Antarctic Explorer
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ANTARCTIC 2021.22 ANTARCTIC EXPLORER Discovering the 7th Continent plus Cape Horn & Diego Ramírez with flights from Buenos Aires INAUGURAL SEASON Contents 1 Overview 2 Itinerary 5 Arrival and Departure Details 7 Your Ship: Ultramarine 9 Included Activities 10 Adventure Options 12 Dates and Rates 13 Inclusions and Exclusions 14 Your Expedition Team 15 Extend Your Trip 16 Meals on Board 17 Possible Excursions 21 Packing Checklist Overview Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent plus Cape Horn & Diego Ramírez Antarctica is an incredible destination with the power to transform those who are fortunate enough to experience it. At Quark Expeditions, we’ve been delivering transformational polar experiences for three decades, and in that time we’ve realized that the more personalized an expedition is, the more enriching the experience will be. That’s why we’ve designed this guide; to help you plan your perfect expedition to the 7th continent. EXPEDITION IN BRIEF If this is your first visit, this take on our classicAntarctic Explorer voyage gives Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango capital of the world, and let us take care of you the best of the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, and on this special departure, the rest of your journey the chance to land at the historical landmark of Cape Horn, and potentially visit albatross nesting grounds at Diego Ramírez Islands as well. Conquer the famed Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula Drake Passage; explore majestic natural environments by Zodiac and on foot; Enjoy helicopter flightseeing from get up close and personal with penguins, whales and other wildlife; and enjoy Ultramarine for a unique perspective of the talks on history, biology and glaciology by our onboard polar experts. Antarctic Peninsula Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries—now it’s your turn. Be Enjoy talks about the environment, human among the first guests on our pioneering new vessel,Ultramarine . This purpose- history and wildlife from our onboard polar experts built vessel is designed to extend the boundaries of polar exploration and offer an unmatched Antarctic experience, including a flightseeing tour you’ll never Experience abundant wildlife, such as forget and a range of adventure options more extensive than any other ship in penguins, seals and whales its class. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable adventure! Please feel Visit Cape Horn National Park, UNESCO free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers, who are happy to answer World Biosphere Reserve and Diego Ramírez your questions and provide assistance at any time. Islands, nesting grounds for many species of albatross 1 Itinerary DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN After a late afternoon embarkation, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA you will sail along the historic Beagle Santiago Buenos Aires You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any Channel, which transects the Tierra del time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon Fuego archipelago in the extreme south ARGENTINA arriving in this splendid city, known for its of South America. architecture and rich European heritage, DAY 3 | CAPE HORN & DIEGO RAMÍREZ CHILE you will independently transfer to your Depending on conditions, we aim to start Atlantic group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night Ocean Punta Ushuaia our journey to the “edge of the earth” Arenas included in mandatory transfer package). Cape Horn with a visit to historic Cape Horn (Cabo Diego Ramirez South Shetland DAY 2 | FLY TO USHUAIA & EMBARK de Hornos). At the southernmost point Drake Passage Islands After an early breakfast at the hotel, of the Tierra del Fuego (“Land of Fire”) Anvers Island the group will transfer to the airport Lemaire Channel archipelago, the most isolated place in ANTAR CTIC CI RCLE and board our private charter flight the Americas, this steep, rocky headland Antarctic Peninsula to Ushuaia, Argentina. on Hornos Island marks the northern Upon arrival, you will be transferred boundary of the famous Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from the airport to a central downtown ANTARCTIC EXPLORER meet. From the 1700s to the early 1900s, Discovering the 7th Continent location to have some time on your own plus Cape Horn & Diego Ramírez to explore this quaint port town before prior to the opening of the Panama Canal, this cape was part of a major On board the Ultramarine making your way to the pier. Flights to/from Buenos Aires global trade route. If sea and weather 2 conditions allow, you may go ashore for James Cook’s discovery of the South DAYS 4 & 5 | CROSSING a hike out to the lighthouse, the tiny Sandwich Islands in 1775. Weather- THE DRAKE PASSAGE Stella Maris (“Star of the Sea”) Chapel, permitting, we’ll Zodiac cruise around The unpredictable and exciting Drake and the albatross-shaped monument these tussock grass-covered islands Passage is an adventure unto itself. honoring the many mariners who lost to admire the abundant birdlife. A While being well taken care of by our their lives attempting to “round the designated Important Bird Area, and part expert onboard staff and leaders, you’ll Horn.” Atop the 1,394-foot (425 meter)- of the recently-designated Diego Ramirez have plenty of time to gaze out at the high windswept promontory, pause for Islands and Drake Passage Marine Park, ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping a moment to take in the panoramic view the archipelago is home to millions of around the ship, and get to know your and to enjoy the peaceful solitude that breeding seabirds, and an exceptional Expedition Team and fellow travelers. can only be found at one of the most place for birdwatching. Binoculars in DAYS 6–10 | SOUTH SHETLAND southern stretches of land in the world. hand, birders will marvel at the sight ISLANDS & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA of multiple species of albatross (these Your ship will then continue cruising Once the Drake Passage is left in our islands are the southernmost albatross farther south, to the Diego Ramírez wake and the South Shetland Islands breeding ground in the world), including Islands, the most southern point of come into view, your Antarctic black-browed albatross, shy albatross South America and one of the least- adventure truly begins. You will begin and grey-headed albatross. Sightings of explored places on the planet. This to appreciate why this region has long dolphins, South American fur seals, and small archipelago was actually thought captivated the attention of explorers rockhopper, macaroni and Magellanic to be the southernmost land mass in and travelers alike. On every visit to penguins are also possible here. the world when it was discovered in Antarctica, we witness something new 1619 by the Spanish Garcia de Nodal If conditions look more promising or unexpected, which means your expedition. Named after the expedition’s toward the end of your expedition, this expedition will be unlike any other cosmographer, the archipelago held this itinerary day may take place after your —a unique, personal experience. distinction for 156 years, until Captain Antarctic Peninsula exploration. IMPORTANT REMINDER As this voyage will enter Chile, please ensure you obtain a Chilean visa if required by your nationality. 3 Each day, you will take Zodiac Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, DAY 13 | DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA excursions from the ship to explore noisy interludes become indelible & FLY TO BUENOS AIRES local bays, channels and landing sites. memories, such as penguins You will arrive in Ushuaia in the With wildlife always at the forefront squabbling over prized pebbles. morning and disembark after breakfast. of our minds, you will visit penguin The mandatory transfer package includes Each day will be different, carefully rookeries, scout for humpback and a little taste of Patagonia with a Tierra crafted by your Expedition Team to minke whales, and search for a number del Fuego National Park tour before inspire and educate you about this of southern seal species, including the transferring to the airport for the return wonderful part of the world. cunning leopard seal. group charter flight to Buenos Aires. The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s DAYS 11 & 12 | CROSSING mountains will enchant as you hike THE DRAKE PASSAGE snowy pathways to vantage points The journey back across the Drake offering panoramic views of your Passage provides a final opportunity surroundings. You will discover that to enjoy the invigorating Antarctic air. Antarctica is a land of extremes. At Spend time on the deck, watching for one moment you’ll be overcome with a seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy feeling of complete isolation and silence, presentations by your Expedition Team and the next you’ll be inspired by nature and celebrate the experiences you’ve as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant shared exploring the remarkable blue sea or a penguin waddles by to world of Antarctica. inspect your footwear. EXPEDITION SPIRIT Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. 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. 4 Arrival and Departure Details As you prepare for your journey, you may be interested in your arrival and departure details. Since international air transportation is not included in the cost of your expedition, you have some flexibility in planning your flights. Looking to extend your adventure beyond your polar expedition? On page 15, learn how to add on a pre- or post-expedition stop—or both!—in your gateway city.