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You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel.
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 land you see will be the Antarctic!
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 your Expedition Team provides safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and leaders, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers. .
Once the Drake Passage is left in our wake and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travellers alike. On every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means your expedition will be unlike any other—a unique, personal experience. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. 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 southern seal species, including the cunning Leopard seal. The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views of your surroundings. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and the next you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes—such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles—become indelible memories. Each day will be different, carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you've shared exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.
Iou will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a 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.
9 nights on the ship, 1 night hotel in Buenos AiresExpedition cruising in
comfortable conditions
All meals while on the ship included.Typical MealsThe ships galley offers
good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing
international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide
variety of drinks from around the world on sale.Breakfast: Buffet style –
unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including
bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and
jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet,
or the occasional BBQ.Dinner: Three or four courses with a starter of soup
and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a
dessert, with tea and coffee.Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for
on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary
requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
9 nights on the ship, 1 night hotel in Buenos AiresExpedition cruising in
comfortable conditions
Travelling ConditionsThe voyages are designed to be as flexible as possible,
taking advantage of circumstances and events as they occur, as well as
passengers’ wishes and particular interests wherever possible. The
atmosphere onboard is relaxed and friendly with expedition staff, including
naturalists and polar experts, on hand and the opportunity to mingle with
people from all over the world. The ship is kept warm, clean and comfortable
with a wet / mud room in which to hang gear and store boots ready for the
next adventure.On the Zodiac cruises you are sitting still for most of the
time with the potential for some sea spray and a cold headwind - if you are
not dressed appropriately you will get cold. On the shore excursions, the
majority of landings are ‘wet’ which means that the Zodiacs beach and you
are helped to slide into the ankle deep shore break before walking up onto
dry land (wellington boots are issued to all passengers).There are, of
course, no paths, so be prepared for slippery, rough terrain and sometimes
fairly deep snow. Back on board the cosy ship after each adventure, you can
have a sauna and/or a hot shower and then relax with a tea, coffee, hot
chocolate or something stronger from the bar.Optional activitiesOn some
occasions, space is limited on the optional activities and needs to be booked
in advance. Please also note that not all optional activities are available
on every departure. Please ask our Polar Sales team for more information if
you are interested in one of the options below.Sea kayaking optionImagine
gliding across the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers.
Our Sea Kayaking program is a great way to intimately explore your
surroundings. A small group of kayakers will plan to go out multiple times
per voyage as an alternative to shore landings or Zodiac cruises. The number
of opportunities to kayak is weather dependent and will be conducted only
during calm conditions. Prior kayaking experience is required, and you must
be able to do a wet exit to participate. Beginners interested in kayaking
should consider participating in the Paddling Excursion.Paddling ExcursionIf
you’re interested in kayaking but would like to try something a bit less
demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re the perfect candidate to sign up for a
one-time paddle on our stable sit-on-top kayaks—perfect for anyone with
minimal or no kayaking experience. Rotating groups of passengers will be
taken out on calm days, with our expert guides always present to provide
instruction and help connect you with the Polar sea.Stand-Up
PaddleboardingCombining surfing with kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding will
give you a very personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. Conducted in
small groups—in calm bays and harbours, in good weather conditions—and
accompanied by a safety Zodiac, onetime stand-up paddleboarding excursions
can be pre-booked in two consecutive priority groups. After the first two
successful outings, this activity will be offered via sign-up on board the
ship on a first-come, first-served basis for any subsequent outings.Camping
on Ice optionTreat yourself to an overnight camping adventure in Antarctica!
This is one of the best ways to experience Antarctica in an intimate manner,
taking your expedition to the next level. Camping is available on most
early-season Antarctic voyages. An onboard safety briefing gets you fully
prepped and ready for an unforgettable night of sleeping under the Antarctic
summer sky. Dress warm and eat a hearty meal before you head out, as no food
is allowed on land. You will be provided with a mat, sleeping bag, and bivvy
sack to keep you comfortable and dry while you sleep on top of the snow. Our
popular camping options have limited availability, so book early to secure
your space.Exclusive Heli-LandingImagine setting foot in an area of the
Antarctic that can only be safely accessed by helicopter. With a small group
of fellow passengers and expert guides, you’ll board one of Ultramarine’s
two twin-engine helicopters to soar off to an exclusive polar site where no
ships can navigate. Expect stunning bird’s-eye views during your flight,
and then, upon arrival, simply sit back, relax and take in the splendor of
the Antarctic from “the best seat in the house”: glacial amphitheatres,
breath-taking summits, and more. Traveling in groups of 12 with no more than
4 groups (48 guests) at a time on each landing, you’ll have time to relax
and quietly reflect on the beauty of your Polar surroundings, after which
you’ll be picked up by the helicopters in the same location and returned to
Ultramarine. Each heli-landing experience is uniquely curated by our
expedition team, taking conditions and location capacity into
consideration.Alpine Heli-TrekkingLet us take you on an active adventure high
up in the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll be part of an intimate group of
adventurers to board one of Ultramarine's two twin-engine helicopters for a
trekking excursion in an area only safely accessed by air. The helicopter
flight alone rewards guests with unforgettable views of the expansive polar
landscape down below. On land, during an invigorating walk, hike or snowshoe
trek (depending on conditions), you’ll be rewarded with equally stunning
views of remote ridgelines, glaciated terrain, and snow-topped peaks. This
once-in-a-lifetime heli-adventure will leave you marvelling at the
overwhelming beauty of the Antarctic.Polar ItinerariesAll Polar itineraries
should be treated as a guide only - it is possible that, amongst other
things, the capricious nature of wind, visibility and ice, intelligence from
previous sailings, changes in local landing regulations or the expert opinion
of the crew onboard may lead to adjustments to the route published.Booking
ConditionsPlease note that, as with all Polar holidays and voyages, the
booking conditions for this trip differ from our standard conditions. The
required deposit is 25% per person of your selected travel arrangements
(minimum £1000 per person or equivalent in booking currency) and the
balance of the price of your travel arrangements must be paid at least 133
days before your departure date. The deposit is non-refundable, and at 133
days before departure date, our cancellation penalties are 100% of the
holiday cost. COVID-19 Vaccination: Please note that as a condition of
travel on any of our Polar voyages, clients must be fully vaccinated against
COVID-19. Clients must provide proof of their vaccination status to Quark
staff before boarding the ship. For full terms and conditions please refer
to our Quark Book and Travel with Confidence Policy, found here:
https://www.exodus.co.uk/quark-book-and-travel-confidence If you have any
questions, please contact our specialist Polar sales team on 020 8003 9957 or
at polar@exodus.co.uk for further details.
ULTRAMARINEThe Antarctic Explorer via Buenos Aires is offered on the Ultramarine which
is a Polar Adventure Ship. Polar Adventure ShipsThese are small ice rated
vessels well qualified for Polar waters. Intimate adventures are always more
enjoyable with like-minded passengers and staff, so these voyages are for
people who like flexible itineraries and plenty to keep them busy. Activities
include frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking and many hours on deck in areas
that other ships only dream about accessing. Food and staff are superb and
every guest benefits from the technical advances of this superb fleet. Rest
assured our Polar Adventure Ships enable any traveller to maximize their
experience sensitively in the Poles.
Ultramarine[[{"fid":"246396","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default"}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element
file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]The newest ship in Quark’s fleet,
Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar in Polar exploration, to
discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to
offer.Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most
robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious
suites in its category, breath-taking public spaces, and more outdoor
wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also
features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all
industry standards. With all this and more, Ultramarine is set to deliver the
ultimate Polar expedition experience.[caption caption="Balcony Suite -
Ultramarine"][/caption][caption caption="Panorama Lounge -
Ultramarine"][/caption][caption caption="Dining Area -
Ultramarine"][/caption]Cabin Class:SOLO PANORAMA: Located on Deck 6, and
approximately 132 sq. ft. (12.3 m2). This suite is perfect for solo guests
who appreciate privacy and want to wake up to sweeping views from the comfort
of their bed. These are the only solo suites with floor-to-ceiling windows
available onboard any ship in its class. Features: single bed,
floor-to-ceiling window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower
and heated floors.EXPLORER TRIPLE: Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285
sq. ft. (26.5 m2). This suite is perfect for guests traveling solo who want
to share their experience with other like-minded travellers of the same
gender, or for groups of three traveling together. Featuring three separate
single beds, and amenities for each of the three guests. Features: three
single beds (two of which can be combined into a double bed), sitting area,
picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and
heated floors. EXPLORER SUITE: Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq.
ft. (26.5 m2). These suites are perfect for people traveling together or solo
guests looking to share with like-minded individuals. This suite maximizes
interior living space while still offering guests the opportunity to stay
connected to the outdoors. Our entry-level twin suites are the largest
available on a ship of this class.Features: one double or two single beds,
sitting area with sofa bed, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private
bathroom with shower and heated floors.BALCONY SUITE: Located on Decks 4 and
6, with approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 m2) of indoor living space, and a 52
sq. ft. (4.8 m2) balcony, this entry-level balcony suite is one of the
largest available on a ship of this class. This suite is perfect for guests
who are looking for both indoor and outdoor living spaces. There are four
connecting suites in this category, making this an excellent option for
families or groups wanting to stay connected to each other during their
expedition.Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa
bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower
and heated floors.DELUXE BALCONY SUITE: Located on Decks 4 and 6, with
approximately 299 sq. ft. (27.8 m2) of indoor living space, and a 70 sq. ft.
(6.5 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting a larger living
space, full bathroom, and a substantial balcony. Deluxe Balcony Suites are
the first suite type to offer additional privacy in the bathroom with an
enclosed toilet, a full bath and shower to make it easier for guests to get
ready together in the morning.Features: one double or two single beds,
sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private
bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.TERRACE SUITE: Located on
Deck 6, with approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 m2) of indoor living space, and
a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting
generous interiors with a wide layout and the largest balconies on the ship.
Centrally located on Deck 6, guests will enjoy minimal movement and motion
from the comfort of these suites.Features: one double or two single beds,
sitting area with sofa bed, private extra-wide balcony, desk, refrigerator,
TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.PENTHOUSE
SUITE:The only suite category to be located on Deck 7, with approximately 369
sq. ft. (34.3 m2) of indoor living space, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 m2) balcony.
This suite is perfect for guests wanting to wake up to unobstructed polar
views from the warmth and comfort of their bed onboard the ship. These suites
offer the best of everything—views, spacious interiors, full bathrooms and
generous balcony sizes—as well as easy access to the wellness
centre.Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed,
private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower,
bathtub and heated floors.OWNER’S SUITE: Located on Deck 6, with
approximately 446 sq. ft. (41.4 m2) of indoor living space and a 46.3 sq. ft.
(4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want it all. A large,
luxurious suite featuring a private bedroom, full bathroom, powder room, and
two separate living spaces. This suite is perfect for families or couples who
want all the comforts of home onboard the ship.Features: one double or two
single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa
bed and additional closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private
bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder
room.ULTRA SUITE: Located on Deck 6, with approximately 563 sq. ft. (52.3m2)
of interior living space, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is
perfect for guests who want to travel without compromise. Our largest and
most luxurious suite features the most sleeping, entertainment and storage
space onboard the ship. It is perfect for families or travellers who want all
the comforts of home onboard the ship.Features: one double or two single beds
in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and
additional walk-in hallway closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV,
private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder
room.DECKPLAN:
The Exodus group forms part of the ship’s complement, enjoying the relaxed,
intimate and informal atmosphere, which breaks into smaller groups to
facilitate the frequent excursions. We offer these cruises in conjunction
with our partner, Quark Expeditions, and Exodus participants will join an
international group, not all of whom have booked through Exodus. Occasionally
some of these may be younger than 18 years old, the Exodus' stated minimum
age for this trip. We work with many fine Expedition Leaders and Polar
Experts, bringing a diversity of interests including zoology, Polar history,
geology, ornithology and ocean sciences. The ship’s operating crew have
many years of experience in Polar Regions and are committed to ensuring a
safe and memorable journey. Each day your cabin will be serviced by the
housekeeping crew, and your meals served by the friendly and attentive
restaurant staff. There is also a resident medical officer.
All meals while on the ship included.Typical MealsThe ships galley offers
good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing
international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide
variety of drinks from around the world on sale.Breakfast: Buffet style –
unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including
bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and
jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet,
or the occasional BBQ.Dinner: Three or four courses with a starter of soup
and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a
dessert, with tea and coffee.Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for
on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary
requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are
accessible only by Zodiac landing craft. Designed for expedition work, these
large and heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe.
Travelling land only: 11 days starting and ending in Buenos AiresYour trip
normally starts at our hotel in Buenos Aires in the afternoon on Day 1 of
the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the
Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Late Spring and Early Summer - October & NovemberThe start of the season and
the most adventurous time to travel. You’ll encounter truly breathtaking,
exquisitely sculpted icebergs emerging from their frozen hibernation. Many of
these blue bergs house courting, nesting and brooding penguins.High Summer -
December, January & FebruaryClose to the solstice you’ll experience almost
perpetual daylight. These are the mildest months when the first Adelie and
Gentoo penguin chicks are hatched. As the water warms the whale sightings
also improve.Late Summer - February & MarchThis is the time for some
incredible encounters with whales, especially Minkes and Humpbacks. The
receding ice allows for further exploration and penguin colonies are very
active with adults feeding their chicks.
Late Spring and Early Summer - October & NovemberThe start of the season and
the most adventurous time to travel. You’ll encounter truly breathtaking,
exquisitely sculpted icebergs emerging from their frozen hibernation. Many of
these blue bergs house courting, nesting and brooding penguins.High Summer -
December, January & FebruaryClose to the solstice you’ll experience almost
perpetual daylight. These are the mildest months when the first Adelie and
Gentoo penguin chicks are hatched. As the water warms the whale sightings
also improve.Late Summer - February & MarchThis is the time for some
incredible encounters with whales, especially Minkes and Humpbacks. The
receding ice allows for further exploration and penguin colonies are very
active with adults feeding their chicks.
Boots – Rubber boots are essential for a Polar expedition, but to eliminate
these from your packing list we will loan you a pair for the duration of the
voyage.Parkas – A complementary Quark parka will be provided on the
ship.Trousers – Waterproof trousers are essential for Zodiac travel as well
as activities on shore.Gloves – To keep your hands warm and dry, pack a
minimum of two pairs of gloves: a pair of thin polypropylene gloves to be
worn underneath warm outer gloves.Hat and Scarf – Pack a warm, woollen hat
or cap that covers your ears, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face
protection.Socks – For maximum warmth, we suggest that you wear two pairs
of socks to wear inside the rubber boots.Outer Clothing – Pack woollen or
fleece jumpers and tops, plus several turtlenecks for layering.Underclothing
– Pack silk or polypropylene underwear since it will keep you warm without
adding bulk.Knapsack or Backpack – To keep your hands free for shooting
photograph, bring a water resistant or waterproof knapsack or backpack.Shoes
– Non-slip shoes for walking around the vessel.As advice about luggage
allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest
you check the airline's website for the latest information prior to your
departure.
SwimsuitSunglassesBinocularsCamera, extra batteries, film or memory
cardsProtective sunscreenElectric converter with adapter plug set,
220V/110VSmall medical kit containing prescription medicines and
over-the-counter medication for basic ailments such as stomach upsets,
allergies, headaches and seasicknessSnow poles or trekking poles
On board the ships all transactions are in US dollars. Dollars can also be
used in Argentina, although local currency is preferred. At the conclusion of
your voyage, you will be presented with an account. This will include any
drinks from the bar, laundry or ship’s shop purchases for which you have
signed. You may pay for this in US Dollars cash, credit card (Visa or
MasterCard ONLY) or US dollars Traveller’s Cheques.Allow US$ 8 for the
airport tax on departure from Ushuaia and US$ 18 to depart from Buenos Aires
(Please note that airport taxes do change often and it is recommended to
include a little extra in case of this). You should also budget some dollars
for sightseeing and meals/drinks in Argentina, the amount depending on your
tastes.
The appropriate amount to tip the staff and crew is a personal matter but it
is customary to provide an end-of-cruise gratuity (as a rough guide
approximately US$13-15 per day per passenger would be appreciated).
Travel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request)Visas or
vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.