A short, comfortable flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in Antarctica has you with boots on the ground, overtaken by the sheer magnitude of the Seventh Continent. Fully immersed in the Antarctic environment, you’ll experience a roller coaster of emotions, from excitement to awe, from exquisite solitude to incredible gratitude for the wonder of it all. You may go in search of whales and find yourself bearing witness to a glacier calving. Or, you might plan to climb one more peak for a better vantage point and find yourself in a rookery of curious penguins. Antarctica will leave you in awe, but it won’t leave you unchanged.


Highlights


• The fastest, most direct way to Antarctica

• Fly over Drake Passage

• All the Antarctic Peninsula highlights

• Photography instruction included

• Optional polar camping along the Peninsula

• On board lecturers and educational presentations from Polar specialists

Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days. By early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions® representative will meet you at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.

Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship will approach King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, stretch your legs with a one-mile (1.6 km) walk to the shore, before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes. As your captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region. Even more exciting are your land excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking on a beach dotted with penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities, and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between an Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguin. You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and killer whales in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore this unrivaled travel experience. Your Expedition Team will accompany you along the way, ensuring safety and providing insights into the places you visit.

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula do not reach 66°33´ S. If conditions allow us to cross this famed line at 66°33´ S, you and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of sparkling wine! As you toast the first explorers who ventured this far south, you can take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals and some of the most peculiar, yet magical ice formations you’ll see anywhere on the continent.

If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to King George Island. You will continue to explore by Zodiac or on land as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.

After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your two-and-a-half-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your group transfer to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

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

Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.

Studio Double

$34,700 AUD pp
Deck 3 175-186 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths

Studio Veranda Stateroom

$36,200 AUD pp
Limited Availability
Deck 6 173 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom

$38,500 AUD pp
Limited Availability
Deck 4 168-195 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths

Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom

$40,900 AUD pp
Deck 4 203-272 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus some with fold out sofa bed

Deluxe Veranda Stateroom

$41,600 AUD pp
Deck 4 200-205 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Studio Single

$43,900 AUD pp
Limited Availability
Deck 3 177 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths

Grand Veranda Stateroom

$43,900 AUD pp
Limited Availability
Deck 6 195-205 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Royal Veranda Stateroom

$51,600 AUD pp
Deck 4 Deck 6 189-272 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Studio Veranda Single

$53,900 AUD pp
Limited Availability
Deck 7 238 sq. ft. 1 One twin single

Junior Suite

$57,800 AUD pp
Deck 6 296-299 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Explorer Suite

$60,100 AUD pp
Deck 7 269 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Owners Suite

$62,400 AUD pp
Deck 7 443 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Studio Double

$47,295 AUD pp
Deck 3 175-186 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths

Studio Veranda Stateroom

$50,095 AUD pp
Deck 6 173 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom

$52,995 AUD pp
Deck 4 168-195 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths

Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom

$55,595 AUD pp
Deck 4 203-272 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus some with fold out sofa bed

Deluxe Veranda Stateroom

$57,295 AUD pp
Deck 4 200-205 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Studio Single

$60,595 AUD pp
Deck 3 177 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths

Grand Veranda Stateroom

$60,595 AUD pp
Deck 6 195-205 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Royal Veranda Stateroom

$62,395 AUD pp
Deck 4 Deck 6 189-272 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Junior Suite

$69,595 AUD pp
Deck 6 296-299 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Explorer Suite

$72,295 AUD pp
Deck 7 269 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Owners Suite

$77,895 AUD pp
Deck 7 443 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Studio Veranda Single

Sold Out
 
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.

Vessel Type: Polar Expedition

Length: 342 ft (104.4 m)

Passenger Capacity: 138

Built: 2021

Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.  

Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.  

Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines. 

Two Story Library

Light-filled interior library—at the bow of the ship— allows guests to sit and relax indoors while taking in the surrounding polar landscapes from their choice of two levels.

Leading Edge Sustainability

With the latest sustainability technology in polar expedition, the ship features fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines and the ground-breaking MAGS gasification system that converts waste into energy, eliminating the environmental impact of waste transportation.

ULSTEIN X-Bow

In addition to forming the double-story library, the innovative X-Bow design ensures calm, energy-efficient sailing in rough waters.

High Observation Outdoor Decks

Observation areas on Decks 7 and 8 allow for higher, longer-view landscape photography while contending with less sea spray.

Quiet and Comfortable

Spacious and luxurious cabins ensure your quiet ambience with no sound disturbance from adjoining cabins—and almost all cabins feature a balcony for outdoor viewing.

Stunning Interior Design

Each interior element was carefully hand-picked by designers for you to enjoy, from the dramatic two-story forward lounge, the floor-to-ceiling glass refuge in the library, to the grand fixtures and luxe furnishings throughout the ship.

Main Dining Room

Contemporary meets cozy in this modern dining room with its stylish lighting and contemporary art. Located on Deck 5, the Main Dining Room seats 144 guests, and features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the spectacular polar wilderness.

Private Dining Room

Tasteful and intimate. This stylish, private dining room on deck 5 provides a relaxed dining experience—with views of the polar landscape—for up to 36 guests.

The Latitude Bar

A popular social hub on Deck 5, the beautifully-lit Latitude Bar—with its lush sofas and faux marble-topped end tables—is large enough to seat 46 and is ideal for enjoying a quiet drink on your own or hanging out with friends.

Library

Located on Deck 6 at the top of the gorgeous atrium staircase, this beautiful Library with floor-to-ceiling glass, accommodates up to 47 people

Dry Sauna

After a day of exciting off-ship adventure, guests can relax on the sauna’s traditional wood benches while gazing at the polar wilderness just outside the large sauna windows. Accommodates 15 people on Deck 7.

Fitness Center

Stay fit with the latest work-out equipment in the Fitness Center on Deck 7.

Jacuzzis

Two outdoor Jacuzzis on deck 7, at the ship’s stern, mean you can relax alfresco while soaking up the breath-taking polar views.

Observation Lounge

This stylish lounge at the top of the ship guarantees incredible views. Guests also frequent this spacious lookout on Deck 8 to enjoy cocktails and conversation with fellow travelers. Seats 63.

Cabin layout for Ocean Explorer

Paddling Excursion

Every sweep of the paddle as your craft glides through the pristine polar waters creates an incredible soundtrack: the jostle of glacial ice, the lapping of waves against the rocky shore, the perpetual drip from your paddle, the call of seabirds, and the occasional splash as wildlife break the surface of the water.

Kayaking

Kayaking in Antarctica is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring ways you can explore this incredible region. Glide through the quiet waters and take in the beauty of Antarctica. Paddle through astounding icebergs, watch penguins, seals and possibly whales swim around your kayak. Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent, however we guarantee at least one outing during your voyage. Your kayak guides will always attempts to take you out as many times as possible throughout your voyage.

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Stand-up Paddleboarding, popularly known as SUPing, originated in Hawaii. Quark Expeditions is the first company to bring this watersport all the way to Antarctica.

Pre- and Post-Trip Options are available. Please contact us for more information.

Special Offers

Up to 30% OFF! Prices online do not show the discounted rates. Terms and Conditions apply, special offer is subject to availability, please contact us for more details.

Inclusions


• Voyage in selected cabin category
• Rubber boots for use throughout the voyage
• Expedition Parka to keep
• Experience Expedition leader and team
• All shore landings and zodiac cruises as specified in the itinerary
• All meals while on board the ship
• Soft Drinks, Juice, Tea and Coffee while on board the ship
• Beer and Wine with dinner
• Lectures and presentations on board held by Expedition team and guest speakers as scheduled
• Photographic journal of the expedtion
• Luggage handling on board the ship
• Emergency Evacuation insurance up to a maximum of USD$500,000.00 per person
• All port charges/taxes

Exclusions


• International and Domestic airfares unless specified
• Passport and Visa costs if applicable
• Meals ashore unless specified
• Travel insurance including cancellation insurance
• Mandatory waterproof pants - required for zodiac cruises and landings
• Any items of a personal nature including medical costs incurred on board
• Phone and Internet charges incurred on board
• Gratuities
• Transfers other than those specified in inclusions
• Pre and post voyage accommodation unless stated in the itinerary
• Optional excursions (Eg kayaking where available)
Ocean Explorer
Antarctic Peninsula ExpeditionExpedition
11 Days from
$34,700 AUD pp

or call us on

NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

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