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Enjoy all of the highlights of South Georgia and the Antarctic peninsula
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 (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).
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!
There are many activities available to keep you engaged while you are at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team. You will be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings, and also be given instructions for getting the most out of your optional sea kayaking adventures (extra cost), a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica. If conditions are right, the first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sight of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have your binoculars and cameras ready to capture these rocky spires rising out of the icy ocean waters. Shags and prions often rest here, and due to nutrient rich upwellings around the rocks it can be a good place to keep a lookout for whales.
After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, we’ll head toward its numerous beaches to find a bay for your first excursion. Landing sites are varied, largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whichever sites we visit, they’ll provide you with wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere else on earth.South Georgia is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins and seals. It won’t take you long to realize that you are in a bird paradise, as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance.You’ll find that South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Your Expedition Team will help bring those days to life while you visit old whaling stations and enjoy presentations on the South Georgia of then and now.One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is Grytviken. This settlement is the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Many travelers find that this place has a special appeal, as it is the site of the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers.
Say goodbye to the kKng penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations and workshops led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife and landscapes that will surround you upon your arrival.
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica.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 at the next moment 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. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each excursion, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and Gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, Fur, Crabeater and Leopard seals. Keep a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as Minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an extra-special Antarctic experience by partaking in an optional paddling excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason aside and jump into Antarctic waters for the Polar Plunge!Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
After more than a dozen days of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
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.
14 nights on the ship, 1 night hotel in Buenos AiresExpedition cruising in
comfortable condition
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.
14 nights on the ship, 1 night hotel in Buenos AiresExpedition cruising in
comfortable condition
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 on board 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 Activities:Paddling
Excursion:Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a
sit-on-top kayak. No experience is required to manoeuvre these very stable
kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water,
taking in breath-taking landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your first
time in a kayak or you want greater flexibility to try other Adventure
options, this shorter excursion is for you. Paddling in the Polar
Regions is highly weather-dependent and a one-time experience. Your kayak
guides will attempt to take you out on the water for 1-1.5 hours of paddling.
Offered on most voyages, spaces are limited. All equipment, guides and
instructions are provided by Quark.Sea Kayaking Option:Kayaking in Antarctica
is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring ways you can explore this
incredible region. Glide through the quiet waters and take in the beauty of
Antarctica. Paddle through astounding icebergs, watch penguins, seals and
possibly whales swim around your kayak.Kayaking in the Polar Regions is
highly weather-dependent, however we guarantee at least one outing during
your voyage. Your kayak guides will always attempt to take you out as many
times as possible throughout your voyage.Offered on most Antarctic voyages,
spaces are limited and require some kayaking experience. All equipment,
guides and instructions are provided by Quark.Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Option:Combining surfing with kayaking or canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding
will give you a very personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. Guided by
experienced staff in small groups in good weather conditions on calm bays and
harbours, reservations for 10 paddleboarders will be taken at time of
booking. Other paddleboarding opportunities will be offered via sign-up,
onboard ship, on a first-come, first-served basis. Available on selected
Antarctica Voyages. Space is limited.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 South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari via Buenos
Aires journey 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 partners, 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: 16 days starting and ending in Buenos AiresYour trip
normally starts at our hotel in Buenos Aires 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.
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 – We recommend one with a wind and waterproof shell - a
complimentary Quark Expeditions parka will be provided.Trousers –
Waterproof trousers or salopeltes 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
photographs, bring a water resistant or waterproof knapsack or backpack.Shoes
– Non-slip shoes for walking around the vessel.
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.