ANTARCTIC 2021.22 FALKLANDS (MALVINAS), SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTICA
Explorers and Kings Contents
1 Overview 2 Itinerary 5 Arrival and Departure Details 7 Your Ship Options 9 Included Activities 10 Adventure Options 11 Dates and Rates 12 Inclusions and Exclusions 13 Your Expedition Team 13 Extend Your Trip 15 Meals on Board 13 Possible Excursions 21 Packing Checklist Overview Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia & Antarctica: Explorers and Kings
The Antarctic region 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 Antarctic expedition.
The Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia & Antarctica itinerary is the fastest way to get to the rarely visited Falkland Islands and South Georgia before stepping foot on the EXPEDITION IN BRIEF 7th Continent. Stroll the quaint English village of Stanley in the Falklands, wander the Wander the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falkland Islands islands’ sandy dunes, and birdwatch at rugged seabird cliffs. In South Georgia, discover (Islas Malvinas) the beaches where king penguins breed – one of the highest densities of animal life on See South Georgia’s incredible wildlife, including 30 breeding bird earth – and learn about the rich historical legacy of the places you visit. Both islands species and four penguin species are known as meccas for wildlife with epic displays of animals congregating by the Follow in the wake of Sir Ernest thousands. Then, explore the stunning Antarctic Peninsula and enter a world of ice, Shackleton’s perilous voyages to South Georgia and pause for a snow and natural wonders. Pursue your personal passions with a choice of rewarding moment at his grave site activities and our extensive educational program. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and foot Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries and our expeditions offer the Learn about Antarctica’s unique chance for you to discover why. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable geology, history and wildlife with our onboard lecturers adventure! Feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers who can answer Immerse yourself in the icy realm your questions and provide assistance at any time. of the Antarctic, with an optional kayaking excursion
1 Itinerary
DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN to ensure your comfort and safety as USHUAIA, ARGENTINA well as help make your wildlife dreams Santiago Buenos Aires Your gateway for this expedition is come true. Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the ARGENTINA Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia DAY 3 | AT SEA Your days at sea are filled with has a small-town feel yet boasts many CHILE presentations and lectures led by your Falkland Islands shops, museums, cafés and restaurants (Islas Malvinas) Expedition Team, who will prepare you Atlantic Ocean that you can enjoy before your voyage. Stanley If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby for the wildlife that will greet you upon South Georgia Punta Arenas your arrival. In between presentations, Ushuaia Tierra del Fuego National Park and South Shetland Martial Glacier offer plenty of outdoor spend time chatting with your shipmates Drake Passage Islands over a drink at the bar, or enjoy the fresh Elephant South Orkney activities, such as hiking. Anvers Island Island air and views on the outer decks. Island Lemaire Channel DAY 2 | EMBARKATION DAY LE DAYS 4 & 5 | FALKLAND ISLANDS IRC C Weddell Sea As you embark, the anticipation grows. TIC (ISLAS MALVINAS) RC TA N Antarctic Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet Upon your arrival in the Falklands A Peninsula and greet your fellow travelers and (Malvinas), your camera will get its first get acquainted with your ship. Since FALKLANDS (MALVINAS), real workout capturing the abundant SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTICA every Antarctic adventure presents wildlife and rugged feel of this sub- Explorers and Kings new opportunities and experiences, Antarctic region. The archipelago On board the Ocean Adventurer embarkation day is just as exciting for contains two main islands, East Falkland your Expedition Team as it is for you. and West Falkland, which you will On board your team will be there both explore during daily excursions.
2 Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, is where the cold Antarctic waters mix Although South Georgia’s history is an often a favored landing site, as the town and mingle with the warmer waters of important attraction to the island, its offers a unique British outpost feel, the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, incredible densities of wildlife make it complete with eclectic charm. You’ll be helps nourish the abundance of krill truly memorable. Each landing you make free to explore, grab a pint at the local that attracts whales, seals, and birdlife to on South Georgia, often referred to as pub or visit the cathedral and museum. this part of the world. Your Expedition the Galapagos of the Poles, will open Team will notify you when you cross this your eyes to the wondrous lives of new, In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is invisible yet important line, and also look enthralling creatures. home to Magellanic, gentoo and southern out for the seabirds and marine life that rockhopper penguins. If you’re lucky, One day you may see rookeries with frequent the area. you may even spot king penguins here hundreds of thousands of pairs of king as well! You can expect to see black- DAYS 8–11 | SOUTH GEORGIA penguins waddling on a beach, and browed albatross, plus two endemic This remote, mountainous island was a the next, you may visit another beach bird species—the flightless Falkland popular stop for many historic Antarctic blanketed with thousands of fur or steamer duck and possibly the elusive expeditions and was once a haven for elephant seals. The grasses, mountains Cobb’s wren. hunting whales and seals. Today, island and beaches of South Georgia all play wildlife populations are rebounding, but an important role in the breeding and Your team of lecturers and specialists you’ll still see remnants of old whaling survival of different species on the island. will be sure to educate you on the local stations and other abandoned outposts. This fragile and interwoven relationship flora and fauna, making the most out of is something your Expedition Team will your time in the Falklands. One significant and historic site is the instill in you during your time here. grave of the great explorer Sir Ernest DAYS 6 & 7 | AT SEA Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the DAYS 12 & 13 | AT SEA Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you’ll settlement of Grytviken, which is also Say goodbye to the king penguins, as officially enter Antarctic waters once home to an old whaling station, plus a your next destination is Antarctica! Your you cross the Antarctic Convergence, an museum, gift shop, church and small days at sea are filled with presentations, invisible biological boundary encircling research station. lectures and workshops led by your the continent. This meeting of oceans,
3 Expedition Team, who will prepare you Your Expedition Team will take care of DAYS 18 & 19 | CROSSING for the wildlife that will greet you upon you at each excursion, whether you are THE DRAKE PASSAGE your arrival. Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site After more than two weeks of endless or consorting with penguin colonies. wildlife encounters, your journey home If conditions allow, we may attempt Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins begins. Crossing the Drake is your landfall on the South Orkney Islands, are found here, along with Weddell, unofficial rite of passage, completing our first official stop in Antarctica. fur, crabeater and leopard seals. During your Antarctic adventure. DAYS 14–17 | SOUTH SHETLAND Zodiac cruises, keep an eye out for Enjoy your final moments celebrating ISLANDS & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Antarctic whales such as minkes, as with your fellow shipmates. The busy, The most common reaction upon you may get a chance for an intimate populated world awaits your return, so reaching the White Continent is a sense experience with these majestic animals. savor the silence of the sea as long as of reverence and awe. The experience Each day and each excursion will present you can. is beyond words, since few places are as a new collection of creatures to entertain untouched and enduring as Antarctica. you and keep your camera busy. DAY 20 | DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time You will discover that Antarctica is a As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and to part ways and say goodbye to your land of extremes. At one moment you’ll landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself Expedition Team. Airport transfers will be overcome with a feeling of complete to an extra-special Antarctic experience be provided for those departing on the isolation and silence, and at the next by partaking in an optional paddling first homeward flights. Other guests will moment you’ll be inspired by nature as excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason be transferred to town. a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant aside and jump into Antarctic waters for blue sea or a penguin waddles by to the Polar Plunge! 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 14, learn how to add on a pre- or post-expedition stop—or both!—in your gateway city. Arrival Day and Embarkation ARRIVING IN USHUAIA You may arrive in Ushuaia at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Ushuaia is a destination worth exploring, so we do encourage you to arrive a day or two before your expedition. Based on the arrival information you send us, we will arrange for a transfer from the airport to your hotel. A Quark Expeditions® representative will be available to answer your questions in the lobby of your hotel in Ushuaia during your optional pre-departure briefing on Day 1, at 6pm.
5 EMBARKATION IN USHUAIA Included Hotel Arrival and On the morning of Day 2, your luggage will be collected from the lobby of your Accommodations Departure Transfers hotel, transferred to the ship and stored Your included accommodation begins USHUAIA AIRPORT TRANSFERS in your cabin. on Day 1 of your itinerary, and the ARRIVAL: A group transfer in Ushuaia specific hotel will be indicated on your Ship embarkation will occur on Day 2 is included from the airport to your final voyage confirmation. If you are of your itinerary, usually around 4pm. included pre-expedition hotel on Day 1 arriving prior to Day 1 of your expedition You and your shipmates will meet at a of your itinerary. or are staying after the disembarkation designated location near the pier, and DEPARTURE: A group departure transfer day and would like help booking a pre- board the waiting buses for transfer to is included from the ship to the airport or post-stay, please contact your preferred the ship. Information about embarkation on the final day of your itinerary. If your travel agent or Quark Expeditions® for will be posted in your Ushuaia hotel and flight is later in the day, you may opt to hotel options. As accommodation space discussed during your optional pre- transfer to our luggage storage facility is limited, you are encouraged to request departure meeting on Day 1. instead and enjoy further activities in any extra nights as early as possible. Ushuaia on your own. Access to luggage Final Day and Ushuaia accommodations trend toward storage is available until 6pm on the mid-range properties, and hotel space disembarkation day only. You will need Departure is limited. A particular property cannot to arrange your own transfer to the DISEMBARKATION IN be guaranteed, but space is most often airport if you do not take advantage of USHUAIA AND ONWARD booked at Hotel Las Lengas, Hotel Los the included transfer or if you are leaving Your ship is scheduled to arrive at the Acebos, and Albatros Hotel. Ushuaia after the disembarkation day. pier in Ushuaia, usually between 7am In order to facilitate your transfers, we request that and 8am. Once the ship has docked, you provide your flight details to Quark Expeditions® you will bid farewell to your Expedition at least 30 days prior to traveling. Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. The process takes about an hour. Weather conditions can always change our arrival times, and airline schedule changes have also been known to occur in Argentina. Please book your flight home from Ushuaia to depart as late in the day as possible or at a date after the end of your expedition. If you have booked a flight that departs before11 am on the date that your expedition ends, you will be at risk of missing your flight. Quark Expeditions® staff in Ushuaia will reconfirm your domestic flight48 hours prior to disembarkation, provided you give your information to our team ahead of time.
6 Your Ship
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 FUNNEL
OBSERVATION DECK
BRIDGE FUNNEL OCEAN ADVENTURER OBSERVATION DECKBRIDGE DECK Our popular ship the Sea Adventurer has been relaunched as the Ocean Adventurer after a multi-million-dollar CLINIC renovation. A team of marine architects, engineers, interior POLAR BRIDGE LIBRARY designers and polar expedition specialists worked together
BRIDGE DECK to enhance this nimble and intimate fleet favorite. Upgrades CAPTAIN’S DECK include a refreshed look and feel throughout, plus the CLINIC complete remodeling of the lounge, dining room and bar. PURSER’S POLAR OFFICE LIBRARY CLIPPER CLUB All cabins received brand new bathroom facilities. Six new DINING MAIN ROOM WC EL LOUNGE deluxe cabins as well as three new suites have also been OFFICE CAPTAIN’S DECK RECEPTION added. Major technical enhancements include two new PURSER’S UPPER DECK OFFICE POLAR BOUTIQUE Rolls-Royce engines, which yield increased speed and fuel CLIPPER CLUB
DINING MAIN ROOM WC EL LOUNGE efficiency, and a minimized carbon footprint. OFFICE
RECEPTION ZODIAC UPPER DECK SHIP SPECIFICATIONS: BOARDING POLAR BOUTIQUE ROOMS
Staff & Crew:87 M GY
Guests: 132 MAIN DECK ZODIAC Lifeboats: 4, partially enclosed BOARDING ROOMS
Ice Class: 1A M GY Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details. MAIN DECK
STERN BOW STERN BOLOWERW DECK LOWER DECK
Triple Superior TripleLower Deck Twin SuperiorDeluxe LowerMain Deck Deck Twin Twin Porthole Deluxe Suite MainMain Deck Deck Twin Twin Porthole Window Suite Owner’s Suite Main Deck Twin Window Owner’s Suite
8 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 questions about the wildlife, history camera 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.
9 Adventure Options
SEA KAYAKING Imagine 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 EXCURSION If 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. Small groups of passengers will be taken out on calm days, with our expert PLEASE NOTE guides always present to provide instruction and help Pre-booking is required for all paid activities. you connect with the polar sea. Two outings will be pre- We recommend booking early, as spaces fill quickly. booked, and once successfully completed, any subsequent Please see your pre-departure guide for a list of outings will be offered via lottery on board. provided gear for each Adventure Option.
10 Dates Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia & Antarctica: Explorers and Kings
OCEAN ADVENTURER Dates Days Start / End ANTARCTIC 2021.22 NOV 14 – DEC 3, 2021 20 Ushuaia ANTARCTIC 2020.21 NOV 16 – DEC 5, 2020 20 Ushuaia FEB 27 – MAR 18, 2021 20 Ushuaia
OCEAN DIAMOND Dates Days Start / End ANTARCTIC 2020.21 JAN 20 – FEB 8, 2021 20 Ushuaia
11 Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions Exclusions RATES INCLUDE: RATES SPECIFICALLY • Leadership throughout the voyage by our • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin DO NOT INCLUDE: experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges • International airfare landings and other activities throughout the program • Passport and applicable visa expenses • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily • All luggage handling aboard the ship • Government arrival and departure taxes not program • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers mentioned • All shore landings as per the daily program to a maximum benefit of USD 500$ ,000 per person • Meals unless otherwise specified • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping • Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre- • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board expedition hotel on Day 1 travel insurance—strongly recommended throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation • Excess-baggage fees on international flights dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. in Ushuaia with breakfast (Note: The number of • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy and cruising excursions, or any other gear not kosher meals.) on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers mentioned • Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in • Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal and cocoa available around the clock standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not charges, unless specified • Formal and informal presentations by our be available.) • Phone and Internet charges Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled • Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for • A photographic journal documenting the expedition day expedition staff and shipboard crew • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for • Group departure transfer upon disembarkation • Additional overnight accommodation landings and Zodiac cruising excursions in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage • Arrival and departure transfers, except where • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep storage facility explicitly stated • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
12 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.
13 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 Buenos Aires. We have a variety of pre- and post-expedition packages in this captivating city, known as the tango capital of the world. Enjoy an extensive city tour, take in a tango show and explore the unique neighborhoods of Recoleta, Palermo and San Telmo. Savor Argentine barbecue at a steakhouse, then stroll the tree-lined boulevards and marvel at the historic architecture. Take an extended tour from Buenos Aires to Iguazú Falls, and, if you’re daring, walk the catwalks over the falls.
FROM TOP: Iguazú Falls; Recoleta Cemetery; Argentinean asado (barbecue)
14 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.
15 Possible Excursions
When traveling in extremely remote rockhopper, gentoo and king penguins regions, your Expedition Team must as well as black-browed albatross and consider the sea, ice and weather to king cormorants, among many others. guide the route and itinerary details. Keep on the lookout for Commerson’s The following sites are a sample of dolphins by the shore, and for whale what you may experience on your blows out at sea. expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac STANLEY cruise, or shore landing. Stanley’s deep-water harbor has been the economic mainstay of the community Falkland Islands since the port’s completion in 1845. (Islas Malvinas) Carrying fortune seekers to the west CARCASS ISLAND coast of the Americas, ships battered This five-mile 8( km) island northwest by rough waters near Cape Horn often of West Falkland is owned by Rob and called in at Stanley as well. Take a stroll Lorraine McGill. Named for the Royal through this quaint English town, Navy ship HMS Carcass, which arrived visiting the cathedral, museum, or one of in 1766, it is a picturesque place, its many pubs. where songbirds nest amongst the WEST POINT ISLAND luxuriant growth that covers the The Napier family has owned West Point gently rolling landscape. Island since the 1860s. On the island’s SAUNDERS ISLAND west coast, thousands of black-browed Saunders Island is the fourth largest albatross nest in colonies on cliffs along island in the Falklands and has been the water’s edge. Rockhopper penguins designated an Important Bird Area due share the cliffs, while Commerson’s to the high density of nesting seabirds. dolphins can often be seen in the Nesting species on the island include surrounding waters.
16 South Georgia famous explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton, Antarctic Peninsula at whose grave you can pay your respects. DRYGALSKI FJORD BROWN BLUFF This is a photogenic and dramatic SALISBURY PLAIN A possible exposed volcano, Brown fjord, with sharp and jagged peaks One of the largest king penguin rookeries Bluff towers2 ,225 feet (678 meters) rising out of the sea. Glaciation never on South Georgia is located on Salisbury over the rookeries of Adélie and reached the peaks, giving Drygalski Plain. The Murphy and Lucas Glaciers gentoo penguins, which number in the its unique landscape. flank the plain, creating a perfect thousands. These penguins will create backdrop for photos. a symphony of background noise while GOLD HARBOUR you explore the bluff. The backdrop to this harbor is the ST. ANDREW’S BAY hanging Bertrab Glacier. Thousands Over 150,000 breeding pairs of king CIERVA COVE of king and gentoo penguins call Gold penguins nest at St. Andrew’s Bay—the If one of your expedition goals is to Harbour home, as do rowdy elephant largest and fastest growing king penguin witness incredible icebergs and brash and fur seals. rookery on South Georgia, and a wildlife ice, Cierva Cove is the place for you. A spectacle to behold. massive glacial face regularly calves into GRYTVIKEN the bay, and the floating ice can be quite Only a handful of people live, albeit STROMNESS spectacular. Seals can be spotted on ice temporarily, on South Georgia, a British This abandoned whaling station was in floes, and later in the season, humpback overseas territory. Two of them are full operation on the day in 1916 that Sir whales occasionally feed in the icy waters. curators of the South Georgia Museum, Ernest Shackleton and his companions located in the former villa of the whaling staggered into it after a 36-hour trek DAMOY POINT station manager. The local church, built across the island in an attempt to find Damoy Point is the site of a historical for the whaling community, is the only help for their shipmates stranded ice runway used by the British Antarctic building in Grytviken still used for its on Elephant Island. There is a small Survey for their flights further south original purpose. Buried in the church cemetery here which can be seen from a since 1975. The well-maintained hut was cemetery is one of Antarctica’s most distance, with the graves of 14 whalers. used as a staging-post to store supplies
17 and for accommodation while awaiting MELCHIOR ISLANDS calve from the glaciers, providing a ideal flying conditions. The point is also This group of low, glaciated islands place for seals, penguins and seabirds home to a penguin rookery and allows in Dallmann Bay is where you may to rest and play. An Argentine research for spectacular views of the mountains see hauled-out male fur seals as they base, Brown Base—named after Admiral of Anvers Island. recuperate from their battles for Guillermo Brown, father of the Argentine supremacy at the end of their Navy—is also located in Paradise Bay, and DANCO ISLAND breeding season. was operated from 1951 until it burned Home to gentoo penguins, this small down in 1984. It has since been partially dome-shaped island provides you with MIKKELSEN HARBOR rebuilt and is used during summer a stunning view of the Errera Channel. Located on the south side of Trinity months for scientific research. Also Island, Mikkelsen Harbor is a 1.86-mile ENTERPRISE ISLAND located in the Bay is Waterboat Point, (3 km) wide bay surrounded by stunning Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island where two scientists studying penguin ice cliffs. It was discovered by a Swedish was once used by whalers. A Zodiac behavior lived in a water boat from 1921 Antarctic expedition in 1901–04, and is cruise exploring the island passes the to 22. The remains of their camp have surrounded by several reefs. Keep your rusting remains of a wrecked whaling been designated an Antarctic historic site. camera close, as gentoo penguins and ship, and provides opportunities to skuas, as well as Weddell, Antarctic fur, PAULET ISLAND search for humpback whales. leopard and crabeater seals, are often Located in the northwestern Weddell HOPE BAY seen in the region. Sea, Paulet Island is home to a large Three members of the Swedish Antarctic Adélie penguin rookery. With a volcanic PARADISE BAY Expedition (1901-04) spent the winter in cone that rises 1,158 feet (353 meters), Paradise Bay is a wide bay and natural a hut on the shores of the bay. The hut the island reminds you that this was harbor on the West Antarctic Peninsula. is located close to the jetty of Esperanza once a very active landscape. In addition Mountains, glaciers and ice cliffs offer Station, an Argentine research station. to penguins, you may be interested in spectacular views. Icebergs regularly visiting a historic hut built by members of
18 the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901- chinstrap penguins having established HANNAH POINT 04. A cross marks the grave site of Ole rookeries on the islands. Southern On the southern coast of Livingston Wennersgaard, a member of the crew. elephant and fur seals frequently haul Island at Hannah Point, you may see out here, too. chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries, WILHELMINA BAY along with the occasional breeding Humpback whales abound in “Whale- BAILY HEAD macaroni penguin. Due to the rather mina Bay,” as it’s nicknamed, and the Also known as Rancho Point, Bailey congested area available to the nesting scenery is spectacular. Sheer cliffs and Head is a rocky headland on the penguins, we are able to visit here only glaciers surround the calm waters of the southeastern shore of Deception after January 10. protected bay, named after Wilhelmina, Island. Chinstrap penguins build queen of the Netherlands from 1890 to nests on slopes leading to a high ridge PENDULUM COVE 1948. If you’re lucky, you may see the that forms a natural amphitheater Geothermal waters are found along the humpbacks bubble-net feeding: they and provides a superb setting for shoreline of this Deception Island cove, exhale while swimming in a wide circle landscape photography. named for observations made on Earth’s below the surface, trapping their prey gravity using pendulums in 1829 by a HALF MOON ISLAND in a “net” of bubbles, and then swim British expedition. You may see steam This crescent-shaped island was known straight up from below, mouths open. rising from the shore and “cooked” to sealers as early as 1821. While they A truly spectacular sight! krill floating on the surface due to the tried to keep this productive location volcanically heated water. secret, we’re happy to bring you ashore South Shetland Islands on this impressive island. Many Antarctic PENGUIN ISLAND AITCHO ISLANDS birds breed here, including chinstrap Antarctica has two flowering plants, This group of small islands is situated penguins, shags, Wilson’s storm petrels, both of which you can find on Penguin in the northern entrance of the English kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic Island: Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia Strait. You can often spot a great mix terns and skuas. antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort of wildlife in the area, with gentoo and (Colobanthus quitensis). Chinstrap penguins, fur seals and southern elephant seals can also be spotted here.
19 ROBERT POINT WHALER’S BAY YANKEE HARBOUR A beautiful spot for Zodiac cruising, this To reach Whaler’s Bay, it is necessary Gentoo penguins have established a point was known to sealers as early as to sail through a narrow passage called rookery at this harbor, situated on the 1820. Chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and Neptune’s Bellows. The bay was used southwest side of Greenwich Island. pintado petrels breed here, and whales by whalers from 1906 to 1931 and is part Here, you can see an abandoned may be seen in the surrounding waters. of a protected harbor created by the Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier formation of the circular flooded caldera that stretches along the east and north TELEFON BAY known as Deception Island. Along with sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing Your Expedition Team will be happy waddling penguins and lounging seals, try pot is all that remains of the activity to point out that this is where the most you’ll see the rusting remains of whaling that brought men thousands of miles in recent evidence of volcanic eruption on operations on the beach. Watch for steam tall ships to seek their fortune. Enjoy a Deception Island can be seen. along the shoreline from geothermic rare chance for a longer walk along the TURRET POINT activity when the tide is right. expansive beach, dotted with historical Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries artifacts and wildlife. are found on this point, situated on the south coast of King George Island. The beaches here are often crowded with southern elephant, fur and Weddell seals hauled out on the rocks.
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 allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll 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.
20 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)
21 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