Epic Antarctica - Crossing the Circle via Falklands and South Georgia
23 Days - Ultramarine
Our Epic Antarctica voyage is called so for a reason—it includes all of the major Antarctic highlights you can imagine. From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will have countless unforgettable moments on this adventure-packed, 23-day voyage. Start with the Falklands, reminiscent of both sandy Cape Cod and the English moors, home to albatross, dolphins, and five species of penguins. From there, venture to South Georgia where you’ll enter the home of 300,000 breeding king penguins, 50 million other seabirds and 5 million seals. Then, explore the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, and finally cross the Antarctic Circle—a significant milestone for any world traveler.
from AUD $59300 $34500pp
Book by 2 December 2024
Home » 23 Day Ultramarine: Epic Antarctica – Crossing the Circle via Falklands and South Georgia
Itinerary Highlights
- Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts
- Explore the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
- See incredible wildlife—more than 30 species of breeding birds, including seven species of penguin.
- Follow in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyage to South Georgia and visit his grave site
- Cross the Antarctic Circle and celebrate with a toast
- Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic, with an optional paddling excursion
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
- Day 3: At Sea
- Days 4 and 5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
- Days 6 and 7: At Sea
- Days 8 to 11: South Georgia
- Days 12 and 13: At Sea
- Days 14 to 16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
- Days 17 and 18: Antarctic Circle
- Days 19 and 20: Northbound Along the Peninsula
- Days 21 and 22: Crossing the Drake Passage
- Day 23: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier.
After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in a wildlife wonderland!
Day 3: At Sea
Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
Days 4 and 5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Upon your arrival in the Falklands (Malvinas), your camera will get its first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of this sub- Antarctic region. The archipelago contains two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, which you will explore during daily Zodiac excursions and landings.
Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel, complete with eclectic charm. You’ll be free to explore, grab a pint at the local pub, or visit the numerous churches and museums.
The archipelago is rich in wildlife, especially birds, and home to Magellanic, gentoo and southern rockhopper penguins. If you’re lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! You can expect to see black-browed albatross, plus two endemic bird species—the flightless Falkland steamer duck, and possibly, the elusive Cobb’s wren.
Our expert education team will enrich your understanding of the local flora and fauna, helping you make the most of your time in the Falklands.
Days 6 and 7: At Sea
Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you’ll officially enter Antarctic waters once you cross the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible biological boundary encircling the continent. This meeting of oceans, where the cold Antarctic waters mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, helps nourish the abundance of krill that attracts whales, seals, and birdlife to this part of the world. Your Expedition Team will notify you when you cross this invisible yet important line, and will also help you look out for the seabirds and marine life that frequent this nutrient- rich area.
Days 8 to 11: South Georgia
This remote, mountainous island was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and seals. Today, island wildlife populations are rebounding, but you’ll still see remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts.
Among the most significant and moving sites on South Georgia is the grave of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, plus a museum, gift shop, church and small research station.
Although South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the island, it is the tremendous abundance of wildlife that you and your shipmates will surely find most captivating. Each landing you make on South Georgia, often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, will open your eyes to the wondrous lives of new, enthralling creatures.
One day you may see rookeries with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins waddling on shore, and the next, you may visit another beach blanketed with hundreds of fur or elephant seals. The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island. Your Expedition Leaders will help you understand and appreciate the delicate balance among these fragile and interwoven relationships.
Days 12 and 13: At Sea
Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations, workshops, and social activities led by our Expedition Team.
Days 14 to 16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The experience is hard to put into words, but the most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes: at one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and solitude; the next, you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.
Zodiac cruising, visits to historical sites and, of course, communing with seals and penguins are sure to keep you smiling every day. Perhaps you’ll catch sight of the fearless penguin eater, the leopard seal, or maybe you’ll come eye to eye with an Antarctic minke whale while you cruise in a Zodiac. Each day, and each excursion, will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
If you find yourself wanting more, treat yourself to an optional kayaking adventure (reserve in advance when booking your trip), or cast reason aside and join in the Polar Plunge— it’s something you’ll never forget!
Days 17 and 18: Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. If conditions allow us to cross this famed latitude of 66°33 ́ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.
Days 19 and 20: Northbound Along the Peninsula
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to the Drake Passage. You will continue to make excursions by Zodiac as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula.
Our Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
Days 21 and 22: Crossing the Drake Passage
After more than three weeks of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins. The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and reflect on your remarkable Antarctic adventure.
Day 23: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a little taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
16 Dec 2024 - 07 Jan 2025 | AUD $34500pp | Save 25%, Save 50% | |
Explorer Triple | AUD $44475pp | Save 25% | |
Explorer Suite | AUD $34500pp | Save 50% | |
Balcony Suite | AUD $57000pp | Save 25% | |
Deluxe Balcony Suite | AUD $71550pp | Save 25% | |
Solo Panorama Cabin | AUD $73500pp | Save 25% | |
Terrace Suite | AUD $74625pp | Save 25% | |
Penthouse Suite | AUD $79575pp | Save 25% | |
Owner's Suite | AUD $94200pp | Save 25% | |
Ultra Suite | AUD $104925pp | Save 25% | |
18 Jan 2026 - 09 Feb 2026 | AUD $51515pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Explorer Triple | AUD $51515pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Explorer Suite | AUD $60478pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Balcony Suite | AUD $66615pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Deluxe Balcony Suite | AUD $78647pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Terrace Suite | AUD $81715pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Solo Panorama Cabin | AUD $84703pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Penthouse Suite | AUD $87772pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Owner's Suite | AUD $108928pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Ultra Suite | AUD $120960pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Solo Panorama Cabin
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 132 square-feet
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Single bed
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Explorer Triple
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 3
- Approx. 285 square-feet
- Three separate single beds
- Sitting area
- Picture window
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Explorer Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 3
- Approx. 285 square-feet
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Picture window
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Balcony Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Decks 4 and 6
- Approx. 226 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 52 square-foot balcony
- Connecting cabins available
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Deluxe Balcony Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Decks 4 and 6
- Approx. 299 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 70 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Terrace Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 350 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 100-square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private extra-wide balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Penthouse Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 7
- Approx. 369 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 67 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Owner's Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 446 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 46.3 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds in a private bedroom
- Walk-in closet
- Sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
- Separate powder room
Ultra Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 563 square-feet of interior living space
- Approx. 46 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Walk-in closet
- Sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
- Separate powder room
Ultramarine Deckplan
Specifications
- Staff and Crew: 140
- Guests: 199
- Ice Class: 1A+, PC6
- Length: 420 ft (128m)
- Draft: 16.4ft (5.1m)
- Cruising Speed: 16 knots, in open water
- Registration: Marshall Islands
- Lifeboats: 4, fully enclosed
Whats included?
- Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
- All shore landings as per the daily program
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
- Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
- One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)
What’s not included?
- International airfare
- Passport and applicable visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
- Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
- Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
- Optional transfer package (see notes)
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Notes
OPTIONAL TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- One pre-night’s hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast
- Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires
- Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia, and returning to Buenos Aires’ international airport (Ezeiza/EZE)
- Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, and return (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of the journey is not included. Please make your way to the included hotel.)
- Combined airport transfer and express bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after disembarkation in Ushuaia
PACKAGE PRICE:
- US$995 (Antarctic 2024/25)
- US$1,195 (Antarctic 2025/26)
It is also possible to join the ship in Ushuaia on embarkation day and opt out of the transfer package services at no additional cost. If you choose this option, your expedition will commence on Day 2.
Adventure Options:
- Sea Kayak: US$1,995 per person
- Paddling Excursion: US$395 per person
- SUP: US$295 per person
- Exclusive Heli-Landing: US$995 per person