Essential Extras - Antarctic Explorer
In years past, adventure travellers were on their own in booking what we call “essential extras” to expedition travel. Thankfully, those days are over. Quark personnel can now book your entire trip, door to door, with lots of friendly advice along the way.
Our Trip Extension Team provides pre-expedition and post-expedition trip extensions, when you book this expedition adventure. Beat jet lag by arriving in Ushuaia a few days early or delay your return home with a trip to Iguazu Falls or a few nights in Buenos Aires. Extend the adventure, and increase the fun, with land tours before or after your expedition. Only your dreams limit the possibilities.
Flights to and from your hometown
This expedition begins in an out-of-the-way place: Ushuaia, capital of Tierra del Fuego province, at the very southern tip of Argentina. But don’t worry. Our Polar Travel Advisors know and understand the unique logistics of both Ushuaia and your departure city, no matter where you live. They’ll help you choose your preferred airline, flight times and seat class, and book it all in one step, so you’ll have nothing to worry about.
Extend your stay in beautiful Argentina, either before or after your cruise
Trip extensions are a great way to leverage your vacation investment and beat jet lag, either before or after your cruise.
Adventure Options
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Camping in Antarctica$225
Price per person in US dollars from
No camping experience is necessary, because camping in the polar regions is unlike any camping done in other parts of the world. The equipment supplied is designed for low temperature adventures.
Depending on the choice of itinerary and dates of travel, campers may experience only a few hours of twilight. At other times, campers may feel as if they can touch the stars. No two polar camping adventures are alike.
The per person price from camping in Antarctica between October 2011 and March 2013 is $225 per person.
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Sea-Kayaking in Antarctica$825
Price per person in US dollars from
If you have paddled the waters of New England or Alaska; if you have kayaked off the coast of California or Canada's Maritimes, you are ready for polar sea‐kayaking. Polar kayaking takes place in one of the roughest and toughest environments on Earth. When you settle yourself in one of our kayaks, you should already be comfortable getting in and out of the boat. You should have practiced an emergency wet exit.
Once you have booked your optional adventure, you receive a set of preparation notes that lists the gear supplied plus the gear you must bring with you.
The price per person for sea-kayaking between October 2011 and March 2012 is $825.
The price per person for sea-kayaking between October 2012 and March 2013 is $950.
Trip Extensions
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El Calafate - Gateway to Los GlaciaresFrom USD$700
3 Nights/4 DaysPrice Per Person (Twin Occupancy)
Less than one hundred years old, El Calafate was a sleepy, wool village, until tourism was encouraged. The Argentine town is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Los Glaciares National Park that protects one of the most visited glaciers in the world - Perito Moreno Glacier. You'll cruise on Lake Argentino with the Andes Mountains as a backdrop.
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Iguazu FallsFrom USD$460
2 Nights/3 DaysPrice Per Person (Twin Occupancy)
The Iguazu River, the border between Argentina and Brazil, drops 70 meters (229 feet) over a stretch of 23 km (14miles). Of the 270 waterfalls along the river, the Falls of San Martin and the Devil's Throat are the most often photographed. About 70% of the river's water flows through the Devil'sThroat, creating a great cloud of mist that can be seen from miles away. The Falls have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
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Cruise to Sea Lion Island and Bird IslandUSD$62
2.5 HoursPrice Per Person
Cruise to a Magellanic Penguin colony and an island where Imperial Cormorants nest. This is the perfect wildlife teaser before an Antarctic expedition.
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Cruise to Penguin Island$95 USD
6 HoursPrice Per Person
Gable Island is known locally as Penguin Island, because Magellanic Penguins use it to raise their young. If you can't wait to see penguins, take this cruise.
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Cruise and Coach Adventure to Haberton EstanciaUSD$100
9 HoursPrice per person
The best of the sights and sounds of the remarkable Beagle Channel. Cruise to Haberton Estancia for a guided walking tour in English. See sea lions, penguins and cormorants, before returning to Ushuaia by coach.
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Haberton Estancia and Martillo IslandUSD$100
6 HoursPrice Per Person
The first hour and a half is scenic drive to Haberton Estancia from Ushuaia. Then a short cruise to Martillo Island to explore a Magellanic Penguin rookery and see nesting American terns. Before returning to Ushuaia, you'll have time to explore Haberton ranch.
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Trekking and Canoeing in Tierra del Fuego National Park$145 USD
7 to 8 HoursPrice Per Person
Stretch your muscles on a 3 hour hike through protected wilderness, following by a paddle to the sea. Your adventure ends at the terminus of the Pan American Highway. Lunch is included.
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Tierra del Fuego National Park Excursion$75 USD
4 HoursPrice Per Person
A combination of motor coach touring and short walks on undemanding paths makes provides a low impact view of the magnificent foliage and wildlife of Tierra del Fuego National Park. A photo stop is made at the terminus of the Pan American Highway.
Reviews for this expedition
- Excellent - the trip of a lifetime!
"Sitting down in the snow and having little penguins waddle up to me and climb into my lap - that was precious. The true highlight was having a humpback whale swim right up to the side of our zodiac …"
Megan Gunn, February 2009
- Excellent - the trip of a lifetime!
"Each day was a highlight once arriving in Antarctica, but the Zodiac excursions amongst the icebergs, seals and penguins were thrilling. We had a bit of an adventure when our Zodiac engine …"
Lydia Wytrzes, February 2009
- Excellent - the trip of a lifetime!
"I can not recommend this trip, and Quark, highly enough! I have been on a 19 month 'round the world odyssey (still going!) and my Antarctic trip has been, and will be, my most amazing and memorable …"
Deanna Sorenson, February 2009