Antarctic Adventurer Trip Highlights

  • Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica
  • Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Be aboard one of Quark’s specially designed ice strengthened vessels
  • Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
  • Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more

Itinerary Overview

This expedition offers the perfect chance to discover the best of the Antarctic Peninsula, the last continent’s most northern region. Landing on the continent itself is a memorable highlight, where you’ll explore the iconic sights that make this one of world’s most pristine, exotic and unforgettable natural environments.

Wildlife in Antarctica

Day 1  Ushuaia

With a population of more than 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world.

Day 2  Embarkation Day

Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel.

Day 3  Cape Horn

The Cape Horn National Park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in June 2005.

Day 4  Crossing the Drake Passage

Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing.

Days 5 – 9  South Shetland Islands – Antarctic Peninsula

When the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure.

Days 10 AND 11  Drake Passage – Ushuaia

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air.

Day 12  Ushuaia – HOME

We’ll arrive in Ushuaia in the morning for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.

Is It For Me?

An Antarctica adventure travel itinerary great for all ages that puts wildlife viewing and exploration at the forefront. This Antarctica trip lets you discover the mysterious 7th continent for yourself; with Zodiac excursions that bring you to many different bays, channels, and landing sites each day. Options for more rigorous activities are available – i.e. hiking or kayaking – yet are not required. Below is a map of the Antarctic Adventurer’s route (seen in yellow).

Antarctica Map

Knowmad has vast knowledge and operations in Chile and Argentina in combination with Antarctica. We are happy to suggest and build custom and private trips pre- and post-cruise so you maximize your time and travel dollars.

Have questions? Talk to an expert: 612-315-2894

Important Info

Antarctica Travel

Costs

Inquire for current pricing, options, and available promotions.

TYPE Set Departures.

LIGHT TRIP Suitable for nearly all ages and ability levels. Activities include educational lectures, wildlife viewing, optional kayaking, camping, mountaineering, and cross-country skiing.

DEPARTURES

SEA SPIRIT EXPEDITIONS
November 7 – November 18, 2014
December 5 – December 16, 2014
January 7 – January 18, 2015
February 4 – February 15, 2015
February 22 – March 5, 2015
March 4 – March 15, 2015

OCEAN DIAMOND EXPEDITIONS
November 4 – November 15, 2014
December 11 – December 21, 2014
December 20 – December 30, 2014
December 29 – January 8, 2015
December 10 – December 20, 2015
December 19 – December 29, 2015
December 28 – January 7, 2016
January 6 – January 16, 2016
January 27 – February 6, 2016
February 15 – February 25, 2016
February 24 – March 5, 2016

SEA ADVENTURER EXPEDITIONS
November 16 – November 27, 2014
November 26 – December 7, 2014
December 6 – December 17, 2014
November 28 – December 9, 2015
December 8 – December 19, 2015
January 26 – February 6, 2016

LENGTH 12 days – 11 nights            BEGIN / ENDUshuaia, Argentina

Air Travel

INTERNATIONAL Airfare is not included in the land cost of our trips. You may arrange your international airfare independently, or we are happy to offer our feedback and assistance in helping you book it.

REGIONAL If booked by Knowmad Adventures, internal airfare for this trip (Buenos Aires/Ushuaia, Ushuaia/Buenos Aires) averages $300, however this is an approximation and the airfare is subject to change upon booking. If you would like to arrange your own regional flights, please consult us prior so we can verify the departure and arrival times.

What's Next?

Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Signing up is easy. Call us at 612-315-2894 or email [email protected] and reserve your spot. Or simply download our registration form, fill it out, and send it back to us along with your trip deposit. Please refer to registration form for terms & conditions.

Weather & When to Go to Antarctica

Keep in mind that you cannot cruise to the Polar regions all year round. Travel is restricted to the austral spring and summer, when daylight lasts between 18 and 24 hours each day. In Antarctica this is from October to March.

From October to the beginning of December the continent is covered in snow to the water’s edge. Penguins build highways as they waddle the same path again and again, from the sea to their nests far from shore. During this period, penguins, shags and seabirds court and lay their eggs.

From December through February the snow retreats, exposing rocky headlands. Penguin chicks hatch and their parents spend endless hours feeding their hungry young.

From Mid-February to March the whales return to feed, seals haul out on the beachheads and penguins begin to molt. Antarctica is preparing for long months of darkness. Highlights for travelers are whales, red snow and fledging gentoo penguins.

Antarctica Weather

Prior to your departure, you are provided a detailed pre-trip information packet including a recommended pack list, information about the regions you’ll be visiting, suggested readings, up-to-date health information including any recommended vaccinations and more.

Accommodations

The Ocean Diamond is Quark’s modern, stable super yacht, and the largest of our small ships. Carrying a maximum of 189 passengers, this outstanding vessel features numerous adventure options plus on board amenities for you to enjoy such as a massage and wellness program and a well-stocked polar library.

It is also very fuel efficient and is the only ship in Antarctica to offer certified CarbonNeutral® voyages.

Quark Expeditions Antarctica Ocean Diamond
Other notable amenities and features include:

  • Exterior views
  • Facilities en suite
  • Flat-screen TVs and DVD players
  • Single cabins have one double bed
  • Twin cabins have one double bed or two twin beds
  • Triple cabins have one double bed or two twin beds, plus a third pull-down berth
  • Chef-prepared meals (all meals and daily snack included)
  • Bar staffed by a professional bartender
  • Massage and wellness programs offering yoga classes, aromatherapy treatments, and massage therapy
  • Photography program with Expert-in-Residence
  • Library with a large collection of polar books and DVDs
  • Speed of vessel saves up to 12 hours on the Drake crossing, giving you more time to enjoy Antarctica
  • Internet access (review a PDF of the Onboard Internet Guidelines)
  • Theatre-style auditorium with state of the art equipment
  • Clinic with licensed doctor

Activities aboard the Ocean Diamond include; zodiac cruising, snowshoeing & hiking, optional kayaking (additional charge), optional cross country skiing (additional charge), optional mountaineering (additional charge).

The Sea Spirit is our luxury expedition vessel that has spacious suites for all passengers. Every suite has private bathroom facilities and an exterior views, while some suites include a private balcony. All suites have flat screen televisions and DVD players. A maximum of 114 passengers will be carried per voyage.

Antarctica Cruise - Sea Spirit

Other notable amenities and features include:

  • All Suites Ship
  • Every suite as an exterior view and en-suite bath
  • Satellite phone access in every cabin
  • Top suites with private balconies
  • Our Luxury, “all suites” expedition vessel featuring all inclusive beverage packages
  • Chef-prepared meals (all meals and daily snack included)
  • Bar staffed by a professional bartender
  • Library with a large collection of polar books and DVDs
  • Games Room
  • Lounge
  • Stabilizers for smooth sailing
  • Elevator
  • Multi-purpose presentation room with state-of-the-art equipment
  • Internet access (review a PDF of the Onboard Internet Guidelines)
  • Gym
  • Onboard Polar Boutique
  • Clinic with licensed doctor

Activities aboard the Sea Spirit include zodiac cruising, optional kayaking, and hiking & snowshoeing (included).

The Sea Adventurer was designed to carry travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world. This ship was built in Yugoslavia in 1976, refurbished in 1999 and had further upgrades in 2002. You will be impressed by this ice-strengthened ship, which carries up to 117 passengers and features a spacious forward lounge and bar, window-lined dining room and promenades.

Antarctica Cruise - Sea Adventurer

Other notable amenities and features include:

  • 61 outside cabins with exterior views and en-suite facilities
  • TV and DVD player in every cabin
  • Chef-prepared meals (all meals and daily snack included)
  • One dining room with unreserved seating
  • Bar staffed by a professional bartender
  • 24 hour beverage service
  • Polar Library with a large collection of polar books and DVDs
  • Polar Boutique
  • Multi-purpose lounge and presentation room
  • Exercise Room
  • Ship-to-shore satellite communications with email, and wireless, Internet access

Activities aboard the Sea Adventurer include; zodiac cruising (included), hiking & snowshoeing (included), optional kayaking (additional charge), and camping using high-quality REI camping equipment (additional charge).

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina

With a population of more than 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city has grown over the past few years, yet it has retained an easy going and accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. If you arrive early, you can spend some time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy some Argentinean wines and barbeques in the city, or visit the many boutique shops before for your expedition to Antarctica.

Day 2 Embarkation Day

Embarkation for your Antarctica adventure travel experience will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This historic channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement as we depart – the next time you see land we’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!

Day 3 Cape Horn

Weather permitting, we’ll attempt to land on Cape Horn. The Cape Horn National Park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in June 2005. We’ll see the monument dedicated top the thousands of sailors lost on more than 800 ships that were wrecked sailing around this iconic landmark.

Day 4 Crossing the Drake Passage

Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You’ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates, while we’ll provide safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.

Days 5 – 9  South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

When the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. Weather permitting we’ll be able to make our first landing on the afternoon of day 5. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You can 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, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other – creating a unique, personal experience.We will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and Minke whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.The majesty of the Peninsula’s mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbour, gives the opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you’ll have the choice between going for a mountain hike or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the antics of curious penguins. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets!Amidst the peaceful silence of Antarctica, noisy interruptions become indelible memories such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbour. You can make a bit of noise yourself too by listening to the echo of voices bounce off a giant glacier.Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team so as to entertain and educate you on this wonderful part of the world.

Days 10 and 11
Drake Passage to Ushuaia

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy a few final presentations by your Expedition Team or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

Day 12 Disembarkation in Ushuaia. We’ll arrive in Ushuaia in the morning for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.

Extend Your Adventure

Patagonia

Explore Patagonia, one of the most breathtaking places on earth. Hike in Torres del Paine National Park amongst towering peaks and pristine glacial waters. You will be awe-struck by Patagonia’s rugged natural beauty, the region’s luxury accommodations and all of the exhilarating adventure opportunities. 

Let The Journey Begin

Let the Journey Begin - Knowmad Adventures

Planning a trip to South America might seem a little overwhelming at first. Knowmad offers door-to-door trip planning: first, we listen, and then we help you navigate the seasonal differences and itinerary options, resulting in a holistic, seamless, and custom-crafted experience, all at a guaranteed best value.

The simplest way to get started is to give us a call at 612-315-2894or to fill out this short form so we can learn more about your travel preferences.