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.
Stroll through the quaint English village of Stanley in the Falklands, wander the dunes, and birdwatch at rugged seabird cliffs. In South Georgia, discover beaches where king penguins breed and discover the rich historical legacy of the places you visit. Both islands are known for their wildlife with animals congregating by the thousands. Then, explore the Antarctic Peninsula and enter a world of ice and snow. Pursue your personal passions with a choice of rewarding activities and our extensive educational program.
Revel in the excitement of crossing the famed Drake Passage, with the convenience of a northbound return flight at the end of your expedition. Minke and humpback whales or adélie penguins floating on ice floes may greet you as you pass, en route to the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The surreal silence in this vast wilderness may overwhelm at first, but playful, charismatic wildlife and your intrepid traveling companions keep you grounded. You’ll develop a new appreciation and understanding of Antarctica’s extreme contrasts – harsh, rugged mountain peaks and fragile ecosystems; stark, lonely icescapes and populous, gregarious penguins.
Set sail from Ushuaia on this ultimate Antarctic bucket list adventure, crossing the Earth's final frontier - the Antarctic Circle. From the 'mainland' of the Peninsula we will set sail southwards, aiming for the Antarctic Circle at 66°33? South - a goal which has eluded many of the wilful and skilful early explorers. Dense pack ice forbids many from reaching this far south, but your sturdy expedition vessel will allow you to explore areas that are off-limits for most ships. Watch as the sun circles around you, never quite setting at this extreme latitude. Based on our Classic Antarctic adventure but with two extra days to explore, you will have even more time to experience the majesty of the Great White Continent.
Cross the Antarctic Circle - at 66°33? South
Enjoy extra time to explore the Peninsula - with its numerous penguin rookeries
Be amongst the few - to venture this far South
Enjoy an array of Antarctic wildlife - see seals, whales, penguins and incredible birdlife
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
Join this once-in-a-lifetime expedition voyage to the Weddell Sea and the Seventh Continent. Experience the incredible wildlife of these icy waters, stunning mountain scenery and wonder at the gigantic icebergs in the Weddell Sea, during 12 action-packed days onboard your purpose-built, ice-class expedition vessel. From the South Shetland Islands, we will delve deeper into the inlets and bays of the Antarctic Peninsula, entering the famous Gerlache Strait, where glittering ice cliffs and precipitous peaks rise straight out of the frigid water. Set foot on land and experience penguin rookeries, research stations and historical sites, and Zodiac-cruise in scenic areas filled with giant icebergs, whales and seals.
Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - being in the vast, ice-sculpted Antarctic wilderness
See Jaw dropping scenery - from your Zodiac or on shore
Get close to large colonies of penguins - see Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins
Marvel at enormous tabular icebergs - in the Weddell Sea
Follow in the footsteps of Shackleton on this quintessential polar voyage - from the serene ice of the deep south to the subantarctic wildlife paradise of South Georgia. Experience the Antarctic Peninsula and set foot on the continent before making your way north to the spectacular Antarctic Sound, gateway to the Weddell Sea. Embrace the adventure as you voyage further east, navigating as far as possible into the Weddell Sea. From here set a course to Elephant Island, the desolate outpost where Shackleton and his men finally made landfall after 497 days at sea. On the final leg of your voyage, follow the course of the James Caird across the Scotia Sea to South Georgia, where Shackleton's voyage reached its remarkable conclusion. As you retrace the steps of this historic voyage, your expert expedition team will be by your side to enrich your journey with insights, wildlife-spotting tips and stories of Shackleton's epic adventure.
Follow in the footsteps of Shackleton - to the wildlife haven of South Georgia
Enjoy full daylight hours - soak up the near endless summer daylight in Antarctica
Marvel at enormous tabular icebergs - in the Weddell Sea
Hike from Fortuna Bay - repeat the final leg of Shackleton's remarkable traverse from each to west of South Georgia
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
A voyage into the Antarctic Circle will take you as far south as the ice will allow. Our small ships allow access to this inhospitable and impossibly beautiful area, which only the lucky few will ever see. Imagine being encircled in rookeries of chinstrap, Adelie and gentoo penguins, so close to colossal glaciers and icebergs towering high above you.
Travel even further into Antarctica - join an expedition cruise to cross the Polar Circle
Superb wildlife - excellent viewing opportunities from our Zodiacs and on-shore landings
Incredible landscapes - immerse yourself in the vast icescapes of Antarctica
Marine wildlife - sail with whales and past seals basting in the sun on passing ice floes
Offering helicopter adventures no one else can, our cutting-edge 12-day Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands itinerary maximizes opportunities to explore the interior of the magical 7th Continent, as well as Erebus and Terror Gulf, Antarctic Sound and the great Weddell Sea. Anticipate unrivalled views you never dreamt possible: sculpted icebergs arising from the depths of the sea; and snow-capped peaks you’re tempted to reach out and touch as you fly by. Enjoy two Heli Flightseeing adventures and one Heli Excursion—all included in the price of your voyage—while exploring in the comfort of Ultramarine.
You’ll learn what it's like to step out of a helicopter onto Antarctica and gaze upon polar landscapes previously seen by just a few fearless explorers. In fact, some areas of the east side of the Peninsula resemble the planet Mars. Ultimately, this innovative voyage on board Ultramarine—with its two twin-engine helicopters—will translate into the expedition of a lifetime.
Experience unparalleled adventure and discovery on this ultimate Antarctic voyage. Be transported to enthralling subantarctic islands, rich with human history and unique wildlife. Then venture into the deep south of the Antarctic Peninsula, crossing the coveted Antarctic Circle. Zodiac-cruise in vast ice-covered landscapes, visit lively penguin colonies, watch for whales and discover the rich history of this fascinating region.
Step ashore on the Antarctic continent - to unforgettable vistas, bustling penguins and curious seals
Raise a glass - as you cross the Antarctic Circle
Zodiac through glassy waters - gaze at the iridescent blues of gleaming icebergs
Stand in awe - at the world's largest king penguin rookeries
Hike along pebble beaches and climb tussock steps - with unexpected wildlife encounters at every turn
Retrace Charles Darwin’s epic voyage to the ‘edge of the world’ on our Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine expedition, a comprehensive journey into Chile’s spectacular network of fjords and channels. Helicopter flightseeing and Zodiac cruises along this enchanting stretch of coastline provide awe-inspiring perspectives of some of the most remote and picturesque landscapes on Earth. From Magellanic penguin colonies and other seabirds to South American Sea lions and Southern Elephant seals, the fascinating array of wildlife is as abundant as the majestic blue-toned tidewater glaciers. Join us in this enchanting wonderland and experience all the natural splendours of southern Patagonia.
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Torres del Paine National Park, Isla Marta, Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Diego Ramírez Islands, Garibaldi Glacier, Águila Glacier, Puerto Natales
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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. 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 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.
In 2004, Quark Expeditions made Polar history when they conducted the first-ever ground visit to the remote Emperor penguin colony near Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. Driven by a true expeditionary spirit—and guided by years of Polar expertise—the team sailed past masses of dense ice and thick, tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to experience the legendary rookery, which now numbers 8,000 breeding pairs of Emperor penguins. Today, it is one of the most exclusive wildlife viewing experiences on the planet. We invite you—almost two decades after our milestone visit of 2004—to embrace the thrill of the search as we once again set out to visit to the emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island.
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!
