days
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Begin your journey in Buenos Aires, a vibrant city full of culture and charm, before flying south to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. From there, set sail along the Beagle Channel toward the Antarctic. Cross the iconic Drake Passage, spotting seabirds and marine life along the way. As you reach the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, immerse yourself in daily Zodiac excursions, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking glacial landscapes. After several days of exploration and discovery, cross the Drake Passage once more and return to Ushuaia. Conclude your adventure with a flight back to Buenos Aires.
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).
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 explore this quaint port town on your own before making your way to the designated meeting spot 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. Excitement builds in anticipation of your next stop: the Antarctic!
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and leaders, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers.
Once the Drake Passage is left in our wake and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. On every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means your expedition will be unlike any other—a unique, personal experience.
Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. 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 southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.
The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views of your surroundings. 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 the next you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.
Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes—such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles—become indelible memories.
Each day will be different, carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Southern Ocean air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you’ve shared exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will then make your way towards your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
For all voyages:
• An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
• Leadership throughout the 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
• NEW Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
• Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
• 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
• NEW 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)
• 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).
This expedition will have a separate (and mandatory) Transfer Package charge.
Mandatory Transfer Package Includes:
• One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast
(Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve 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.
For all voyages:
• International airfare
• Passport and applicable visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
• Meals 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, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
• Phone charges may vary by location
• Our basic complimentary Wi-Fi service does not include Premium packages which enable more data-intensive applications
• 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.
To confirm reservations, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the net, discounted rate (minimum US$1000 per person) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. The deposit must be paid by major credit card, wire transfer, check or money order. For any bookings within 120 days of departure full payment is required. Deposit amounts may vary for special promotions and are subject to the promotion terms and conditions. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
All late payments are subject to a penalty of 1.5% interest per month, or 18% per annum. QEI reserves the right to cancel any booking that is not paid within 120 days of departure or deny boarding on any unpaid balances.
CABIN DETAILS
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 132 sq. ft. (12 sq. m) in size, this cabin has a single bed,and floor-to-ceiling windows. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
1
132 ft2 (12 m2 )
Floor to ceiling windows
Located on Deck 3 and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 sq. m) in size, this suite has three single beds, two of which can be combined into a double bed, and a picture window. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe,TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
3
285 ft2 (26.5 m2)
Picture windows
Located on Deck 3 and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a picture window. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Suites 319 and 322 offer modified layouts and bathrooms for wheelchair accessibility
2
285 ft2 (26.5 m2)
Picture windows
Located on Decks 4 & 6 and approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 52 sq. ft. (4.8 sq. m) balcony*. The balconies in suites 421, 422, 423, and 424 are partially enclosed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Some suites in this category offer interconnecting rooms.
2
226 ft2 (21 m2 )
Walk out balcony
Located on Decks 4 & 6 and approximately 299 sq. ft. (28 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 70 sq. ft. (6.5 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
2
299 ft2 (28 m2 )
Walk out balcony
Located on Deck 7 and approximately 369 sq. ft. (34 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 sq. m) balcony *. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
2
369 ft2 (34 m2)
Walk out balcony
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
2
350 ft2 (32.5 m2 )
Walk out balcony
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 446 sq. ft. (41 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, two separate living spaces, powder room, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
2
446 ft2 (41 m2 )
Walk out balcony, Floor to ceiling windows
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 563 sq. ft. (52 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, two separate living spaces, powder room, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
2
563 ft2 (52 m2 )
Walk out balcony, Floor to ceiling windows
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 132 sq. ft. (12 sq. m) in size, this cabin has a single bed,and floor-to-ceiling windows. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
1
132 ft2 (12 m2 )
Floor to ceiling windows
Located on Deck 3 and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 sq. m) in size, this suite has three single beds, two of which can be combined into a double bed, and a picture window. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe,TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
3
285 ft2 (26.5 m2)
Picture windows
Located on Deck 3 and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a picture window. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Suites 319 and 322 offer modified layouts and bathrooms for wheelchair accessibility
2
285 ft2 (26.5 m2)
Picture windows
Located on Decks 4 & 6 and approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 52 sq. ft. (4.8 sq. m) balcony*. The balconies in suites 421, 422, 423, and 424 are partially enclosed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Some suites in this category offer interconnecting rooms.
2
226 ft2 (21 m2 )
Walk out balcony
Located on Decks 4 & 6 and approximately 299 sq. ft. (28 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 70 sq. ft. (6.5 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
2
299 ft2 (28 m2 )
Walk out balcony
Located on Deck 7 and approximately 369 sq. ft. (34 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 sq. m) balcony *. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
2
369 ft2 (34 m2)
Walk out balcony
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
2
350 ft2 (32.5 m2 )
Walk out balcony
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 446 sq. ft. (41 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, two separate living spaces, powder room, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
2
446 ft2 (41 m2 )
Walk out balcony, Floor to ceiling windows
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 563 sq. ft. (52 sq. m) in size, this suite has one double or two single beds, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 sq. m) balcony*. Other amenities include a refrigerator, safe, TV, private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, two separate living spaces, powder room, and a private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
2
563 ft2 (52 m2 )
Walk out balcony, Floor to ceiling windows
MORE INFORMATION
Imagine soaring over the polar regions from the comfort of a helicopter and enjoying the most astounding aerial views imaginable of the frozen Antarctic Ocean, of snow-capped ice ridges, massive crevices, and of melt pools ranging from cerulean to deep, spectacular turquoise.
Flightseeing on polar vessels like Ultramarine and Kapitan Khlebnikov provides guests with an entirely different perspective of the polar regions. Helicopters take passengers to places Zodiacs and ships can’t reach.
Helicopter flightseeing typically includes 7 to 9 passengers. No experience is necessary. Bring your camera—and enthusiasm.
Zodiacs are used for transferring you ashore, transporting your luggage when necessary and for taking you ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac.
These large, heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe and were specially designed for expedition work. Zodiacs are the workhorses of Polar expeditions. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if these sturdy boats are damaged. Their flat bottom design permits the craft to land directly onto the cobble and ice-strewn beaches that you will encounter on your Polar expedition.
Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Arctic and Antarctica. Stepping ashore anywhere in the polar regions means you’re not a distant observer.
Our organized hikes range from short jaunts to the top of lookouts or visits to see wildlife or longer walks of several kilometers over ice and rock and snow. Hiking excursions may last from two to three hours with plenty of time for photographs of wildlife, learning moments from your experienced guides, or just time to stand back and admire the incredible polar surroundings.
No experience is necessary but participants should be able to get in and out of a Zodiac and walk on uneven terrain. Hiking options are tailored to all interests and abilities, from those who want to contemplate the landscape in silence to photographers who want that perfect image to energetic travelers who want to summit a peak in the hopes of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.
The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes place onshore or, in many cases, from the gangway or Zodiac. All participants wear a tethered harness and plunge into the polar waters from the side of Zodiac or safety of the gangplank cheered on, of course, by fellow passengers and Expedition Team.
Safety is paramount—the onboard physician always attends the Polar Plunge. Guides in survival gear circle the area in Zodiacs as guests take their turn jumping or cannon-balling into the polar waters.
USD $995 per person
Imagine setting foot in an area of the world that can only be safely accessed by helicopter. With a small group of fellow passengers and expert guides, you’ll board one of Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters to soar off to an exclusive polar site where no ships can navigate. Expect stunning bird’s-eye views during your flight, and then, upon arrival, simply sit back, relax and take in the splendor from “the best seat in the house”: glacial amphitheaters, breath-taking summits, and more. Traveling in groups of 12 with no more than 4 groups (48 guests) at a time on each landing, you’ll have time to relax and quietly reflect on the beauty of your polar surroundings, after which you’ll be picked up by the helicopters in the same location and returned to Ultramarine.
Each heli-landing experience is uniquely curated by our expedition team, taking conditions and location capacity into consideration.
USD $395 per person
Every sweep of the paddle as your craft glides through the pristine polar waters creates an incredible soundtrack: the jostle of glacial ice, the lapping of waves against the rocky shore, the perpetual drip from your paddle, the call of seabirds, and the occasional splash as wildlife break the surface of the water.
Our Paddle Excursion Program provides sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks that provide guests with an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations in both the Arctic and Antarctica. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. On-ship, you’ll be provided with instruction and equipment including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by a safety driver in another kayak who will stay close by to provide additional support.
Excursions last a minimum of one hour and are offered to participants once per voyage. Each group includes 10 paddlers, 1 guide and 1 one safety Zodiac driver. The wind, weather and water conditions determine the timing and location of Paddling Excursions
USD $1,995 per person
Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.
Quark Expeditions Sea Kayak Program is a voyage-length program available in Antarctica, in which kayakers (those who have minimal experience as well as seasoned paddlers) will enjoy the polar regions from a unique perspective.
Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.
In addition to the kayak guides, a safety driver in a Zodiac will always stay nearby to offer assistance if required. Excursions typically last one and a half to three hours.
USD $295 per person
Stand-up Paddleboarding, popularly known as SUPing, originated in Hawaii. Quark Expeditions is the first company to bring this watersport all the way to Antarctica.
SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by.
Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.
Duration: 1 to 1½ hours.
Guide to client ratio: 1 SUP guide and 1 Zodiac safety driver for 10 participants
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Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer.
Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.
With all this and more, Ultramarine is set to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.
Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer and relies on its best-in-class 40-day operational range to do so.
Embarkation points on the starboard, port, and stern of the ship mean we can load and embark Zodiacs faster, safer and easier than ever before.
Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) is the industry-leading system that converts waste into energy at the site that it’s generated. MAGs eliminates the environmental impact of waste transportation, offering an innovative sustainability feature that exceed all industry standards.
Two twin-engine helicopters operated from two helidecks allow more passengers to simultaneously experience new destinations accessible only by air, and to enjoy more unique aerial perspectives of the polar regions than on any other ship.
An internal Zodiac hangar quickly and safely deploys Ultramarine’s twenty Zodiacs, allowing for more spontaneous off-ship adventures and more intimate wildlife engagement. This unique design allows guests to get off the ship in half the time of other vessels.
The wraparound deck located on Deck 5 of Ultramarine offers generous outdoor viewing opportunities to take in the polar landscapes and seize the moment when wildlife encounters occur.
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Explore the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the polar regions with the best travel options tailored to your preferences.
Yes!!! Once we arrive in Antarctica it will be the ultimate goal of the Captain, Expedition Leader, and the Expedition Team to make sure we get off the ship as much as possible. You’ll participate in landings, zodiac cruises, and any additional activities you’ve signed up for. Check the “Detailed trip itinerary” for more details on each outing.
The price shown is the “all-in” price after all taxes, fees, port fees, and permits required; which are handled by the tour operator. The only main additional costs will be mandatory travel insurance, optional gratuity, and additional activities.
Not necessarily, no! Our trips are usually made up of around 50% solo travelers! Prices are always per person, per bed. If you’re a solo traveler, we will match you with a same-gender roommate from our group to share your cabin with. There is also the option for solo cabin availability on certain trips. Please send us a message about solo cabins if that’s your preference.
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Explore the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the polar regions with the best travel options tailored to your preferences.
With over 15 years of combined experience, our team of Polar Expedition Guides is dedicated to providing unforgettable polar journeys.
