ANTARCTIC 2021.22 ANTARCTIC EXPRESS
Fly the Drake Contents
1 Overview 2 Itinerary 4 Arrival and Departure Details 7 Your Ship Options 10 Included Activities 11 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 20 Packing Checklist Overview Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
Antarctica offers so many extraordinary things to see and do, and traveling with Quark Expeditions® offers multiple options to personalize your experience. We’ve designed this guide to help you identify what interests you most, so that you can start planning your version of the perfect expedition to the 7th Continent.
Answer the call of Antarctica by flying over the notorious Drake Passage by charter plane to land at King George Island before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by EXPEDITION IN BRIEF ship. In just 8 or 9 adventure-packed days, you’ll experience rewarding shore visits Fly over the Drake Passage and Zodiac cruises, marvel at intimate wildlife encounters, explore historic sites and experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica and make the most of your landmark visit to the 7th Continent. Select from a range Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, of adventure options and onboard activities that match your personal interests and such as penguins, seals and whales make your expedition uniquely yours. Marvel at many of the Antarctic Peninsula highlights Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries and our expeditions offer the Enjoy onboard presentations chance for you to discover why. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable from polar specialists adventure! Feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers who can Cruise in a Zodiac to get up close to icebergs, wildlife and more answer your questions and provide assistance at any time.
1 Itinerary
Santiago Buenos Aires
DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN PUNTA King George Island for your arrival. ARGENTINA ARENAS, CHILE Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic Atlantic Ocean Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, landscapes will be from a unique Chile, the most populated city in perspective, as your plane descends for CHILE southern Patagonia. If you arrive early, landing in the South Shetland Islands. there are many museums, restaurants After landing, stretch your legs with Ushuaia and shops to keep you busy for days. By a one-mile (1.6 km) walk to the shore, Punta Arenas early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions® before being transferred by Zodiac to South Shetland representative will meet you at the official your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Drake Passage Islands starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy Peninsula! King George Island Anvers a welcome dinner and be briefed about Island Lemaire preparing for your embarkation day. DAYS 3–6 | ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Channel & SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS ANTARCTIC CIRCLE DAY 2 | FLY TO KING GEORGE (Or Days 3–7 of 9-day itinerary) Weddell Sea Antarctic ISLAND & EMBARK There are few places in the world as Peninsula Your charter flight from Punta Arenas evocative as Antarctica. As your ship to Antarctica will have you crossing the approaches the White Continent, ANTARCTIC EXPRESS Fly the Drake legendary Drake Passage in only a few you may be overcome by feelings On board the Ocean Adventurer hours. Far below, the ship will approach of excitement and awe. Antarctica is or World Explorer Flights to/from Punta Arenas
2 indescribable and can only be fully From the booming sound of a calving DAY 8 | DEPART PUNTA ARENAS appreciated through your own eyes. glacier to the thrill of spotting apex (Or Day 9 of 9-day itinerary) predators like leopard seals and killer After breakfast, you are welcome to As your Captain and Expedition Team whales in action, you’ll wake up early continue on your own travels or make keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, and welcome each day with a sense of your way to the Punta Arenas airport you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. adventure and a desire to explore during for your homeward flights. Our team of expert presenters will deepen this unrivaled travel experience. your experience with explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of Your Expedition Team will accompany EXPEDITION SPIRIT the region. you all along the way, providing insights Embracing the unexpected is part into the places you visit. Even more exciting are your daily of the legacy—and excitement—of excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is DAY 7 | DISEMBARK & expedition travel. When traveling something you’ll never forget! Walking FLY TO PUNTA ARENAS in extremely remote regions, your on a beach dotted with penguins is the (Or Day 8 of 9-day itinerary) Expedition Team must consider the most intimate way to experience the After your week of exploration, you’ll sea, ice and weather to guide the route unique wildlife of Antarctica. say goodbye to your Expedition Team and itinerary details. This itinerary is and disembark at King George Island. a tentative outline of what you may Each landing is different and is dependent Your two-hour flight across the Drake experience on this voyage; please be on weather, but every day presents new aware that no specific itinerary can be Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings sightings and photo opportunities, and guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife your adventure to an end. After your it won’t be long before you can tell the encounters as described are expected, group transfer to the hotel, you are free difference between an Adélie, gentoo but not guaranteed. Your Expedition to explore and enjoy an evening on and chinstrap penguin. Team will use their considerable your own, in the city or at the hotel to experience to seek out wildlife in You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of reminisce about the sights and sounds known habitats, but the presence of whales and icebergs one day, followed by of Antarctica. any particular species of bird or marine a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. wildlife is not guaranteed.
3 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. Arrival Day and Embarkation ARRIVING IN PUNTA ARENAS Please be sure to book a flight that will land with enough tiMe to arrive at the hotel prior to 3pm on Day 1 of your expedition. You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to the included group hotel. For passengers arriving before Day 1 of the itinerary, taxis are available to take you from the airport to your hotel for PLEASE NOTE approximately US$25. It is important that you arrive at the hotel in Punta Arenas no later than On arrival at your hotel, either check in, and then make your way to the Quark 3pm, in order to have time for check Expeditions® meeting room, or if you have arrived before check-in begins at 3pm, in, luggage weighing and tagging, you can head directly to the meeting room, which is open from 12pm. Here you boot and parka distribution, and will collect your boots and parka, which you will need for the following day’s biosecurity clearance, prior to the flight. You will also need to bring the luggage you are planning to travel with to mandatory briefing at 6pm. the meeting room, to have it weighed and checked for biosecurity clearance, which may involve vacuuming out any debris from outer clothing and backpacks. After these procedures, the mandatory briefing will start at 6pm in the meeting room. A welcome dinner hosted by a Quark Expeditions® representative will follow the briefing.
4 KING GEORGE ISLAND AND EMBARKATION CONTINGENCY PLAN takes place, but due to complex Your flight to Antarctica is expected In the unlikely event that the plane and variable weather conditions, to depart from Punta Arenas for King is unable to depart on the planned flying in this region is challenging George Island on Day 2 of your itinerary, date of the charter flight, you will and is beyond our control. Safety after breakfast. Although the flight is be provided with a night of hotel is paramount to your expedition, scheduled to depart at 9am, there is accommodation in Punta Arenas, and our pilots follow strict weather significant variability based on weather meals included. You may be required assessment procedures. Quark conditions. You should be prepared to to be on standby and remain close Expeditions® will offer a refund depart the hotel for the airport on our to the hotel, as a weather window of your cruise package and any group transfer at any time. may open with very little notice. If adventure options in the event of a the weather is not suitable on Day 3, trip delay or cancellation as a result you will enjoy an additional night’s of the charter flight being unable to accommodation and meals in Punta depart as planned. Arenas. On Day 4, should the charter We strongly recommend that all flight not be able to take off by2 pm, expedition guests purchase a com- Quark Expeditions® will officially prehensive travel insurance policy, PLEASE NOTE cancel the voyage and provide a There is a strict luggage limit of 33 lbs including trip delay, cancellation and letter for you to submit to your travel (15 kg) checked luggage and 11 lbs (5 kg) interruption insurance, in addition to insurance provider for coverage of cabin baggage on the flights between the required medical coverage. Please flight changes and other associated Punta Arenas and King George Island. note that international airfare may not non-cruise costs under the trip delay/ Should you have additional luggage, be covered by insurance in the event interruption and cancellation clause. it can be stored at the hotel in Punta of a cancellation. Please ask your Polar Arenas. There is NO option to pay for Quark Expeditions® will make every Travel Adviser about travel insurance. additional luggage. effort to ensure that your program
5 Final Day and Included Hotel Arrival and Departure Accommodations Departure Transfers DISEMBARKATION AT Your included accommodation begins on PUNTA ARENAS AIRPORT TRANSFERS KING GEORGE ISLAND Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific ARRIVAL: Upon your arrival in Punta Ship disembarkation will generally occur hotel will be indicated on your final Arenas, a group transfer is included in the late morning, around 11am on King voyage confirmation. If you are arriving from the airport to your included George Island. After you disembark, you prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are pre-expedition hotel on Day 1 of your will take a short half-mile walk (800 m) staying after the disembarkation day itinerary. Group transfers are also from the beach to the King George Island and would like help booking a pre- or included in conjunction with the charter airport to meet your plane. Your luggage post-stay, please contact your preferred flights to and from Antarctica. will be transferred to the airstrip, where travel agent or Quark Expeditions® for DEPARTURE: A departure transfer in you will collect it for check-in. After hotel options. As accommodation space Punta Arenas is not included, however a two-hour flight, you will land at the is limited, you are encouraged to request your Polar Travel Adviser can arrange Punta Arenas airport (PUQ). any extra nights as early as possible. one for you. DEPARTING FROM PUNTA ARENAS On arrival in Punta Arenas, you will In order to facilitate your transfers, we request that be transferred from the airport to your you provide your flight details to Quark Expeditions® post-expedition hotel for one final night. at least 30 days prior to traveling. Please note that a departure transfer from the hotel to the Punta Arenas airport is not included.
PLEASE NOTE Weather conditions can always delay our arrival, and airline schedule changes have also been known to occur. Booking flexible tickets is always encouraged, as we cannot be held responsible for delays due to unforeseen circumstances.
6 Your Ship Options
Quark Expeditions® boasts the largest polar-class fleet of any polar operator, and the ability to offer you this incredible voyage on one of our ice strengthened vessels. The entire Quark Expeditions® fleet is built for challenging polar environments, allowing us to take you to places ordinary cruise companies wouldn’t dream of going.
7 WORLD EXPLORER WORLD EXPLORER Owner’s SuitOwner’se Suite Deluxe Suite
Polar powerhouse, the World Explorer—our first all- Superior DeluxeSuite Suite
Veranda Suite suites, all-balcony ice-class ship—lets you discover In nity SuitSuperiore Suite
Triple Cabin everything Antarctica has to offer, with the type of Veranda Suite DECK 8 Expedition Cabin service available only at premium hotels. The Infinity Suite World Explorer also provides plenty of areas, both OBSERVATION LOUNGE SPA Triple inside and out, to witness the incredible Antarctic GYM wildlife or simply watch the world go by. Enjoy a spacious observation deck for taking in sights DECK 7 outdoors, an observation lounge with panoramic skyline views, a library for intimate relaxing and BRIDGE reading, and the Explorer Lounge for a drink and a chat. Presentations and discussions are held in a dedicated lecture theater. Health and wellness DECK 6 facilities feature an outdoor running track, small gym and spa, plus a heated outdoor swimming pool. With its new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology and state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce DECK 5 engines and generators, the ship also boasts reduced ENTRANCE
EXPLORER LOUNGE POLAR fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. BOUTIQUE RECEPTION LECTURE RESTAURANT BAR THEATER
EXPEDITION LIBRARY DESK SHIP SPECIFICATIONS: ENTRANCE
Staff & Crew:125 ZODIAC BOARDING DECK 4 Guests: 172 304 310 306 308 312 302 Lifeboats: 2, fully enclosed Ice Class: 1B MUDROOM 307 311 309 301 305 303 Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details.
ZODIAC BOARDING DECK 3
8 CHEMINÉE
PONT D'OBSERVATION
PASSERELLE CHEMINÉE OCEAN ADVENTURER PONT D'OBSERVATIONPONT DE LA PASSERELLE Our popular ship the Sea Adventurer has been relaunched as the Ocean Adventurer after a multi-million-dollar CLINIQUE renovation. A team of marine architects, engineers, interior PASSERELLE BIBLIOTHÈQUE POLAIRE designers and polar expedition specialists worked together PONT DE LA PASSERELLE to enhance this nimble and intimate fleet favorite. Upgrades PONT DU CAPITAINE include a refreshed look and feel throughout, plus the CLINIQUE complete remodeling of the lounge, dining room and bar. BUREAU DU BIBLIOTHÈQUE COMMISSAIRE POLAIRE CLIPPER CLUB All cabins received brand new bathroom facilities. Six new SALON SALLE À BUREAU DU CHEF WC PRINCIPAL MANGER D'EXPÉDITION deluxe cabins as well as three new suites have also been PONT DU CAPITAINE RÉCEPTION added. Major technical enhancements include two new BUREAU DU PONT SUPÉRIEUR COMMISSAIRE BOUTIQUE POLAIRE Rolls-Royce engines, which yield increased speed and fuel CLIPPER CLUB
SALON SALLE À BUREAU DU CHEF WC PRINCIPAL efficiency, and a minimized carbon footprint. MANGER D'EXPÉDITION
RÉCEPTION T SALLE PONT SUPÉRIEUR SHIP SPECIFICATIONS: D'EMBARQUEMENT BOUTIQUE POLAIRE DES ZODIACS Staff & Crew:87 SALLE DE SPOR T
Guests: 132 PONT PRINCIPAL SALLE Lifeboats: 4, partially enclosed D'EMBARQUEMENT DES ZODIACS Ice Class: 1A SALLE DE SPOR Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details. PONT PRINCIPAL
POUPE PROUE POUPE PROUPONTE INFÉRIEUR PONT INFÉRIEUR
Triple Superior TripleTwin - pont inférieur Superior Deluxe TwinTwin - pont avec inférieur hublot - pont principal Deluxe Suite TwinTwin avec avec hublot fenêtre - pont -principal pont principalSuite Suite Owner Twin avec fenêtre - pont principal Suite Owner
9 Included Activities
out of them safe and comfortable, and historians and other special guests who your Zodiac drivers will provide active will introduce you to the fascinating interpretation, making the landscape history, biology, ornithology, and come even more alive. glaciology of the region, and much, much more. HIKING Hiking in Antarctica is free-form and POLAR PLUNGE supervised by our expert staff, who set This rite of passage, scheduled only once out a perimeter or paths at each landing per expedition, gives you the chance to site within which you are free to explore. jump safely into the bracing Antarctic While you hike, staff will be available to waters under the watchful eye of our enhance your experience by answering staff—and just about every single camera questions about the wildlife, history on board! Ready for a little adventure beyond your and geography of the area. Walking PHOTOGRAPHY ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage poles are provided at each landing for Documenting your voyage so you can offers a variety of recreational activities your convenience. As there are a limited take the memories home is a rewarding to enhance your polar experience. number of poles available, please bring experience. Our photography guides will your own if you require them on every ZODIAC CRUISING help you hone your skills to capture the landing. Some landing sites will offer more Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar beauty of the polar regions. demanding terrain options than others. expeditions, taking you to places the More information about your Included Activities ships can’t access, allowing you to reach PRESENTATIONS and Adventure Options, including the necessary remote shorelines, explore shallow Enjoy daily chats with and presentations experience, physical requirements and cost, is inlets and search for unique wildlife. by our world-class onboard polar available by contacting your Polar Travel Adviser Expedition staff make stepping in and experts—guides, scientists, naturalists, or your travel professional.
10 Adventure Options
top kayaks—perfect for anyone with SEA KAYAKING minimal or no kayaking experience. Imagine gliding across the surface of Small groups of passengers will be taken a bay in the presence of icebergs and out on calm days, with our expert guides glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program is always present to provide instruction a great way to intimately explore your and help you connect with the polar surroundings. A small group of kayakers sea. Two outings will be pre-booked, will plan to go out multiple times per and once successfully completed, any voyage as an alternative to shore landings subsequent outings will be offered via or Zodiac cruises. lottery on board. The number of opportunities to kayak STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING is weather dependent, and will be (on World Explorer only) conducted only during calm conditions. Combining a surfboard with a kayak, Prior kayaking experience is required, stand-up paddleboarding will give you a and you must be able to do a wet exit very personal and unique perspective on to participate. Beginners interested in Antarctica. Conducted in small groups— kayaking should consider participating in in calm bays and harbors, in good the Paddling Excursion. weather conditions—and accompanied by a safety Zodiac, one-time stand- PADDLING EXCURSION PLEASE NOTE up paddleboarding excursions can be If you’re interested in kayaking but For all paid activities pre-booking is pre-booked in two consecutive priority would like to try something a bit less required. We recommend booking early groups. After the first two successful as spaces fill quickly. Please see your demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re outings, this activity will be offered pre-departure guide for a list of provided the perfect candidate to sign up for a via lottery on board the ship for any gear for each Adventure Option. one-time paddle on our stable sit-on- subsequent outings.
11 Dates Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
WORLD EXPLORER
Dates Days Start / End
ANTARCTIC 2021.22 MAR 1 – 8, 2022 8 Punta Arenas MAR 6 – 13, 2022 8 Punta Arenas MAR 11 – 18, 2022 8 Punta Arenas ANTARCTIC 2020.21 FEB 26 – MAR 5, 2021 8 Punta Arenas
OCEAN ADVENTURER Dates Days Start / End ANTARCTIC 2021.22 DEC 5 – 13, 2021 9 Punta Arenas DEC 11 – 18, 2021 8 Punta Arenas DEC 16 – 23, 2021 8 Punta Arenas DEC 21 – 28, 2021 8 Punta Arenas FEB 11 – 18, 2022 8 Punta Arenas FEB 16 – 23, 2022 8 Punta Arenas ANTARCTIC 2020.21 DEC 7 – 14, 2020 8 Punta Arenas DEC 12 – 19, 2020 8 Punta Arenas DEC 17 – 24, 2020 8 Punta Arenas DEC 22 – 29, 2020 8 Punta Arenas DEC 27, 2020 – JAN 3, 2021 8 Punta Arenas JAN 16 – 23, 2021 8 Punta Arenas JAN 21 – 28, 2021 8 Punta Arenas
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions Exclusions RATES INCLUDE: RATES SPECIFICALLY • Leadership throughout the voyage by our • All luggage handling aboard the ship DO NOT INCLUDE: experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers • International airfare landings and other activities to a maximum benefit of USD 500$ ,000 per person • Passport and applicable visa expenses • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily • A group arrival transfer in Punta Arenas from airport • Government arrival and departure taxes not program to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1 mentioned • All shore landings as per the daily program • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation • Meals unless otherwise specified • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping in Punta Arenas with breakfast (Note: The number • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy travel insurance—strongly recommended on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any • Excess-baggage fees on international flights dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not and cruising excursions, or any other gear not kosher meals.) be available.) mentioned • Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea • A briefing dinner on Day1 in Punta Arenas • Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal and cocoa available around the clock • A pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas charges, unless specified • Formal and informal presentations by our from the hotel to the airport • Phone and Internet charges Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled • Flights to and from King George Island • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage • A photographic journal documenting the expedition • A post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas for expedition staff and shipboard crew • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for from the airport to the hotel • Additional overnight accommodation landings and Zodiac cruising excursions • One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation • Arrival and departure transfers, except • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep in Punta Arenas with breakfast where explicitly stated • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin • Adventure Options not listed in • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges Included Activities throughout the program
13 Your Expedition Team
Our Expedition Leaders and their teams bring diverse expertise in subjects as varied as polar history, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology and photography. Their knowledge and enthusiasm will greatly enhance your immersion into the polar environment and further deepen your connection to the Antarctic. With over 30 years of experience bringing passengers to remote polar regions and an industry leading staff-to-guest ratio, we know how to safely handle the unexpected. Ensuring this hard-earned experience is passed on, our new expedition staff receive comprehensive training in Quark Academy, which provides hands-on polar expedition training prior to any staff member’s first voyage as well as ongoing training for experienced staff.
14 Extend Your Trip
PRE- AND POST-EXPEDITION TRIP EXTENSIONS Since you’re traveling such a long way, you may want to spend extra time in Santiago. Chile’s capital city has a rejuvenating and modern vibe. Its cool, cultural current resonates, from the hillside parks to the sidewalk cafés. The city’s burgeoning culinary scene is fast becoming Santiago’s calling card. Enjoy new wine bars, tapas cafés and high-end restaurants. Make neighborhood-hopping a holiday action-item and head to trendy Barrio Lastarria, Barrio Italia and Bellavista, the city’s boho quarter.
FROM TOP: Santiago; Casillero del Diablo winery; Chilean seafood
15 Meals on Board
If there is one constant on board, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals daily. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always be served three well-prepared meals per day. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition. Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top-quality meals during the course of your expedition. Soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open; beer and wine are served with dinner; and coffee, tea and water stations are available around the clock – all included in the cost of your package. Spirits, premium wines and champagne are available at extra cost which can be billed to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open to enjoy with your fellow shipmates in late morning, afternoon and evening.
16 Possible Excursions
When traveling in extremely remote ideal flying conditions. The point is also regions, your Expedition Team must home to a penguin rookery and allows consider the sea, ice and weather to for spectacular views of the mountains guide the route and itinerary details. of Anvers Island. The following sites are a sample of DANCO ISLAND what you may experience on your Home to gentoo penguins, this small expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac dome-shaped island provides you with cruise, or shore landing. a stunning view of the Errera Channel. Antarctic Peninsula ENTERPRISE ISLAND CUVERVILLE ISLAND Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island A gentoo penguin rookery is situated was once used by whalers. A Zodiac on a rocky beach at the north end of cruise exploring the island passes the the island. Depending on when in the rusting remains of a wrecked whaling season you arrive, you may see the ship, and provides opportunities to penguins building nests or attending to search for humpback whales. their chicks. Giant petrels and kelp gulls LEMAIRE CHANNEL breed on the island. One of the most scenic locations on DAMOY POINT the peninsula’s west coast, this dramatic Damoy Point is the site of a historical strait runs between Booth Island and the ice runway used by the British Antarctic Antarctic Peninsula. The channel may Survey for their flights further south become impassable when ice fills the since 1975. The well-maintained hut was narrow, 6.8-mile (11 km)-long passageway, used as a staging-post to store supplies so we’ll hope for clear waters. and for accommodation while awaiting
17 MELCHIOR ISLANDS inside for a visit by the base personnel, This group of low, glaciated islands or you may visit the resident nesting in Dallmann Bay is where you may gentoo rookery if the base is inactive. see hauled-out male fur seals as they recuperate from their battles for South Shetland Islands supremacy at the end of their AITCHO ISLANDS breeding season. This group of small islands is situated in the northern entrance of the English NEKO HARBOUR Strait. You can often spot a great mix Little evidence remains that this bay was of wildlife in the area, with gentoo and once used by the floating whale factory chinstrap penguins having established ship Neko. You might see whale vertebrae rookeries on the islands. Southern being used by resident gentoo penguins elephant and fur seals frequently haul out as shelter from the wind. Climb up a here, too. steep slope for spectacular views of the glacier-rimmed harbor. BAILY HEAD Also known as Rancho Point, Bailey PETERMANN ISLAND Head is a rocky headland on the Here, near the Lemaire Channel, you can southeastern shore of Deception stand ashore and see the southernmost Island. Chinstrap penguins build nests breeding colony of gentoo penguins. on slopes leading to a high ridge that Adélie penguins, shags and south polar forms a natural amphitheater and skuas also inhabit the island. provides a superb setting for landscape photography. EXPEDITION SPIRIT PORT LOCKROY Embracing the unexpected is part As part of Operation Tabarin during the HALF MOON ISLAND of the legacy—and excitement—of Second World War, a secret British base This crescent-shaped island was known expedition travel. When traveling was built in this sheltered harbor, located to sealers as early as 1821. While they in extremely remote regions, your on the west side of Wiencke Island. Now tried to keep this productive location Expedition Team must allow the sea, a designated historic site, the base is a secret, we’re happy to bring you ashore the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary museum and post office. Proceeds from on this impressive island. Many Antarctic is a tentative outline of what you’ll your purchases in Port Lockroy support birds breed here, including chinstrap experience on this voyage; please be the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, which penguins, shags, Wilson’s storm petrels, aware that no specific itinerary can be preserves British and other historic sites kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife dating to the Heroic Age of Exploration. terns and skuas. encounters as described are expected, A large gentoo penguin population but not guaranteed. Your Expedition HANNAH POINT resides here. Team will use their considerable On the southern coast of Livingston experience to seek out wildlife in WATERBOAT POINT Island at Hannah Point, you may see known habitats, but the presence of Two scientists studying penguin behavior chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries, any particular species of bird or marine lived in a water boat on this point from along with the occasional breeding wildlife is not guaranteed. 1921 to 1922. The remains of their camp macaroni penguin. Due to the rather have been designated an Antarctic congested area available to the nesting historic site. The aptly named Waterboat penguins, we are able to visit here only Point is also home to a Chilean Antarctic after January 10. research station, named González Videla Base after the first sitting head of state to PENDULUM COVE visit the Antarctic continent. When the Geothermal waters are found along the base is manned, you may be welcomed shoreline of this Deception Island cove, named for observations made on Earth’s
18 gravity using pendulums in 1829 by a TELEFON BAY waddling penguins and lounging seals, British expedition. You may see steam Your Expedition Team will be happy you’ll see the rusting remains of whaling rising from the shore and “cooked” to point out that this is where the most operations on the beach. Watch for steam krill floating on the surface due to the recent evidence of volcanic eruption on along the shoreline from geothermic volcanically heated water. Deception Island can be seen. activity when the tide is right.
PENGUIN ISLAND TURRET POINT YANKEE HARBOUR Antarctica has two flowering plants, Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries Gentoo penguins have established a both of which you can find on Penguin are found on this point, situated on the rookery at this harbor, situated on the Island: Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia south coast of King George Island. The southwest side of Greenwich Island. antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort beaches here are often crowded with Here, you can see an abandoned (Colobanthus quitensis). Chinstrap southern elephant, fur and Weddell seals Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier penguins, fur seals and southern elephant hauled out on the rocks. that stretches along the east and north seals can also be spotted here. sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing WHALER’S BAY try pot is all that remains of the activity ROBERT POINT To reach Whaler’s Bay, it is necessary that brought men thousands of miles in A beautiful spot for Zodiac cruising, this to sail through a narrow passage called tall ships to seek their fortune. Enjoy a point was known to sealers as early as Neptune’s Bellows. The bay was used rare chance for a longer walk along the 1820. Chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and by whalers from 1906 to 1931 and is part expansive beach, dotted with historical pintado petrels breed here, and whales of a protected harbor created by the artifacts and wildlife. may be seen in the surrounding waters. formation of the circular flooded caldera known as Deception Island. Along with
19 WEATHER CONDITIONS & TEMPERATURES Polar weather is highly variable; temperatures may hover around the freezing mark and winds can be Packing strong. The continuous daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may sometimes find it warm enough for t-shirts. However, you may also encounter snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition so Checklist you should be ready for any conditions.
WHAT TO BRING! Packing for the polar regions doesn’t have to be daunting, and to make it easier for you, all Quark voyages include an expedition parka to keep, and a loan of insulated waterproof boots. Additional suggested items include:
FOR ALL EXCURSIONS SUGGESTED ITEMS Base layers (wool, synthetic or a blend) Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack Mid-layer warm/fleece top Swimsuit (for the Polar Plunge!) Mid-layer warm/fleece pants Binoculars Wool and synthetic socks (3 to 4 pairs) Camera with charger and extra batteries Extra memory cards Neck warmer or balaclava Earplugs Warm hat that covers ears Eye masks for sleeping Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac ride) Moisturizer and lip balm (polar air can be drying) Waterproof gloves and glove liners Seasickness, indigestion, headache Sunscreen or other medicines as required Sunglasses with UV protection Voltage converters and plug adapters Spare set of gloves (220V/European outlets) Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days)
FOR ON BOARD Comfortable casual clothing (pants/jeans, shirts, sweaters) Lighter shirts (in case the ship gets warm) Comfortable non-slip close-toed unheeled shoes (NOTE: Flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be worn on board due to safety concerns)
20 TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE Contact your Travel Professional
PHOTO CREDITS (over all Expedition Brochures for the Antarctic 21.22 season): Acacia Johnson; David Merron; Michelle Sole; Nicky Souness; Samantha Crimmin; Hugo Perrin; Taylor Cranney; EXPEDITION BROCHURE Sam Edmonds; Abbey Weisbrot; Hans Lagerweij; Rogelio Espinosa; Cindy Miller Hopkins; Grange Productions March 2020