Contact: +52 55 6098 5085
Overview:
This journey is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to discover Antarctica aboard the Ocean Explorer, a luxury polar vessel designed to provide comfort and adventure in extreme conditions. Departing from Ushuaia, we will cross the legendary Drake Passage and sail toward the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Over 11 days, you will immerse yourself in pristine icy landscapes, cruise among icebergs by Zodiac, walk on the White Continent, and observe penguins, seals, and whales up close—all guided by an expedition team with decades of polar expertise.
The Purpose of This Experience:
This voyage takes you to the southernmost edge of the planet to experience one of the last wild frontiers on Earth. Antarctica is not just a destination—it is a transformative journey that connects you to something deeper: absolute silence, the immensity of the ice, encounters with wildlife, and the raw power of nature. This journey invites you to disconnect from the everyday world and reconnect with awe, simplicity, and the essential.
Explora Kumano Kodo
Day-by-day itinerary
Summary:
Day 1 – Arrival in Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Depending on your flight, you will have a group transfer to your included hotel. This day is free to explore the southernmost city in the world at your own pace. At 6:00 p.m., there is an optional welcome briefing with the expedition staff in the hotel lobby.
Hotel in Ushuaia
Meals included: Breakfast the next da
Day 2 – Embarkation on the Ocean Explorer
In the morning, your luggage will be collected from the hotel and taken directly to the ship. Embarkation takes place around 4:00 p.m. We will sail from Ushuaia’s port southward through the Beagle Channel, beginning the crossing toward the Drake Passage.
Ocean Explorer
Meals included: Dinner
Days 3 & 4 – Crossing the Drake Passage
Sail toward Antarctica across the legendary Drake Passage. Conditions may range from choppy seas to surprisingly calm waters. During these days, the expedition team will give lectures on glaciology, wildlife, geology, and safety. Birdwatching and marine wildlife observation begin from the ship’s decks.
Ocean Explorer
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Days 5–8 – Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
Active exploration by Zodiac, guided hikes on the ice, visits to penguin colonies, glaciers, research stations, and whale and seal watching. Routes are determined daily based on weather and ice conditions. Every landing or Zodiac cruise offers a unique, unforgettable experience.
Ocean Explorer
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11 – Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return flight or onward journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Available dates:
Hotels
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Includes:
An official Quark Expeditions parka (to keep)
Leadership and guidance from the expedition team throughout the voyage, including landings and activities
All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
All shore landings as per the daily program
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Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks, and juices on board throughout the voyage
Selected beers, wines, and cocktails included during dinner and bar service hours
Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate available 24/7
Formal and informal presentations by the expedition team and guest experts
Photographic journal of the expedition
Waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings
Hairdryer and bathrobes in every cabin
Complimentary basic Wi-Fi for one device per person (for basic browsing, email, and social media)
All taxes, port charges, and miscellaneous service fees during the voyage
Luggage handling on board
Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to hotel on Day 1
One night’s hotel accommodation in Ushuaia before embarkation, with breakfast (note: hotel room allocation matches ship cabin type; suites are assigned standard rooms; triple rooms may not be available)
Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
Group transfer from ship to Ushuaia airport or luggage area on disembarkation day
Minimum age
15 years
Start time
Approximately 3:00 pm on Day 1 (hotel check-in and welcome)
End time
Around 10:00 am on Day 7 (check-out from the hotel and transfer to the airport)
Guaranteed departure
The trip is confirmed with a minimum of 1 person
Maximum size
Group of 14 people.
Supplement
An additional $1,000 USD fee applies for those wishing to stay in a private room.
More information:
Not Included:
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International flights
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Passports, visas, or required travel documents
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Unspecified government arrival/departure taxes
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Meals not listed in the itinerary or during transfers
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Travel insurance (medical, cancellation, evacuation) – highly recommended
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Excess baggage fees on domestic or international flights
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Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landings
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Laundry, spa, or personal expenses on board (unless stated otherwise)
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Phone charges (vary by location)
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Premium Wi-Fi packages (for high-data use)
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Voluntary gratuities for the expedition team and ship crew
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Additional hotel nights before or after the trip unless included in the itinerary
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Transfers not explicitly stated
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Optional activities not listed as “included activities” (e.g., kayaking, paddling, camping)
Open dates:
Although this itinerary is scheduled for departures on specific dates, we also offer flexible private departures.
Contact us to plan your trip on the dates that best suit you.
