Itinerary Details

Start your journey in Ushuaia, the southernmost port of South America. Explore the mountains, or take a break in a café to enjoy some handcrafted chocolate.

In the late afternoon, embark on your vessel and sail down the Beagle Channel, a historic route that traverses the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Feel the anticipation as you set off!

Make the most of your time at sea with a variety of activities. Learn to identify seabirds, attend presentations by your Expedition Team, and get ready for Zodiac cruises and shore landings. Optional sea kayaking (extra cost) is also available for a more intimate experience of Antarctica.

As you approach South Georgia, keep an eye out for the rocky spires of Shag Rocks, where seabirds and whales often gather. Once you reach the island, you'll be surrounded by wildlife, from penguins and seals to albatross and petrels. Visit old whaling stations and pay your respects at the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

As you sail towards Antarctica, take advantage of the presentations and workshops offered by your Expedition Team to get ready for your arrival.

Be awed by the untouched beauty of Antarctica. Encounter penguins, seals, and whales, and explore the land with your Expedition Team. Opt for an extra-special experience with an optional paddling excursion (extra cost) or the Polar Plunge!

As you cross the Drake Passage, take in the sights of seabirds and whales, and enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team. Reflect on the unique wildlife and remarkable landscapes you've encountered.

The majority of cruises to Antarctica start and finish in the Port of Ushuaia, a charming small city with the designation of the southernmost city in the world.

Itinerary Details

Your journey to the White Continent begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populous city in southern Patagonia. Spend the day exploring the city's many museums, restaurants, and shops, and in the afternoon, meet a Quark Expeditions® representative at the official starting point hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed on preparing for embarkation day.

Board your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica and cross the legendary Drake Passage in only two hours. As you approach King George Island, marvel at the dramatic Antarctic landscapes from a unique perspective. After landing, take a one-mile (1.6 km) walk to the shore, then transfer by Zodiac to your ship and set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

Antarctica is a place of unparalleled beauty and awe. As your ship navigates the White Continent, keep an eye out for whales and seabirds. Your Expedition Team will provide insights into the glaciology, history, and wildlife of the region.

Close to the northwestern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, separated by the Bransfield Strait, the South Shetland Islands are a highlight of most Antarctic cruises.

Say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Fly across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, and transfer to the hotel. Spend the evening exploring the city or reminiscing about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

After breakfast, you are free to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

Itinerary Details

Welcome to Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital of Argentina! Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel, where a pre-expedition night is included in the mandatory transfer package.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America.

The unpredictable Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and leaders, you’ll have plenty of time to observe the ocean, take pictures of seabirds, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers.

Once the Drake Passage is left in our wake and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. You will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites, visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species. The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views of your surroundings. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes—such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles—will become indelible memories.

Stretching up from the heart of the world’s southernmost continent, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most travelers spend all their time on the continent and is the highlight of most Antarctica trips.

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Southern Ocean air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you've shared exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires. Your journey to the Antarctic Peninsula has come to an end, but the memories of the unique wildlife, stunning landscapes, and incredible experiences will stay with you forever.