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    Antarctic Explorer
    11 Days
    From $10,300* per person twin share
    A heady and inspiring cocktail of towering blue icebergs, vast penguin colonies, whales, seals and glaciers right in the heart of the Western Peninsula.

    It is a heady and inspiring cocktail of towering blue icebergs which refract searing blues and greens, whether against piercing clear skies or slate grey ones. It is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife: penguins of almost all descriptions, Leopard and smaller seals and whales, seen from the shore, the Zodiacs and from on board. This is a journey that appeals to many: photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, ornithologists or those who simply want to marvel at the peaks of Deception Island or the striking colours of Iceberg Alley in the most immaculate wilderness anywhere.
    Highlights What's included

    Highlights

    What's included

    Highlights

    Highlights

    • Explore the remarkable Antarctic Peninsula
    • Incredible wildlife viewing including seabirds, penguins, seals and whales
    • Travel on a small expedition vessel
    • Accompanied by extremely qualified Expedition Staff
    What's included

    What's included

    • All meals while on the ship
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff
    Valid for travel
    Various
    Offer expires
    29 Nov 2019 unless sold prior

    Itinerary

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    Day 1

    Board ship and sail along the Beagle Channel.

    The morning is free to explore Ushuaia and the surrounding area, to do some last minute shopping, stroll around Ushuaia and down to the port or maybe go for a walk in the nearby National Park. The transfer to the ship takes place in the afternoon. Once on board there is a get together for introductions to the expedition team, to learn about the ship and its layout, talk about the itinerary for the next 10 days and participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill. Departure from Ushuaia is normally around 6:00 p.m, and we set sail through the Beagle Channel in the early evening. The long days mean plenty of evening light in which to experience the beauty of the channel, and to perhaps enjoy your first wildlife sightings.

    Meals included: dinner

    Day 2

    Cross the Drake Passage.

    Sea conditions in the Drake Passage can vary from dead calm (known as ‘Drake Lake’), to rough and stormy (known as ‘Drake Shake’). As you cross the Drake Passage our team of experts is out on deck to help you spot whales and identify seabirds. There is also a programme of talks, covering the wildlife, the ice, and polar history to prepare you for your adventure to the ‘White Continent’. The excitement intensifies as you cross the Antarctic Convergence, where the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean meet the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. You feel the change as the air gets cooler. Huge icebergs loom up against the horizon in increasing numbers, and Wandering albatrosses, petrels and other birds which thrive in this cold, remote ocean are frequently seen.

    Meals included: breakfast lunch dinner

    Day 3

    Cross the Drake Passage.

    Meals included: breakfast lunch dinner

    Day 4

    Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.

    When the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, we will truly begin our Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. We can finally begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travellers alike. 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 we 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 as we scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering 360° views of our surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbour, gives the opportunity to visit a Chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. 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.

    As we sail from island to shore to bay during our four days in the Peninsula, the Expedition Team will educate and entertain. We’ll provide opportunities for quiet contemplation, activities for testing endurance and more than enough wildlife interactions to satisfy all curiosity.

    Meals included: breakfast lunch dinner

    Day 5

    Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.

    Meals included: breakfast lunch dinner

    Day 6

    Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.

    Meals included: breakfast lunch dinner

    Day 7

    Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.

    Meals included: breakfast lunch dinner

    Day 8

    Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.

    Meals included: breakfast lunch dinner

    Day 9

    Sail back through the Drake Passage.

    Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula behind, our ship heads back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. The crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape Horn, weather permitting.

    Meals included: breakfast lunch dinner

    Day 10

    Sail back through the Drake Passage.

    Meals included: breakfast lunch dinner

    Day 11

    Disembark and end in Ushuaia.

    In the early morning we arrive back in Ushuaia where your voyage ends. You will be transferred either to town on to the airport for your onward flight to Buenos Aires.

    Meals included: breakfast

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    * Conditions

    Valid on new bookings from Oct 25 to Nov 29, 2019 for selected voyages to Antarctica departing November 2019 to March 2020.

    Bookings made before or after the promotion period are not eligible.

    Must quote promo code(s) and provide full passengers’ full names at time of booking. Rates/Savings per person.

    This promotion is combinable with valid Gift Cards.

    This promotion is not combinable with any other promotion except Shackleton Club; referral and past passenger discounts.

    Applies to voyage fare only; cabins limited. Not applicable on transfer package, Adventure Options, additional hotel accommodation, pre/post tours, insurance,

    flights, or group bookings.

    Quark Expeditions has the right to limit, change or discontinue promotion at any time without notice.

    Promotion excludes Triple cabins (all vessels).

    No Cash Value. Quark Expeditions

    Standard Terms and Conditions apply.