Highlights
Revel in the excitement of crossing the famed Drake Passage after embarking from Ushuaia, with the convenience of a northbound return flight at the end of your expedition. Minke and humpback whales or Adélie penguins floating on ice floes may greet you as you pass, enroute to the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.
The surreal silence in this vast wilderness may at first overwhelm, but playful, charismatic wildlife and your intrepid traveling companions keep you grounded. You’ll develop a new appreciation and understanding of Antarctica’s extreme contrasts – harsh, rugged mountain peaks and fragile ecosystems; stark, lonely icescapes and populous, gregarious penguins.
Ships
Standard Activities
About the Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North
Revel in the excitement of crossing the famed Drake Passage after embarking from Ushuaia, with the convenience of a northbound return flight at the end of your expedition. Minke and humpback whales or Adélie penguins floating on ice floes may greet you as you pass, enroute to the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.
The surreal silence in this vast wilderness may at first overwhelm, but playful, charismatic wildlife and your intrepid traveling companions keep you grounded. You’ll develop a new appreciation and understanding of Antarctica’s extreme contrasts – harsh, rugged mountain peaks and fragile ecosystems; stark, lonely icescapes and populous, gregarious penguins.
Itinerary Day to Day
Ushuaia, Argentina
This quaint city at the southernmost tip of South America is your gateway to Antarctica. The city itself provides a wide range of jewelry shops, cafés, gear shops and restaurants to explore before your voyage. Outside the city, snow-capped mountains and hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park offer ample adventure activities if you enjoy exploring nature.
Embarkation day
Crossing the Drake Passage
Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Disembarkation and fly to Punta Arenas
Depart for home
Route Map
Explore the untamed beauty of this world’s most captivating regions, and save up to 45% on select voyages to Antarctic. Experience adventure-filled expeditions which immerse you in one-of-a-kind experiences in remote destinations such as the Falkland Islands, and more. Witness epic wildlife, fascinating cultur...
Pay in full at time of booking & Save up to 10%
Guests will receive up to 10% additional savings on select departures if full payment is received at the time of booking. The full payment includes the voyage fare and any outstanding balances on the booking (air, hotels, tr...
Explore the untamed beauty of this world’s most captivating regions, and save up to 45% on select voyages to Antarctic. Experience adventure-filled expeditions which immerse you in one-of-a-kind experiences in remote destinations such as the Falkland Islands, and more. Witness epic wildlife, fascinating cultures, and breathtaking landscapes with the best expedition team in the Polar Regions.
Terms & Conditions
- — Indicates the discount percent offer in effect at the time this record that was updated.
- — Each passenger's full name is required at time of booking in order to initiate a hold, or to process a confirmed booking.
- — Offer applies to voyage only, not applicable to transfer packages, adventure options, additional hotel accommodations, pre/post tours, insurance, flights, or group bookings.
- — If combined with a dollar value discount, this offer will be applied afterwards.
- — Only a hold booking or a confirmed booking can guarantee the offer.
- — No cash value.
- — We keep the right to limit, change or discontinue the promo savings discount offer at any time without notice.
Pay in full at time of booking & Save up to 10%
Guests will receive up to 10% additional savings on select departures if full payment is received at the time of booking. The full payment includes the voyage fare and any outstanding balances on the booking (air, hotels, transfers, Adventure Options, pre/post tours and insurance).
Terms & Conditions
- — Rates/savings per person.
- — 10% discount applies to the price after any other combinable promotions have already been applied.
- — Not applicable to Transfer Package, Adventure Options, additional hotel accommodation, pre/post tours, insurance, flights, or group bookings.
- — We keep the right to limit, change or discontinue the promotion at any time.
Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.
The Sea Kayak Program is a voyage-length program available in Antarctica, in which kayakers (those who have minimal experience as well as seasoned paddlers) will enjoy the polar regions from a unique perspective.
Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.
In addition to the kayak guides, a safety driver in a Zodiac will always stay nearby to offer assistance if required. Excursions typically last one and a half to three hours.
Note: Due to its popularity and limited space, if you want to ensure a space in the Sea Kayak program, please register when you book your expedition. While the program routinely fills up well before the voyage, if there are vacant spaces when you board the vessel you may sign up. The guides will attempt to lead guests on as many sea kayak excursions as possible, but the number of excursions will depend on weather and sea conditions as well as logistical factors. Be prepared to paddle in a double or single kayak depending on availability.
Is Kayaking Experience Necessary?
The Sea Kayak program was developed to accommodate kayakers with a range of experience. Please don’t hesitate to consult with our polar travel advisors if you have any questions.
Provided gear
- Sea kayaks (single or double)
- Paddle
- Spray-skirt
- Drysuit
- Insulated rubber gloves and pogies*
- PFD (personal flotation device)
- Neoprene booties
- 10L dry bag
- Water bottle (provided in rooms upon embarkation)
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Thermal base layer top and bottom (synthetic or wool, no cotton)
- Thin fleece 200 weight top or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Liner socks
- Thick wool socks
- Neckwarmer
- Thin fleece or wool liner glove to wear under rubber gloves (if you wish)
- Warm hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen
- Camera (either waterproof, in exterior waterproof housing, or stored in a drybag)
- Waterproof backpack or a drybag
SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by.
Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.
Duration: 1 to 1½ hours.
Guide to client ratio: 1 SUP guide and 1 Zodiac safety driver for 10 participants
Is SUP Experience Necessary?
Previous experience isn’t necessary but comfortability with water is an asset. SUP’ing adventures are offered in protected bays and channels during calm weather conditions.
Provided Gear
- Board
- Paddle
- Drysuit
- Neoprene Booties
- Waterproof gloves
- PFD – Personal Flotation Device
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Base and mid-layers (drysuits keep you dry, but not warm)
- Thin fleece or wool liner glove to wear under rubber gloves (optional)
- Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen and lip balm (minimum SPF 30)
- Brimmed hat as well as a warm hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera (either waterproof or in a waterproof case or drybag)
*Only available aboard Ocean Explorer
Every sweep of the paddle as your craft glides through the pristine polar waters creates an incredible soundtrack: the jostle of glacial ice, the lapping of waves against the rocky shore, the perpetual drip from your paddle, the call of seabirds, and the occasional splash as wildlife break the surface of the water.
Our Paddle Excursion Program provides sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks that provide guests with an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations in Antarctica. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. On-ship, you’ll be provided with instruction and equipment including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by a safety driver in another kayak who will stay close by to provide additional support.
Excursions last a minimum of one hour and are offered to participants once per voyage. Each group includes 10 paddlers, 1 guide and 1 one safety Zodiac driver. The wind, weather and water conditions determine the timing and location of Paddling Excursions.
Is Kaying Experience Necessary?
The Paddle Excursion was created for guests with little or no paddling experience, or for those who want a single paddle experience to add variety to their expedition. Participants must be fit enough to enter and exit the kayak from the Zodiac, and to maneuver with your paddle.
Provided Gear
- Inflatable Super Lynx sit-on-top kayak
- Paddle
- Drysuit
- Insulated rubber gloves
- PFD (personal flotation device)
- Neoprene booties
- 10L dry bag
- Water bottle
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Thermal base layer (top and bottom)
- Thin fleece or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Liner socks
- Thick wool socks
- Neck warmer
- Warm hat
- Brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen and lip balm
- Camera (either waterproof, in exterior waterproof housing, or stored in a dry bag)**
- Waterproof backpack
Tip: It’s a good idea to protect any camera gear in a dry bag. Small waterproof cameras should be attached to your PFD with a string and carabiner.
What's Included
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An official Expeditions parka to keep
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An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
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All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
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All shore landings as per the daily program
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Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
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All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage.
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Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
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Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
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Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
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A photographic journal documenting your expedition
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A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
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Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
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Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more dataintensive applications.)
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All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
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All luggage handling aboard the ship
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Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
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Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
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One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast. (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
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Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
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Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas
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Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
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A post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel
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One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data intensive applications.)
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Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
What's Excluded
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Mandatory travel insurance
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International airfare
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Passport and applicable visa expenses
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Meals unless otherwise specified
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Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
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Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
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Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
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Laundry, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
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Phone charges may vary by location
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Additional overnight accommodation
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Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
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Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
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Transfer to airport at end of trip.
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica - Basecamp
Antarctic Circle Expedition
Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake
Highlights of Antarctica
Antarctica - Beyond The Polar Circle - Wilkins Ice Shelf - Aurora Australis