Revel in the excitement of crossing the famed Drake Passage after embarking from Ushuaia, 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, enroute to the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The surreal silence in this vast wilderness may at first overwhelm, 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.
Some departures may have slightly modified itineraries. Certain departures leave from Ushuaia and do not include charter flights. Please confirm the itinerary with an Expedition Specialist.
This itinerary is also available in reverse. Click here for additional dates.
Itineraries are subject to change.
This itinerary is also available in reverse. Click here for additional dates.
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Vessel Type: Polar Expedition
Length: 342 ft (104.4 m)
Passenger Capacity: 138
Built: 2021
The Ocean Explorer is a modern, purpose-built expedition vessel combining contemporary elegance with advanced polar exploration technology. Accommodating up to 138 guests, this state-of-the-art ship features the innovative ULSTEIN X-BOW® design, which ensures smooth, stable sailing even in rough seas. A highlight of the vessel is its stunning two-story, glass-walled library located at the bow—perfect for quiet reflection with panoramic views of the polar landscapes. Almost all spacious cabins include private verandas, while the ship’s sleek Scandinavian-inspired interiors create a sense of understated luxury. Guests can unwind in the fitness centre, sauna with large windows overlooking the ice, or one of two outdoor Jacuzzis while taking in the surrounding scenery.
Designed with both exploration and comfort in mind, Ocean Explorer offers generous outdoor viewing spaces and elevated observation decks for exceptional photography and wildlife watching. A fleet of 15 Zodiacs ensures quick, safe embarkation for off-ship adventures. Social spaces such as the elegant Main Dining Room, Latitude Bar, and Observation Lounge provide a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, complemented by fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines and cutting-edge sustainability systems, including waste-to-energy technology. Every detail of the Ocean Explorer reflects innovation, comfort, and environmental consciousness—setting a new standard for luxury expedition cruising.








Vessel Type: Yacht
Length: 129 m
Passenger Capacity: 198
Built: 2022
World Voyager is a modern expedition ship built for discovery and polar exploration, accommodating 168 guests in all-balcony suites with direct views of the surrounding wilderness. The vessel combines luxurious comfort with functional design, offering public spaces such as a glass-domed Observation Lounge, theater-style lecture hall, and the Science Hub, where guests engage with onboard scientists and expedition guides. Wellness and recreation facilities include a spa, sauna, heated outdoor pool with Jacuzzis, a gym, and an outdoor running track, ensuring relaxation and activity throughout the voyage.
Equipped with two Rolls-Royce hybrid-electric engines and the Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) for converting waste into energy, World Voyager emphasises sustainability while navigating Antarctic waters. The ship also features a wraparound deck with heated seating, a Polar Boutique for essential gear, and the Ready Room for seamless Zodiac excursions, providing a comfortable, immersive, and environmentally conscious polar expedition experience.


Paddling Excursion
Glide through the pristine polar waters in a sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayak for an unforgettable experience in the Arctic and Antarctic wilderness. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by an additional safety driver who will stay close by to provide additional support.
Sea Kayaking
The kayak adventure option is open to all levels of experience. However, it is highly recommended that you have some sea kayaking related experience prior to kayaking in the polar regions with Quark Expeditions. Our sea kayaks are the ideal means by which to slow down and connect with the pristine natural environments and surroundings.
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. SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by. Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.
Offer ends 31 December, 2050
Offer ends 31 December, 2050
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• Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
• One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast. (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
• Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
• Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas
• Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
• A post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel
• One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast.