Expedition Itinerary - Explorers Quest
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and more...
Antarctica is a big place, and its diversity is best appreciated on longer trips, where greater distances can be covered. This is our premier tour for both nature lovers and history buffs, as it covers both the wildlife havens of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, as well as historically significant spots like Shackleton’s grave, abandoned whaling stations and a tiny Norwegian church at Grytviken.
On this cruise you’ll see more than 30 species of birds, including 7 kinds of penguins. You’ll watch whales, share beaches with elephant and fur seals, and Zodiac-cruise past towering castles of ice. You can also take advantage of optional kayaking, mountaineering and cross-country ski packages on some departures.
Quark’s ships, crew and Expedition Team have been navigating and exploring these waters for decades. Our skilled and experienced Expedition Leaders know how to make the most of whatever weather, wildlife or ice conditions present themselves – so you’ll have the very best Antarctic adventure possible.
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Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina
Begin your Antarctic adventure with an overnight stay in Ushuaia – capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, and southernmost city in the world.
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Day 2 - Embarkation Day
Today you join your ship and begin your tour by cruising through the beautiful Beagle Channel. Named for the British ship HMS Beagle, the channel is particularly rich with birdlife, and you may sight penguins, cormorants, petrels, and Black-browed Albatross.
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Day 3 - At sea
There’s lots to do at sea! Your Expedition Team may include expert ornithologists, marine biologists, historians, geologists and more. When conditions permit, we’ll fill these days with onboard presentations, preparing you for the adventures to come.
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Day 4-5 - Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
The Falklands, known as les Islas Malvinas in Spanish-speaking Argentina, are a treasure-trove of bird life, particularly Kelp Geese and both Rockhopper and Magellanic Penguins. Shore landings allow you to hike the rocky beachheads, and socialize with friendly local residents.
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Day 6-7 - At Sea
More shipboard presentations prepare you for upcoming shore landings and Zodiac cruises along the coast of South Georgia. You’ll know you’re in bona fide Antarctic waters when you cross the “Antarctic Convergence” – the biological boundary dividing Antarctica from the rest of the Southern seas
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Day 8-11 - South Georgia
Your first sight of this remote snow-capped wonderland may leave you breathless. Jagged mountains erupt from the sea, reaching straight for the clouds. Once ashore, you’ll marvel at the strange music of barking seals and squawking penguins.
Planned activities include a series of landings at King Penguin rookeries, abandoned whaling stations and the lonely gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton. (Don’t know Shackleton’s story? Watch our South Georgia video guide.) Here’s a sample of other potential activities:
- Zodiac cruising along beaches densely packed with fur seals
- Visits to a tiny but excellent whaling museum
- Hiking rocky beaches, sometimes home to 1,000-lb elephant seals
- Optional kayaking in romantic bays
Keep your eye out for Wandering Albatross and Giant Petrels, and don’t be surprised if you spot the odd reindeer. Although Antarctica has no native land mammals, reindeer were introduced here early in the 20th century by Norwegian whalers.
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Day 12-13 - At sea
Heading south again, spend a few more education-filled days at sea en route for the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
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Day 14-17 - The Antarctic Peninsula
Changing conditions mean each expedition is different, and your Expedition Team will 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 Paradise Bay
- Listening to the boom and crack of a calving glacier near Danco Island
- Optional kayaking withp ods of whales or sleek fur seals
- Choose the mountaineering option to scale icy inclines
- Zodiac cruising among majestic icebergs
- Scrambling to the top of a craggy hill for an unforgettable view of Port Lockroy
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Day 18-19 - The Drake Passage
Prepare for rough seas as you begin your homeward journey, but don’t be disappointed if you experience smooth sailing across this legendary waterway. The 500-mile-wide passage separates the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the bottom of South America, and was named for famed English explorer (or pirate, depending on who’s telling the story) Sir Frances Drake
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Day 20 - Ushuaia
After a shipboard breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
Extend Your Stay
Want to stay longer, or arrive earlier? Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via email, live chat or phone (1.888.892.0334 or +1.416.645.8243) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions.
Extend your stay
You may like to extend your stay
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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 provides a low impact adventure in the magnificent wilderness Park.
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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.
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Haberton Estancia and Martillo IslandUSD$100
6 HoursPrice Per Person
A scenic coach tour, a cruise to Martillo Island to visit a penguin rookery - this excursion packs a lot into 6 hours.
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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 Beagle Channel by boat and motorcoach.
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Cruise to Penguin Island$95 USD
6 HoursPrice Per Person
If you can't wait to see penguins, take this cruise.
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Cruise to Sea Lion Island and Bird IslandUSD$62
2.5 HoursPrice Per Person
The perfect wildlife teaser before an Antartic expedition.
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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.
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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.
Reviews for this expedition
- Excellent - the trip of a lifetime!
"The first highlight of this trip is to see many interesting wildlives I've ever seen before eg. various kinds of Penguins, different kind of Seals eg. Huge Elephant Seals, Fur Seals, Leopard, …"
Rosrin Tantikarn, February 2009
- Excellent - the trip of a lifetime!
"I've wanted to visit Antarctica for awhile, but never thought I would want to go more than once. Now, four months later, I'm still on a "high" and can't wait to go back again!"
Carol Wolf, December 2009
- Excellent - the trip of a lifetime!
"I really did not know what to expect when I booked a trip to Antarctica, all I knew is that I had a burning (or shall I say, freezing?) desire to get as far south as possible. But cross the …"
Daniel King, December 2009