Crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66’30 is a polar milestone achieved by relatively few travelers. Our polar-obsessed expedition team has made this dream come true for modern-day adventurers for over 30 years. Because innovation is in our DNA, we wanted to make this experience even more memorable. The result is our brand-new 14-day Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle & the Peninsula itinerary, which includes opportunities for guests to soar above the Antarctic landscape in one of Ultramarine’s twin-engine helicopters. Our goal is to maximize helicopter adventures throughout your voyage so you can experience perspectives of the 7th Continent no one else can offer. Your helicopter-supported excursions—included in the cost of the trip—feature multiple opportunities for heli flightseeing, as well as a heli landing. You'll learn what it's like to step out of a helicopter onto Antarctica and gaze upon polar landscapes previously only seen by a few fearless explorers and mountaineers. Not only will you reach the Antarctic Circle, but you’ll also explore the southern heart of the Antarctic Peninsula. And you’ll experience it all from sea—and air. Get ready to embrace the pinnacle of polar adventures.
All in all, it was a first-class tour. Patagonia was amazingly, breath takingly beautiful. Our tour manager Cristobal was outstanding. A very dedicated, personable, knowledgeable and caring person who showed interest in all 24 of us on the tour. My husband & I would like to take another tour with him. Accommodations were first class. The only negative mention about the accommodations was the Remota Patagonia Lodge, although unusual, interesting architecture & lovely setting, we wish it was closer to Puerto Natales as we would have liked to have had more time to explore. The 4 days cruise aboard the Ventus Australis was exceptional, the service, food and knowledgeable crew, some of whom were our onshore guides. Most of the tour inclusions were excellent. My most memorable experiences were visiting the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate (some parts of the glacier inspired the look of a beautiful ice cathedral with sterling blue stained-glass windows), Torres del Paine National Park with its majestic mountains, aqua glacial waters and wild life (the good weather gods were with us to see all there was to see!), a Zodiac trip to Tucker Islets to see close-up the Magellan penguins and the chance to disembark at Cape Horn National Park, the "end of the earth". I was disappointed we did not have enough time to go for a hike at Tierra del Fuego National Park. The tour of Buenos Aires at the beginning of our trip was good but wish we had a chance to spend more time in the La Boca neighborhood.
If you’re looking for an adventure of a lifetime, this 24-day journey from the waters of the Galapagos to Peru might just be it! On this adventure, spend ten days drifting across the Pacific Ocean and uncover the natural beauty and unique wildlife of the Ecuadorian Isles. Retrace the voyage of Charles Darwin by sea, admiring the sandy beaches of Espumilla and the volcanic craters of Isla Santiago. Look out for blue-footed boobies, Galapagos sea turtles and sea lions in their natural habitat, then fly to Peru for lush valleys, rich rainforests and the Inca heartlands. Travel south from Lima to Arequipa, see condors in Colca Canyon and get to the wild heart of the Amazon Jungle. Consider trekking along the acclaimed Inca Trail or relax on a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. With a local leader each step of the way, you’ll get all the best insights, too!
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Ship Cabin, Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Lima, Arequipa, Colca Can
Quito, Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, San Cristobal Island, Amazon Jungle, Bartolome Island, Puerto Egas, Isla Santa Cruz, North Seymour Island, Cerro Dragón, Rábida Island
We made polar history in 2004 at Snow Hill Island. We were the first to reach its Emperor penguin rookery, offering one of the most exclusive wildlife encounters on the planet. Our Expedition Team has the deepest experience in the industry, bringing more people on more successful Snow Hill landings than anyone else. We invite you to share in the legacy and the true spirit of the explorer; embracing the unexpected, and pursuing one of the most jaw-dropping experiences imaginable. Experience a true polar quest as we journey on our new ship, Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters that will fly guests to the vicinity of this rarely-visited rookery, whereupon they will walk across the thick sea ice to stand within metres of the most coveted penguin species on the planet. Anticipate scenes reminiscent of “March of the Penguins” and BBC’s “Frozen Planet.” Just imagine the penguins tobogganing across the ice towards the sea. Such wildlife moments are too precious for words! Celebrate Snow Hill’s majestic moments on ice, alongside more than 4,000 pairs of breeding Emperor penguins and their chicks. Revel in the once-in-a-lifetime wonders of the Weddell Sea, and set foot on the seventh continent’s eastern Peninsula. Join us at Snow Hill. Be part of a legendary story, and write one of your own.
On this extraordinary 18-day voyage, explore the fascinating Falkland Islands and mind-blowing South Georgia, before heading to the Antarctic Peninsula - all the highlights of the Southern Ocean. After the Falklands, we venture onwards to South Georgia. A strip of jagged glacier-clad mountains piercing the brooding sky, South Georgia leaves a mark on every visitor, and it is no mystery why. The shores brim with wildlife, with thousands of King Penguins, elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals. The vast penguin colonies, seal-filled seas and albatross-packed skies have to be seen to be believed. Continuing southward, we delve deeper into the inlets and bays of the Antarctic Peninsula; Icebergs, glaciers, mountains and rugged snowfields characterise this wildly beautiful landscape.
See black browed albatross and elusive macaroni penguins - in the Falkland Islands
Witness the king penguins - in their thousands, a true wildlife spectacle!
Soak up the rich history of these regions - on this epic polar adventure
From the heights of Cotopaxi volcano to the dense Amazon forest and the iconic Galapagos Islands, this 14-day adventure will take you through the unique landscapes of Ecuador. Starting in Quito, you’ll learn why this vibrant city is a UNESCO world heritage site and take a trip to the middle of the Earth with a visit to the equator. You’ll get close with the local Indigenous communities with community visits in Banos and the Amazon, while getting close to the animals that call this diverse country home. Tick the Galapagos off your list with a sailing voyage to the best of the Southern islands for close encounters with local wildlife like iguanas, giant tortoises and exotic birds. Go snorkelling near mighty manty rays and experience the rugged landscapes of this incredible part of the world.
Relatively few humans set foot on the remote 7th Continent. Even fewer achieve the incomparable polar milestone of crossing the Antarctic Circle. While navigating beyond 66°33' South is the highlight of the 14-day Antarctic Peninsula: Crossing the Circle, this voyage encompasses many extraordinary immersive adventures and breath–taking polar landscapes. Traveling with Quark Expeditions on our brand-new ship, World Voyager, you'll be able to explore this fascinating region by ship, Zodiac, kayak and during guided hikes. In addition to navigating beyond 66⁰33´ South—which is marked by a special on-board celebration—you’ll be able to explore penguin colonies, glaciers, remote bays and historical sites of the Peninsula and experience the awe of splendid isolation. Our ultimate goal is to allow you to customize your adventure as you cross the 7th Continent off your bucket list. Reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers for assistance at any time.
Take on an epic 3-week adventure from the deck of the Grand Daphne in the Galapagos to the sarced land of the Incas in Peru. See pink flamingos in the lagoons of Isla Floreana, sunbathe with sea lions along Gardner Beach, hike along the green shoreline of Punta Cormorant and snorkel with turtles, rays and sharks. Then, uncover the secrets of Peru and Bolivia as you walk beneath the Amazon Jungle's canopy, trek the llama-filled plains of the Sacred Valley and stroll the cobblestone streets of Cusco. Search for monkeys and medicinal plants in the jungle, experience a homestay in a traditional community on the shore of Lake Titicaca and tick off one of the Seven Wonders of the World in Machu Picchu! With the option to see the sacred site by trek or by train, this trip will suit any active, curious traveller!
Embark on an extraordinary odyssey to uncover the beating heart of South America, from the soaring peaks of the Andes to the verdant embrace of the Amazon jungle. This 14-day handcrafted land journey includes chic city stays, a boutique river cruise and an extraordinary train journey to the legendary Machu Picchu.
Starting in Lima, you’ll uncover the Peruvian capital’s rich blend of history and modernity. Ascend to the lofty heights of the Sacred Valley before reaching the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, a World Heritage-listed marvel that speaks to the enduring legacy of ancient civilisations. Explore Cuzco, the imperial capital of the Incas and one of the highest settlements in the world. Then set off into the Amazon on a remarkable river cruise that promises an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the planet's last great rainforests. Delve deep into the untouched wilderness, journey to remote villages, and forge connections with indigenous communities whose traditions have endured for centuries. Finish in Buenos Aires, the colourful and elegant Argentine capital known as the ‘Paris of the Americas’. This is not just a tour – it is an extraordinary journey into the soul of South America.
Take the fastest route to Antarctica – a three-hour flight – and enjoy your first glimpse of the continent from the air, a unique introduction to the vast and dramatic landscape that remains one of the last unspoiled regions in the world. Continue your journey on ship, where an adventure beyond your wildest imagination awaits. Later, return through the world’s most legendary – and exciting – passage of water, as you follow the path of historic explorers across the infamous Drake Passage. Expect the unexpected and be rewarded with unique wildlife and natural attractions, each highlight surpassing the last. Marvel at the contrast of a desolate landscape inhabited by abundant wildlife including curious, playful penguins and seals. And embrace the excitement of standing on the continent for the very first time.
The Antarctic region offers so many extraordinary things to see and do, and traveling with Quark Expeditions offers multiple options to personalize your experience. We’ve designed this guide to help you identify what interests you most, so that you can start planning your version of the perfect Antarctic expedition. The 20–day Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica itinerary is a fantastic way to get to the rarely visited Falkland Islands and South Georgia before setting foot on the 7th Continent. Stroll the quaint English village of Stanley in the Falklands, wander the islands’ sandy dunes, and birdwatch at rugged seabird cliffs. In South Georgia, discover the beaches where king penguins breed—one of the highest densities of animal life on Earth, and learn about the rich historical legacy of the places you visit. Both islands are known as meccas for wildlife with epic displays of animals congregating by the thousands. Then, explore the stunning Antarctic Peninsula and enter a world of ice, snow and natural wonders. Pursue your personal passions with a choice of rewarding activities and our extensive educational program. Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries and our expeditions offer the chance for you to discover why. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable adventure. Feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers who can answer your questions and provide assistance at any time.
For expeditioners who prefer to focus their energy on adventures in Antarctica, flying over the Drake Passage in both directions is the ideal way to reach the Great White Continent. In the safe hands of experienced pilots, your pulse will quicken as you glimpse the first icebergs in the Southern Ocean, where your vessel awaits, ready to take you on an exhilarating adventure.
Venturing below the Antarctic Circle is about more than just earning bragging rights, it is the chance to enter a different world more rarely seen, it feels more isolated and colder than further north, with great swathes of pack-ice and dreamlike icebergs.
Celebrate the crossing of the Antarctic Circle - at latitude 66° 33&39 South
Visit some of Antarctica's historic huts - enjoy visits to scientific research stations
Get up-close - with humpback and minke whales
Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - being in the vast, ice-sculpted Antarctic wilderness
