Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsula

Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

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This expedition offers you the most in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula. Extended time in the region allows you to go beyond the Antarctic Peninsula and venture south of the Antarctic Circle, home to fantastic ice formations and wildlife including the Weddell seal. You’ll enjoy more time for communing with penguins and visits to less-frequented landing sites.

Highlights

• Extend your time in Antarctica and make landings in less frequented sites south of the Antarctic Circle;

• Visit historic research stations in the area of Marguerite Bay;

• Witness the quintessential Antarctic wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales and more;

• Experience the Western Peninsula highlights and visit iconic landing sites; and

• Learn about Antarctica’s geology and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists.

Day 1 — Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina

You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.

Day 2 — Embarkation Day

As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, you will begin your Antarctic journey, passing through the Beagle Channel. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities of landscapes and seabirds. Eventually the channel opens up to the Southern Ocean, and onwards to Antarctica.

Days 3 and 4 — Crossing the Drake Passage

Your days at sea are filled with presentations and lectures led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar, or enjoy the fresh air and views on the outer decks.

Days 5 to 7 — South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal. Your Expedition Team will take 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 four different species of seals. Zodiac cruising can offer opportunities to view some of the larger local marine mammals more intimately, such as Antarctic minke and humpback whales. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy. Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the astounding beauty of Antarctica. Listening to the crackling and crumbling of icebergs and glaciers and watching penguins waddling on the beach will become your daily entertainment, while sea kayaking, paddle excursions, or camping are optional activities available on select voyages (at an extra cost).

Days 8 and 9 — Antarctic Circle

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula do not reach this far south — 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! Make a toast and 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, Adélie penguins and some of the most awe-inspiring ice formations you’ll see anywhere on the planet.

Days 10 and 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, fur and Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ will become part of your vocabulary, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will fill your days, and your Expedition Team will continue looking out for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.

Days 12 and 13 — Crossing the Drake Passage

As you recross the Drake, Antarctica fades away, leaving you with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up its series of presentations as well, with a slideshow of the great landing sites and wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage. Be sure to take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far.

Day 14 — Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Today, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and fellow travelers, disembarking in the morning to catch your homeward flights or continue your travels on your own.

Please Note:

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.

04 March, 2022 to 17 March, 2022 Book now

Triple Cabin

$19,500 AUD pp

A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.

Lower Deck Twin

$25,100 AUD pp

A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.

Main Deck Twin Porthole

$25,900 AUD pp

A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.

Main Deck Twin Window

$28,400 AUD pp

A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views.

Superior Cabin

$63,200 AUD pp

A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration.

Deluxe

$63,200 AUD pp

A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.

Suite

$79,400 AUD pp

A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Suites have showers.

Owner's Suite

$85,800 AUD pp

An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard.

15 January, 2023 to 28 January, 2023 Save up to $4,090 AUD Book now

Triple Cabin

~~$18,400~~
$16,560 AUD pp

A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.

Lower Deck Twin

~~$24,100~~
$21,690 AUD pp

A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.

Main Deck Twin Porthole

~~$24,700~~
$22,230 AUD pp

A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.

Main Deck Twin Window

~~$27,500~~
$24,750 AUD pp

A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views.

Superior Cabin

~~$29,000~~
$26,100 AUD pp

A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration.

Deluxe

~~$29,000~~
$26,100 AUD pp

A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.

Suite

~~$38,100~~
$34,290 AUD pp

A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Suites have showers.

Owner's Suite

~~$40,900~~
$36,810 AUD pp

An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard.

Ocean Adventurer

Vessel Type: Comfortable Expedition

Length: 90 metres

Passenger Capacity: 118

Built / refurbished: 1975 / 1998 / 2017 - re-named to the Ocean Adventurer in June 2017

Ocean Adventurer is designed to carry 132 travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world. Originally built in Yugoslavia in 1976, this nimble, ice-strengthened ship has become a passenger favourite over the years and underwent refurbishments in 1999 and 2002 with the most significant being in 2017.

With the latest rounds of refurbishments guests will enjoy:

• A refreshed, contemporary new look and feel throughout the ship.

• The addition of six new twin cabins and three new suites.

• All existing cabins will be furnished with all new soft furnishings and brand new bathrooms.

• Main common areas such as the Lounge and Dining Room will be remodeled as well as the Bar.

• Major technical enhancements – include two new Rolls Royce engines, which will significantly increase fuel efficiency and minimized carbon footprint.

Sea Kayaking in Antarctica

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.

Paddling Excursion

Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a sit-on-top kayak. No experience is required to manoeuvre these very stable kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you want greater flexibility to try other Adventure options, this shorter excursion is for you.

Camping

Imagine for a moment, staring at the stars in the indigo glow of an Antarctic night as you bed down for the night outside in the elements. The buzz of your daily life becomes a distant memory as you listen to the bray of penguin, the ethereal calls of the Weddell sea – even the exhalation of a humpback whale. And then you fall asleep.

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 details.

Pay in full by May 31, 2021 & Save 10%

Antarctica 2022-2023: Pay in full by May 31, 2021 & Save 10%. 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
• Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to hotel on Day 1 (For preferred flights only)
• One night pre-voyage hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast as per the itineary
• Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
• Group transfer to airport or central location in Ushuaia on disembarkation i
• NOTE: Hotel Accommodation - 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

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)
• Gratuities or tips are always at your discretion. We recommend that you budget $10 to $15 per person per day, if you are pleased with the service on board. Gratuities are collected anonymously at the end of each voyage. They are distributed among staff and crew. Payment can be made in cash or charged to your shipboard account.