12 Days
Full Day
Independent
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Antarctica stands as a remarkable destination, offering transformative experiences to those lucky enough to explore its vast natural beauty. For over thirty years, Quark Expeditions has specialized in providing life-changing journeys to the polar regions. We’ve discovered that tailoring each journey to the individual’s desires enhances the overall impact of the adventure. This guide is crafted to assist you in organizing the ideal visit to the 7th continent. Our team has developed personalized Antarctic journeys that align with your specific travel preferences, making them more fulfilling. This is evident in our 12-day Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent itinerary, which takes full advantage of helicopter tours aboard our latest vessel, Ultramarine, aimed at crafting your perfect polar venture. For centuries, Antarctica has captivated adventurers, and now it’s your opportunity to be inspired. Our expert polar expedition team will go above and beyond to ensure your trip is extraordinary and tailored to your preferences. We look forward to welcoming you on this unforgettable journey and encourage you to contact our Polar Travel Advisers anytime for information and support in planning your adventure.
As you land in this magnificent city, celebrated for its lively Argentine culture, European architectural styles, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, you will make your own way to your group hotel. This initial night at the hotel is part of the required transfer package included with your expedition.
After enjoying an early breakfast at the hotel, your group will head to the airport to catch a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Once you arrive, a transfer from the airport will take you to a central location in downtown Ushuaia, allowing you some time to independently explore this charming port town. Later, you'll proceed to the designated pier for a late afternoon embarkation. As you set sail, the journey takes you through the historic Beagle Channel, cutting through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago at the southernmost tip of South America. As the ship navigates these legendary waters, anticipation mounts for the forthcoming adventures in Antarctica!
Navigating the unpredictable and thrilling Drake Passage is an adventure in its own right. Under the attentive care of our expert onboard staff and leaders, you’ll have ample opportunity to look out over the open ocean, capture photos of seabirds gliding around the ship, and become acquainted with your Expedition Team and fellow adventurers.
After crossing the Drake Passage, your journey into the heart of Antarctica begins as the South Shetland Islands appear on the horizon. This marks the start of an expedition into a region that has enchanted explorers and travelers for centuries. Each visit to Antarctica presents unique experiences and discoveries, ensuring your adventure will be one-of-a-kind and tailored specifically to you. Throughout your expedition, you will embark on Zodiac excursions to explore the bays, channels, and landing sites of Antarctica. Emphasizing encounters with wildlife, you will visit bustling penguin rookeries, watch for humpback and minke whales, and seek out various species of seals including the elusive leopard seal. The stunning landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula will captivate you as you trek along snowy paths to viewpoints that offer sweeping panoramic vistas. Antarctica, a land of stark contrasts and extremes, will leave you feeling utterly isolated one moment and in awe of nature’s power the next—such as when a glacier calves into the vibrant blue sea right before your eyes, or when a curious penguin comes close to examine your shoes. The unexpected nature of expedition travel means that your itinerary is flexible, guided by the sea, ice, and weather conditions. This adaptable approach ensures that each day is optimized for discovery and learning, led by your experienced Expedition Team. While wildlife sightings are anticipated, they are never guaranteed, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability to your Antarctic adventure. This dynamic environment, from its serene silences to the lively disputes of penguins, will create lasting memories of this remote and extraordinary place.
The return voyage across the Drake Passage offers one last chance to savor the crisp air of the Southern Ocean. Take advantage of this time by standing on deck to watch for seabirds and keep an eye out for whales. Enjoy informative presentations given by your Expedition Team and take part in celebrations that recap the extraordinary experiences you've shared while discovering the stunning environment of Antarctica. This is a perfect opportunity to reflect on your journey and the incredible sights and sounds that have made this expedition unforgettable.
Upon arriving in Ushuaia in the morning, you will disembark following breakfast. Afterward, you will proceed to board your group charter flight back to Buenos Aires, marking the conclusion of your Antarctic journey.
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. Package price: $995 USD.
ARRIVE IN BUENOS AIRES Upon your arrival to Buenos Aires, you will head directly to the group hotel included in your package. A room for luggage weighing and tagging will be available from 12 pm to 8 pm, where a representative from Quark Expeditions will also be present to answer any questions you may have and provide details about the next day’s flight and the ship embarkation process. After enjoying an early breakfast the following morning, your group will transfer to the airport to board a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina—known as the southernmost city in the world. Ushuaia and Embarkation In Ushuaia, your mandatory transfer package includes some leisure time to explore this charming port town. Additionally, when flight schedules permit, you may have the opportunity to tour Tierra del Fuego National Park. This tour could be scheduled either on the day of embarkation or disembarkation, depending on timing. Embarkation At around 4 pm, the group will be transferred to the ship to begin your embarkation process. This marks the start of your journey towards the remote and breathtaking landscapes of Antarctica.
**Disembarkation in Ushuaia** Your ship is set to arrive back at the pier in Ushuaia between 7 am and 8 am. Following breakfast, you will say goodbye to your Expedition Team and proceed with the disembarkation process, which typically takes about one hour. **Departing from Buenos Aires** Upon your return to Buenos Aires, you will land at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (also known as Ezeiza International Airport, EZE) around 5 pm. If you are catching a homeward flight on the same day, ensure there is at least a three-hour interval between the charter’s arrival and your international flight's departure. However, it is advisable not to schedule any departing flights from Ezeiza before 9 pm. If your travel plans include further destinations within South America, verify your connection times before booking. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, should you need to transfer to the domestic airport, Jorge Newbery Airport (also known as Aeroparque, AEP), consider that this journey might take approximately one hour under normal traffic conditions. For airport transfers, you can opt for the Manuel Tienda León shuttle service or a remis—a pre-paid taxi service available within the airport. Alternatively, your Polar Travel Adviser can arrange a private transfer for you. Given the potential for traffic delays, it is recommended to allow at least five hours between flights if you are transferring between Buenos Aires’ international and domestic airports. This will give you sufficient time for transit, check-in, and security procedures. For the safest and most relaxed travel arrangement, booking an additional hotel night in Buenos Aires after your voyage is highly recommended, particularly if your travel schedule includes different airports on the same day.
Your included accommodation starts on Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific hotel details will be provided in your final voyage confirmation. If you plan to arrive before the official start of your expedition or wish to extend your stay beyond the disembarkation day, you can seek assistance for booking additional nights either through your preferred travel agent or directly with Quark Expeditions. They can offer a range of hotel options tailored to your needs. As hotel availability can be limited, especially during peak travel seasons, it's advisable to arrange any extra nights well in advance to secure your preferred accommodations.
Airport transfers in Buenos Aires are not automatically included in your travel package. However, a Polar Travel Adviser is available to arrange these transfers for you upon request. To facilitate this service, please ensure that you provide your flight details to Quark Expeditions no later than 30 days before your travel date. This advance notice helps in organizing smooth transfers to and from the airport, tailored to your specific flight schedules.
ULTRAMARINE The newest ship in our fleet, Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to immerse guests in parts of the Polar Regions where few humans have ever set foot. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, Ultramarine offers the most off-ship adventure activities in the industry. Guests can enjoy two restaurants (Balena and Bistro 487), Tundra Spa, a sauna-with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious suites and abundant wildlife-viewing spaces. Ultramarine also features advanced sustainability systems—which exceed all industry standards. Ultramarine is perfectly designed to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.
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