Quark Expeditions
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
If this is your first visit, our classic Antarctic Explorer voyage gives you the best of the stunning Antarctic Peninsula in 11 days. Conquer the famed Drake Passage in your choice of four stabilized, polar-class vessels; explore majestic natural environments by zodiac and on foot; get up close and personal with penguins, whales and other wildlife; and enjoy talks on history, biology and glaciology by onboard polar experts. You can personalize your adventure with options that suit your interests, and cross the 7th Continent off the list-your way.
- Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
- Travel safely and comfortably aboard any Quark Expeditions ice-strengthened vessel
- Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts
- Experience abundant wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales
- Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic, with an optional paddling excursion
| Day 1 |
Buenos Aires, the vibrant political and cultural capital of Argentina, has become an enticing destination for many travelers and a must-see destination in South America. Founded in the sixteenth century by Spanish explorers, Buenos Aires has since developed its own unique flair. Hints of Buenos Aires’s colonial origins can be found in the Plaza de Mayo city center, including the Cabildo, the Spanish colonial town hall turned museum, and Casa Rosada, the iconic governmental building. This bright pink palace was once the site for Eva Peron’s political speeches, immortalized in Broadway’s Evita, and is a favorite landmark for photographs. In contrast, La Boca’s famous Caminito street museum bursts with brilliant hues of blue, red, green, and yellow and is a haven for local Argentine artists, chefs, and dancers. Buenos Aires abounds with art, beauty, and romance. The luxurious Teatro Colón opera house rivals those in Paris and London, while El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore, housed in an old cinema theater, is a book-lover’s paradise. Stop by the Café Tortoni to delight in fresh coffee and churros or listen to live tango and jazz performances. Browse eclectic and traditional antiques in Plaza Dorrego’s San Telmo fair. Marvel at the city’s Floralis Genérica sculpture, whose massive aluminum and steel petals open or close in response to sunlight and wind. Buenos Aires’s stunning blend of colonial, European, and modern architecture, gastronomy, and attractions will enthrall you at every turn! |
| Day 2 |
Are you ready to go to the End of the World? Stunning views of snow-capped mountain peaks await you in Ushuaia, located on the southernmost tip of South America. This small coastal town sits between the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel and is a popular embarkation point for Antarctic cruises. Visit some of Ushuaia's popular attractions, including Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Lapataia Bay, and the Museo del Fin del Mundo. Snap a picture at the End of the World Sign, or sail to nearby Isla Martillo to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, including penguin colonies, seals, and orcas. |
| Day 3 |
Time to make a splash! Drake Passage is the often eventful oceanic space between Cape Horn, Chile, and Antarctica's South Shetland Islands. The passage's wavy sojourn is a gateway and rite of passage, but take heart — on the other side lies breathtaking Antarctica. Along the way, expect to see humpback whales, seabirds, and hourglass dolphins. |
| Day 4 |
Mist, research stations, and penguins are just a few of the things that define the South Shetland Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Antarctica. These 11 Antarctic islands, most notably King George Island, have served as a base for researchers from Chile, Argentina, and a variety of other countries. The archipelago has also become a popular cruise destination for tourists to the Antarctic region. |
| Day 5 |
Time to make a splash! Drake Passage is the often eventful oceanic space between Cape Horn, Chile, and Antarctica's South Shetland Islands. The passage's wavy sojourn is a gateway and rite of passage, but take heart — on the other side lies breathtaking Antarctica. Along the way, expect to see humpback whales, seabirds, and hourglass dolphins. |
| Day 6 |
Are you ready to go to the End of the World? Stunning views of snow-capped mountain peaks await you in Ushuaia, located on the southernmost tip of South America. This small coastal town sits between the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel and is a popular embarkation point for Antarctic cruises. Visit some of Ushuaia's popular attractions, including Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Lapataia Bay, and the Museo del Fin del Mundo. Snap a picture at the End of the World Sign, or sail to nearby Isla Martillo to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, including penguin colonies, seals, and orcas. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
11/06/26 - 11/16/26 |
Starting At $13,195 |
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|
11/15/26 - 11/25/26 |
Starting At $13,195 |
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|
12/18/26 - 12/28/26 |
Starting At $15,795 |
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|
12/27/26 - 01/06/27 |
Starting At $15,795 |
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|
01/05/27 - 01/15/27 |
Starting At $15,795 |
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|
01/26/27 - 02/05/27 |
Starting At $15,295 |
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All fares are quoted in US dollars (US$). Rates for expeditions, flights, as well as optional pre-expedition and post-expedition extensions are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates and the price of fuel, services and labor sometimes increase the cost of expedition arrangements significantly. Quark reserves the right to alter prices or introduce surcharges accordingly, even if payment has been received in full. All travelers are required to pay for their excursion and additional purchases in conjunction with their excursion in the same currency. The fare does not include tobacco, alcoholic or special beverages (bottled or tap), miscellaneous extras, personal needs or medical care. Such goods and services, if available for purchase aboard the vessel/camp, are at the travelers’ own expense. Payment for all such goods and services including any charges for extra baggage must be made in cash or by traveler’s checks in US dollars (or other currency acceptable to the carrier) upon demand by the carrier prior to the traveler’s disembarkation. Taxes, port charges, embarkation and loading expenses, stamps, health fees and any other charges whatsoever imposed by governmental authorities in any port or place shall be for the account of the traveler if not included in the fare paid to Quark.
