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Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle and the Peninsula

Antarctic From 14 days From $18,391 USD

Antarctica by Helicopter Crossing the Circle and the Peninsula

Starting from

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ships

Ultramarine

Departures

1 Departure between February 2027 to March 2027

Expedition Overview

Crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66’30 is a polar milestone achieved by relatively few travelers. Our polar-obsessed expedition team has made this dream come true for modern-day adventurers for over 30 years. Because innovation is in our DNA, we wanted to make this experience even more memorable. The result is our brand-new 14-day Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle & the Peninsula itinerary, which includes opportunities for guests to soar above the Antarctic landscape in one of Ultramarine’s twin-engine helicopters.

Our goal is to maximize helicopter adventures throughout your voyage so you can experience perspectives of the 7th Continent no one else can offer. Your helicopter-supported excursions—included in the cost of the trip—feature multiple opportunities for heli flightseeing, as well as a heli landing. You’ll learn what it’s like to step out of a helicopter onto Antarctica and gaze upon polar landscapes previously only seen by a few fearless explorers and mountaineers.

Not only will you reach the Antarctic Circle, but you’ll also explore the southern heart of the Antarctic Peninsula. And you’ll experience it all from sea—and air. Get ready to embrace the pinnacle of polar adventures.

Highlights

Be one of the select few to cross the Antarctic Circle at 66’30

Experience at least two heli-flightseeing excursions—included in the cost of the trip

Participate in one heli-landing amidst Antarctica’s vast coastal mountains

Enjoy off-ship excursions by Zodiac for intimate marine and land-based experiences

Explore Crystal Sound and Marguerite Bay—the southern heart of the Antarctic Peninsula

View the least-explored mountains and glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula from sea and air

Learn from polar experts during our enhanced onboard education program.

Find Your Ideal Itinerary

Duration: 14 days
Departing from: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ship: Ultramarine
Learn more about the ship
Starting from: $18,391 USD per person

Download Brochure

Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe, you will independently transfer to your pre-expedition hotel night, included in your Charter Flight and Hotel Package.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a central downtown location to enjoy some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the designated meeting spot near the pier, where you will be transferred to the ship for embarkation. After a late afternoon embarkation, we will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in the remote Antarctic wilderness.

Crossing the legendary 800-km stretch of water is a must-do for many travelers. Prepare yourself for dramatic seascapes as you stand on the deck of Ultramarine and gaze at the water stretching beyond the distant horizon. Be on the lookout for dolphins, whales and seabirds, especially albatrosses, petrels and skuas as they glide over the sometimes rough waters. As the ship approaches the Antarctic Peninsula, keep your eyes peeled for your first glimpse of towering, multi-shaped icebergs.

Today, as we continue crossing the Drake Passage, we experience the Antarctic Convergence, where the warmer waters of the sub-Antarctic meet the cold Antarctic. Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.

The most common reaction upon reaching the Antarctic Peninsula 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 elusive 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 five 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. Days 5 and 6 are also ideal times to experience Ultramarine’s portfolio of helicoptersupported adventures exclusive to Quark Expeditions. 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. That’s in addition to the spectacular experience of soaring in a helicopter over the Antarctic landscape.

Helicopter operations in Antarctic are acutely weather-dependent. We have designed this itinerary so we can spend time each day in stunning locations that allow us to enjoy helicopter opportunities if the weather allows and, alternately, to maximize your experience of Antarctic wildlife, ice and landscapes when flying conditions are not favorable. Each day near the Antarctic Circle will showcase the flexibility and technical prowess of our industry-leading expedition team, pilots and crew, who will look for opportunities to experience Antarctica well beyond its coasts. As Ultramarine gains access to the Antarctic Circle, you’ll have accomplished an impressive achievement as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not come close to navigating this far south. Toasting the first explorers who ventured here over a century ago, you can raise a glass and take pride in the knowledge you’ve reached part of the world visited by a relative few. Next on our itinerary are Crystal Sound and Marguerite Bay, which comprise the geographical theater of focus on this incredible venture into the “deep south” of Antarctica. After visiting some of the region’s iconic penguin colonies and glacial features, we continue south into Crystal Sound to cross the Antarctic Circle. Crystal Sound is known for its massive expanse of steep mountains that rise directly out of the sea. We hope to visit Detaille Island and, weather-permitting, fly into the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula at the Antarctic Circle. Our goal is to visit the British Antarctic Survey’s historical hut, and the Adélie penguin colony of Detaillle Island. We also hope to Zodiac cruise in this area to see the colossal icebergs that formed from the glaciers fed by the snowfall in the coastal mountains of Antarctica. Seals frequently roam this coastal area. There will be time to marvel at the impressive topography, which features Castle Peak, a 2,380 meter (7,800foot) massif. If weather allows, we may add to our marine operations and embark on our flightseeing experiences. What you will have just seen from sea, you will now experience from the sky as you witness the vastness of Antarctica and Crystal Sound. Continuing further south, we’ll set out toward Marguerite Bay, which is rich in human history, stunning geological features, and expansive ice fields. The bay is separated from Crystal Sound by Adelaide Island. Ice conditions permitting, we may be able to transit slowly through the narrow passage between the mainland and the island. This channel is known as The Gullet, known for pulsing currents that can lodge and dislodge ice throughout the summer months. Keep your eyes focused off-ship for potential marine mammal sightings. To the west of Adelaide Island, the 70-kilometer-long Fuchs Ice Piedmont stretches out like a long ice tongue to east Arrowsmith Peninsula with multiple peaks rising 1,800 to 2,100 meters (6,000 to 7000 feet). We also hope to explore Debenham Islands, named after Frank Debenham, a member of the advisory committee for the British Graham Land Expedition of 1934-37. The six main islands are named after Debenham’s children.

By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, crabeater and Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ will become part of your vocabulary. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will occupy your days, and your Expedition Team will continue looking out for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded us on this journey south.

As you recross the Drake Passage at the end of your expedition, rest assured you’ll do so with a storehouse of memories to last a lifetime. You’ll have experienced moments—soaring in a helicopter over remote parts of Antarctica being one of the most memorable—which few travelers can ever claim. Your Expedition Team will have a few remaining presentations for you—including the guest favorite, the end-of-voyage photoand-video compilation showcasing the most unforgettable moments of your voyage. Remember to take advantage of Ultramarine’s amenities, especially Tundra Spa & Sauna, on the final days onboard.

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast —but the adventures aren’t over. Your Charter Flight and Hotel Package includes your transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Ultramarine

Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and immerse you in the best the region has to offer.

Ship Amenities

Ready Rooms
Polar Boutique
Ambassador Theater
Balena Restaurant
Bridge
Bistro 487
Tundra Spa
Tundra Sauna
Fitness Center
Panorama Lounge and Bar

Ship Features

40-day Operational Range
Four Embarkation Points
MAGS
Twin Engine Helicopters
Water-level Zodiac Hangar
Wraparound Deck

Your Life Onboard

This is polar exploration at its finest. Our ships are intimate, luxurious floating hotels, packed with exciting experiences.

Several guests standing on the deck of a ship, wearing their Quark Expedition Parks, looking out onto a polar landscape

Guests on the deck of a polar expedition ship, wearing Quark Expedition parkas, gathered around an expedition leader while everyone raises a glass of champagne in celebration against a backdrop of ice

A presenter stands in front of a large screen displaying educational content about polar regions, engaging the audience with visual aids and maps

Two people stand on a ship with their backs to the camera, wearing their Quark Expeditions parkas, looking out onto an icy landscape

Two people sit in an on ship library reading, with a backdrop of books on bookshelves

A ready room where Quark Expedition parks hang in their open lockers

Enjoy panoramic views while you mingle in our comfy lounges, or head outside and chat with fellow adventurers on the wraparound deck. Our social spaces foster connections & shared experiences.

Engage with world-class experts in our auditorium. Presentations cover wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology, & geology, to enhance your polar knowledge & excitement for exploration.

Enjoy onboard amenities, attend lectures, or watch for wildlife from our observation decks. Sea days offer a perfect blend of education, relaxation, and anticipation.

Find tranquility in our well-stocked library, perfect for reading or quiet contemplation. The glass-domed Observation Lounge offers a peaceful retreat to reflect & enjoy awe-inspiring polar views.

Prepare for off-ship excursions in our spacious mudroom. Kayak, paddleboard, or take a plunge in polar waters. Stay active onboard with our gym, outdoor track, and pool facilities.

What’s Included

Specialist Expedition Leaders

Our team is comprised of the most professional and passionate Expedition Leaders in the world, who bring a wide range of experience and expertise to every adventure.

Immersive Off-ship Activities

Itineraries are packed with adventure options designed to immerses travelers in the polar wilderness, enabling them to connect with the natural wonders of their surroundings.

On-Ship Experiences & Facilities

Designed for comfort and adventure, each ship accommodates no more than 200 guests. Facilities include comfortable cabins, exceptional dining options, wellness treatments, and breathtaking panoramic views of the polar landscape.

Food & Beverages

Premium dining, with a wide selection of options that accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.

Quark Expedition Perks

Complementary Wi-Fi, alcohol on all voyages, and the Official Quark Expeditions parka to take home.

Transfers

Select voyages include essential transportation and accommodation arrangements for guests, ensuring seamless travel to and from the expedition starting point.

International airfare & visa expenses, travel insurance, mandatory expedition gear, on-ship expenses, adventure options and trip extensions are not included.

Included Activities

Passenger taking a photo of Arctic landscape from Helicopter

Upgrade Your Expedition

Find out what add-on options are available for your expedition.

Adventure Options

These can be booked in advance at an extra cost. Activities vary by itinerary, destination and are weather permitting.

Trip Extensions

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Possible Excursions

Departure Dates & Cabins

Polar Expedition Team Leader, dressed in warm outdoor gear, with a friendly expression

Ready For Your Expedition?

Our Polar Travel Advisor will recommend the best expedition itinerary to suit your requirements.

Request a Quote

Know Before You Go

For your personal safety—and to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your polar adventure—please assess your mobility and medical requirements before booking. It is essential that guests have a high level of mobility to get in and out of Zodiac boats, and for off-ship activities such as hiking on uneven terrain. Our destinations are remote. Apart from our basic ship infirmary, it could take up to 72 hours to reach adequate medical facilities. For more details to help you assess your mobility and medical requirements before booking your voyage, please review Health & Safety.

Some of our expeditions have included transfers and these will be detailed in your Invoice and Trip Brochure.

Please note that if you have an airport transfer included in your trip, it is only available if you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary. Please ensure your flight information on your Passenger Forms is up to date so our ground crew know when to expect you. There will be someone with a sign in Arrivals waiting for you. Please look for them and they will direct you to our group shuttle.

If you do not have included transfers, or you are arriving before Day 1, you will need to make your own way to the hotel. Most airports we travel in and out of have good taxi ranks in the Arrivals area, or you can often prebook a transfer online.

Packing is an exciting part of the trip for many of us. You will find a handy packing list towards the end of your Trip Brochure. You will have received a copy of this when you first booked. We also have two excellent videos, which you can check out here: What to Pack

Our Protection Promise allows you to make a purchase decision that will leave you worry-free in the event your plans change down the road. Please review details for each term in our Quark Expeditions Protection Promise.

Whether you are thinking of an expedition, or you’ve booked the trip of a lifetime with Quark Expeditions, review all our FAQs for comprehensive tips to help you prepare for the Polar Regions and how to make the most out of your voyage with the most experienced expedition team in the industry. If your specific question isn’t covered below, please reach out to your Polar Travel Advisor or helpful Client Experience Team at guest@quarkexpeditions.com.