Antarctica Itineraries

• Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica
• Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
• Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!

• Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica
• Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
• Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!

• Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica
• Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
• Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!

The classic Antarctica voyage with an adventure twist. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the world’s most pristine and unforgettable natural environments, and participate in extra activities every day. Each day the expedition team offers a variety of activities, including kayaking, mountaineering, hiking, zodiac cruising, photography workshop, snowshoeing & camping.  The ship will stay at one landing site for an extended period to allow for more in-depth exploration of the area. The trip will be highlighted by penguins, seals and whales accompanying the ship during your journey along the Antarctic coast.  Your first steps on the continent will be unforgettable as you visit breathtaking sights and historic places.

In brief:

• Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica who are interested in extra activities
• Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
• Participate in kayaking, camping, mountaineering & more!
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
• Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales, birds

• Extend your time in Antarctica and make landings in less frequented sites south of the Antarctic Circle;
• Incredible icebergs
• Millions of penguins – Adélie, gentoo, chinstrap
• 5 species of seals – crabeater, Weddell, leopard, fur and southern elephant
• Whales – humpback, minke, orca
• Visit historic research stations in the area of Marguerite Bay

• Explore the world’s seventh continent on the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and on foot.
• Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife with an expert team of lecturers.
• See the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, often referred to as ‘the Galapagos of the South’. This includes more than 30 species of breeding birds, including four species of Penguin.
• Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages on South Georgia and pause for a moment at his graveside.
• Explore the quaint, British town of Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
• On board lecturers and educational presentations from Polar Specialists.

• Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica
• Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
• Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!

• Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica
• Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
• Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!

Like the ‘Antarctica Classic’, this 13-day expedition will introduce you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, and offers you two additional days to explore the Peninsula.

The In-Depth itinerary allows you to explore less-visited sites on the Peninsula and to become even more fully immersed in the Antarctic experience. Encounter leopard seals lazing on ice floes and immense rookeries of penguins surrounded by towering glaciers. Expert expedition staff guides and lecturers offer knowledge and insights that really bring the nature and history of the region to life and serve to create an adventure of a lifetime.

Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries. And this expedition offers you the chance to discover why, with an unforgettable journey through the spectacular wilderness of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll encounter a world where nature creates the rules, her unpredictable temperament making each trip unique, exciting and personal.

Imagine cruising in a Zodiac through crackling sea ice like shattered glass, witnessing penguins building their nests, or navigating through a maze of icebergs, each one uniquely shaped by its journey through the sea. You’ll enjoy iconic Antarctic highlights, exhilarating adventures and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.

This voyage starts in Buenos Aires, with a hotel night included. One day 2, take a charter flight with your shipmates to the Southernmost City in the World. Embark in the afternoon and begin your adventure south to Antarctica!

• Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica;
• Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula;
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists; and
• Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!
• Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango capital of the world, and let us take care of the rest of the journey

Like the ‘Antarctica Classic’, this 13-day expedition will introduce you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula during the pristine Antarctic spring, and offers you two additional days to explore the Peninsula.

Anticipate exciting ice navigation on the ship and be among the first to visit many of the well known sites this season. What makes this journey so special is the enhanced program of off-ship activities available. Taking advantage of the optimal snow conditions in November, this voyage offers a range of additional activities which complement the already busy schedule. For those with some experience, back-country ski touring is offered. Snow-shoeing is another exciting option with maximum snow coverage and hard packed base. The expedition also plans to camp ashore at least one night and a full day ‘field photography’ workshop. All this is complemented with an exceptional series of onboard presentations, led by adventurers, marine biologists, naturalists, historians and a resident photography professional.

Expedition cruising in Antarctica is by its very nature an exploratory experience. Ice and weather conditions often dictate our planned route. Along with this, we are always opportunistic, stopping when we encounter a pod of whales, or when a gigantic tabular iceberg looms into view. This exciting itinerary includes two extra days of exploration down in Antarctica compared to a classic 10-night voyage. This allows us to visit additional landing sites, or to linger a little longer at some of our favorite locations. In practical terms, you will spend 25% more time down among the ice, when compared to a traditional 10-night itinerary. This equals more time on shore, more time in the Zodiacs and more time spent in the company of our expert guides. What’s not to like about that?

As with all of our voyages, a comprehensive range of activities will be offered covering all interests. These include short and longer walks on shore, visits to wildlife colonies, Zodiac cruising amongst icebergs looking for seals and whales, photographic excursions, exploring historic sites and possibly a working science station. For the more adventurous, sea kayaking is a wonderful way to discover Antarctica and, if weather conditions permit, why not spend the night camping on shore? Back on board the ship, you will enjoy informative presentations and lively discussions, great company and a relaxing atmosphere. If you relish the concept of true ‘exploratory cruising’ and appreciate the idea of a few extra days of discovery – this could be the ideal Antarctic voyage.

• Experience the Solar Eclipse in the South Orkney Islands with an expert astronomer
• Explore the unique beauty of Patagonia, Antarctica and the Falkland Islands
• Great opportunities to see wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more
• Exciting ice-cruising and landing activities led by our expert Expedition Team

• Experience the unique beauty of Patagonia, Antarctica and the Falkland Islands
• Possible landing at legendary Cape Horn
• Great chances to see wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more
• Exciting ice-cruising and landing activities led by our expert Expedition Team

The classic Antarctica voyage with an adventure twist. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the world’s most pristine and unforgettable natural environments, and participate in extra activities every day. Each day the expedition team offers a variety of activities, including kayaking, mountaineering, hiking, zodiac cruising, photography workshop, snowshoeing & camping.  The ship will stay at one landing site for an extended period to allow for more in-depth exploration of the area. The trip will be highlighted by penguins, seals and whales accompanying the ship during your journey along the Antarctic coast.  Your first steps on the continent will be unforgettable as you visit breathtaking sights and historic places.

In brief:

• Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica who are interested in extra activities
• Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
• Participate in kayaking, camping, mountaineering & more!
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
• Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales, birds

Discover the dramatic fjords, glaciers and peaks of southern Chile.

We make our way north through a vast network of deep fjords and channels, occasionally venturing out to the Pacific Ocean as we navigate towards Valparaiso – Chile’s historic deep-sea port.

• Extend your time in Antarctica and make landings in less frequented sites south of the Antarctic Circle;
• Incredible icebergs
• Millions of penguins – Adélie, gentoo, chinstrap
• 5 species of seals – crabeater, Weddell, leopard, fur and southern elephant
• Whales – humpback, minke, orca
• Visit historic research stations in the area of Marguerite Bay

• Extend your time in Antarctica and make landings in less frequented sites south of the Antarctic Circle;
• Incredible icebergs
• Millions of penguins – Adélie, gentoo, chinstrap
• 5 species of seals – crabeater, Weddell, leopard, fur and southern elephant
• Whales – humpback, minke, orca
• Visit historic research stations in the area of Marguerite Bay

This voyage starts in Buenos Aires, with a hotel night included. One day 2, take a charter flight with your shipmates to the Southernmost City in the World. Embark in the afternoon and begin your adventure south to Antarctica!

This is the most in-depth “do-it-all” voyage: explore the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica, all the way south of 66 degrees south. Explore Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, with a convenient charter flight in between, before embarking on the cruise portion of your once in a lifetime adventure. In this diverse expedition, you’ll experience the spectacular flora and fauna of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) before immersing yourself in the unique history and exquisite, rare wildlife of South Georgia.

Whether you’re visiting Antarctic research stations, witnessing a sudden minke whale breach from your Zodiac, sharing a magical moment with king penguins, or celebrating crossing the Antarctic Circle with like-minded travelers and crew, you’ll know this experience will live on in you forever.

• Explore the world’s seventh continent on the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and on foot;
• Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife with an expert team of lecturers;
• See the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, often referred to as “the Galapagos of the South.” This includes more than 30 species of breeding birds, including four species of penguin;
• Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages on South Georgia and pause for a moment at his graveside;
• Explore the quaint, British town of Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands;
• Crossing of the Antarctic Circle; and
• On board lecturers and educational presentations from Polar specialists.

For those who are limited by time but want a taste of Antarctica, this is the voyage for you.  Experience the best of both worlds with one-way cruise and one-way flight, from Ushuaia and ending in Punta Arenas, Chile. This voyage adds in the bonus of a landing on mythical Cape Horn, if conditions allow. Experience the southernmost reaches of the world in an “express” version.

• Explore the world’s seventh continent on the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and on foot.
• Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife with an expert team of lecturers.
• See the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, often referred to as ‘the Galapagos of the South’. This includes more than 30 species of breeding birds, including four species of Penguin.
• Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages on South Georgia and pause for a moment at his graveside.
• Explore the quaint, British town of Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
• On board lecturers and educational presentations from Polar Specialists.

Rich in history and home to astoundingly diverse and abundant wildlife, South Georgia is often called the Galapagos of the Poles. This epic expedition to remote lands traversed by the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton gives adventurous travelers the unparalleled opportunity to explore this wildlife paradise and the equally unspoiled and storied Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) in great depth.

Immersed in this spectacular setting, you’ll enjoy unforgettable encounters with historically significant sites and unique wildlife unafraid of humans. Come face to face with thousands of curious king penguins and a sea of fur and elephant seals, blanketing beaches nestled below towering snow-capped mountains. Here, your days will be devoted to experiencing one of the last untamed places on the planet, mesmerized by the magnificent beauty of these rugged and pristine landscapes and the wildlife that call them home.

Summer comes to South Georgia’s remote, untamed landscape like a freight train. Famed for its abandoned whaling stations and Shackleton’s heroic journey, South Georgia is home to millions of fur seals and penguins, wallows of elephant seals, and nesting albatross. We arrive at the breeding cycle peak, as chicks become juveniles, parents shuttle fish and seal pups thrill with mock charges. Retracing Shackleton’s boat voyage, we visit Elephant Island before continuing south along the Antarctic Peninsula. Days remain long, and filled with humpback and minke whales, penguins and leopard seals, historic sites and scientific stations

Voyage Highlights
Antarctica
• Explore the most accessible and wildlife-rich region of Antarctica
• Daily shore visits and Zodiac cruises offer close encounters with penguins, whales, seals and sea birds
• Visit historic research huts and working scientific stations
• Be surrounded by massive icebergs and cruise past ancient glaciers
• Enjoy the pristine beauty and vast landscapes
• Witness the endless sunlight of the midnight sun
• Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife from our expert team
• Kayakers will glide through narrow sheltered waterways and fjords, paddle amongst ice floes and drift quietly alongside wildlife

South Georgia
• Witness the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, one of the greatest wildlife concentrations on the planet
• Visit some of the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and search for wandering albatross on nests
• See beaches thick with elephant and fur seals
• Cruise past Elephant Island’s dramatic north coast (weather permitting)
• Trace the final leg of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous journey from Fortuna Bay to Stromness
• Pay your respects to the great explorer at a visit to his gravesite at Grytviken

Summer comes to South Georgia’s remote, untamed landscape like a freight train. Famed for its abandoned whaling stations and Shackleton’s heroic journey, South Georgia is home to millions of fur seals and penguins, wallows of elephant seals, and nesting albatross. We arrive at the breeding cycle peak, as chicks become juveniles, parents shuttle fish and seal pups thrill with mock charges. Retracing Shackleton’s boat voyage, we visit Elephant Island before continuing south along the Antarctic Peninsula. Days remain long, and filled with humpback and minke whales, penguins and leopard seals, historic sites and scientific stations

Voyage Highlights
South Georgia

• Witness the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, one of the greatest wildlife concentrations on the planet
• Visit some of the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and search for wandering albatross on nests
• See beaches thick with elephant and fur seals
• Cruise past Elephant Island’s dramatic north coast (weather permitting)
• Trace the final leg of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous journey from Fortuna Bay to Stromness
• Pay your respects to the great explorer at a visit to his gravesite at Grytviken

Antarctica

• Explore the most accessible and wildlife-rich region of Antarctica
• Daily shore visits and Zodiac cruises offer close encounters with penguins, whales, seals and sea birds
• Visit historic research huts and working scientific stations
• Cruise past massive icebergs and ancient glaciers
• Enjoy the pristine beauty and vast landscapes
• Witness the endless sunlight of the midnight sun
• Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife from our expert team
• Kayakers will glide through narrow sheltered waterways and fjords, paddle amongst ice floes and drift quietly alongside wildlife

During this once-in-a-lifetime experience, journey to the bottom of the world—cruising past masses of dense ice and thick, tabular icebergs—aboard the legendary icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov. True to the explorer spirit, this exclusive Antarctic adventure, last offered by Quark Expeditions in 2010, is your chance to be a part of polar history. You’ll have the rare opportunity to observe one of the most spectacular sights in the wild: the elusive emperor penguin colony off the coast of Snow Hill Island, whose existence was first confirmed in 1997, and to which the first ground visit was conducted by Quark in 2004.

Imagine flying in a helicopter to the vicinity of this astounding rookery, then walking across the sea ice to come within several feet of chicks so young they’re huddling with their parents. Watch in awe as these extraordinary creatures toboggan across the ice on their way to the ocean to dive for food. If you’re lucky, some may even approach you! An experience like no other, it’s like a wildlife documentary come to life.

In brief:

• Experience thousands of pairs of emperor penguins—including chicks—in their natural habitat
• View other iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as whales, seals and seabirds
• Travel aboard the legendary Kapitan Khlebnikov, the storied icebreaker and the only vessel to circumnavigate Antarctica twice
• Cross the famous Drake Passage on your way to explore the Snow Hill emperor colony
• Enjoy helicopter sightseeing and Zodiac cruising for a unique perspective of the Antarctic Peninsula

Enjoy Antarctica in style — by flying and then cruising south of the Antarctic Circle! For those who don’t have the time or are not interested in cruising across the Drake Passage, this is the trip for you. Take a three-hour flight over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, landing you on one of the most spectacular places on earth: the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and remotest continent – Antarctica. This trip takes you in-depth on the White Continent to explore below 66 degrees south. Prepare for incredible ice, curious wildlife and an adventure of a lifetime.

Want to fly one Drake Passage and cruise the other? Check out the Fly & Cruise the Drake itineraries.

With its enormous King Penguin colonies, historic sites of Antarctic exploration and dramatic glaciated scenery, there is nowhere else quite like South Georgia on Earth. While elephant seals sunbathe on volcanic beaches, albatross circle overhead and the remnants of whaling stations tell the stories of sailors past. This expedition will see the dramatic highlights of the South Georgia archipelago before turning south to explore the wildlife-abundant wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula. Whether a history buff, wildlife enthusiast or keen photographer, this adventure – journeying from South America to the sub-Antarctic and then the vast white continent itself – is the ultimate voyage to experience it all. After a day of hiking and local cuisine in the picturesque seaside town of Ushuaia Argentina, the Ocean Endeavour will sail east. A few sea days will introduce you to the ocean ecology, rare seabirds and dramatic skies of the Southern Ocean before the horizon is interrupted by the dramatic peaks of South Georgia.

Sir Ernest Shackleton at his grave in Grytviken will set the tone for a truly exploratory voyage as we venture through the archipelago, turn south again for open seas and follow the whales to the Antarctic Peninsula for four full days of activities among ice and snow.

At sea, photograph massive albatross and pintado petrel as they swoop and soar around the ship, guiding us toward South Georgia. Beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals greet us on this fabled island, where we’ll pay our respects to famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Antarctica awaits, with its geographic contradictions and overwhelming enormity. Relax on a Zodiac ride, hike glistening glaciers, share comical moments with inquisitive penguins, or witness the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak. Antarctica will surprise and delight, and never disappoint.

Expedition in Brief:
• Experience the quintessential wildlife experience of the “Galapagos of the Poles”
• Visit South Georgia’s king penguin rookeries – the largest in the world
• Reflect at the resting place of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton
• Visit abandoned whaling stations and learn stories of inhabitants who called this island home
• Enjoy on-board lecturers and educational presentations from polar specialists
• Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango capital of the world, and let us take care of the rest of the journey

Antarctic adventures are best enjoyed midsummer, when near-midnight sun powers an explosion of life along the shore and brightens the thought of camping out, early alpine climbing starts or extended kayaking trips. Penguin highways are busy with traffic as parents hurry to fatten chicks and waterways are alive with whales and seals. We visit historic sites and step onto the most spectacular continent on Earth.

Voyage Highlights
Antarctica
• Explore the most accessible and wildlife-rich region of Antarctica
• Daily shore visits and Zodiac cruises offer close encounters with penguins, whales, seals and sea birds
• Visit historic research huts and working scientific stations
• Be surrounded by massive icebergs and cruise past ancient glaciers
• Enjoy the pristine beauty and vast landscapes
• Witness the endless sunlight of the midnight sun
• Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife from our expert team
• Sleep like an Antarctica explorer and camp on the ice! (weather permitting)
• Kayakers will glide through narrow sheltered waterways and fjords, paddle amongst ice floes and drift quietly alongside wildlife.

This extended expedition encompasses the wildlife paradise of South Georgia, the remote Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), as well as the extraordinary beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll experience a great diversity of environments and landscapes, which will provide unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities.

In brief:

• Explore the world’s seventh continent on the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and on foot.
• Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife with an expert team of lecturers.
• See the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, often referred to as ‘the Galapagos of the South’. This includes more than 30 species of breeding birds, including four species of Penguin.
• Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages on South Georgia and pause for a moment at his graveside.
• Explore the quaint, British town of Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
• On board lecturers and educational presentations from Polar Specialists.

This exciting expedition provides great diversity and will appeal to those seeking a truly comprehensive Antarctic experience. It includes visits to the South Shetland Islands, the western and northern sections of the Antarctic Peninsula, the stunning Weddell Sea region, and the historic location of Elephant Island – a place forever connected to the epic story of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Adding to the experience will be a visit to several locations in the Falkland Islands, including the homes of nesting albatross and the colorful King penguin. Throughout the voyage, our expedition ship acts as a floating wilderness lodge, which we reposition every day to yet another exciting location. You will be spoiled for choice by all of the activities we have planned.

We maximize our time on this voyage by flying from South America to Antarctica, saving a two day crossing of the Drake Passage. A further day and a half is saved by flying back to South America at the end of the voyage. The time saved by flying allows us to spend maximum time exploring the magnificent Antarctic. You can expect to be off the ship exploring for nine out of the twelve days This voyage is unique and has been designed for those who want the most in-depth Antarctic experience possible.

This is the ultimate Cape to Cape voyage. The voyage starts in the Argentinian city Ushuaia, and we will sail through the Beagle Channel to open sea. During this ocean voyage to Cape Town we will visit the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha, the most remote island in the world. We will set course across the Atlantic Ocean and sail every day.

The Southern Ocean is known for its tumultous character, where names as “Roaring Fourties”, “Furious Fifties” and “Screaming Sixties” refer to the challanges in the souther latitudes. Between the different stops there will be sailing for around 10 days, in which there is time to experience the sailing life, including watch keeping, navigating and sail handling.