Antarctica Travel - Explorer's Quest

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you will be transferred to your hotel. If time permits feel free to explore the local surroundings at your own pace.

Day 2: Ushuaia / Embark

After embarkation in the early afternoon, you will sail down the Beagle Channel to enter the Southern Atlantic Ocean.

Day 3: At Sea

There are many activities to keep you occupied at sea. An education program is part of every expedition and soon you will learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship. Attend illustrated presentations by the Expedition Team that prepare you for the shore landings and Zodiac cruising. 

Day 4 - 5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Zodiacs zip you from ship to shore to hike where Kelp Geese graze and Rockhopper Penguins guard their burrows. Comb beaches and socialize with local residents.

Day 6 - 7 At Sea

The Expedition Team prepare you for landings and Zodiac cruises along the coast of South Georgia. Learn about penguins, reindeer and the island's connection to Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Day 8 - 11: Southern Ocean and South Georgia

The Expedition Team plans a series of landings at King Penguin rookeries, abandoned whaling stations and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Be as active as you like as South Georgia is an excellent locale for hiking.

Day 12 - 13: At Sea

The next presentations during this cruise itinerary are about the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, and the unique flora and fauna found there.

Day 14 - 17: The Antarctic Peninsula

Deception Island, Neko Harbour and Paradise Harbour are names that conjure iconic images of the Antarctic Peninsula. Towering, glacier-capped mountains rise from a brilliant blue sea, dotted with ice floes. Visit penguin rookeries, listen for calving glaciers, and explore historic sites.

Day 18 - 20: Drake Passage to Ushuaia

Activities during the return voyage depend on the conditions of the Drake. A smooth crossing is a busy crossing. Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you will be transfered the airport for your return flight home or continue to one of the extensions available.

End of services. (B)

(B): Breakfast (L): Lunch (D): Dinner

Important Notice Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options, trains or flight schedules changes, or other unforeseen events.

Price (per person based on double occupancy)

• 20 days from $7,890
• Price based on check payment (please add 3% if paying via credit card)

What is Included

• All hotel accommodations
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary - B: breakfast, L: lunch and D: dinner
• All sightseeing as shown as part of an open group (private tours available)
• Services of bilingual professional guides
• Airport transfers
• All gratuities except to guides
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
• Presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
• Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage
• Expedition parka – yours to keep
• Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
• All helicopter transfers and aerial sightseeing according to each day’s program

Additional Budget Considerations

• Kayaking:$795 p/person
• Camping: $195 p/person
• Mountaineering: $550 p/person
• Cross-Country Skiing: $550 p/person

Items NOT included in the price

• International or Domestic flights unless stated in 'What is Included' section above. We will be happy to help you with your flight arrangements at your request.
• Personal expenses such as beverages; lunch or dinner (unless in the itinerary)
• Laundry services
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended - see our Travel Tips section for details)
• Excess baggage fees
• Communication charges
• Airport departure or arrival taxes
• Cost of obtaining passports or visas
• Gratuities to guides
• Any other expense not mentioned on what is included
• On icebreakers, any helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced on board

Please do not hesitate to call 1-800-667-6134 for additional information.

Antarctica show map

Clipper Adventurer		Or similar
	The Clipper Adventurer has a proud reputation as a well-appointed, elegant expedition ship. She has ice-strengthened hulls that allows it to sail safely through waters in which thick chunks of polar ice float. She carries no more than 122 passengers. So, the smaller the number of travelers, the greater the number of landing sites available.

Ocean Nova		Or similar
	The Ocean Nova delivers clean, crisp Scandinavian styling and a reputation as an excellent ship in the Antarctic. Built to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland, Ocean Nova’s ice-strengthened hull has enabled the ship to park in the ice of the Weddell Sea! Ocean Nova carries only 73 passengers. Activities such as kayaking, camping, cross-country skiing, and mountaineering are available on some voyages.

Akademik Iofee		Or similar
	Finish-built for the Russian Academy of Science, the Akademik Iofee is exceptionally stable, yet maneuverable. She has been refurbished for passenger travel. Akademik Ioffe, sister ship to Akademik Sergey Vavilov, has an ice-strengthened hull and a cruising speed in open water of 14.5 knots. She offers a wider range of cabin categories including rooms with shared facilities for solo travelers.

Akademik Sergey Vavilov		Or similar
	This Polar Adventure Ship is exceptionally manoeuvrable and quick. External stabilizers and a built-in trimming system provide exceptional stability. Akademik Sergey Vavilov, sister ship to Akademik Ioffe, has an ice-strengthened hull and a cruising speed in open water of 14.5 knots. She offers a wider range of cabin categories including rooms with shared facilities for solo travelers.