Quark Antarctic Explorer Discovering the 7th Continent - 12 days | Polar Frontiers

Credit David Merron

Credit David Merron

Credit Acacia Johnson

Credit Sam Edmonds

Credit Acacia Johnson

Credit David Merron

Credit David Merron

Credit Michelle Sole

Antarctic Explorer Discovering the 7th Continent

From

AU$18,934 ^{per person}

Dates

Nov , Dec , Jan , Feb and Mar
Duration

12 Days
Ships
Ultramarine Ocean Explorer
Embark

Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina
Disembark

Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina

Routes
Activities
Dates & rates
Special Offers
What's included

Routes

Depart

Route Information

Embark: Ushuaia, Argentina

Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina

Destinations: Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula & the Lemaire Channel

Ships: Ultramarine

Duration: 12 days

Additional Information: 1 night in Buenos Aires and return flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia included.

Depart

Route Information

Embark: Ushuaia, Argentina

Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina

Destinations: South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula & the Lemaire Channel

Ships: Ocean Explorer

Duration: 11 days

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Upon arriving in this splendid city, renowned for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, you will be met and transferred to your group hotel.

Day 2 Fly to Ushuaia and Embark

Following an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will head to the airport and catch the private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Once you arrive, you'll be transported from the airport to a central downtown location, where you can explore this charming port town independently before heading to the designated meeting point at the pier. In the late afternoon, you'll embark and begin sailing along the historic Beagle Channel, which cuts through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the far south of South America. Anticipation grows as you look forward to your next destination: Antarctica!

Day 3 - 4 Crossing the Drake Passage

The Drake Passage, known for its unpredictability, offers an adventure all on its own. With expert onboard staff and leaders ensuring your comfort, you'll have ample time to enjoy the ocean, photograph seabirds flying around the ship, and connect with your Expedition Team and fellow travellers.

Days 5 - 9 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

As we leave the Drake Passage behind and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. You will understand why this region has fascinated explorers and travellers for so long. Each visit to Antarctica reveals something new and unexpected, making your expedition a unique and personal experience. Daily Zodiac excursions from the ship will allow you to explore local bays, channels, and landing sites. With wildlife always in focus, you will visit penguin rookeries, look out for humpback and minke whales, and search for various southern seal species, including the elusive leopard seal. The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will captivate you as you hike snowy paths to vantage points with panoramic views. Antarctica is a land of extremes. One moment you'll feel complete isolation and silence, and the next you'll be awed by nature as a glacier calves into the blue sea or a curious penguin inspects your footwear. In the quietude of Antarctica, even the noisy squabbles of penguins over prized pebbles become unforgettable memories. Each day will be different, thoughtfully designed by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this incredible part of the world.

Days 10 - 11 Crossing the Drake Passage

The return journey across the Drake Passage offers a last chance to relish the refreshing Southern Ocean air. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and looking out for whales, enjoy engaging presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the incredible experiences you've had exploring the extraordinary world of Antarctica.

Day 12 Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will then make your way to the airport for your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina

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. Enjoy the mountains or sample handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.

Day 2 Embark on your adventure

You have the day to explore Ushuaia, boarding and embarkation will be later in the afternoon today

Days 3 - 4 Crossing the Drake passage

Days 5 - 8 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Days 9 - 10 Crossing the Drake Passage

Day 11 Disembark Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, disembark after breakfast and continue with your onward journey.

Activities

Ultramarine Only

Credit Quark:Michelle Sole

Flightseeing

While polar landscapes are spectacular from the sea, they’re even more stunning from the air while seated in one of Ultramarine’s two twin–engine helicopters. Please note: all helicopter operations are weather– and logistics–dependent.

Credit David Merron

Hiking

Hiking in polar regions offers unique, immersive experiences across tundra, snow, and beaches, with organized hikes ranging from short wildlife visits to longer excursions, guided by experts.

Credit David Merron

Polar Plunge

This rite of passage, scheduled once per voyage, offers you the chance to jump safely into the bracing polar waters under the watchful eye of our trained staff.

Optional Extra

Credit Quark:Michelle Sole

Paddling Excursion

The Paddle Excursion Program offers sit-on-top, two-person inflatable kayaks for a unique, intimate experience exploring unforgettable Antarctic locations from a different perspective

Optional Extra

Credit Acacia Johnson

Camping

Elevate your expedition with a unique overnight camping adventure in Antarctica! Experience this incredible destination up close. Limited camping options are available, so book early to secure your spot.

Optional Extra

Credit Acacia Johnson

Sea Kayaking

Kayaking offers adventurous travellers a unique, intimate connection to the Antarctic wilderness, allowing exploration of the mazes sea ice and glaciers while forging bonds with fellow explorers at water level.

credit:davidmerron

Zodiac Cruising

Zodiacs take you places that ships can’t access, allowing you to reach remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets and search for unique wildlife.

Optional Extra

Credit Michelle Sole

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Experience a unique view of Antarctica with stand-up paddleboarding in small groups, exploring calm bays and harbours under good weather conditions, guided by a support Zodiac.

Dates & rates

Dates

Nov 6 - Nov 16, 2026
Start/End

Buenos Aires, Argentina / Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ship

World Voyager
Price from (per person)

A$41,303

was A$45,892

Infinity Suite

Price from (per person)

A$39,161

was A$43,512

Veranda Suite

Price from (per person)

A$41,303

was A$45,892

Superior Suite

Price from (per person)

A$63,171

was A$70,190

Deluxe Suite

Price from (per person)

A$67,851

was A$75,390

Owner's Suite

Price from (per person)

A$72,711

was A$80,790

Dates

Nov 12 - Nov 22, 2026
Start/End

Ushuaia, Argentina / Ushuaia, Argentina
Ship

Ocean Explorer
Price from (per person)

A$19,526

was A$21,695

Triple Suite

Price from (per person)

A$19,526

was A$21,695

Deluxe Veranda Forward

Guests

2, Queen/Twin
Size

16.9m²
Deck

4

Price from (per person)

A$21,776

was A$24,195

Veranda Statesroom

Guests

2, Queen/Twin + sofa bed
Size

19.2m²
Deck

4,6,7

Price from (per person)

A$22,946

was A$25,495

Veranda Suite

Guests

2, Queen/Twin + sofa bed
Size

19.2m²
Deck

4,6

Price from (per person)

A$24,296

was A$26,995

Single Studio

Guests

1, Queen
Size

15.4m²
Deck

3

Price from (per person)

A$28,616

was A$31,795

Studio Veranda Single

Price from (per person)

A$30,866

was A$34,295

Penthouse Suite

Guests

2, Queen/Twin + sofa bed
Size

25m²
Deck

7

Price from (per person)

A$33,206

was A$36,895