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Begin your Antarctic adventure in Buenos Aires, then fly south to Ushuaia, where you’ll board your ship and sail through the Beagle Channel. Cross the legendary Drake Passage, spotting seabirds and whales along the way, before entering the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore the ice-choked Weddell Sea, with potential helicopter landings and Zodiac cruises around Madder Cliffs, Brown Bluff, Devil Island, Paulet Island, and Joinville Island. Witness Adélie penguins, historic huts, geological formations, and fossil-rich sites near James Ross Island. Weather permitting, enjoy flightseeing over Livingston Island and visit the volcanic landscapes of Deception Island. Conclude your voyage back in Ushuaia, with a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park, then fly to Buenos Aires.
Upon arriving in this cosmopolitan city, much celebrated for its architecture and rich European heritage, 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 enjoy 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.
Crossing the legendary 800-km stretch of water is a must-do for many travelers. Prepare yourself for dramatic seascapes as you stand on the deck of Ultramarine and gaze at the water stretching beyond the distant horizon. Be on the lookout fo dolphins, whales, and seabirds, especially albatrosses, petrels and skuas as they glide over the sometimes rough waters. As the ship approaches the Antarctic Peninsula, keep your eyes peeled for your first glimpse of towering, multi-shaped icebergs.
Today we cross the Antarctic Convergence, moving into the biological Antarctic, where the warmer waters of the sub-Antarctic meet the cold Antarctic. 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.
Helicopter operations in Antarctica are acutely weather-dependent. We have designed this itinerary so we can spend time each day in stunning locations that allow us to enjoy helicopter opportunities if the weather allows and, alternately, to maximize your experience of Antarctic wildlife, ice and landscapes when flying conditions are not favorable. Each day on the Antarctic Peninsula will showcase the flexibility and technical prowess of our industry-leading expedition team, pilots and crew.
As Ultramarine gains access to the Antarctic Peninsula, our team will look for opportunities to experience Antarctica beyond the coast and over the expansive glacial terrain of the last great wilderness.
Together, Antarctic Sound, Erebus and Terror Gulf, northwestern Weddell Sea are the theater of this venture. Initially we plan to sail into Antarctic Sound where we will visit two towering geological features:
Madder Cliffs on Joinville Island, and Brown Bluff on the most northerly tip of the Antarctic Continent. Our goal is to visit large Adélie penguin colonies in this area by Zodiac. Gentoo penguins and seals also frequently roam this coast. There will be time to marvel at the impressive topography, namely the 678 meter (2,225-foot) volcanic rock cliffs at Brown Bluff- though, if weather allows, we may pivot from our marine operations and embark on our first flightseeing experience of the voyage. What you will have just seen from sea, you will now experience from the sky as you gaze over the vastness of Antarctica with the perspective of a snow petrel.
Continuing through Antarctic Sound and into Erebus and Terror Gulf, located on the tip of the southeast side of the Antarctic Peninsula, Ultramarine will be positioned to maximize both helicopter and Zodiac excursions. The James Ross
Island group, which comprises several Islands, offers myriad opportunities to explore historically relevant sites that were discovered by the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04. Upon landing, we plan to hike to a summit to view an Adélie penguin colony, as well as the northern Weddell Sea. If the tide is low, there may be grounded bergs in the shallow waters— a surreal sight you’re unlikely to encounter on many polar expeditions. These islands, highly valued for their geological significance, are home to fossil finds, ventifacts (ancient rocks polished smooth over time by wind and grains of sand) and the remains of the KT Boundary, which marks the transition between the Cretaceous Period (dinosaurs and reptiles) and the Tertiary Period (mammals). Our goal is to provide opportunities for you to see ventifacts up close, to better appreciate the significance of wind erosion-by sand or ice particles— over long periods of time. These ventifacts provide valuable information about the climatic history and prevailing wind patterns of the region.
As already mentioned, atmospheric conditions influence when and where we fly-on any day of our voyage-at any of the superb locations in the region.
When not flying, we’ll shift our focus from geology to wildlife. For instance, we could Zodiac cruise to Devil Island and head out on a hike that will allow participants to appreciate the twin towering cones of ash and hardened lava that rises from a bay on the north shore of Vega Island. Alternatively, we may aim for renowned Paulet Island, home to one of the largest Adélie penguin rookeries in the area, as well as the historic hut built by members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04. A cross marks the grave site of Ole Wennersgaard, a member of the crew.
Another potential destination for helicopter operations includes the dramatic headland on the northeastern tip of Joinville island. One of the first features you’ll see as we approach the island by air is, of course, the distinct rocky headland sticking out of the rugged, icy landscape.
This prominent landmark has proven useful for navigation and exploration over the years.
Expect a dramatic finale to the helicopter-focused segment of the expedition as we prepare to return back across the Drake Passage. While our team has devised multiple back-up plans-crucial on any polar expedition- our ultimate goal at this point is a heli flightseeing excursion to Livingston Island, home of the most spectacular mountains of the South Shetland Islands. Among the towering peaks you’ll see from air are the Tangra Mountains (stretching 32 kilometres long by 8.5 kilometres wide), Mount Friesland (rising to 1,700 metres/ 5,578 feet) , Bowles Ridge and Pliska Ridge (667 metres/2,188 feet).
Another landing option is Deception Island. Along with waddling penguins and lounging seals, you can also see the rusting remnants of long-ago whaling operations on the beach. The landscape of Deception Island often presents opportunities for longer walks to striking vistas. The stark contrast between snow and dark volcanic sand, and the geothermic steam along the shoreline gives this location an atmospheric feel.
Take some time, as we journey back across the 800-kilometer Drake Passage, to relax after your off-ship adventures.
Ultramarine is home to Tundra Spa, where you can book a soothing facial treatment or massage. Additionally, you can also relax in the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows that keep you connected to the polar seas while you rejuvenate indoors.
Your polar learning isn’t over. Join our on-board experts as they continue to share their vast polar expertise through scheduled presentations in our Ambassador Theater. The state-of-the-art, high-resolution LED screen wall in the main theater ensures high-definition viewing of presentations from your Expedition Team from any angle. This is an excellent opportunity to ask any lingering questions you have about any aspect of your Antarctic experiences.
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast.
The mandatory transfer package includes a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park for a taste of Patagonia, after which you’ll transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
For all voyages:
• An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
• One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)
• 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
• Complimentary select beer, wines and select 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
• 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
Your Charter Flight and Hotel 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.)
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
• Basic complimentary Wi-Fi does not include Premium packages (for data-intensive apps)
• 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.
Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by our world-class onboard polar experts—expedition guides, specialists, photography guides and other special guests who will introduce you to the fascinating history, biology, ornithology, glaciology and geology of the region, and much, much more.
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.
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.
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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.
MORE INFORMATION
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.
