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.

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

Get the full Antarctic experience with one Drake Passage crossing, but save a day and fly the other way. Take advantage of the most direct way to Antarctica with a short three-hour flight that takes you to the white continent where you will enjoy everything the Antarctic has to offer. Immense penguin rookeries and icy landscapes await your arrival. Get the best of both Ushuaia, Argentina and Punta Arenas, Chile. If you would rather fly over the Drake both ways from Punta Arenas, Chile, check out the Classic Air Cruise itinerary.

In Brief:

• The speed and convenience of a flight to Antarctica
• The excitement of one Drake Passage crossing
• In-depth Antarctic Peninsula exploration
• 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.

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. Depart from Uruguay capital Montevideo, saving one flight to Ushuaia and adding three days of education and experience onboard. 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.
• Experience Montevideo before embarkation.

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.

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. Depart from Puerto Madryn, Argentina, a growing Peninsula Valdes town with whale watching and penguin viewing. This trip saves one flight to Ushuaia and adds two days of education and experience onboard en route to the Falkland Islands. 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.
• Experience Puerto Madryn before embarkation.

This remote stretch of the Antarctic Peninsula is visited for just a few short months each year. From January onwards, seasonal ice conditions give us our best chance of achieving our objective – crossing the Antarctic Circle. Here we witness expansive landscapes, sizable Adelie penguin rookeries and we hope to see the large tabular icebergs that have drifted north from the Bellingshausen Sea. We always anticipate exciting ice navigation on this expedition. Detaille Island, below the Circle is a spectacular location. The snowy peaks which surround us, soar more than 2,000 meters above the ice-strewn waters. We aim to cross 66 degrees, 33 minutes South of latitude, which officially marks the position of the Antarctic Circle on the global map. We then return north, along the heavily glaciated coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula, passing through the Argentine, Fish and Yalour Island archipelagos along the way and into the Gerlache
Strait and Danco coast region.

Our program of off-ship excursions is well underway and there is an exciting selection of activities to choose from – including short or long hikes ashore, visits to historic points of interest and wildlife colonies, zodiac cruising looking for whales and seals or simply photographing the incredible icebergs. Such activities are enjoyed in the company of our onboard team of wilderness guides, naturalists, marine biologists, historians and photographers. For those with an adventurous streak why not spend a night ashore camping like the early Antarctic explorers?

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

• 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

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.

South Georgia has been called ‘the most staggering wildlife show on earth’. After our in-depth exploration, we are certain you will agree. This seldom-visited corner of the planet is a place we know intimately and cherish sharing with our guests every season.

Our October departure is timed to coincide with the arrival of spring, as South Georgia emerges from the long and icy winter. This marks the beginning of the wildlife migration and breeding cycles for many species. The late January departure visits at the height of the polar summer. Days are long and the wildlife will be relaxed after the earlier breeding frenzy in spring.

Both voyages feature a shipboard photography symposium open to all guests. For lovers of remote, small-ship expedition cruising, this voyage ticks every box you could possibly imagine.

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.

Follow in the footsteps of the great explorers during a crossing between South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Leaving from Montevideo, you will set sail for a 16-day expedition cruise into the heart of the White Continent.

Begin by discovering the coastlines of South Georgia, an island deeply marked by its whaling activity of the past. In Fortuna Bay, set off to meet the immense colony of king penguins, the real rulers of the roost. Your stop at Grytviken will enable you to relive the adventures of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the famous British explorer who lies here, before setting sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.

Don’t miss out on the shore visit to Deception Island, which long served as a refuge for sailors during heavy storms. You will come across elephant seals and fur seals, sharing the spotlight with chinstrap penguins. You’ll then go to Port Lockroy where you’ll be surprised to find a small museum and the most southern post office in the world.

You will disembark in Ushuaia, the Argentinean capital of Tierra del Fuego, whose landscapes will take your breath away.

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.

The Weddell Sea is a rarely visited, heavily iced and beautiful area of Antarctica that holds penguin rookeries and is home to many seals and marine birds. These trips combine the ‘classic’ West side of the Antarctic Peninsula with the less visited eastern Weddell Sea. Famous for the ill-fated polar expedition led by British explorer Ernest Shackleton, the Weddell Sea is known for amazing ice formations and a variety of wildlife. Take this trip to journey to a little-known part of Antarctica and pass through the route of Ernest Shackleton.

In brief:

• Visit the pristine, icy Weddell Sea on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula, as well as the highlights of the western side of the peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
• Sail in the waters of the 1914 Ernest Shackleton expedition
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
• Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!