14 Days
Full Day
Independent
___
Setting foot on Antarctica, known as the 7th Continent, is a rare achievement that few people accomplish in their lifetime. Even more extraordinary is the milestone reached when one crosses the iconic Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ S. This is often the pinnacle of the 14-day “Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition” itinerary, where passengers are treated daily to stunning views of ice formations, humpback whales accompanying the ship, leopard seals diving beneath Zodiacs, penguins leaping into crystalline waters from icebergs, and snow petrels gliding over the sea.
The journey is further enhanced aboard the Ultramarine, the first ship specifically designed for Polar Regions. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, 20 fast-launching Zodiacs, and superior luxury amenities, the Ultramarine offers the most extensive portfolio of off-ship adventure options in the industry, revolutionizing how guests experience Antarctica.
Antarctica has captivated explorers for centuries, and our expeditions provide an opportunity for you to understand this allure. We are thrilled to welcome you on this unforgettable adventure! Our team of Polar Travel Advisers is always available to answer your questions and assist you at any time.
Upon arrival in this cosmopolitan city, celebrated for its architectural beauty and strong European influences, you will make your own way to the group hotel. This initial night at the hotel is included as part of the mandatory transfer package.
Following an early breakfast at the hotel, your group will head to the airport to catch a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. After landing, you'll be shuttled from the airport to the heart of downtown, where you'll have some free time to explore the charming port town before heading to the pier. As the ship departs in the late afternoon, your voyage to Antarctica officially begins. You'll travel through the historic Beagle Channel, named after the renowned ship that carried Charles Darwin on his epic journey. This route offers excellent opportunities to capture photographs of the stunning landscapes and seabirds. From there, the channel leads into the Southern Ocean, setting the course toward Antarctica.
During your days at sea, you will be engaged with informative presentations from your Expedition Team, covering topics such as photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. Additionally, you can spend time on deck spotting wildlife or enjoy conversing with fellow passengers over a drink at the bar.
Upon arriving at the Antarctic Peninsula, most people are struck by an overwhelming sense of reverence and awe. The breathtaking vistas and pristine environment render the experience indescribable, illustrating why this remote region has fascinated explorers and travelers for so long. Each visit to Antarctica offers fresh surprises and discoveries, ensuring your expedition is truly one-of-a-kind and deeply personal. Daily Zodiac excursions will take you from your ship to explore the local bays, channels, and landing sites. With a focus on the rich wildlife, you’ll have opportunities to visit bustling penguin rookeries, observe 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 navigating the rugged Antarctic terrain, visiting a research station, or mingling with colonies of chinstrap, Adélie, and gentoo penguins, as well as five different seal species. Zodiac cruising brings you closer to the larger marine mammals, providing a more intimate perspective on the local wildlife. From days 5 to 7, you’ll also have the chance to engage in helicopter-supported adventures offered exclusively by Quark Expeditions, enhancing your experience with breathtaking aerial views of the continent. Your days will be filled with wildlife sightings and captivated by the incredible beauty of Antarctica. The sounds of icebergs cracking and glaciers crumbling will be your daily soundtrack, while penguins waddling along the shores provide constant entertainment. For those interested, heli flightseeing, sea kayaking, or paddle excursions are available on select voyages for an additional cost, offering even more ways to explore this extraordinary landscape.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is a remarkable experience and an extraordinary achievement, given that only a small number of travelers venture so far south. Should we manage to cross the famed latitude of 66°33' S, we will celebrate the pioneering explorers who first journeyed to these icy depths. You'll have the opportunity to raise a glass and take pride in reaching a part of the world seldom visited by others. This is the untouched wilderness of Antarctica, where the midnight sun shines, Weddell seals abound, and you are most likely to encounter sea ice, a critical component of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.
By this stage in your journey, you’ll be well-acquainted with Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins, and just as skilled in distinguishing between leopard, crabeater, and Weddell seals. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ will have seamlessly integrated into your vocabulary. Yet, the stories of Antarctica are far from over. As you navigate northward, your days will be packed with Zodiac excursions, offering continuous opportunities to spot any species of seabirds, seals, and whales you might have missed on your southward trek. Your Expedition Team will remain vigilant, enhancing your experience with their expertise and keen eyes.
As you cross back over the Drake Passage, Antarctica gradually disappears from view, but the memories you've created will stay with you forever. Engaging discussions with the friends you've made during the voyage will make the time pass quickly, no matter the weather or sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will also conclude their series of presentations, showcasing a slideshow of the shared adventures and remarkable wildlife encounters from your journey. This is a perfect opportunity to reflect on all the extraordinary experiences you’ve had.
Upon arriving in Ushuaia in the morning, you will disembark following breakfast. As part of the mandatory transfer package, you'll enjoy a brief tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park, giving you a taste of Patagonia's unique landscape and natural beauty. After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your group charter flight back to Buenos Aires.
Upon your arrival in Buenos Aires, you will proceed to the designated group hotel. A room for luggage weighing and tagging will be available from 12 pm to 8 pm, where a Quark Expeditions representative will be on hand to answer any questions and provide details about the upcoming flight and ship embarkation. After an early breakfast the next morning, your group will head to the airport to board a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. **Ushuaia and Embarkation** Once in Ushuaia, your mandatory transfer package includes some time to explore this charming port town. Additionally, depending on flight schedules, a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park may be organized either on the day of embarkation or disembarkation. **Embarkation** The group will be transferred to the ship for embarkation around 4 pm, setting the stage for the start of your journey.
**Disembarkation in Ushuaia** The ship is scheduled to dock at the pier in Ushuaia between 7 am and 8 am. After enjoying breakfast, you will say goodbye to your Expedition Team and proceed with the disembarkation process, which typically takes about one hour. Following disembarkation, the mandatory Buenos Aires hotel and transfer package includes a brief tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park before heading to the airport for the return charter flight to Buenos Aires. **Departing from Buenos Aires** Upon landing at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (also known as Ezeiza International Airport, EZE) around 5 pm, you may have the option to connect directly to your homeward flight. It is essential to allow at least three hours between the charter's arrival and your international departure. However, to avoid any potential scheduling stress, we recommend not booking any departing international flights before 9 pm. If you are continuing your travels within South America, ensure to verify your onward flight schedules before booking. Should you need to transfer from Ezeiza International Airport to Jorge Newbery Airport (also known as Aeroparque, AEP), located approximately an hour's drive away under normal traffic conditions, you have a few options. You can use the efficient Manuel Tienda León airport shuttle service, or opt for a remis—a pre-paid taxi available at the airport. Alternatively, your Polar Travel Adviser can arrange a private transfer for you. Given the possibility of traffic delays, we advise allowing at least five hours between flights if you need to transfer between Buenos Aires' airports. This extra time will help ensure you have enough buffer for transit, check-in, and security procedures. For the safest and most relaxed travel arrangement, consider booking an extra hotel night in Buenos Aires if your flights are scheduled on consecutive days. This additional night will provide flexibility and peace of mind as you conclude your travels.
Your included accommodation starts on Day 1 of your itinerary, with specific hotel details provided in your final voyage confirmation. If you plan to arrive before Day 1 or if you wish to extend your stay following disembarkation, please reach out to your preferred travel agent or Quark Expeditions for assistance with booking additional nights. Given the limited availability of accommodation, it is advisable to arrange any extra nights well in advance.
Airport transfers in Buenos Aires are not automatically included, but they can be arranged through a Polar Travel Adviser. To facilitate these arrangements, please provide your flight details to Quark Expeditions at least 30 days before your travel date. This advance notice will help ensure smooth coordination of your transfers.
**Ultramarine** Ultramarine, the latest addition to our fleet, redefines polar exploration by accessing some of the most remote areas of the Polar Regions, where very few have ventured. This state-of-the-art vessel is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, allowing for an unprecedented level of adventure beyond the ship. Guests aboard Ultramarine can enjoy a variety of amenities including two dining options: Balena and Bistro 487. The ship also features Tundra Spa, a sauna with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and spacious suites that provide ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Additionally, Ultramarine is designed with advanced sustainability systems that not only meet but exceed current industry standards. With its exceptional facilities and robust design, Ultramarine is crafted to offer guests the ultimate experience in polar expedition.
Member Since 2022
Leave a reply