What a fantastic trip, Falklands and Albatross, South Georgia and Penguins/Seals and Antarctica and Tabular Icebergs. This trip is a true adventure where the rewards are high and the camera is rarely away from reach. Its jaw dropping beauty will leave you wondering where else on earth can i go that will give you so many fabulous memories.
Checking in for the internal flights Buenos Aires to and from Ushuaia was chaotic. Despite arriving well in advance check ins opened with barely enough time to make the flights. Once at Ushuaia outward and return all Quark arrangements were clear and efficient. Hotel Albatross in Ushuaia was very good. Onboard Ocean Diamond the hotel service was excellent. The Quark team were excellent. The photographic, historical, geological, ornithological and wildlife lectures were of the highest quality in terms of technical content, detail and delivery. The daily briefings and recaps were informative and entertaining. The zodiak cruises, landings, hikes, paddling and other activities were excellent: fascinating; informative; exciting; well managed; safe; well supervised; well guided. The experienced Quark staff ensured that we saw at close quarters all the wildlife that could be expected for this trip: all penguin species except the Emperor; nesting albatross; elephant, fur, Weddell, leopard seals; orca; humpback and fin whales; guillemots, skewers, etc. The weather was kind to us so we were able to visit nearly all the planned destinations on this expedition skilfully scheduled by the ship's captain and the Quark Expedition Leader to ensure interesting activities each day. The scenery throughout was stunning, especially in the earie light of the midnight sun below the Antarctic Circle. I enjoyed the paddling, not booked in advance, which turned out to be an unexpected highlight getting really close to the wildlife. In conclusion the expedition exceeded my expectations!
Our Epic Antarctica voyage is called so for a reason—it includes all of the major Antarctic highlights you can imagine. From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will have countless unforgettable moments on this adventure-packed, 23-day voyage. Start with the Falklands, reminiscent of both sandy Cape Cod and the English moors, home to albatross, dolphins, and five species of penguins. From there, venture to South Georgia where you’ll enter the home of 300,000 breeding king penguins, 50 million other seabirds and 5 million seals. Then, explore the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, and finally cross the Antarctic Circle—a significant milestone for any world traveler. Starting in 2021, this itinerary allows you to the opportunity to experience our pioneering new vessel, Ultramarine. This purpose-built vessel is designed to extend the boundaries of polar exploration and offer an unmatched Antarctic experience, including a flightseeing tour you’ll never forget and a range of adventure options more extensive than any other ship in its class.
From Montevideo to the depths of Antarctica - challenge, desolation, unlimited wonder. It's not difficult to grasp what attracted the great explorers to Antarctica. Get a personal appreciation for the struggle to tame the bottom of the world on this 22-day adventure to the land that entranced Shackleton and countless others since. What better year to travel, than the centenary year of Shackleton's epic journey! After time visiting Montevideo, you'll set sail to explore the Falkland Islands, encounter abandoned whaling stations on South Georgia Island and pay your respects at Shackleton's grave. Elsewhere, you'll catch up with penguins - king, chinstrap and gentoo varieties - and learn all about them through daily lectures, get close to whales and cavorting seals from a Zodiac boat and keep your eyes peeled for towering icebergs and massive glaciers. Prepare to be astonished.
An epic Antarctic adventure - in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton
View large colonies of iconic king penguins - on South Georgia
Variety of penguins - stand amid magellanic, macaroni and rockhopper penguins in the Falkland Islands
Experience the outstanding birdlife of the Falkland Islands. Marvel at the vast King penguin rookeries of South Georgia, before experiencing one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on earth. Antarctica has a remarkable collection of wildlife; snow-capped mountains and blue icebergs; penguins, whales and a rich diversity of birdlife - all of which await you on an exploratory journey of the Great White Continent.
King Penguin rookeries 100,000 strong - experience the stunning wildlife spectacle on Salisbury Plain
Antarctic wilderness - enjoy the freedom of being in this vast, ice-sculpted, wilderness
Breathtaking scenery - enjoy the views from the bridge or from the outer decks of your vessel
Antarctic Peninsula - explore the small islands of the peninsula by zodiac and on foot
Explore the rarely visited Falkland Islands (Malvinas), South Georgia and Antarctica on this unforgettable 20-day adventure to the 7th Continent. Stroll through the English village of Stanley, wander the islands’ sandy dunes and birdwatch at rugged cliffs teeming with seabirds. Discover the beaches where king penguins breed in South Georgia – this colony has one of the highest densities of animal life on earth! Both archipelagos are known for their wildlife and you’ll likely see epic displays of animals by the thousands. Explore the vast Antarctic Peninsula and enter a world of ice, snow and natural wonders, taking the opportunity to go on an optional sea-kayaking adventure, day paddling or snowshoeing.
