ushuaia
Expedition Boat World Explorer
Values since: 13800€ per person
Information
Meals
If there’s one constant on board, it’s the fact that you enjoy delicious meals every day. Although meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you will always be served three well-prepared meals a day. Most dietary restrictions can be catered for if you inform us before dispatch.
Breakfasts and lunches are usually served buffet-style, while dinners are plated. A la carte meals are prepared at the time of ordering, allowing our chefs to prepare each dish according to your individual needs, ensuring you receive high-quality meals during your expedition.
Soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open; beer and wine are served at dinner; and coffee, tea and water stations are available 24 hours a day – all included in the cost of your package. Spirits, premium wines and champagne are available at an additional cost which can be billed to your on-board account. The ship’s well-stocked bars are open for you to enjoy with your fellow passengers in the late morning, afternoon and evening.
Flights
Yes, although we don’t include the cost of flights in the trip, we can also take care of them if you wish. All you have to do is tell us when you book.
We send you a quote with the price of the flights at the time and then you decide whether to buy with Triskelion, on your own or with another agency.
The team
Our expedition leaders and their teams have specialised knowledge in subjects as varied as polar history, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology and photography. Your knowledge and enthusiasm will greatly enhance your immersion in the polar environment and further deepen your connection to the Arctic.
With more than 30 years’ experience taking passengers to remote polar regions and an industry-leading staff-to-guest ratio, we know how to handle the unexpected safely. To ensure that this hard-earned experience is passed on, all our new expedition staff receive comprehensive training at the Quark Academy, which offers hands-on polar expedition training before any staff member’s first trip, as well as ongoing training for experienced staff.
Necessary Documents
Payment Method
Cruise included activities
Aeroplane trip aboard the Ultramarine
If the polar landscapes are spectacular from the sea, they are even more breathtaking from the air, a view you can enjoy sitting in one of the two twin-engine helicopters parked at Ultramarine. Usually in groups of 7 to 9 people, you can enjoy an unforgettable aerial visit to Antarctica during a 10 to 15 minute flight excursion, included in the cost of the trip. Additional helicopter activities may also be available for purchase on board. Note: all helicopter operations depend on weather conditions and logistics.
Only available on Barco Ultramarine.
Hiking
Hiking in the polar regions is different from the typical trail experience. Here, in treeless terrain, we are the tallest figure in the landscape as we walk over spongy tundra, crunchy snow or sandy beaches in remote parts of the Arctic and Antarctic. Reaching land anywhere in the polar regions means you’re not a distant observer.
Our organised hikes range from short trips to the top of viewpoints or visits to see wildlife, to longer hikes of several kilometres over ice, rock and snow. Excursions can last between two and three hours, with plenty of time for wildlife photography, learning moments with your experienced guides or just time to relax and admire the incredible polar landscape.
No experience is necessary, but participants must be able to get in and out of a Zodiac and walk on uneven ground. The hiking options are adapted to all interests and abilities, from those who want to contemplate the landscape in silence, to photographers who want that perfect shot and energetic travellers who want to reach the top of a peak in the hope of seeing wildlife in its natural habitat.
Equipment that will be provided for the walking tours
Trekking poles are available on request
Bring your Quark Parka and the foldable water bottle provided on boarding (they’re yours)
Muck boots (loaned throughout the expedition)
Other recommended equipment/clothing
Base and mid-layer garments
Waterproof and breathable trousers
Wool or synthetic hiking socks
Warm hat
Hat with brim
Sunglasses
Waterproof and sunscreen and lip balm (minimum SPF 30)
Backpack, preferably water-resistant (or with a raincoat)
Warm gloves
Camera and accessories
Polar Diving
The Polar Dive is scheduled once during each trip. Throughout the trip, the expedition leader and captain constantly monitor the conditions to choose the best time and place. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes place on land or, in many cases, from the gangway or the Zodiac. All participants wear a tethered harness and dive into the polar waters from the side of the Zodiac or from the safety of the gangplank, applauded, of course, by the other passengers and the expedition team.
Safety is paramount – the on-board doctor is always present on polar dives. Guides in survival gear circle the area in Zodiacs, while guests take turns jumping or cannon-balling into the polar waters.
Zodiac Cruise
Zodiacs are used to transfer you to land, to transport your luggage when necessary and to take you on an ocean cruise among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated places that are only accessible by Zodiac.
These large, sturdy inflatable boats are extremely safe and have been specially designed for expedition work. Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar expeditions. The separate air compartments maintain a large reserve of buoyancy, even if these robust boats suffer damage. Its flat-bottomed design allows the boat to land directly on the cobbled and icy beaches that you will encounter on your polar expedition.
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