Expedition Itinerary - Antarctic Explorer

This cruise takes you to the fabled Antarctic Peninsula – the long tail of land jutting northward from the continent’s heart towards the tip of South America.  It is the gateway to the greater Antarctic realm, and the perfect place to begin your exploration of this fascinating world.

Quark’s Antarctic Explorer Expedition offers you the opportunity to explore the highlights of the Peninsula in just 11 or 12 days.  Your adventure includes whale watching, visits to penguin rookeries and cruises through glittering iceberg fields.  You can also take part in optional kayaking, camping, cross-country skiing and mountaineering activities on some itineraries. This trip is a wonderful choice for those travelling to Antarctica for the first time.

Save up to 40% on select departures.

Antarctic Explorer Interactive Map
Antarctic Circle - If your dream is to cross the Antarctic Circle into the land of continual daylight, choose
South Shetland Islands - The UK, Chile and Argentina hold claim to the islands, where many countries keep research stations.
The Drake Passage - Whether Drake Lake, or the dreaded Drake Shake, the area is good for sighting whales and seabirds.
Ushuaia, Argentina - Capital of island province Tierra del Fuego, commonly regarded as southernmost city in the world
Beagle Channel - Both Chilean and Argentinean, it’s named after the ship on which Darwin’s journey made him famous.
Anvers Island - Named after Belgium city Antwerp, Palmer Station (USA) studies marine ecosystems here year-round.
Gerlache Strait - Named in honor of Lt. Adrien de Gerlache, who explored the iceberg-rich strait in 1898 for Belgium.
Antarctic Circle South Shetland Islands The Drake Passage Ushuaia, Argentina Beagle Channel Anvers Island Gerlache Strait

Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina

Begin your Antarctic Explorer adventure with an overnight stay in Ushuaia – capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, and southernmost city in the world.

Day 2 - Embarkation Day

Today you join your ship and begin your trip by cruising through the beautiful Beagle Channel. Named for the British ship HMS Beagle, this channel is particularly rich with birdlife, and you may sight penguins, cormorants, petrels, and Black-browed Albatross.

Day 3-4 - Crossing the Drake Passage

Prepare for rough seas, but don’t be disappointed if you experience smooth sailing across this legendary waterway. The 500-mile-wide passage separates the bottom of South America from the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, and was named for famed English explorer (and sometime pirate) Sir Frances Drake.

Day 5-8 - South Shetland Islands & the Antarctic Peninsula

These days form the heart of your Antarctic adventure, and changing conditions mean each expedition is different. Your Expedition Team will make the most of whatever weather, ice or wildlife conditions present themselves to make sure you have an unforgettable visit. Here are just a few of the things you might find yourself doing:

  • Sitting quietly on a pebbled beach, waiting for a curious penguin chick to approach
  • Taking a “polar plunge” in the icy waters of Neko Harbour
  • Listening to the boom and crack of a calving glacier near Petermann Island
  • Kayaking with pods of whales and sleek fur seals
  • Cross-country skiing across acres of shimmering snow
  • Zodiac-cruising among grounded icebergs in Pleneau Bay
  • Scrambling to the top of a craggy hill for an unforgettable view of Port Lockroy

Day 9-10 - Re-cross the Drake Passage

Wind down your Antarctic adventure with another trip across the legendary Drake Passage.

Day 11 - Disembarkation in Ushuaia

After a shipboard breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

Note on 12-day expeditions

If you choose a 12-day expedition, your itinerary will include an extra day in the Peninsula.

Extend Your Stay

Want to stay longer, or arrive earlier? Contact our Polar Travel Advisors via email, live chat or phone (1.866.961.2961) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions.

Extend your stay

You may like to extend your stay.

  • Trekking and Canoeing in Tierra del Fuego National Park$145 USD

    7 to 8 HoursPrice Per Person

    Lunch, canoeing, and trekking are included in this active adventure.

    Complete details

  • Cruise to Penguin Island$95 USD

    6 HoursPrice Per Person

    If you can't wait to see penguins, take this cruise.

    Complete details

  • Iguazu FallsFrom USD$460

    2 Nights/3 DaysPrice Per Person (Twin Occupancy)

    UNESCO has designated Iguazu Falls a World Heritage Site. They are considered one of the natural wonders of the modern world.

    Complete details

  • El Calafate - Gateway to Los GlaciaresFrom USD$700

    3 Nights/4 DaysPrice Per Person (Twin Occupancy)

    El Calafate is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, and Perito Moren Glacier.

    Complete details