Antarctic · From 10 Days

Antarctic Express

Sail South, Fly North

Starts from $18,295 USD

$15,566 USD


Starting from
Ushuaia, Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ships
Ocean Explorer, World Voyager
Departures
10 Departures between November 2026 to February 2029

From $18,295 USD

$ 15,566 USD

Expedition Overview

Get the best of both worlds on our 10-day Antarctic Express: Sail South, Fly North. Achieve a polar rite of passage by crossing the legendary 800-km (500-mile) Drake Passage by ship—and on your return, board a comfortable charter flight at King George Island for a three-hour flight over the infamous waterway. That leaves several full days to experience the wonders of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Expect to encounter minke and humpback whales, along with Adélie penguins, as you explore rugged snow-capped peaks, stark icescapes, and immense penguin colonies thriving in this remote wilderness.

Highlights

Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales

Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica

Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts

Cruise in a Zodiac to get water-level views of icebergs, wildlife and more

Select Your Season & Itinerary

Select Season

2026.27
2027.28
2028.29

Select Itinerary

Ushuaia, Argentina

10 Days · Ocean Explorer

Starts from $22,701 USD

Buenos Aires, Argentina

10 Days · World Voyager

Starts from $17,701 USD

Ushuaia, Argentina

10 Days · Ocean Explorer

Starts from $16,826 USD

Buenos Aires, Argentina

10 Days · World Voyager

Starts from $18,896 USD

Buenos Aires, Argentina

10 Days · World Voyager

Starts from $16,591 USD

Ushuaia, Argentina

10 Days · Ocean Explorer

Starts from $15,566 USD

Starts from $23,895 USD $ 22,701 USD
Starts from $18,590 USD $ 17,701 USD
Starts from $18,695 USD $ 16,826 USD
Starts from $22,090 USD $ 18,896 USD
Starts from $19,340 USD $ 16,591 USD
Starts from $18,295 USD $ 15,566 USD

10 Days – From Ushuaia, Argentina on Ocean Explorer (Season 2026.27)

Itinerary Activities

  • Included Activities

    Zodiac Cruising, Hiking, Science and Discovery, Polar Plunge, Presentations, Photography
  • Adventure Options

    Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion

Day By Day & Map

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Ushuaia

    You may arrive in Ushuaia at any time on Day 1. Many guests choose to arrive a day or two before embarkation day to explore this quaint port city at the bottom of South America., and the surrounding region. Based on the arrival information you send in advance, we will arrange for a transfer from the airport to your hotel.

  2. Day 2

    Embarkation in Ushuaia

    On the morning of Day 2, your luggage will be collected from the hotel lobby and transferred to your cabin on the ship. Guests will meet at a designated location near the pier, usually about 4 pm, and board the waiting buses for transfer to the ship. 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. Excitement builds in anticipation of your next stop: the Antarctic.

  3. Day 3 & 4

    Crossing the Drake Passage

    Legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, you may get lucky and have surprisingly calm seas through the Drake Passage. Spend your time in the lounge or chatting with your fellow travelers. As you develop your sea legs during the crossing, our Expedition Team will begin their series of presentations to help prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, a biological boundary that fluctuates around 60° south.

  4. Day 5 to 8

    South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

    The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit 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 glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or observing chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

  5. Day 9

    Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas

    After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your two-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your group transfer to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

  6. Day 10

    Depart Punta Arenas

    After breakfast, you are free to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

Details for Selected Itinerary

  • Included Activities

    Zodiac Cruising, Hiking, Science and Discovery, Polar Plunge, Presentations, Photography
  • Adventure Options

    Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion

10 Days – From Buenos Aires, Argentina on World Voyager (Season 2026.27)

Itinerary Activities

  • Included Activities

    Zodiac Cruising, Hiking, Science and Discovery, Polar Plunge, Presentations, Photography
  • Adventure Options

    Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion, Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Day By Day & Map

  1. Day 1

    Arriving in Buenos Aires and Hotel Night

    Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, make your way to the included group hotel, which is part of your Charter Flight & Hotel Package. A presentation room will be open from 12 pm to 8 pm for luggage weighing and tagging. A Quark Expeditions representative will be available to answer your questions and give information about the next day’s flight and ship embarkation. After an early breakfast the following morning, your group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world.

  2. Day 2

    Arrive in Ushuaia and Embarkation

    Your Charter Flight and Hotel package will provide you with some free time to explore this quaint port town at the bottom of South America. Steeped in marine history, this walkable Argentine city has plenty of museums, galleries and historic sites to visit quite easily. We will transfer the group to the ship for embarkation around 4 pm.

  3. Day 3 & 4

    Crossing the Drake Passage

    Legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, you may get lucky and have surprisingly calm seas through the Drake Passage. Spend your time in the lounge or chatting with your fellow travelers. As you develop your sea legs during the crossing, our Expedition Team will begin their series of presentations to help prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, a biological boundary that fluctuates around 60° south.

  4. Day 5 to 8

    South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

    The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit 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 glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or observing chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

  5. Day 9

    Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas

    With only the Drake Passage ahead, you’ll disembark on King George Island before flying to Punta Arenas, Chile. Once you’re in Punta Arenas, we’ll transfer you from the airport to your hotel, where you’re free to explore and enjoy a final dinner on your own, before your homeward journey.

  6. Day 10

    Depart Punta Arenas

    After breakfast, you are free to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

Details for Selected Itinerary

  • Included Activities

    Zodiac Cruising, Hiking, Science and Discovery, Polar Plunge, Presentations, Photography
  • Adventure Options

    Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion, Stand-Up Paddleboarding

10 Days – From Ushuaia, Argentina on Ocean Explorer (Season 2026.27)

Itinerary Activities

  • Included Activities

    Zodiac Cruising, Hiking, Science and Discovery, Polar Plunge, Presentations, Photography
  • Adventure Options

    Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion

Day By Day & Map

  1. Day 1

    Arrival in Ushuaia

    You may arrive in Ushuaia at any time on Day 1. Many guests choose to arrive a day or two before embarkation day to explore this quaint port city at the bottom of South America, and the surrounding region. Based on the arrival information you send in advance, we will arrange for a transfer from the airport to the designated group hotel.

  2. Day 2

    Embarkation in Ushuaia

    On the morning of Day 2, your luggage will be collected from the hotel lobby and transferred to your cabin on the ship. Guests will meet at a designated location near the pier, usually about 4 pm, and board the waiting buses for transfer to the ship. 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. Excitement builds in anticipation of your next stop: the Antarctic.

  3. Day 3 & 4

    Crossing the Drake Passage

    Legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, you may get lucky and have surprisingly calm seas through the Drake Passage. Spend your time in the lounge or chatting with your fellow travelers. As you develop your sea legs during the crossing, our Expedition Team will begin their series of presentations to help prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, a biological boundary that fluctuates around 60° south.

  4. Day 5 to 8

    South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

    The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit 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 glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or observing chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

  5. Day 9

    Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas

    With only the Drake Passage ahead, you’ll disembark on King George Island before flying to Punta Arenas, Chile. Once you’re in Punta Arenas, we’ll transfer you from the airport to your designated group hotel. You’re then free to explore Punta Arenas and enjoy a final dinner on your own.

  6. Day 10

    Depart Punta Arenas

    After breakfast, you are free to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

Details for Selected Itinerary

  • Included Activities

    Zodiac Cruising, Hiking, Science and Discovery, Polar Plunge, Presentations, Photography
  • Adventure Options

    Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion

10 Days – From Buenos Aires, Argentina on World Voyager (Season 2026.27)

Itinerary Activities

  • Included Activities

    Zodiac Cruising, Hiking, Science and Discovery, Polar Plunge, Presentations, Photography
  • Adventure Options

    Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion, Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Day By Day & Map

  1. Day 1

    Arriving in Buenos Aires and hotel night

    Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, make your way to the included group hotel, which is part of your Charter Flight & Hotel Package. A presentation room will be open from 12 pm to 8 pm for luggage weighing and tagging. A Quark Expeditions representative will be available to answer your questions and give information about the next day’s flight and ship embarkation. After an early breakfast the following morning, your group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world.

  2. Day 2

    Arrive in Ushuaia and Embarkation

    Your Charter Flight and Hotel package will provide you with some free time to explore this quaint port town at the bottom of South America. Steeped in marine history, this walkable Argentine city has plenty of museums, galleries and historic sites to visit quite easily. We will transfer the group to the ship for embarkation around 4 pm.

  3. Day 3 & 4

    Crossing the Drake Passage

    Legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, you may get lucky and have surprisingly calm seas through the Drake Passage. Spend your time in the lounge or chatting with your fellow travelers. As you develop your sea legs during the crossing, our Expedition Team will begin their series of presentations to help prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, a biological boundary that fluctuates around 60° south.

  4. Day 5 to 8

    South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

    The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit 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 glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or observing chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

  5. Day 9

    Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas

    With only the Drake Passage ahead, you’ll disembark on King George Island before flying to Punta Arenas, Chile. Once you’re in Punta Arenas, we’ll transfer you from the airport to your hotel, where you’re free to explore and enjoy a final dinner on your own, before your homeward journey.

  6. Day 10

    Depart Punta Arenas

    After breakfast, you are free to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

Details for Selected Itinerary

  • Included Activities

    Zodiac Cruising, Hiking, Science and Discovery, Polar Plunge, Presentations, Photography
  • Adventure Options

    Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion, Stand-Up Paddleboarding

10 Days – From Buenos Aires, Argentina on World Voyager (Season 2026.27)

Itinerary Activities

  • Included Activities

    Zodiac Cruising, Hiking, Science and Discovery, Polar Plunge, Presentations, Photography
  • Adventure Options

    Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion, Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Day By Day & Map

  1. Day 1

    Arriving in Buenos Aires and Hotel Night

    Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, make your way to the included group hotel, which is part of your Charter Flight & Hotel Package. A presentation room will be open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. for luggage weighing and tagging. A Quark Expeditions representative will be available to answer your questions and provide information about the next day’s flight and ship embarkation. After an early breakfast the following morning, your group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world.

  2. Day 2

    Arrival in Ushuaia and Embarkation

    Your Charter Flight and Hotel package will allow for some free time to explore this quaint port town at the bottom of South America. Steeped in marine history, this walkable Argentine city has plenty of museums, galleries and historic sites to visit quite easily. We will transfer the group to the ship for embarkation around 4 p.m.

  3. Day 3 & 4

    Crossing the Drake Passage

    Legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, you may get lucky and have surprisingly calm seas through the Drake Passage. Spend your time in the lounge or chatting with your fellow travelers. As you develop your sea legs during the crossing, our Expedition Team will begin their series of presentations to help prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, a biological boundary that fluctuates around 60° south.

  4. Day 5 to 8

    South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

    The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit 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 glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or observing chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

  5. Day 9

    Disembark & Fly to Punta Arenas

    With only the Drake Passage ahead, you’ll disembark on King George Island before flying to Punta Arenas, Chile. Once you’re in Punta Arenas, we’ll transfer you from the airport to your designated group hotel. You’re then free to explore Punta Arenas and enjoy a final dinner on your own.

  6. Day 10

    Depart Punta Arenas

    After breakfast, you are free to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flight.

Details for Selected Itinerary

  • Included Activities

    Zodiac Cruising, Hiking, Science and Discovery, Polar Plunge, Presentations, Photography
  • Adventure Options

    Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion, Stand-Up Paddleboarding

10 Days – From Ushuaia, Argentina on Ocean Explorer (Season 2026.27)

Itinerary Activities

  • Included Activities

    Zodiac Cruising, Hiking, Science and Discovery, Polar Plunge, Presentations, Photography
  • Adventure Options

    Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion

Day By Day & Map

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Ushuaia

    You may arrive in Ushuaia at any time on Day 1. Many guests choose to arrive a day or two before embarkation day to explore this quaint port city at the bottom of South America, and the surrounding region. Based on the arrival information you submit in advance, we will arrange for a transfer from the airport to the designated group hotel.

  2. Day 2

    Embarkation in Ushuaia

    On the morning of Day 2, your luggage will be collected from the hotel lobby and transferred to your cabin on the ship. Guests will meet at a designated location near the pier, usually about 4 p.m., and board the waiting buses for transfer to the ship. 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. Excitement builds in anticipation of your next stop: the Antarctic.

  3. Day 3 & 4

    Crossing the Drake Passage

    Legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, you may get lucky and have surprisingly calm seas through the Drake Passage. Spend your time in the lounge or chatting with your fellow travelers. As you develop your sea legs during the crossing, our Expedition Team will begin their series of presentations to help prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, a biological boundary that fluctuates around 60° south.

  4. Day 5 to 8

    South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

    The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit 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 glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or observing chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

  5. Day 9

    Disembarkation & Fly to Punta Arenas

    With only the Drake Passage ahead, you’ll disembark on King George Island before flying to Punta Arenas, Chile. Once you’re in Punta Arenas, we’ll transfer you from the airport to your designated group hotel. You’re then free to explore Punta Arenas and enjoy a final dinner on your own.

  6. Day 10

    Depart Punta Arenas

    After breakfast, you are free to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

Details for Selected Itinerary

  • Included Activities

    Zodiac Cruising, Hiking, Science and Discovery, Polar Plunge, Presentations, Photography
  • Adventure Options

    Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion
Choose Season & Departure Date
1 Choose Season & Departure Date
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Explore Activities

Activities vary by itinerary, ship, destination and are subject to weather conditions. Checkout our Itineraries to explore what’s included in each voyage.

Pre & Post Expedition Extensions

Extend your adventure with our new pre- and post-expedition experiences. These curated itineraries are built with local partners to fit seamlessly before or after your polar expedition.

Expedition Ships

Possible Excursions

When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. The following sites are a sample of what you may experience on your expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, helicopter, or shore landing.

South Shetland Islands

South Shetland Islands

Antarctic Peninsula

Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Circle

The Antarctic Circle

South Shetland Islands

Guest in yellow parka stands on the main deck of their ship and takes a photograph with their smartphone
  • Aitcho Islands

    This group of small islands, some still unnamed, is situated in the northern entrance of the English Strait. You can often spot a great mix of wildlife in the area, with gentoo and chinstrap penguins having established rookeries on the islands. Southern elephant and fur seals frequently haul out here, too.

  • Deception Island

    Deception Island is a flooded circular caldera formed by the collapse of an active volcano. To reach this protected harbor, it is necessary to sail through a narrow passage called Neptune’s Bellows. Inside are several bays used at various times for whaling and scientific research. Along with waddling penguins and lounging seals, you’ll see the rusting remains of whaling operations on the beach in some locations. The landscape of Deception Island often presents opportunities for longer walks to striking vistas. The stark contrast between snow and dark volcanic sand and the steam along the shoreline from geothermic activity when the tide is right, gives this location an atmospheric feel.

  • Half Moon Island

    This crescent-shaped island was known to sealers as early as 1821. While they tried to keep this productive location secret, we’re happy to bring you ashore on this impressive island. Many Antarctic birds breed here, including chinstrap penguins, shags, Wilson’s storm petrels, kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic terns and skuas.

  • Hannah Point

    On the southern coast of Livingston Island at Hannah Point, you may see chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries, along with the occasional breeding macaroni penguin. Due to the rather congested area available to the nesting penguins, we are able to visit here only after January 10.

  • Penguin Island

    Antarctica has two flowering plants, both of which you can find on Penguin Island: Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort (Colobanthus quitensis). Chinstrap penguins, fur seals and southern elephant seals can also be spotted here.

  • Robert Point

    A beautiful spot for Zodiac cruising, this point was known to sealers as early as 1820. Chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and pintado petrels breed here, and whales may be seen in the surrounding waters.

  • Turret Point

    Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries are found on this point, situated on the south coast of King George Island. The beaches here are often crowded with southern elephant, fur and Weddell seals hauled out on the rocks.

  • Yankee Harbour

    Gentoo penguins have established a rookery at this harbor, situated on the southwest side of Greenwich Island. Here, you can see an abandoned Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier that stretches along the east and north sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing try pot is all that remains of the activity that brought men thousands of miles in tall ships to seek their fortune. Enjoy a rare chance for a longer walk along the expansive beach, dotted with historical artifacts and wildlife.

Antarctic Peninsula

Antarctica_Zodiac_Quark_Expeditions_.jpg
  • Cierva Cove

    If one of your expedition goals is to witness incredible icebergs and sea ice, Cierva Cove is the place for you. A massive glacial face regularly calves into the bay, and the floating ice can be quite spectacular. Seals can be spotted on ice floes, and later in the season, humpback whales occasionally feed in the icy waters.

  • Cuverville Island

    A gentoo penguin rookery is situated on a rocky beach at the north end of the island. Depending on when in the season you arrive, you may see the penguins building nests or attending to their chicks. Giant petrels and kelp gulls breed on the island.

  • Damoy Point

    Damoy Point is the site of a historical ice runway used by the British Antarctic Survey for their flights further south since 1975. The well-maintained hut was used as a staging-post to store supplies and for accommodation while awaiting ideal flying conditions. The point is also home to a penguin rookery and allows for spectacular views of the mountains of Anvers Island.

  • Danco Island

    Home to gentoo penguins, this small dome-shaped island provides you with a stunning view of the Errera Channel.

  • Enterprise Island

    Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island’s protected coves were once used by whalers. A Zodiac cruise exploring the island passes the rusting remains of a wrecked whaling ship, and provides opportunities to search for humpback whales.

  • Lemaire Channel

    One of the most scenic locations on the peninsula’s west coast, this dramatic strait runs between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula. The channel may become impassable when ice fills the narrow, 6.8-mile (11 km)-long passageway, so we’ll hope for clear waters.

  • Port Lockroy, Goudier Island

    As part of Operation Tabarin during the Second World War, a secret British base was built in this sheltered harbor, located on the west side of Wiencke Island. Now a designated historic site, the base is a museum and post office. Proceeds from your purchases in Port Lockroy support the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, which preserves British and other historic sites dating to the Heroic Age of Exploration. A large gentoo penguin population resides here.

  • Melchior Islands

    This group of low, glaciated islands in Dallmann Bay is where you may see hauled-out male fur seals as they recuperate from their battles for supremacy at the end of their breeding season.

  • Mikkelsen Harbour

    Located on the south side of Trinity Island and surrounded by stunning ice cliffs and several reefs, Mikkelsen Harbor is a 1.86-mile (3 km)-wide bay, discovered by a Swedish Antarctic expedition in 1901-04. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise of the beautiful waters, or if conditions allow, land at D’Hainaut Island, home to an Argentine refuge and whaling remains in the form of a wooden boat and whale skeletons. Weddell seals are often seen in the area and a gentoo penguin rookery is situated on the island.

  • Neko Harbour

    Little evidence remains that this bay was once used by the floating whale factory ship Neko. You might see whale vertebrae being used by resident gentoo penguins as shelter from the wind. Climb up a steep slope for spectacular views of the glacier-rimmed harbor.

  • Paradise Harbour (Paradise Bay)

    Paradise Harbor is a wide bay and natural harbor on the West Antarctic Peninsula. Mountains, glaciers and ice cliffs offer spectacular views. Icebergs regularly calve from the glaciers, providing a place for seals, penguins and seabirds to rest and play. An Argentine research base, Almirante Brown Station—named after Admiral Guillermo Brown, father of the Argentine Navy—is also located in Paradise Harbor, and was operated from 1951 until a large section of it burned down in 1984. It has since been partially rebuilt and is used as a summer research base.

  • Wilhelmina Bay

    Humpback whales abound in “Whale-mina Bay,” as it’s nicknamed, and the scenery is spectacular. Sheer cliffs and glaciers surround the calm waters of the protected bay, named after Wilhelmina, queen of the Netherlands from 1890 to 1948. If you’re lucky, you may see the humpbacks bubble-net feeding: they exhale while swimming in a wide circle below the surface, trapping krill in a “net” of bubbles, and then swim straight up from below, mouths open, to engulf their prey. A truly astounding sight!

The Antarctic Circle

Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle
  • Petermann Island

    Here, near the Lemaire Channel, you can stand ashore and see the southernmost breeding colony of gentoo penguins. Adélie penguins, shags and south polar skuas also inhabit the island.

Your Life Onboard

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

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.

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

Ready For Your Expedition?

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

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.