Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.
Starts
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ends
Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle and the Peninsula
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Highlights
Be one of the select few to cross the Antarctic Circle at 66’30
Experience at least two heli-flightseeing excursions, included in the cost of the trip
Participate in one heli-landing amid Antarctica’s vast coastal mountains
Enjoy off-ship excursions by Zodiac for intimate marine and land-based experiences
Explore Crystal Sound and Marguerite Bay
the southern heart of the Antarctic Peninsula
View the least-explored mountains and glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula from sea and air
the southern heart of the Antarctic Peninsula
View the least-explored mountains and glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula from sea and air
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This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a PremierThis travel specialist is consistently delivering tours which receive customer ratings above 4.8 on average. tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 11626 reviews for other tours with an average 4.8rating.
What's Included
Accommodation
All accommodation
Meals
Beer and house wine during dinner
Transport
All transport and listed activitiesMandatory transfer package (including return charter flights Buenos Aires to Ushuaia)
Guide
Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff
Can you imagine setting foot on the world’s most remote continent, with penguins as your neighbors and icebergs as your backdrop? The 'Antarctic Explorer via Buenos Aires' tour is your chance to make that dream a reality. This 11-day polar expedition begins and ends in lively Buenos Aires before whisking you across the notorious Drake Passage to the majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula.
From the moment you board the pioneering Ultramarine vessel—purpose-built for polar exploration—you’re in for an adventure unlike any other. Marvel at colossal ice formations from a Zodiac, trek across pristine snowfields, and get up close to whales, seals, and colonies of chattering penguins. Knowledgeable Polar experts enrich your journey with talks on Antarctic history, glaciology, and wildlife.
Tailor each day to your interests, whether that means taking a guided hike, enjoying a breathtaking flightseeing excursion, or simply soaking up the otherworldly landscapes. With a range of activity options and the comforts of a state-of-the-art ship, this trip is as customizable as it is exhilarating.
The USP? You’ll have access to adventure opportunities more varied than any other vessel in its class, ensuring your Antarctic experience is truly one-of-a-kind. For experienced travelers dreaming of a bucket-list getaway, this tour package offers a rare chance to witness Earth’s final frontier in style and comfort.
If it's your first time venturing south, the "Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent" cruise delivers an 11-day introduction to Antarctica's wonders, from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Cross the storied Drake Passage aboard a stable, polar-class vessel, explore the majestic Antarctic Peninsula by Zodiac and on foot, and come face-to-face with penguins, whales, and seals in their pristine habitat. Enrich your journey with expert lectures on glaciology and polar history, and tailor the experience with adventure options to suit your interests. The highlight of this tour is its flexibility, allowing you to customize your Antarctic discovery and experience this icy frontier your way.
Set sail from Buenos Aires for an epic Antarctic adventure with the "Crossing the Circle via Buenos Aires" tour. This 14-day journey blends the excitement of polar expeditions with the cosmopolitan charm of Argentina’s capital, offering an easy-paced yet immersive exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula and Beagle Channel.
Your small vessel is nimble enough to maneuver through the spectacular Lemaire Channel, surrounded by glacial walls and dotted with islands teeming with penguins, elephant seals, and seabirds. Each day brings awe-inspiring wildlife encounters—imagine humpback whales breaching near your Zodiac, or gazing at the multicolored icebergs of Iceberg Alley. Shore excursions reveal even more of Antarctica’s raw beauty and natural wonders.
The unique selling point of this trip is its seamless blend of city and wilderness, allowing you to start and end in vibrant Buenos Aires while experiencing the full spectrum of Antarctica’s marvels. Accommodation, transport, and meals are thoughtfully included, ensuring a smooth, unforgettable polar tour package.
Ever wondered what it feels like to cross the Antarctic Circle? The "Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition" cruise offers just that—a 14-day journey from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, taking you deep into the rarely-visited southernmost reaches of Antarctica. Witness dramatic ice formations, spot whales and penguins, and revel in the exhilaration of navigating south of 66°33' S. With the innovative Ultramarine vessel, enjoy flightseeing tours and a range of adventure activities unmatched in the region. The trip’s unique selling point is the chance to accomplish a rare polar milestone, all while experiencing the most advanced expedition ship in Antarctic waters.
Patagonia’s wild beauty awaits on this 15-day cruise tour, charting a course from Buenos Aires to Santiago via the remote fjords and national parks of southern Chile and Argentina. Retrace Darwin’s legendary exploration as you glide past majestic glaciers, observe Magellanic penguins and sea lions, and venture into the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. The journey blends the comfort of the pioneering Ultramarine vessel—with its unmatched adventure amenities and scenic flightseeing tours—with up-close Zodiac excursions and rich wildlife encounters. This is the ideal trip for intrepid travelers seeking a blend of luxury and adventure, with the USP being exclusive access to helicopter flightseeing above Patagonia’s untamed landscapes.
Patagonia’s wild wonders await on the Essential Patagonia: Fjords & Torres del Paine expedition, a 15-day journey from Buenos Aires to Santiago. Designed for experienced travelers seeking an easy yet enriching adventure, this guided trip weaves through Argentina and Chile’s breathtaking landscapes, including the renowned Torres del Paine National Park, Isla Marta, and majestic southern fjords.
Traverse dramatic coastlines via Zodiac cruises and soar over pristine terrain on a helicopter flightseeing excursion—experiences that reveal Patagonia’s untouched beauty from every angle. Encounter Magellanic penguins, South American sea lions, and the elusive Southern Elephant seal as you explore blue-hued tidewater glaciers and remote wilderness.
This tour’s unique selling point is its immersive blend of wildlife-rich expeditions and exclusive vantage points, allowing you to retrace Charles Darwin’s legendary footsteps in complete comfort. With all logistics—accommodation, meals, and transfers—expertly arranged, you’re free to soak in the splendor of Patagonia’s fjords and national parks on this once-in-a-lifetime polar adventure.
Imagine soaring above the world’s last true wilderness—'Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains & Remote Lands' offers just that. This 12-day polar expedition sets sail from Buenos Aires, taking experienced travelers into the heart of Antarctica with exclusive helicopter adventures.
Cruise in comfort aboard the Ultramarine, equipped with two twin-engine helicopters for included Heli Flightseeing and Heli Excursions. Witness otherworldly landscapes, from sculpted icebergs to Mars-like terrain, and step onto the untouched polar ground seen by only a few intrepid explorers.
What makes this tour package truly unique is its aerial access to remote Antarctic sites, providing perspectives and experiences unavailable on standard expeditions. This is the ultimate trip for those craving the extraordinary—Antarctica as few have ever seen it.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66’30 is a polar milestone achieved by relatively few. Because innovation is in our DNA, we wanted to make this experience even more memorable. The result is this exciting adventure, which includes the chance to soar above the Antarctic landscape in one of Ultramarine’s twin-engine helicopters. Your helicopter-supported excursions feature multiple opportunities for heli flightseeing, as well as a heli landing. 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. You’ll also explore the southern heart of the Antarctic Peninsula. And you’ll experience it all from sea and air.
day 1 - Adventure starts in Buenos Aires
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe, independently transfer to your pre-expedition hotel.
day 2 - Fly to Ushuaia and embark
After an early breakfast, the group transfers to the airport and boards our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, transfer to a central downtown location with free time to explore this quaint port town before heading to the designated meeting spot near the pier, where you are transferred to the ship for embarkation.
After a late afternoon embarkation, we sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in the remote Antarctic wilderness.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
day 3 - Crossing the Drake
Crossing the legendary 500mi (800km) stretch of water is a must for many travellers. Prepare for dramatic seascapes as you stand on the deck of Ultramarine and gaze at the water stretching beyond the distant horizon. Be on the lookout for dolphins, whales and seabirds, especially albatrosses, petrels and skuas as they glide over the sometimes-rough waters. As the ship approaches the Antarctic Peninsula, keep your eyes peeled for your first glimpse of towering, multi-shaped icebergs.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
day 4 - At sea with Polar experts
Today, as we continue crossing the Drake Passage, experience the Antarctic Convergence, where the warmer waters of the sub-Antarctic meet the cold Antarctic. Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
day 5 - 6 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the Antarctic Peninsula is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travellers alike. Every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means your expedition will be unlike any other, creating a unique, personal experience. Each day, you take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites.
With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the elusive leopard seal. Your Expedition Team takes care of you at each landing, whether you are exploring the Antarctic terrain, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with five different seal species.
Zodiac cruising can offer opportunities to view some of the larger local marine mammals more intimately, such as Antarctic minke and humpback whales. Days 5 and 6 are also ideal times to experience Ultramarine’s portfolio of helicopter-supported adventures exclusive to Quark Expeditions. Your days are busy spotting wildlife and being astounded by the beauty of Antarctica. Listening to the cracking and crumbling of icebergs and glaciers, while watching penguins waddling on the beach will become your daily entertainment. That’s in addition to the spectacular experience of soaring in a helicopter over the Antarctic landscape.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
day 7 - 9 - Explore the Antarctic Circle and the Southern Peninsula by water, land and air
Helicopter operations in Antarctic are acutely weather-dependent. We have designed this itinerary so we can spend time each day in stunning locations that allow us to enjoy helicopter opportunities if the weather allows and, alternately, to maximize your experience of Antarctic wildlife, ice and landscapes when flying conditions are not favourable.
Each day near the Antarctic Circle showcases the flexibility and technical prowess of our industry-leading expedition team, pilots and crew, who look for opportunities to experience Antarctica well beyond its coasts. As Ultramarine gains access to the Antarctic Circle, you’ll have accomplished an impressive achievement as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not come close to navigating this far south.
Toasting the first explorers who ventured here over a century ago, you can raise a glass and take pride in the knowledge you’ve reached part of the world visited by a relative few. Next on our itinerary are Crystal Sound and Marguerite Bay, which comprise the geographical theatre of focus on this incredible venture into the “deep south” of Antarctica. After visiting some of the region’s iconic penguin colonies and glacial features, we continue south into Crystal Sound to cross the Antarctic Circle. Crystal Sound is known for its massive expanse of steep mountains that rise directly out of the sea. We hope to visit Detaille Island and, weather-permitting, fly into the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula at the Antarctic Circle. Our goal is to visit the British Antarctic Survey’s historical hut, and the adélie penguin colony of Detaillle Island.
We also hope to Zodiac cruise in this area to see the colossal icebergs that formed from the glaciers fed by the snowfall in the coastal mountains of Antarctica. Seals frequently roam this coastal area. There will be time to marvel at the impressive topography, which features Castle Peak, a 7,800ft (2,380m) massif. If weather allows, we may add to our marine operations and embark on our flightseeing experiences. What you will have just seen from sea, you will now experience from the sky as you witness the vastness of Antarctica and Crystal Sound.
Continuing further south, we set out toward Marguerite Bay, which is rich in human history, stunning geological features, and expansive ice fields. The bay is separated from Crystal Sound by Adelaide Island. Ice conditions permitting, we may be able to transit slowly through the narrow passage between the mainland and the island. This channel is known as The Gullet, known for pulsing currents that can lodge and dislodge ice throughout summer. Keep your eyes focused off-ship for potential marine mammal sightings. To the west of Adelaide Island, Fuchs Ice Piedmont stretches out like a long ice tongue to east Arrowsmith Peninsula with multiple peaks rising 6,000ft-7,000ft (1,800m-2,100m). We also hope to explore Debenham Islands, named after Frank Debenham, a member of the advisory committee for the British Graham Land Expedition of 1934-37. The six main islands are named after Debenham’s children.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
day 10 - 11 - Northbound along the peninsula
By now, your knowledge of adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, crabeater and Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ will become part of your vocabulary. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will occupy your days, and your Expedition Team continue looking for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded us on this journey south.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
day 12 - 13 - Crossing the Drake Passage
As you recross the Drake Passage at the end of your expedition, rest assured you’ll do so with a storehouse of memories to last a lifetime. You’ll have experienced moments – soaring in a helicopter over remote parts of Antarctica being one of the most memorable – which few travellers can ever claim.
Your Expedition Team will have a few remaining presentations for you, including the guest favourite, the end-of-voyage photo-and-video compilation showcasing the most unforgettable moments of your voyage. Remember to take advantage of Ultramarine’s amenities, especially Tundra Spa & Sauna, on the final days onboard.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
day 14 - Disembark in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast, but the adventures aren’t over. Your Charter Flight and Hotel Package includes your transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
