14 Days
Full Day
Independent
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Antarctica is a land of breathtaking immersive adventures and stunning polar landscapes. Quark Expeditions provides numerous ways to tailor your journey, ensuring you can plan the ideal expedition to the 7th Continent. This guide is crafted to help you pinpoint your interests and start organizing your perfect adventure.
Our 14-day Crossing the Circle voyage offers an in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula and the opportunity to travel beyond the iconic Antarctic Circle, a rare achievement. This expedition not only takes you to the bustling penguin colonies, majestic glaciers, and historic sites of the Peninsula but also south of 66°33′ S. Here, you’ll encounter more wildlife and the profound tranquility of remote, untouched landscapes. Customize your adventure with various options to truly make this expedition your own and tick the 7th Continent off your bucket list in a way that resonates with you.
For centuries, Antarctica has inspired explorers, and our expeditions aim to show you why. We look forward to welcoming you on an unforgettable journey. Our team of Polar Travel Advisers is always ready to assist you with any questions and help you prepare for your adventure.
Your adventure starts in Ushuaia, a lively port town situated at the southernmost tip of South America. Known as the gateway to the Antarctic, this Argentine town also offers a perfect opportunity to explore the southern reaches of Patagonia before embarking on your journey. Take the time to enjoy outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains or indulge in handcrafted chocolate at a local café.
As your ship departs in the late afternoon, your journey to Antarctica commences, navigating through the historic Beagle Channel. Named after the famous ship that carried Charles Darwin on his voyages, the channel offers spectacular opportunities for photography, featuring stunning landscapes and a variety of seabirds. As you progress, the Beagle Channel merges into the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean, leading you toward the icy wonders of Antarctica.
During your sea days, you'll be engaged with enriching presentations from your Expedition Team, covering topics such as photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. Additionally, you'll have plenty of opportunities to spend time on deck, scanning the horizon for wildlife or enjoying conversations with fellow travelers over a drink at the bar.
Upon reaching the Antarctic Continent, the most common reaction is one of reverence and awe. Words can't fully capture the experience, as few places remain as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You'll come to understand why this region has captivated explorers and travelers for centuries. Each visit to Antarctica brings new and unexpected discoveries, ensuring your expedition will be unique and deeply personal. Every day, you'll embark on Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels, and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront, you'll visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for various southern seal species, including the elusive leopard seal. Your Expedition Team will guide and support you at every landing, whether you're exploring the Antarctic terrain, visiting a historic research base, or mingling with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie, and gentoo penguins inhabit this region, along with five different species of seals. Zodiac and ship cruising also offer the chance to see larger marine mammals, like Antarctic minke and humpback whales, up close. Each day and excursion will introduce you to a new array of wildlife, keeping your camera busy. Your days will be filled with wildlife spotting and marveling at Antarctica's astounding beauty. Listening to the crackling and crumbling of icebergs and glaciers, and watching penguins waddle along the beach, will become daily entertainment. Optional activities such as sea kayaking, paddle excursions, and camping are available on select voyages for an additional cost.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is a remarkable experience and a significant achievement, given that only a select few travelers venture this far south. Should conditions permit crossing the famed latitude of 66°33' S, we will celebrate the pioneering explorers who first journeyed to these remote parts. You'll have the opportunity to raise a glass in honor of this milestone, taking pride in reaching a region visited by so few. This is the untouched Antarctica, where the midnight sun illuminates the sky, Weddell seals abound, and you are most likely to encounter sea ice, a vital component of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.
At this point, you should be familiar with Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins to the extent that you can distinguish between leopard, crabeater, and Weddell seals. Phrases such as 'bergy bits' and 'pancake ice' will integrate into your language, but there are still numerous narratives awaiting discovery. As you journey northward, Zodiac outings will occupy your time, while the Expedition Team remains vigilant for seabirds, seals, and whales that may have escaped your notice during your southern expedition.
While crossing the Drake Passage once more, Antarctica gradually recedes into the distance, leaving you with a treasure trove of unforgettable memories. Engaging discussions with your newfound companions will help pass the time during the journey, no matter the weather or sea conditions. Meanwhile, the Expedition Team will conclude their informative presentations with a slideshow showcasing the adventures and wildlife encountered throughout your voyage. Take a moment to ponder and appreciate all that you've encountered thus far.
Today marks the farewell to your Expedition Team and fellow adventurers. You'll disembark in the morning, either to catch your flights back home or to embark on further adventures independently.
Upon your arrival in Ushuaia, which can be at any time on Day 1 according to your itinerary, you'll find yourself in a captivating destination worth exploring. It's highly recommended to arrive a day or two before your expedition to soak in the charms of Ushuaia. Once you provide us with your arrival details, we'll make arrangements for a smooth transfer from the airport to your hotel. During your optional pre-departure briefing on Day 1 at 6 pm, a representative from Quark Expeditions will be available in the lobby of your hotel in Ushuaia to address any queries you may have. Regarding the embarkation process, on the morning of Day 2, your luggage will be collected from the hotel lobby, transported to the ship, and safely stored in your cabin. Embarkation onto the ship will typically take place around 4 pm on Day 2 of your itinerary. You and your fellow travelers will gather at a designated area near the pier and then board waiting buses for transfer to the ship. Details about embarkation will be provided in your Ushuaia hotel and discussed during the optional pre-departure meeting on Day 1.
Upon arrival at the pier in Ushuaia, typically between 7 am and 8 am, your journey with us will draw to a close. You'll say your farewells to the Expedition Team, fellow travelers, and newfound friends before commencing with your disembarkation process, which usually takes around an hour to complete. Please keep in mind that arrival times may be subject to change due to weather conditions, and occasional adjustments to airline schedules can occur in Argentina. To ensure a smooth transition, we advise booking your return flight from Ushuaia for as late in the day as possible, or for a date after the conclusion of your expedition. It's crucial to avoid booking a flight departing before 11 am on the day your expedition ends, as this could pose a risk of missing your flight. Our Quark Expeditions staff in Ushuaia will take care of reconfirming your domestic flight 48 hours prior to disembarkation, provided that you provide your flight details to our team in advance. This ensures that your journey home proceeds as seamlessly as possible.
Your included accommodation begins on Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific hotel will be confirmed in your final voyage details. In Ushuaia, accommodations typically fall within the mid-range category, and availability can be limited. While we cannot guarantee a particular property, we most commonly secure rooms at Hotel Las Lengas, Hotel Los Acebos, and Albatros Hotel. If you plan to arrive before Day 1 of your expedition or extend your stay beyond the disembarkation day and require assistance with booking additional nights, please reach out to your preferred travel agent or Quark Expeditions for hotel options. Given the limited availability of accommodations, it's advisable to request any extra nights as early as possible.
For your convenience, a group transfer from the airport to your pre-expedition hotel in Ushuaia is included on Day 1 of your itinerary. On the final day of your itinerary, a group departure transfer from the ship to the airport is provided. If your flight is scheduled for later in the day, you have the option to transfer to our luggage storage facility instead, allowing you to explore further activities in Ushuaia independently. Please note that access to luggage storage is available until 6 pm on the disembarkation day only. If you opt out of the included transfer or if you are departing from Ushuaia after the disembarkation day, you will need to arrange your own transfer to the airport. To ensure smooth transfers, we kindly request that you provide your flight details to Quark Expeditions at least 30 days before your travel date. This allows us to organize your transfers efficiently.
The Ocean Adventurer has long been a beloved choice among both guests and crew, thanks to its nimble design and ample amenities. With plentiful outdoor deck space, cozy social areas, an outdoor jacuzzi, and the intimate atmosphere of a 128-passenger vessel, it offers a memorable experience. Several years ago, the Ocean Adventurer underwent a significant multimillion-dollar renovation, resulting in a refreshed appearance throughout the ship. The lounge, dining room, and bar were completely remodeled, while all cabins received upgraded bathroom facilities. Additionally, six deluxe cabins and three suites were added to enhance guest comfort. Notable technical upgrades included the installation of two new Rolls-Royce engines, improving speed, fuel efficiency, and reducing the vessel's carbon footprint.
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