Antarctic Explorer

ANTARCTIC 2021.22 ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

Discovering the 7th Continent with flights from Buenos Aires

INAUGURAL SEASON Overview Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

If this is your first visit, our classic Antarctic Explorer voyage has been designed to give EXPEDITION IN BRIEF you the very best of the Antarctic Peninsula over 11 remarkable days. Conquer the Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, famed Drake Passage; explore majestic natural environments by Zodiac and on foot; the tango capital of the world, and experience penguins, whales and other wildlife; and enjoy talks on history, biology let us take care of the rest of your journey and glaciology by our onboard polar experts. You can personalize your adventure with options that suit your specific interests, and have the experience of a lifetime, Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula customized to you. Enjoy helicopter flightseeing Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries—now it’s your turn. Be among from Ultramarine for a unique the first guests on our pioneering new vessel, Ultramarine. This purpose-built vessel is perspective of the Antarctic Peninsula designed to extend the boundaries of polar exploration and offer an unmatched Antarctic experience, including a flightseeing tour you’ll never forget and a range of adventure Enjoy talks about the environment options more extensive than any other ship in its class. We’re excited to host you on and wildlife from our onboard polar experts your unforgettable adventure! Please feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers, who are happy to answer your questions and provide assistance at any time. Experience abundant wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales

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 ARGENTINA time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon del Fuego archipelago in the extreme arriving in this splendid city, known for its south of South America. Expect an air of architecture and rich European heritage, anticipation as you depart—the next land CHILE you will independently transfer to your you see will be the Antarctic! Atlantic Oc ean group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night Ushuaia included in mandatory transfer package). DAYS 3 & 4 | CROSSING Punta Arenas THE DRAKE PASSAGE South Shetland DAY 2 | FLY TO USHUAIA & EMBARK The unpredictable and exciting Drake Drake Passage Islands Anvers After an early breakfast at the hotel, Passage is an adventure unto itself. While Island the group will transfer to the airport being well taken care of by our expert Lemaire Channel LE IRC C Weddell Sea and board our private charter flight to onboard staff and leaders, you’ll have TIC RC TA N Antarctic Ushuaia, Argentina. plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, A Peninsula take pictures of seabirds swooping around Upon arrival, you will be transferred the ship, and get to know your Expedition from the airport to a central downtown ANTARCTIC EXPLORER Team and fellow travelers. Discover the 7th Continent location to have some time on your own On board the Ultramarine to explore this quaint port town before DAYS 5–8 | SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS Flights to/from Buenos Aires making your way to the pier. & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Once the Drake Passage is left in our wake and the South Shetland Islands

2 come into view, your Antarctic adventure snowy pathways to vantage points DAYS 9 & 10 | CROSSING truly begins. You will begin to appreciate offering panoramic views of your THE DRAKE PASSAGE why this region has long captivated the surroundings. You will discover that The journey back across the Drake attention of explorers and travelers alike. Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one Passage provides a final opportunity On every visit to Antarctica, we witness moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling to enjoy the invigorating Antarctic air. something new or unexpected, which of complete isolation and silence, and Spend time on the deck watching for means your expedition will be unlike any the next you’ll be inspired by nature as a seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy other—a unique, personal experience. calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue presentations by your Expedition Team, sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect and celebrate the experiences you've Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions your footwear. shared exploring the remarkable world from the ship to explore local bays, of Antarctica. channels and landing sites. With wildlife Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, always at the forefront of our minds, you noisy interludes—such as penguins DAY 11 | DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA will visit penguin rookeries, scout for squabbling over prized pebbles—become & FLY TO BUENOS AIRES humpback and minke whales, and search indelible memories. You will arrive in Ushuaia in the for a number of southern seal species, morning and disembark after breakfast. Each day will be different, carefully including the cunning leopard seal. The mandatory transfer package includes crafted by your Expedition Team to a taste of Patagonia with a Tierra The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s inspire and educate you about this del Fuego National Park tour before mountains will enchant as you hike wonderful part of the world. transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

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.

3 Included Activities

Ready for a little adventure beyond your your Zodiac drivers will provide active will introduce you to the fascinating ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage interpretation, making the landscape history, biology, ornithology, and offers a variety of recreational activities come even more alive. glaciology of the region, and much, to enhance your polar experience. much more. HIKING FLIGHTSEEING Hiking in Antarctica is free-form and POLAR PLUNGE While polar landscapes are spectacular supervised by our expert staff, who set This rite of passage, scheduled only once from the sea, they are even more striking out a perimeter or paths at each landing per expedition, gives you the chance to from the air. On board Ultramarine site within which you are free to explore. jump safely into the bracing Antarctic you will experience remarkable aerial While you hike, staff will be available to waters under the watchful eye of our perspectives on a 10- to 15-minute enhance your experience by answering staff—and just about every single camera flightseeing excursion included in questions about the wildlife, history on board! the cost of your voyage. Additional and geography of the area. Walking PHOTOGRAPHY helicopter activities may also be available poles are provided at each landing for Documenting your voyage so you can for purchase onboard. Please note all your convenience. As there are a limited take the memories home is a rewarding helicopter operations are weather- and number of poles available, please bring experience. Our photography guides will logistics-dependent. your own if you require them on every help you hone your skills to capture the landing. Some landing sites will offer ZODIAC CRUISING beauty of the polar regions. more demanding terrain options than Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar others. More information about your Included Activities expeditions, taking you to places the and Adventure Options, including the necessary ships can’t access, allowing you to reach PRESENTATIONS experience, physical requirements and cost, is remote shorelines, explore shallow Enjoy daily chats with and presentations available by contacting your Polar Travel Adviser inlets and search for unique wildlife. by our world-class onboard polar or travel professional. Expedition staff make stepping in and experts—guides, scientists, naturalists, out of them safe and comfortable, and historians and other special guests who

8 Adventure Options

SEA KAYAKING top kayaks—perfect for anyone with Imagine gliding across the surface of minimal or no kayaking experience. a bay in the presence of icebergs and Small groups of passengers will be taken glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program is out on calm days, with our expert guides a great way to intimately explore your always present to provide instruction surroundings. A small group of kayakers and help you connect with the polar will plan to go out multiple times per sea. Two outings will be pre-booked, voyage as an alternative to shore landings and once successfully completed, any or Zodiac cruises. subsequent outings will be offered via lottery on board. The number of opportunities to kayak is weather dependent, and will be STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING 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 up paddleboarding excursions can be If you’re interested in kayaking but pre-booked in two consecutive priority PLEASE NOTE would like to try something a bit less Pre-booking is required for all paid groups. After the first two successful demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re activities. We recommend booking outings, this activity will be offered the perfect candidate to sign up for a early, as spaces fill quickly. Please via lottery on board the ship for any one-time paddle on our stable sit-on- see your pre-departure guide for subsequent outings. a list of provided gear for each Adventure Option.

9 CAMPING (select departures only) Treat yourself to an overnight camping adventure in Antarctica! This is one of the best ways to experience Antarctica in an intimate manner, taking your expedition to the next level. Camping is available on most early-season Antarctic voyages. An onboard safety briefing gets you fully prepped and ready for an unforgettable night of sleeping under the Antarctic summer sky. Dress warmly and eat a hearty meal before you head out, as no food is allowed on land. You will be provided with an insulating mat, sleeping bag, and bivvy sack (a thin waterproof outer bag) to keep you comfortable and dry while you sleep on top of the snow. Our popular camping options have limited availability, so book early to secure your space.

EXCLUSIVE HELI-LANDING Imagine setting foot in an area of the Antarctic that can only be safely accessed by helicopter. With a small group of fellow passengers and expert guides, you’ll board one of Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters to soar off to an exclusive polar site where no ships can navigate. Expect stunning bird’s-eye views during your flight, and then, upon arrival, simply sit back, relax and take in the splendor of the Antarctic from “the best seat in the house”: glacial amphitheaters, breath-taking summits, and more. Traveling in groups of 12 with no more than 4 groups (48 guests) at a time on each landing, you’ll have time to relax and quietly reflect on the beauty of your polar surroundings, after which you’ll be picked up by the helicopters in the same location and returned to Ultramarine. Each heli-landing experience is uniquely curated by our expedition team, taking conditions and location capacity into consideration.

ALPINE HELI-TREKKING Let us take you on an active adventure high up in the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll be part of an intimate group of adventurers to board one of Ultramarine's two twin-engine helicopters for a trekking excursion in an area only safely accessed by air. The helicopter flight alone rewards guests with unforgettable views of the expansive polar landscape down below. On land, during an invigorating walk, hike or snowshoe trek (depending on PLEASE NOTE conditions), you’ll be rewarded with equally stunning views of Pre-booking is required for all paid activities. remote ridgelines, glaciated terrain, and snow-topped peaks. This We recommend booking early, as spaces fill quickly. once-in-a-lifetime heli-adventure will leave you marveling at the Please see your pre-departure guide for a list of overwhelming beauty of the Antarctic. provided gear for each Adventure Option.

10 Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions Exclusions RATES INCLUDE: RATES SPECIFICALLY • Leadership throughout your voyage by our • Formal and informal presentations by our DO NOT INCLUDE: experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled • Manda tory Transfer Package* landings and other activities • A photographic journal documenting the expedition • Int ernational airfare • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for • Passp ort and applicable visa expenses program landings and Zodiac cruising excursions • Go vernment arrival and departure taxes not • All shore landings as per the daily program • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep mentioned • Shipb oard accommodation with daily housekeeping • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin • Meals unless otherwise specified • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges • Baggag e, cancellation, interruption and medical throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any throughout the program travel insurance—strongly recommended dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. • All luggage handling aboard the ship • Ex cess-baggage fees on international flights Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare • Emerg ency Evacuation insurance for all passengers kosher meals.) • Manda tory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person and cruising excursions, or any other gear not • Sele ct beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea • One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing mentioned and cocoa available around the clock excursion (weather and logistics permitting) • Laundry , bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified *MANDATORY TRANSFER • Group transfer from hotel to airport in • Phone and Internet charges PACKAGE INCLUDES: Buenos Aires • V oluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for • One pre-night’s hotel accommodation in Buenos • Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, expedition staff and shipboard crew Aires with breakfast (Note: The number of and return (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos • Additional overnight accommodation guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of • Arrival and departure transfers, except where on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers the journey is not included. Please make your explicitly stated who reserve a suite on board are accommodated way to the included hotel.) • Adv enture Options not listed in Included in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may • Combined airport transfer and express bus Activities not be available.) tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after • Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ disembarkation in Ushuaia domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia, and returning to Buenos Aires’ international airport (Ezeiza/EZE) PACKAGE PRICE: $995 USD

12 Possible Excursions

When traveling in extremely remote and for accommodation while awaiting regions, your Expedition Team must ideal flying conditions. The point is also consider the sea, ice and weather to home to a penguin rookery and allows guide the route and itinerary details. for spectacular views of the mountains The following sites are a sample of of Anvers Island. what you may experience on your expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac DANCO ISLAND cruise, or shore landing. Home to gentoo penguins, this small dome-shaped island provides you with Antarctic Peninsula a stunning view of the Errera Channel. CUVERVILLE ISLAND ENTERPRISE ISLAND Rising out of the mouth of the Errera Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island Channel, this tall, steep island is covered was once used by whalers. A Zodiac by a spectrum of lichens and mosses. A cruise exploring the island passes the large gentoo penguin rookery is situated rusting remains of a wrecked whaling on a rocky beach at the north end of the ship, and provides opportunities to island. Depending on when in the season search for humpback whales. you arrive, you may see the penguins building nests, incubating eggs, or LEMAIRE CHANNEL attending to their chicks. One of the most scenic locations on the peninsula’s west coast, this dramatic DAMOY POINT strait runs between Booth Island and the Damoy Point is the site of a historical Antarctic Peninsula. The channel may ice runway used by the British Antarctic become impassable when ice fills the Survey for their flights further south narrow, 6.8-mile (11 km)-long passageway, since 1975. The well-maintained hut was so we’ll hope for clear waters. used as a staging-post to store supplies

16 MELCHIOR ISLANDS as shelter from the wind. Climb up a PORT LOCKROY This group of low, glaciated islands steep slope for spectacular views of the As part of Operation Tabarin during the in Dallmann Bay is where you may glacier-rimmed harbor. Second World War, a secret British base see hauled-out male fur seals as they was built in this sheltered harbor, located recuperate from their battles for supremacy PARADISE BAY on the west side of Wiencke Island. at the end of their breeding season. Paradise Bay is a wide bay and natural Now a designated historic site, the base harbor on the West Antarctic Peninsula. is a museum and post office. Proceeds MIKKELSEN HARBOR Mountains, glaciers and ice cliffs offer from your purchases in Port Lockroy Located on the south side of Trinity spectacular views. Icebergs occasionally support the UK Antarctic Heritage Island and surrounded by stunning ice calve from the glaciers, providing a Trust, which preserves British and other cliffs and several reefs, Mikkelsen Harbor place for seals, penguins and seabirds historic sites dating to the Heroic Age is a 1.86-mile (3 km)-wide bay, discovered to rest and play. An Argentine research of Exploration. A large gentoo penguin by a Swedish Antarctic expedition in base, Brown Base—named after Admiral population resides here. 1901-04. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise of the Guillermo Brown, father of the Argentine beautiful waters, or if conditions allow, Navy—is also located in Paradise Bay, and WILHELMINA BAY land at D'Hainaut Island, home to an was operated from 1951 until it burned Humpback whales abound in Argentine refuge and whaling remains down in 1984. It has since been partially “Whale-mina Bay,” as it’s nicknamed, in the form of a wooden boat and whale rebuilt and today is used during summer and the scenery is spectacular. Sheer skeletons. Weddell seals are often seen in months for scientific research. cliffs and glaciers surround the calm the area and a gentoo penguin rookery is waters of the protected bay, named after PETERMANN ISLAND situated on the island. Wilhelmina, queen of the Netherlands Here, near the Lemaire Channel, you can from 1890 to 1948. If you’re lucky, you NEKO HARBOUR stand on shore and see the southernmost may see the humpbacks bubble-net Little evidence remains that this bay was breeding colony of gentoo penguins. feeding: they exhale while swimming in once used by the floating whale factory Adélie penguins, shags and south polar a wide circle below the surface, trapping ship Neko. You might see whale vertebrae skuas also inhabit the island. being used by resident gentoo penguins

17 krill in a “net” of bubbles, and then the northern entrance of the English Strait. birds breed here, including chinstrap swim straight up from below, mouths You can often spot a great mix of wildlife penguins, shags, Wilson’s storm petrels, open, to engulf their prey. A truly in the area, with gentoo and chinstrap kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic astounding sight! penguins having established rookeries on terns and skuas. the islands. Southern elephant, fur and WATERBOAT POINT Weddell seals frequently haul out here, too. HANNAH POINT Two scientists studying penguin behavior On the southern coast of Livingston lived in a water boat on this point from BAILY HEAD Island at Hannah Point, you may see 1921 to 1922. The remains of their camp Also known as Rancho Point, Baily Head chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries, have been designated an Antarctic is a rocky headland on the southeastern along with the occasional breeding historic site. The aptly named Waterboat shore of Deception Island. A large macaroni penguin. Due to the rather Point is also home to a Chilean Antarctic colony of chinstrap penguins build congested area available to the nesting research station, named González Videla nests on slopes leading to a high ridge penguins, we are able to visit here only Base after the first sitting head of state to that forms a natural amphitheater and after January 10. visit the Antarctic continent. When the provides a superb setting for landscape PENDULUM COVE base is manned, you may be welcomed photography. Geothermal waters are found along the inside for a visit by the base personnel, shoreline of this Deception Island cove, or you may visit the resident nesting HALF MOON ISLAND named for observations made on Earth's gentoo rookery if the base is inactive. This crescent-shaped island was known to sealers as early as 1821. While they gravity using pendulums in 1829 by a South Shetland Islands tried to keep this productive location British expedition. You may see steam AITCHO ISLANDS secret, we’re happy to bring you ashore rising from the shore and “cooked” This group of small islands is situated in on this impressive island. Many Antarctic krill floating on the surface due to the volcanically heated water.

18 PENGUIN ISLAND WHALER’S BAY The entire continent of Antarctica has To reach Whaler’s Bay, it is necessary only two species of flowering plants, to sail through a narrow passage called EXPEDITION SPIRIT both of which you can find on Penguin Neptune’s Bellows. The bay was used Embracing the unexpected is part of the Island: Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia by whalers from 1906 to 1931 and is part legacy—and excitement—of expedition antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort of a protected harbor created by the travel. When traveling in extremely (Colobanthus quitensis). Chinstrap formation of the circular flooded caldera remote regions, your Expedition Team must allow the sea, the ice and the penguins, fur seals and southern elephant known as Deception Island. Along with weather to guide route and itinerary seals can also be spotted here. waddling penguins and lounging seals, details. This itinerary is a tentative you’ll see the rusting remains of whaling ROBERT POINT outline of what you’ll experience on operations on the beach. Watch for steam A beautiful spot for Zodiac cruising, this this voyage; please be aware that no along the shoreline from geothermic point was known to sealers as early as specific itinerary can be guaranteed. activity when the tide is right. By the same token, wildlife encounters 1820. Chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and as described are expected, but not pintado petrels breed here, and whales YANKEE HARBOUR guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will may be seen in the surrounding waters. Gentoo penguins have established a use their considerable experience to rookery at this harbor, situated on the TELEFON BAY seek out wildlife in known habitats, southwest side of Greenwich Island. but the presence of any particular Your Expedition Team will be happy Here, you can see an abandoned species of bird or marine wildlife is to point out that this is where the most Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier not guaranteed. recent evidence of volcanic eruption on that stretches along the east and north Deception Island can be observed. sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing TURRET POINT try pot is all that remains of the activity Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries that brought men thousands of miles in are found on this point, situated on the tall ships to seek their fortune. Enjoy a northeast coast of King George Island. rare chance for a longer walk along the The beaches here are often crowded with expansive beach, dotted with historical southern elephant, fur and Weddell seals artifacts and wildlife. hauled out on the rocks.

19 ANTARCTIC 2021.22 ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

Discovering the 7th Continent plus Cape Horn & Diego Ramírez with flights from Buenos Aires

INAUGURAL SEASON Overview Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent plus Cape Horn & Diego Ramírez

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

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 boundary of the famous Drake Passage, Upon arrival, you will be transferred 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 prior to the opening of the Panama to explore this quaint port town before 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.

4 Included Activities

Ready for a little adventure beyond your your Zodiac drivers will provide active will introduce you to the fascinating ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage interpretation, making the landscape history, biology, ornithology, and offers a variety of recreational activities come even more alive. glaciology of the region, and much, much to enhance your polar experience. more. HIKING FLIGHTSEEING Hiking in Antarctica is free-form and POLAR PLUNGE While polar landscapes are spectacular supervised by our expert staff, who set This rite of passage, scheduled only once from the sea, they are even more striking out a perimeter or paths at each landing per expedition, gives you the chance to from the air. On board Ultramarine site within which you are free to explore. jump safely into the bracing Antarctic you will experience remarkable aerial While you hike, staff will be available to waters under the watchful eye of our perspectives on a 10- to 15-minute enhance your experience by answering staff—and just about every single camera flightseeing excursion included in questions about the wildlife, history on board! the cost of your voyage. Additional and geography of the area. Walking PHOTOGRAPHY helicopter activities may also be available poles are provided at each landing for Documenting your voyage so you can for purchase onboard. Please note all your convenience. As there are a limited take the memories home is a rewarding helicopter operations are weather- and number of poles available, please bring experience. Our photography guides will logistics-dependent. your own if you require them on every help you hone your skills to capture the landing. Some landing sites will offer ZODIAC CRUISING beauty of the polar regions. more demanding terrain options than Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar others. More information about your Included Activities expeditions, taking you to places the and Adventure Options, including the necessary ships can’t access, allowing you to reach PRESENTATIONS experience, physical requirements and cost, is remote shorelines, explore shallow Enjoy daily chats with and presentations available by contacting your Polar Travel Adviser inlets and search for unique wildlife. by our world-class onboard polar or travel professional. Expedition staff make stepping in and experts—guides, scientists, naturalists, out of them safe and comfortable, and historians and other special guests who

9 Adventure Options

SEA KAYAKING top kayaks—perfect for anyone with Imagine gliding across the surface of minimal or no kayaking experience. a bay in the presence of icebergs and Small groups of passengers will be taken glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program is out on calm days, with our expert guides a great way to intimately explore your always present to provide instruction surroundings. A small group of kayakers and help you connect with the polar will plan to go out multiple times per sea. Two outings will be pre-booked, voyage as an alternative to shore landings and once successfully completed, any or Zodiac cruises. subsequent outings will be offered via lottery on board. The number of opportunities to kayak is weather dependent, and will be STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING 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 PLEASE NOTE by a safety Zodiac, one-time stand- PADDLING EXCURSION Pre-booking is required for all paid up paddleboarding excursions can be If you’re interested in kayaking but activities. We recommend booking pre-booked in two consecutive priority would like to try something a bit less early, as spaces fill quickly. Please groups. After the first two successful demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re see your pre-departure guide for outings, this activity will be offered the perfect candidate to sign up for a a list of provided gear for each via lottery on board the ship for any Adventure Option. one-time paddle on our stable sit-on- subsequent outings.

10 CAMPING (select departures only) Treat yourself to an overnight camping adventure in Antarctica! This is one of the best ways to experience Antarctica in an intimate manner, taking your expedition to the next level. Camping is available on most early-season Antarctic voyages. An onboard safety briefing gets you fully prepped and ready for an unforgettable night of sleeping under the Antarctic summer sky. Dress warmly and eat a hearty meal before you head out, as no food is allowed on land. You will be provided with an insulating mat, sleeping bag, and bivvy sack (a thin waterproof outer bag) to keep you comfortable and dry while you sleep on top of the snow. Our popular camping options have limited availability, so book early to secure your space.

11 Inclusions and Exclusions

13 Possible Excursions

When traveling in extremely remote DIEGO RAMÍREZ ISLANDS regions, your Expedition Team must About 62 miles (100 km) southwest consider the sea, ice and weather to of Cape Horn, only 435 miles (700 guide the route and itinerary details. km) northwest of the South Shetland The following sites are a sample of Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, what you may experience on your these little-known islands constitute expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac the southernmost point of South cruise, or shore landing. America. They’re also the continent’s most southerly inhabited outpost, as Chile the Chilean Navy maintains a weather CAPE HORN station here that was established in 1951. Sitting at the southernmost tip of Tierra The archipelago is an Important Bird del Fuego, on Hornos Island, Cape Horn Area, home to multiple species of nesting was named by Dutch navigator Willem albatross, as well as blue petrels, diving Schouten, who discovered and first petrels and sooty shearwaters. rounded the cape in 1616 and named it in honor of his birthplace, Hoorn, Holland. Antarctic Peninsula Filled with rugged, natural beauty, the CUVERVILLE ISLAND historic windswept cape is located within Rising out of the mouth of the Errera Cabo de Hornos National Park, which Channel, this tall, steep island is covered was designated a UNESCO Biosphere by a spectrum of lichens and mosses. A Reserve in 2005. The Chilean Navy large gentoo penguin rookery is situated maintains a station on the island. on a rocky beach at the north end of the island. Depending on when in the season you arrive, you may see the penguins building nestsm incubating eggs, or attending to their chicks.

17 DAMOY POINT strait runs between Booth Island and the ship Neko. You might see whale vertebrae Damoy Point is the site of a historical Antarctic Peninsula. The channel may being used by resident gentoo penguins ice runway used by the British Antarctic become impassable when ice fills the as shelter from the wind. Climb up a Survey for their flights further south narrow, 6.8-mile (11 km)-long passageway, steep slope for spectacular views of the since 1975. The well-maintained hut was so we’ll hope for clear waters. glacier-rimmed harbor. used as a staging-post to store supplies MELCHIOR ISLANDS PARADISE BAY and for accommodation while awaiting This group of low, glaciated islands Paradise Bay is a wide bay and natural ideal flying conditions. The point is also in Dallmann Bay is where you may harbor on the West Antarctic Peninsula. home to a penguin rookery and allows see hauled-out male fur seals as they Mountains, glaciers and ice cliffs offer for spectacular views of the mountains of recuperate from their battles for spectacular views. Icebergs occasionally Anvers Island. supremacy at the end of their breeding calve from the glaciers, providing a season. DANCO ISLAND place for seals, penguins and seabirds to rest and play. An Argentine research Home to gentoo penguins, this small MIKKELSEN HARBOR base, Brown Base—named after Admiral dome-shaped island provides you with a Located on the south side of Trinity Guillermo Brown, father of the Argentine stunning view of the Errera Channel. Island, Mikkelsen Harbor is a 1.86-mile Navy—is also located in Paradise Bay, and (3 km) wide bay surrounded by stunning ENTERPRISE ISLAND was operated from 1951 until it burned ice cliffs. It was discovered by a Swedish Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island down in 1984. It has since been partially Antarctic expedition in 1901–04, and is was once used by whalers. A Zodiac rebuilt and today is used during summer surrounded by several reefs. Keep your cruise exploring the island passes the months for scientific research. camera close, as gentoo penguins and rusting remains of a wrecked whaling skuas, as well as Weddell, Antarctic fur, PETERMANN ISLAND ship, and provides opportunities to search leopard and crabeater seals, are often seen Here, near the Lemaire Channel, you can for humpback whales. in the region. stand on shore and see the southernmost breeding colony of gentoo penguins. LEMAIRE CHANNEL NEKO HARBOUR Adélie penguins, shags and south polar One of the most scenic locations on the Little evidence remains that this bay was skuas also inhabit the island. peninsula’s west coast, this dramatic once used by the floating whale factory

18 PORT LOCKROY “net” of bubbles, and then swim straight chinstrap penguins having established As part of Operation Tabarin during the up from below, mouths open, to engulf rookeries on the islands. Southern Second World War, a secret British base their prey. A truly astounding sight! elephant and fur seals frequently haul out was built in this sheltered harbor, located here, too. on the west side of Wiencke Island. Now WATERBOAT POINT BAILY HEAD a designated historic site, the base is a Two scientists studying penguin behavior Also known as Rancho Point, Baily Head museum and post office. Proceeds from lived in a water boat on this point from is a rocky headland on the southeastern your purchases in Port Lockroy support 1921 to 1922. The remains of their camp shore of Deception Island. A large the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, which have been designated an Antarctic colony of chinstrap penguins build preserves British and other historic sites historic site. The aptly named Waterboat Point is also home to a Chilean Antarctic nests on slopes leading to a high ridge dating to the Heroic Age of Exploration. research station, named González Videla that forms a natural amphitheater and A large gentoo penguin population Base after the first sitting head of state to provides a superb setting for landscape resides here. visit the Antarctic continent. When the photography. base is manned, you may be welcomed WILHELMINA BAY HALF MOON ISLAND inside for a visit by the base personnel, Humpback whales abound in “Whale- This crescent-shaped island was known or you may visit the resident nesting mina Bay,” as it’s nicknamed, and the to sealers as early as 1821. While they gentoo rookery if the base is inactive. scenery is spectacular. Sheer cliffs and tried to keep this productive location glaciers surround the calm waters of the South Shetland Islands secret, we’re happy to bring you ashore protected bay, named after Wilhelmina, on this impressive island. Many Antarctic AITCHO ISLANDS queen of the Netherlands from 1890 to birds breed here, including chinstrap This group of small islands is situated 1948. If you’re lucky, you may see the penguins, shags, Wilson’s storm petrels, in the northern entrance of the English humpbacks bubble-net feeding: they kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic Strait. You can often spot a great mix exhale while swimming in a wide circle terns and skuas. below the surface, trapping krill in a of wildlife in the area, with gentoo and

19 HANNAH POINT antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort WHALER’S BAY On the southern coast of Livingston (Colobanthus quitensis). Chinstrap To reach Whaler’s Bay, it is necessary Island at Hannah Point, you may see penguins, fur seals and southern elephant to sail through a narrow passage called chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries, seals can also be spotted here. Neptune’s Bellows. The bay was used along with the occasional breeding by whalers from 1906 to 1931 and is part ROBERT POINT macaroni penguin. Due to the rather of a protected harbor created by the A beautiful spot for Zodiac cruising, this congested area available to the nesting formation of the circular flooded caldera point was known to sealers as early as penguins, we are able to visit here only known as Deception Island. Along with 1820. Chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and after January 10. waddling penguins and lounging seals, pintado petrels breed here, and whales you’ll see the rusting remains of whaling PENDULUM COVE may be seen in the surrounding waters. operations on the beach. Watch for steam Geothermal waters are found along the TELEFON BAY along the shoreline from geothermic shoreline of this Deception Island cove, Your Expedition Team will be happy activity when the tide is right. named for observations made on Earth’s to point out that this is where the most gravity using pendulums in 1829 by a YANKEE HARBOUR recent evidence of volcanic eruption on British expedition. You may see steam Gentoo penguins have established a Deception Island can be observed. rising from the shore and “cooked” rookery at this harbor, situated on the krill floating on the surface due to the TURRET POINT southwest side of Greenwich Island. volcanically heated water. Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries Here, you can see an abandoned are found on this point, situated on the Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier PENGUIN ISLAND northeast coast of King George Island. that stretches along the east and north The entire continent of Antarctica has The beaches here are often crowded with sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing only two species of flowering plants, southern elephant, fur and Weddell seals try pot is all that remains of the activity both of which you can find on Penguin hauled out on the rocks. that brought men thousands of miles in Island: Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia tall ships to seek their fortune. Enjoy a rare chance for a longer walk along the expansive beach, dotted with historical artifacts and wildlife.

20 ANTARCTIC 2021.22 ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

Discovering the 7th Continent Overview Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

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. If this is your first visit, our classic Antarctic Explorer voyage gives you the best of the stunning Antarctic Peninsula in 11 days. Conquer the famed Drake Passage in your choice of four stabilized, polar-class vessels; explore majestic natural environments by zodiac and on foot; get up close and personal with penguins, whales and other wildlife; and enjoy talks on history, biology and glaciology by onboard polar EXPEDITION IN BRIEF experts. You can personalize your adventure with options that suit your interests, Explore highlights of the and cross the 7th Continent off the list—your way. Antarctic Peninsula Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries and our expeditions offer the Travel safely and comfortably aboard any Quark Expeditions® chance for you to discover why. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable ice-strengthened vessel adventure! Feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers who can answer your questions and provide assistance at any time. Enjoy talks about the environment and wildlife from our onboard polar experts

Experience abundant wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales

1 11 Day Itinerary

DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN DAYS 3 & 4 | CROSSING USHUAIA, ARGENTINA THE DRAKE PASSAGE Santiago Buenos Aires You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, Your days at sea are filled with ARGENTINA a small but bustling port town at the tip presentations led by your Expedition of South America. This Argentine town Team who will prepare you for the is an ideal gateway for you to explore wildlife, glaciology and history that will CHILE the southern extent of Patagonia while greet you upon your arrival. In between Atlantic Oc ean preparing for your adventure ahead. presentations, spend time on deck Ushuaia Get active in the mountains or enjoy looking for wildlife or chatting with your Punta Arenas handcrafted chocolate at a café in town. shipmates over a drink at the bar. South Shetland Drake Passage Islands

DAYS 5–8 | SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS Anvers DAY 2 | EMBARKATION DAY Island & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Embarkation will occur in the late Lemaire Channel LE The most common reaction upon IRC afternoon, after which your vessel will C Weddell Sea TIC RC reaching the White Continent is a sense TA Antarctic sail down the historic Beagle Channel, AN of reverence and awe. The experience Peninsula which transects the Tierra del Fuego is beyond words, since few places are as archipelago in the extreme south untouched and enduring as Antarctica. ANTARCTIC EXPLORER of South America. Expect an air of Discovering the 7th Continent You will begin to appreciate why this anticipation as you depart—the next time On board the Ocean Adventurer, Ocean Diamond, or World Explorer you see land, you’ll be in the world’s region has long captivated the attention most southern continent!

2 of explorers and travelers alike. Every leopard seals as well as curious whales, DAYS 9 & 10 | CROSSING time we visit Antarctica, we witness such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps THE DRAKE PASSAGE something new or unexpected, which orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each The journey back across the Drake means that your expedition will be excursion will present a new collection Passage provides final opportunities unlike any other—creating a unique, of creatures to delight you and keep to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air personal experience. your camera busy. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, Each day, you will take Zodiac Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, enjoy presentations by your Expedition excursions from the ship to explore local noisy interludes become indelible Team and celebrate the experiences memories, such as penguins squabbling bays, channels and landing sites. Your shared exploring Antarctica. Expedition Team will take care of you over prized pebbles, or the boom and at each landing, whether you are crack of a calving glacier. DAY 11 | DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA You will arrive in Ushuaia in the hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting Every day will be different, having been morning, which allows for you to a research station or consorting with carefully crafted by your Expedition continue your adventure onward chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, Team to inspire and educate you about or catch your flights home. all of which can be found here. Keep an this wonderful part of the world. eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and

3 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

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.

11 STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING (on WORLD EXPLORER only) Combining a surfboard with a kayak, stand-up paddleboarding will give you a very personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. Conducted in small groups—in calm bays and harbors, in good weather conditions—and accompanied by a safety Zodiac, one-time stand-up paddleboarding excursions can be pre-booked in two consecutive priority groups. After the first two successful outings, this activity will be offered via lottery on board the ship for any subsequent outings.

CAMPING (select departures only) Treat yourself to an overnight camping adventure in Antarctica! This is one of the best ways to experience Antarctica in an intimate manner, taking your expedition to the next level. Camping is available on most early-season Antarctic voyages. An onboard safety briefing gets you fully prepped and ready for an unforgettable night of sleeping under the Antarctic summer sky. Dress warmly and eat a hearty meal before you head out, as no food is allowed on land. You will be provided with an insulating mat, sleeping bag, and bivvy sack (a thin waterproof outer bag) to keep you comfortable and dry while you sleep on top of the snow. Our popular camping options have limited availability, so book early to secure your space.

12 Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions Exclusions RATES INCLUDE: RATES SPECIFICALLY DO NOT INCLUDE: • Leadership throughout the voyage by our • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges • Int ernational airfare landings and other activities throughout the program • Passp ort and applicable visa expenses • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily • All luggage handling aboard the ship • Go vernment arrival and departure taxes not program • Emerg ency 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 • Shipb oard accommodation with daily housekeeping • Gr oup arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre- • Baggag e, 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 • Ex cess-baggage fees on international flights dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. in Ushuaia with breakfast (Note: The number of • Manda tory 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 • Sele ct 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 • Gr oup transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation • V oluntary 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 • Gr oup departure transfer upon disembarkation • Additional overnight accommodation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage landings and Zodiac cruising excursions • Arrival and departure transfers, except where storage facility • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep explicitly stated • Adv enture Options not listed in Included Activities

15 Possible Excursions

When traveling in extremely remote and for accommodation while awaiting regions, your Expedition Team must ideal flying conditions. The point is also consider the sea, ice and weather to home to a penguin rookery and allows guide the route and itinerary details. for spectacular views of the mountains The following sites are a sample of of Anvers Island. what you may experience on your expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac DANCO ISLAND cruise, or shore landing. Home to gentoo penguins, this small dome-shaped island provides you with a Antarctic Peninsula stunning view of the Errera Channel. CUVERVILLE ISLAND ENTERPRISE ISLAND Rising out of the mouth of the Errera Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island Channel, this tall, steep island is covered was once used by whalers. A Zodiac by a spectrum of lichens and mosses. A cruise exploring the island passes the large gentoo penguin rookery is situated rusting remains of a wrecked whaling on a rocky beach at the north end of the ship, and provides opportunities to island. Depending on when in the season search for humpback whales. you arrive, you may see the penguins building nests, incubating eggs, or LEMAIRE CHANNEL attending to their chicks. One of the most scenic locations on the peninsula’s west coast, this dramatic DAMOY POINT strait runs between Booth Island and the Damoy Point is the site of a historical Antarctic Peninsula. The channel may ice runway used by the British Antarctic become impassable when ice fills the Survey for their flights further south narrow, 6.8-mile (11 km)-long passageway, since 1975. The well-maintained hut was so we’ll hope for clear waters. used as a staging-post to store supplies

19 MELCHIOR ISLANDS being used by resident gentoo penguins PORT LOCKROY This group of low, glaciated islands as shelter from the wind. Climb up a As part of Operation Tabarin during the in Dallmann Bay is where you may steep slope for spectacular views of the Second World War, a secret British base see hauled-out male fur seals as they glacier-rimmed harbor. was built in this sheltered harbor, located recuperate from their battles for on the west side of Wiencke Island. Now supremacy at the end of their PARADISE BAY a designated historic site, the base is a breeding season. Paradise Bay is a wide bay and natural museum and post office. Proceeds from harbor on the West Antarctic Peninsula. your purchases in Port Lockroy support MIKKELSEN HARBOR Mountains, glaciers and ice cliffs offer the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, which Located on the south side of Trinity spectacular views. Icebergs occasionally preserves British and other historic sites Island and surrounded by stunning ice calve from the glaciers, providing a dating to the Heroic Age of Exploration. cliffs and several reefs, Mikkelsen Harbor place for seals, penguins and seabirds A large gentoo penguin population is a 1.86-mile (3 km)-wide bay, discovered to rest and play. An Argentine research resides here. by a Swedish Antarctic expedition in base, Brown Base—named after Admiral 1901-04. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise of the Guillermo Brown, father of the Argentine WILHELMINA BAY beautiful waters, or if conditions allow, Navy—is also located in Paradise Bay, and Humpback whales abound in “Whale- land at D’Hainaut Island, home to an was operated from 1951 until it burned mina Bay,” as it’s nicknamed, and the Argentine refuge and whaling remains down in 1984. It has since been partially scenery is spectacular. Sheer cliffs and in the form of a wooden boat and whale rebuilt and today is used during summer glaciers surround the calm waters of the skeletons. Weddell seals are often seen in months for scientific research. protected bay, named after Wilhelmina, the area and a gentoo penguin rookery is queen of the Netherlands from 1890 to PETERMANN ISLAND situated on the island. 1948. If you’re lucky, you may see the Here, near the Lemaire Channel, you can humpbacks bubble-net feeding: they NEKO HARBOUR stand ashore and see the southernmost exhale while swimming in a wide circle Little evidence remains that this bay was breeding colony of gentoo penguins. below the surface, trapping krill in a once used by the floating whale factory Adélie penguins, shags and south polar “net” of bubbles, and then swim straight ship Neko. You might see whale vertebrae skuas also inhabit the island. up from below, mouths open, to engulf their prey. A truly astounding sight!

20 South Shetland Islands macaroni penguin. Due to the rather of a protected harbor created by the congested area available to the nesting formation of the circular flooded caldera AITCHO ISLANDS penguins, we are able to visit here only known as Deception Island. Along with This group of small islands is situated after January 10. waddling penguins and lounging seals, in the northern entrance of the English you’ll see the rusting remains of whaling Strait. You can often spot a great mix PENDULUM COVE operations on the beach. Watch for steam of wildlife in the area, with gentoo and Geothermal waters are found along the along the shoreline from geothermic chinstrap penguins having established shoreline of this Deception Island cove, activity when the tide is right. rookeries on the islands. Southern named for observations made on Earth’s elephant, fur and Weddell seals gravity using pendulums in 1829 by a YANKEE HARBOUR frequently haul out here, too. British expedition. You may see steam Gentoo penguins have established a rising from the shore and “cooked” HALF MOON ISLAND rookery at this harbor, situated on the krill floating on the surface due to the This crescent-shaped island was known southwest side of Greenwich Island. volcanically heated water. to sealers as early as 1821. While they Here, you can see an abandoned Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier tried to keep this productive location TURRET POINT that stretches along the east and north secret, we’re happy to bring you ashore Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing on this impressive island. Many Antarctic are found on this point, situated on the try pot is all that remains of the activity birds breed here, including chinstrap south coast of King George Island. The that brought men thousands of miles in penguins, shags, Wilson’s storm petrels, beaches here are often crowded with tall ships to seek their fortune. Enjoy a kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic southern elephant, fur and Weddell seals rare chance for a longer walk along the terns and skuas. hauled out on the rocks. expansive beach, dotted with historical HANNAH POINT WHALER’S BAY artifacts and wildlife. On the southern coast of Livingston To reach Whaler’s Bay, it is necessary Island at Hannah Point, you may see to sail through a narrow passage called chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries, Neptune’s Bellows. The bay was used along with the occasional breeding by whalers from 1906 to 1931 and is part

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.

21 ANTARCTIC 2021.22 CELEBRATING SHACKLETON

Journey from Antarctica to South Georgia with flights from Buenos Aires

INAUGURAL SEASON Overview Celebrating Shackleton: Journey from Antarctica to South Georgia

This brand new itinerary celebrates the life of Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose passing in South Georgia on January 5, 1922, marked the end of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. The 20-day itinerary Celebrating Shackleton: Journey from Antarctica to South Georgia (which will coincide with the centenary of Shackleton’s death) not only honors one of Antarctica’s greatest heroes—but also his unwavering spirit of exploration, which Quark Expeditions continues to emulate to this day. Whereas Shackleton and his crew braved the harsh elements of Antarctica aboard Endurance, which had the most basic of amenities, guests on this

voyage will sail aboard the brand new ship Ultramarine—during its inaugural Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton Antarctic sailing season. The technologically-advanced vessel will follow the route of Shackleton’s Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914–1917), allowing EXPEDITION IN BRIEF passengers to experience the full splendor of Antarctica and South Georgia Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango while exploring on Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters and 20 fast- capital of the world, and let us take care of the rest of your journey launching Zodiacs. Guests will cross the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Explore the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Peninsula, visit the Weddell Sea (where the ill-fated Endurance met its tragic Zodiac and foot end), then onto Elephant Island and, ultimately, wildlife-rich South Georgia, Relive polar history on a visit to Shackleton’s where, if conditions allow, guests will pay homage to Shackleton at his grave at the cemetery in Grytviken grave at Grytviken. Throughout the voyage, passengers will enjoy special Observe wildlife in South Georgia, known as the “Galapagos of the Southern Ocean” presentations by polar experts Tim Jarvis (author of “Chasing Shackleton”) and Dr. Ross MacPhee, curator of the ground-breaking museum exhibit Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife from our onboard experts “The Endurance: Shackleton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition.” Enjoy a helicopter tour of the frozen Weddell Sea, where Shackleton’s Endurance lies buried under the ice Mark Ultramarine’s first-ever New Year in the Antarctic

1 Itinerary

DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN Embarkation will occur in the late BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA afternoon, after which your vessel will Santiago Buenos Aires You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any sail down the historic Beagle Channel, ARGENTINA time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon which transects the Tierra del Fuego arriving in this splendid city, known for its archipelago in the extreme south architecture and rich European heritage, CHILE of South America. Expect an air of Falkland Islands you will independently transfer to your (Islas Malvinas) anticipation as you depart! group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night Atlantic Ocean South Georgia included in mandatory transfer package). DAYS 3 & 4 | CROSSING Punta Arenas THE DRAKE PASSAGE Ushuaia South Elephant DAY 2 | FLY TO USHUAIA & EMBARK Not only will guests experience the Drake Passage Shetland Island Islands After an early breakfast at the hotel, much-anticipated crossing of the Drake the group will transfer to the airport Passage, considered by many to be Lemaire Channel and board our private charter flight to a polar rite of passage, they will also LE IRC C Weddell Sea TIC RC Ushuaia, Argentina. enjoy one-of-a-kind presentations from TA N Antarctic the expedition team members—and A Peninsula Upon arrival, you will be transferred from our two distinguished special from the airport to a central downtown CELEBRATING SHACKLETON guests who have delved deeply into Journey from Antarctica to South Georgia location to have some time on your the life of Sir Ernest Shackleton. In On board the Ultramarine own to explore this quaint port town 2013, environmental scientist, author before making your way to the pier. and explorer Tim Jarvis—with a crew

2 equipped in era-authentic gear—re- DAYS 5 & 6 | ANTARCTIC PENINSULA day and each excursion will present a enacted Shackleton’s 800-mile (1,300 km) The most common reaction upon new collection of creatures to delight journey from Elephant Island to South reaching the White Continent is a sense you and keep your camera busy. Georgia in a replica of the 23- of reverence and awe. The experience As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and foot whaler James Caird. In fact, the is hard to put into words, since few landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself foreword to Jarvis’ book, “Chasing places are as untouched and enduring to an extra-special Antarctic experience Shackleton: Re-creating the World’s as Antarctica. by partaking in an optional paddling Greatest Journey of Survival,” was You will discover that Antarctica is a excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason written by Alexandra Shackleton, land of extremes. At one moment you’ll aside and jump into Antarctic waters for granddaughter of Sir Ernest. Also on be overcome with a feeling of complete the Polar Plunge! board as guest presenter: mammologist, isolation and silence, and at the next paleontologist, anthropologist and polar DAY 7 | WEDDELL SEA moment you’ll be inspired by nature as historian Ross MacPhee, a curator at the The Weddell Sea has profound meaning a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant American Museum of Natural History, for admirers of Shackleton. This is where blue sea or a penguin waddles by to which hosted the ground-breaking the explorer’s ill-fated ship, Endurance, inspect your footwear. exhibit “The Endurance: Shackleton’s crushed by pack ice, disappeared Legendary Antarctic Expedition.” Your Expedition Team will take care of into the harsh waters in 1915. Despite MacPhee is the author of “Race to you at each excursion, whether you are the extreme harsh environment, the The End: Amundsen, Scott, and the Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site Weddell Sea region is known for its Attainment of the South Pole.” MacPhee, or consorting with penguin colonies. rich wildlife: seals, penguins and baleen who has participated in more than 50 Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins wheels. Aboard Ultramarine—with its scientific expeditions (including both are found here, along with Weddell, two twin-engine helicopters and 20 Polar Regions), has also researched fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Keep quick-launching Zodiacs—you’ll be able the extinction of early mammals who a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as to explore by sea and air, an experience roamed Antarctica 45 million years ago. minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each never before possible until the launch of this game-changing expedition ship.

3 DAY 8 | AT SEA of the outermost islands of the South we mark the first-ever New Year Throughout the voyage, guests will Shetland Island chain. Arriving here celebration on Ultramarine, the first ship enjoy one-of-a-kind presentations from today, 100 years later, you will see the purposely built for polar exploration. The the expedition team members—and island exactly as Shackleton and his men inaugural season of Ultramarine, much from our two distinguished special first encountered the brutish landscape. like Shackleton’s feats in Antarctica, guests, polar experts Tim Jarvis and Yet to the stranded crew, Elephant Island makes for a memorable moment in polar Ross MacPhee. was a haven, offering vital shelter while history. In addition to the New Year’s they waited anxiously to be rescued. celebrations aboard Ultramarine, your Your days at sea are also perfect for days at sea are filled with presentations experiencing the superb luxury amenities We hope to visit Point Wild, located led by our two special guests and your of Ultramarine, which include a spa and on the northern shores of the island, Expedition Team, who will prepare you a sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows where Shackleton and his men were for the wildlife and landscapes that await that allow guests to stay connected to able to come ashore. This was the you in South Georgia. the polar environments while enjoying location where Shackleton launched relaxing moments onboard the ship. his epic 650-mile (1,046 km) boat journey DAYS 12–15 | SOUTH GEORGIA Ultramarine also has more wildlife aboard the James Caird, and where his South Georgia is one of the most fertile viewing stations than any ship of its size, men waited for his return. If conditions breeding grounds in the world for so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to are ideal, we will launch our Zodiacs to sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches stay on the lookout for birds and other get as close as possible to land, where blanketed with penguins and seals. It wildlife while at sea. guests can appreciate the immensity of won’t take you long to realize that you the Shackleton feat. are in a bird paradise, as burrowing DAY 9 | ELEPHANT ISLAND seabirds, albatross and petrels can be On April 9, 1916, after spending 165 days DAYS 10 & 11 | NEW YEAR’S AT SEA seen in abundance. drifting through the hostile ice of the Say goodbye to the Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, Shackleton and his crew as your next destination is South You’ll find that on South Georgia, once reached remote Elephant Island, one Georgia! We invite you to join us as a popular base for whalers and sealers,

4 visitors can see abandoned relics today. After Shackleton’s death on DAYS 16–19 | AT SEA and evidence of human activity from January 5, 1922, the explorer’s widow After more than two weeks of unique centuries gone by. Your Expedition Team insisted her husband be buried in South wildlife encounters and remarkable will help bring those days to life while Georgia, which figured so prominently landscapes, your journey home begins. you visit old whaling stations and enjoy in his life and dreams. If conditions Spend time on deck watching for presentations on the South Georgia of allow, we hope to visit Grytviken, one seabirds and whales, enjoy presentations then and now. of the first whaling stations established by your Expedition Team, rejuvenate in in the sub-Antarctic waters. It’s also the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows, In re-creating the voyage of the James the site of the modest cemetery where indulge in the luxury amenities of Caird, Shackleton’s heroic open-boat Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried. Guests Ultramarine—including its spa-inspired journey from Elephant Island to South traditionally gather at Shackleton’s grave suites and beautifully designed lounges Georgia, our first planned destination on to pay homage and raise a toast to one of and restaurants—or simply relax and the island will be King Hakkon Bay—the history’s greatest polar explorers. reminisce about your experiences. very site where Shackleton and his men landed before traversing the island’s In addition to a historical visit to DAY 20 | DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA harsh interior. Grytviken and other whaling sites, you & FLY TO BUENOS AIRES will have the opportunity to visit many You will arrive in Ushuaia in the South Georgia is particularly significant of the pristine beaches, coves, and fjords morning and disembark after breakfast. and, for many guests, a poignant stop that line the protected northern coast of The mandatory transfer package includes on this voyage that celebrates the life of the island. The wildlife density in South a little taste of Patagonia with a Tierra Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose enduring Georgia is unlike anywhere else in the del Fuego National Park tour before legacy of polar exploration lives on world, and each stop during our journey transferring to the airport for the return through the Quark Expeditions team will bring new adventures. group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

5 Included Activities

10 Adventure Options

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 PLEASE NOTE passengers will be taken out on calm days, with our expert Pre-booking is required for all paid activities. guides always present to provide instruction and help We recommend booking early, as spaces fill quickly. you connect with the polar sea. Two outings will be pre- Please see your pre-departure guide for a list of booked, and once successfully completed, any subsequent provided gear for each Adventure Option. outings will be offered via lottery on board.

11 Inclusions and Exclusions

13 Special Guests

TIM JARVIS What would compel an adventurer—in 2013—to re-enact Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary 1916 Antarctic journey from Elephant Island to South Georgia in a replica of the 23-foot whaler James Caird? What would motivate such a modern- day explorer to embrace this 800-mile (1,300 km) challenge with only a small team decked out in early 1900s gear and no 21st-century conveniences or navigation technology? Tim Jarvis, the environmental scientist, author and explorer who led the re-enacted voyage sums it up: “I firmly believe that in pushing your personal boundaries you learn more about yourself—and life is to be lived after all.” Jarvis, who subsequently produced the award-winning documentary and book, “Chasing Shackleton: Re-creating the World’s Greatest Journey of Survival,” is one of the selected onboard presenters for this voyage.

ROSS MACPHEE Mammologist, paleontologist, anthropologist and polar historian Ross MacPhee is one of those rare individuals who’s equally adept discussing fossil evidence of early mammals who roamed Antarctica 45 million years ago—as he is dissecting gritty details of the 1911-1912 polar race between England’s Robert Falcon Scott and Norway’s Roald Amundsen to be the first to reach the South Pole. Dr. MacPhee is a curator at the American Museum of Natural History, which hosted the ground- breaking exhibit “The Endurance: Shackleton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition.” He’s also the author of “Race to The End: Amundsen, Scott, and the Attainment of the South Pole.” MacPhee, who has participated in more than 50 scientific expeditions (including both Polar Regions) is one of the special guest presenters during this voyage.

15 Possible Excursions

When traveling in extremely remote DANCO ISLAND regions, your Expedition Team must Home to gentoo penguins, this small consider the sea, ice and weather to dome-shaped island provides you with a guide the route and itinerary details. stunning view of the Errera Channel. The following sites are a sample of what ENTERPRISE ISLAND you may experience on your expedition, Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, or shore was once used by whalers. A Zodiac landing. cruise exploring the island passes the rusting remains of a wrecked whaling Antarctic Peninsula ship, and provides opportunities to BROWN BLUFF search for humpback whales. A dormant volcano, Brown Bluff towers 2,225 feet (678 meters) over the rookeries HOPE BAY of Adélie and gentoo penguins, which Three members of the Swedish Antarctic number in the thousands. These penguins Expedition (1901-04) spent the winter in will create a symphony of background a hut on the shores of the bay. The hut noise while you explore the bluff. is located close to the jetty of Esperanza Station, an Argentine research station. CIERVA COVE If one of your expedition goals is to MELCHIOR ISLANDS witness incredible icebergs and sea This group of low, glaciated islands ice, Cierva Cove is the place for you. A in Dallmann Bay is where you may massive glacial face regularly calves into see hauled-out male fur seals as they the bay, and the floating ice can be quite recuperate from their battles for spectacular. Seals can be spotted on ice supremacy at the end of their breeding floes, and later in the season, humpback season. whales occasionally feed in the icy waters.

18 MIKKELSEN HARBOR PAULET ISLAND South Shetland Islands Located on the south side of Trinity Located in the northwestern Weddell AITCHO ISLANDS Island, Mikkelsen Harbor is a 1.86-mile Sea, Paulet Island is home to a large This group of small islands, some still (3 km) wide bay surrounded by stunning Adélie penguin rookery. With a volcanic unnamed, is situated in the northern ice cliffs. It was discovered by a Swedish cone that rises 1,158 feet (353 meters), entrance of the English Strait. You can Antarctic expedition in 1901–04, and is the island reminds you that this was often spot a great mix of wildlife in the surrounded by several reefs. Keep your once a very active landscape. In addition area, with gentoo and chinstrap penguins camera close, as gentoo penguins and to penguins, you may be interested in having established rookeries on the skuas, as well as Weddell, Antarctic fur, visiting a historic hut built by members of islands. Southern elephant and fur seals leopard and crabeater seals, are often the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901- frequently haul out here, too. seen in the region. 04. A cross marks the grave site of Ole Wennersgaard, a member of the crew. BAILY HEAD PARADISE BAY Also known as Rancho Point, Bailey Paradise Bay is a wide bay and natural WILHELMINA BAY Head is a rocky headland on the harbor on the West Antarctic Peninsula. Humpback whales abound in “Whale- southeastern shore of Deception Mountains, glaciers and ice cliffs offer mina Bay,” as it’s nicknamed, and the Island. Chinstrap penguins build nests spectacular views. Icebergs regularly calve scenery is spectacular. Sheer cliffs and on slopes leading to a high ridge that from the glaciers, providing a place for glaciers surround the calm waters of the forms a natural amphitheater and seals, penguins and seabirds to rest and protected bay, named after Wilhelmina, provides a superb setting for landscape play. An Argentine research base, Brown queen of the Netherlands from 1890 to photography. Base—named after Admiral Guillermo 1948. If you’re lucky, you may see the Brown, father of the Argentine Navy—is humpbacks bubble-net feeding: they ELEPHANT ISLAND also located in Paradise Bay, and was exhale while swimming in a wide circle Elephant Island is a site of great operated from 1951 until it burned down below the surface, trapping krill in a historical significance as Shackleton’s in 1984. It has since been partially rebuilt “net” of bubbles, and then swim straight party beached here after the Endurance and is used as a summer research base. up from below, mouths open, to engulf sank in the Weddell Sea. Twenty-two of their prey. A truly astounding sight! Shackleton’s men remained here, living

19 under a lifeboat, while ‘the Boss’ and five HANNAH POINT ROBERT POINT companions took to the James Caird and On the southern coast of Livingston A beautiful spot for Zodiac cruising, this sailed for South Georgia. The stranded Island at Hannah Point, you may see point was known to sealers as early as party, led by Frank Wild (for whom chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries, 1820. Chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and Point Wild is named), kept all the men along with the occasional breeding pintado petrels breed here, and whales alive. On August 30, 1916, 137 days later, macaroni penguin. Due to the rather may be seen in the surrounding waters. Shackleton returned to rescue his men congested area available to the nesting TELEFON BAY with the vessel Yelcho. A bronze bust of penguins, we are able to visit here only Your Expedition Team will be happy the Yelcho’s Captain, Luis Pardo Villalon, after January 10. to point out that this is where the most can be seen within the chinstrap penguin PENDULUM COVE recent evidence of volcanic eruption on colony at Point Wild. Conditions here Geothermal waters are found along the Deception Island can be seen. can make shore landings rare, but we shoreline of this Deception Island cove, hope to spot this historic island from TURRET POINT named for observations made on Earth’s Zodiacs or the ship. Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries gravity using pendulums in 1829 by a are found on this point, situated on the HALF MOON ISLAND British expedition. You may see steam south coast of King George Island. The This crescent-shaped island was known rising from the shore and “cooked” beaches here are often crowded with to sealers as early as 1821. While they krill floating on the surface due to the southern elephant, fur and Weddell seals tried to keep this productive location volcanically heated water. hauled out on the rocks. secret, we’re happy to bring you ashore PENGUIN ISLAND on this impressive island. Many Antarctic Antarctica has two flowering plants, WHALER’S BAY birds breed here, including chinstrap both of which you can find on Penguin To reach Whaler’s Bay, it is necessary penguins, shags, Wilson’s storm petrels, Island: Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia to sail through a narrow passage called kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort Neptune’s Bellows. The bay was used terns and skuas. (Colobanthus quitensis). Chinstrap by whalers from 1906 to 1931 and is part penguins, fur seals and southern elephant of a protected harbor created by the seals can also be spotted here. formation of the circular flooded caldera

20 known as Deception Island. Along with of the sea. Glaciation never reached Plain. The Murphy and Lucas Glaciers waddling penguins and lounging seals, the peaks, giving Drygalski its unique flank the plain, creating a perfect you’ll see the rusting remains of whaling landscape. backdrop for photos. operations on the beach. Watch for steam GOLD HARBOUR ST. ANDREW’S BAY along the shoreline from geothermic The backdrop to this harbor is the Over 150,000 breeding pairs of king activity when the tide is right. hanging Bertrab Glacier. Thousands penguins nest at St. Andrew’s Bay—the YANKEE HARBOUR of king and gentoo penguins call Gold largest and fastest growing king penguin Gentoo penguins have established a Harbour home, as do rowdy elephant rookery on South Georgia, and a wildlife rookery at this harbor, situated on the and fur seals. spectacle to behold. southwest side of Greenwich Island. GRYTVIKEN STROMNESS Here, you can see an abandoned Only a handful of people live, albeit This abandoned whaling station was in Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier temporarily, on South Georgia, a British full operation on the day in 1916 that Sir that stretches along the east and north overseas territory. Two of them are Ernest Shackleton and his companions sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing curators of the South Georgia Museum, staggered into it after a 36-hour trek try pot is all that remains of the activity located in the former villa of the whaling across the island in an attempt to find that brought men thousands of miles in station manager. The local church, built help for their shipmates stranded tall ships to seek their fortune. Enjoy a for the whaling community, is the only on Elephant Island. There is a small rare chance for a longer walk along the building in Grytviken still used for its cemetery here which can be seen from a expansive beach, dotted with historical original purpose. Buried in the church distance, with the graves of 14 whalers. artifacts and wildlife. cemetery is one of Antarctica’s most famous explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton, South Georgia at whose grave you can pay your respects. DRYGALSKI FJORD This is a photogenic and dramatic fjord, SALISBURY PLAIN with sharp and jagged peaks rising out One of the largest king penguin rookeries on South Georgia is located on Salisbury

21 ANTARCTIC 2021.22 CROSSING THE CIRCLE

Southern Expedition with flights from Buenos Aires

INAUGURAL SEASON Overview Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

Setting foot on the 7th Continent is a polar achievement relatively few people experience in their lifetime. Even more rare is the incomparable milestone that’s achieved when a traveler crosses the iconic Antarctic Circle. Navigating south of 66°33' S is—for most guests—the highlight of the 14-day itinerary Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition, which rewards passengers daily with views of dramatic ice formations, humpback whales swimming alongside the EXPEDITION IN BRIEF ship, leopard seals diving beneath your Zodiac, penguins sliding off icebergs Be one of the few travelers into crystal waters, or giant petrels soaring above the crackling sea. Guests to venture to 66°33'S will enjoy this popular itinerary during Ultramarineʼs inaugural sailing season Visit research stations along in the Antarctic. The technologically-advanced Ultramarine, the first ship built the Antarctic Peninsula specifically for the polar regions, with its two twin-engine helicopters, 20 fast- Witness abundant Antarctic launching Zodiacs, superior luxury amenities and the most robust portfolio of wildlife, including penguins, seals and whales off-ship adventure options in the industry, completely changes the way guests experience the Antarctic. Experience western Antarctic Peninsula highlights and visit iconic landing sites Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries and our expeditions offer the chance for you to discover why. We’re excited to host you on your Learn about Antarctica’s history, glaciology and wildlife from on- unforgettable adventure! Feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel board specialists Advisers who can answer your questions and provide assistance at any time. Enjoy helicopter flightseeing from Ultramarine for a unique perspective of the Antarctic Peninsula

1 Itinerary

DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA you will begin your Antarctic journey, Santiago Buenos Aires You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any passing through the Beagle Channel. ARGENTINA time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon Named after the famed ship on which arriving in this splendid city, known Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel CHILE for its architecture and rich European presents great photo opportunities of heritage, you will independently transfer landscapes and seabirds. Eventually the Atlantic Ocea n to your group hotel (pre-expedition channel opens up to the Southern Ocean, Ushuaia hotel night included in mandatory and onwards to Antarctica. Punta Arenas transfer package). South Shetland Drake Passage Islands DAYS 3 & 4 | CROSSING DAY 2 | FLY TO USHUAIA & EMBARK THE DRAKE PASSAGE Anvers Island After an early breakfast at the hotel, Your days at sea are filled with Lemaire Channel

LE the group will transfer to the airport presentations and lectures led by your IRC C Weddell Sea TIC RC TA and board our private charter flight to Expedition Team, who will prepare you N Antarctic A Peninsula Ushuaia, Argentina. for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations, Upon arrival, you will be transferred CROSSING THE CIRCLE spend time chatting with your shipmates Southern Expeditions from the airport to a central downtown over a drink at the bar, or enjoy the fresh On board the Ultramarine location to have some time on your own Flights to/from Buenos Aires air and views on the outer decks. to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier.

2 DAYS 5–7 | SOUTH SHETLAND Your Expedition Team will take care of kayaking, paddle excursions, or camping ISLANDS & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA you at each landing, whether you are are optional activities available on select The most common reaction upon exploring the Antarctic terrain, visiting voyages (at an extra cost). reaching the White Continent is a sense a research station or consorting with DAYS 8 & 9 | ANTARCTIC CIRCLE of reverence and awe. The experience is penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a beyond words, since few places are gentoo penguins are found here, along memorable experience and impressive as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. with five different species of seals. Zodiac achievement, as few travelers reach so You will begin to appreciate why this cruising can offer opportunities to view far south. If conditions allow us to cross region has long captivated the attention of some of the larger local marine mammals this famed line at 66°33´ S, we’ll toast the explorers and travelers alike. Every visit more intimately, such as Antarctic first explorers who ventured here, and to Antarctica, we witness something new minke and humpback whales. Each day you can raise a glass and take pride in or unexpected, which means that your and each excursion will present a new knowing you’ve made it to a part of the expedition will be unlike any other— collection of creatures to delight you and world visited by very few people. This creating a unique, personal experience. keep your camera busy. is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions Your days will be busy spotting wildlife sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances from the ship to explore local bays, and being mesmerized by the astounding of encountering sea ice – the foundation channels and landing sites. With wildlife beauty of Antarctica. Listening to the of the Antarctic marine ecosystem. always at the forefront of our minds, you crackling and crumbling of icebergs will visit penguin rookeries, scout for and glaciers and watching penguins humpback and minke whales, and search waddling on the beach will become for a number of southern seal species, your daily entertainment, while sea including the cunning leopard seal.

3 DAYS 10 & 11 | NORTHBOUND friends will make the crossing fly by, ALONG THE PENINSULA regardless of weather and sea conditions. By now, your knowledge of Adélie, EXPEDITION SPIRIT Your Expedition Team will round up its Embracing the unexpected is part chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be series of presentations as well, with a of the legacy—and excitement—of matched by your ability to differentiate slideshow of the great landing sites and expedition travel. When traveling between a leopard, fur and Weddell seal. wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course in extremely remote regions, your Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ of your voyage. Be sure to take some Expedition Team must consider the will become part of your vocabulary, yet time to reflect on everything you’ve sea, ice and weather to guide the route there are still many tales to be told. As experienced so far. and itinerary details. This itinerary is you head north, Zodiac excursions will a tentative outline of what you may fill your days, and your Expedition Team DAY 14 | DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA experience on this voyage; please be & FLY TO BUENOS AIRES will continue looking out for species of aware that no specific itinerary can be You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning seabirds, seals and whales that may have guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife and disembark after breakfast. The eluded you on your journey south. encounters as described are expected, mandatory transfer package includes but not guaranteed. Your Expedition DAYS 12 & 13 | CROSSING a little taste of Patagonia with a Tierra Team will use their considerable THE DRAKE PASSAGE del Fuego National Park tour before experience to seek out wildlife in As you recross the Drake, Antarctica transferring to the airport for the return known habitats, but the presence of fades away, leaving you with a collection group charter flight to Buenos Aires. any particular species of bird or marine of memories to last a lifetime. Excited wildlife is not guaranteed. conversations with your newfound

4 Included Activities

Ready for a little adventure beyond your your Zodiac drivers will provide active will introduce you to the fascinating ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage interpretation, making the landscape history, biology, ornithology, and offers a variety of recreational activities come even more alive. glaciology of the region, and much, to enhance your polar experience. much more. HIKING FLIGHTSEEING Hiking in Antarctica is free-form and POLAR PLUNGE While polar landscapes are spectacular supervised by our expert staff, who This rite of passage, scheduled only once from the sea, they are even more striking set out a perimeter or paths at each per expedition, gives you the chance to from the air. On board Ultramarine landing site within which you are free jump safely into the bracing Antarctic you will experience remarkable aerial to explore. While you hike, staff will be waters under the watchful eye of our perspectives on a 10- to 15-minute available to enhance your experience staff—and just about every single camera flightseeing excursion included in by answering questions about the on board! the cost of your voyage. Additional wildlife, history and geography of the PHOTOGRAPHY helicopter activities may also be available area. Walking poles are provided at each Documenting your voyage so you can for purchase onboard. Please note all landing for your convenience. As there take the memories home is a rewarding helicopter operations are weather- and are a limited number of poles available, experience. Our photography guides will logistics-dependent. please bring your own if you require help you hone your skills to capture the them on every landing. Some landing ZODIAC CRUISING beauty of the polar regions. sites will offer more demanding terrain Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar options than others. More information about your Included Activities expeditions, taking you to places the and Adventure Options, including the necessary ships can’t access, allowing you to reach PRESENTATIONS experience, physical requirements and cost, is remote shorelines, explore shallow Enjoy daily chats with and presentations available by contacting your Polar Travel Adviser inlets and search for unique wildlife. by our world-class onboard polar or travel professional. Expedition staff make stepping in and experts—guides, scientists, naturalists, out of them safe and comfortable, and historians and other special guests who

9 Adventure Options

SEA KAYAKING top kayaks—perfect for anyone with Imagine gliding across the surface of minimal or no kayaking experience. a bay in the presence of icebergs and Small groups of passengers will be taken glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program is out on calm days, with our expert guides a great way to intimately explore your always present to provide instruction surroundings. A small group of kayakers and help you connect with the polar will plan to go out multiple times per sea. Two outings will be pre-booked, voyage as an alternative to shore landings and once successfully completed, any or Zodiac cruises. subsequent outings will be offered via lottery on board. The number of opportunities to kayak is weather dependent, and will be STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING 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 up paddleboarding excursions can be PLEASE NOTE If you’re interested in kayaking but pre-booked in two consecutive priority For all paid activities pre-booking is would like to try something a bit less groups. After the first two successful required. We recommend booking early demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re outings, this activity will be offered as spaces fill quickly. Please see your the perfect candidate to sign up for a via lottery on board the ship for any pre-departure guide for a list of provided one-time paddle on our stable sit-on- subsequent outings. gear for each Adventure Option.

11 Inclusions and Exclusions

13 Possible Excursions

When traveling in extremely remote DAMOY POINT regions, your Expedition Team must Damoy Point is the site of a historical consider the sea, ice and weather to ice runway used by the British Antarctic guide the route and itinerary details. Survey for their flights further south The following sites are a sample of what since 1975. The well-maintained hut was you may experience on your expedition, used as a staging-post to store supplies whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, or shore and for accommodation while awaiting landing. ideal flying conditions. The point is also home to a penguin rookery and allows Antarctic Peninsula for spectacular views of the mountains of ANTARCTIC CIRCLE Anvers Island. Although not a shore landing, the DANCO ISLAND crossing of the Antarctic Circle is a Home to gentoo penguins, this small moment to remember for life. The dome-shaped island provides you with a event will happen while at sea, so be stunning view of the Errera Channel. sure to head out on deck to toast the achievement. DETAILLE ISLAND Detaille Island lies in Lallemand Fjord off CUVERVILLE ISLAND Crystal Sound, on the Loubet Coast, east A gentoo penguin rookery is situated of Adelaide Island. The hut at this site on a rocky beach at the north end of the is the British Antarctic Survey’s Station island. Depending on when in the season W, which was evacuated in 1959 when you arrive, you may see the penguins sea ice and weather made relief by ship building nests or attending to their impossible, and base personnel were chicks. Giant petrels and kelp gulls breed forced to close the station and transfer to on the island. Station Y at Horseshoe Island. Research undertaken at Detaille Island site focused

17 on surveying, geology and meteorology. PARADISE BAY The hut was cleaned up by the British Paradise Bay is a wide bay and natural Antarctic Survey in 1996-97, and more harbor on the West Antarctic Peninsula. recently restored by the UK Antarctic Mountains, glaciers and ice cliffs offer Heritage Trust. spectacular views. Icebergs regularly calve from the glaciers, providing a ENTERPRISE ISLAND place for seals, penguins and seabirds Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island to rest and play. An Argentine research was once used by whalers. A Zodiac base, Brown Base—named after Admiral cruise exploring the island passes the Guillermo Brown, father of the Argentine rusting remains of a wrecked whaling Navy—is also located in Paradise Bay, ship, and provides opportunities to and was operated from 1951 until it search for humpback whales. burned down in 1984. It has since been partially rebuilt and is used as a summer LEMAIRE CHANNEL research base. One of the most scenic locations on the peninsula’s west coast, this dramatic PETERMANN ISLAND strait runs between Booth Island and the Here, near the Lemaire Channel, you can Antarctic Peninsula. The channel may stand ashore and see the southernmost become impassable when ice fills the breeding colony of gentoo penguins. narrow, 6.8-mile (11 km)-long passageway, Adélie penguins, shags and south polar so we’ll hope for clear waters. skuas also inhabit the island. MELCHIOR ISLANDS PORT LOCKROY This group of low, glaciated islands As part of Operation Tabarin during the in Dallmann Bay is where you may EXPEDITION SPIRIT Second World War, a secret British base see hauled-out male fur seals as they Embracing the unexpected is part was built in this sheltered harbor, located recuperate from their battles for of the legacy—and excitement—of on the west side of Wiencke Island. Now supremacy at the end of their breeding expedition travel. When traveling a designated historic site, the base is a season. in extremely remote regions, your museum and post office. Proceeds from Expedition Team must allow the sea, your purchases in Port Lockroy support MIKKELSEN HARBOR the ice and the weather to guide the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, which Located on the south side of Trinity route and itinerary details. This preserves British and other historic sites itinerary is a tentative outline of what Island, Mikkelsen Harbor is a 1.86-mile dating to the Heroic Age of Exploration. you’ll experience on this voyage; (3 km) wide bay surrounded by stunning A large gentoo penguin population please be aware that no specific ice cliffs. It was discovered by a Swedish resides here. itinerary can be guaranteed. By the Antarctic expedition in 1901–04, and is same token, wildlife encounters surrounded by several reefs. Keep your WATERBOAT POINT as described are expected, but camera close, as gentoo penguins and Two scientists studying penguin behavior not guaranteed. Your Expedition skuas, as well as Weddell, Antarctic fur, lived in a water boat on this point from Team will use their considerable leopard and crabeater seals, are often 1921 to 1922. The remains of their camp experience to seek out wildlife in seen in the region. have been designated an Antarctic known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or historic site. The aptly named Waterboat NEKO HARBOUR marine wildlife is not guaranteed. Point is also home to a Chilean Antarctic Little evidence remains that this bay was research station, named González Videla once used by the floating whale factory Base after the first sitting head of state to ship Neko. You might see whale vertebrae visit the Antarctic continent. When the being used by resident gentoo penguins base is manned, you may be welcomed as shelter from the wind. Climb up a inside for a visit by the base personnel, steep slope for spectacular views of the or you may visit the resident nesting glacier-rimmed harbor. gentoo rookery if the base is inactive.

18 WILHELMINA BAY South Shetland Islands secret, we’re happy to bring you ashore Humpback whales abound in “Whale- on this impressive island. Many Antarctic AITCHO ISLANDS mina Bay,” as it’s nicknamed, and the birds breed here, including chinstrap This group of small islands is situated scenery is spectacular. Sheer cliffs and penguins, shags, Wilson’s storm petrels, in the northern entrance of the English glaciers surround the calm waters of the kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic Strait. You can often spot a great mix protected bay, named after Wilhelmina, terns and skuas. of wildlife in the area, with gentoo and queen of the Netherlands from 1890 to chinstrap penguins having established HANNAH POINT 1948. If you’re lucky, you may see the rookeries on the islands. Southern On the southern coast of Livingston humpbacks bubble-net feeding: they elephant and fur seals frequently haul out Island at Hannah Point, you may see exhale while swimming in a wide circle here, too. chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries, below the surface, trapping krill in a along with the occasional breeding “net” of bubbles, and then swim straight BAILY HEAD macaroni penguin. Due to the rather up from below, mouths open, to engulf Also known as Rancho Point, Bailey congested area available to the nesting their prey. A truly astounding sight! Head is a rocky headland on the penguins, we are able to visit here only southeastern shore of Deception YALOUR ISLANDS after January 10. Island. Chinstrap penguins build nests These islands were named for an on slopes leading to a high ridge that Argentine Navy lieutenant who rescued PENDULUM COVE forms a natural amphitheater and the shipwrecked members of the Geothermal waters are found along the provides a superb setting for landscape Swedish Antarctic Expedition in 1903. shoreline of this Deception Island cove, photography. Approximately 8,000 pairs of Adélie named for observations made on Earth's penguins nest in the islands, sometimes gravity using pendulums in 1829 by a HALF MOON ISLAND parading for visitors. Yellow lichens and British expedition. You may see steam This crescent-shaped island was known grass give color to the landscape, and rising from the shore and “cooked” to sealers as early as 1821. While they icebergs are easy to spot. krill floating on the surface due to the tried to keep this productive location volcanically heated water.

19 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 TELEFON BAY waddling penguins and lounging seals, Your Expedition Team will be happy you’ll see the rusting remains of whaling to point out that this is where the most operations on the beach. Watch for steam recent evidence of volcanic eruption on along the shoreline from geothermic Deception Island can be seen. activity when the tide is right.

20 ANTARCTIC 2021.22 CROSSING THE CIRCLE

Southern Expedition Overview Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

With a more in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula, our Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition voyage gives you the chance to venture beyond the EXPEDITION IN BRIEF Antarctic Circle, a milestone few have reached. Including an in-depth exploration Be one of the few travelers of the penguin colonies, glaciers, bays and historical sites of the Peninsula, you’ll to venture to 66°33'S also navigate beyond 66⁰33´ South. Encounter even more wildlife and experience Visit Antarctic research the awe of splendid isolation. You can personalize your adventure with options stations that suit your interests, and cross the 7th Continent off your list—your way. Witness abundant Antarctic wildlife, including penguins, Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries and our expeditions offer the seals and whales chance for you to discover why. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable Experience western Antarctic Peninsula highlights and visit adventure! Feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers who can iconic landing sites answer your questions and provide assistance at any time. Learn about Antarctica’s history, glaciology and wildlife from onboard specialists

1 Itinerary

DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel Santiago Buenos Aires USHUAIA, ARGENTINA presents great photo opportunities of ARGENTINA You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, landscapes and seabirds. Eventually the a small but bustling port town at the tip channel opens up to the Southern Ocean, CHILE of South America. This Argentine town and onwards to Antarctica. is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while DAYS 3 & 4 | CROSSING Atlantic Ocean THE DRAKE PASSAGE Ushuaia preparing for your adventure ahead. Punta Arenas Your days at sea are filled with Get active in the mountains or enjoy South Shetland presentations and lectures led by your Drake Passage Islands handcrafted chocolate at a café in town. Expedition Team, who will prepare you Anvers Island DAY 2 | EMBARKATION DAY for the wildlife that will greet you upon Lemaire Channel

As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, your arrival. In between presentations, LE IRC C Weddell Sea TIC RC you will begin your Antarctic journey, spend time chatting with your shipmates TA Antarctic AN passing through the Beagle Channel. over a drink at the bar, or enjoy the fresh Peninsula Named after the famed ship on which air and views on the outer decks. CROSSING THE CIRCLE Southern Expeditions On board the Ocean Diamond or Ocean Adventurer

2 DAYS 5–7 | SOUTH SHETLAND and search for a number of southern and glaciers and watching penguins ISLANDS & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA seal species, including the cunning waddling on the beach will become The most common reaction upon leopard seal. your daily entertainment, while sea reaching the White Continent is a kayaking, paddle excursions, or camping Your Expedition Team will take care sense of reverence and awe. The are optional activities available on select of you at each landing, whether you are experience is beyond words, since few voyages (at an extra cost). places are as untouched and enduring as exploring the Antarctic terrain, visiting Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate a research station or consorting with DAYS 8 & 9 | ANTARCTIC CIRCLE why this region has long captivated the penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a attention of explorers and travelers alike. and gentoo penguins are found here, memorable experience and impressive Every visit to Antarctica, we witness along with five different species of seals. achievement, as few travelers reach so something new or unexpected, which Zodiac cruising can offer opportunities far south. If conditions allow us to cross means that your expedition will be to view some of the larger local marine this famed line at 66°33´ S, we’ll toast the unlike any other—creating a unique, mammals more intimately, such as first explorers who ventured here, and personal experience. Antarctic minke and humpback whales. you can raise a glass and take pride in Each day and each excursion will present knowing you’ve made it to a part of the Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions a new collection of creatures to delight world visited by very few people. This from the ship to explore local bays, you and keep your camera busy. is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight channels and landing sites. With sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances wildlife always at the forefront of our Your days will be busy spotting wildlife of encountering sea ice – the foundation minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, and being mesmerized by the astounding of the Antarctic marine ecosystem. scout for humpback and minke whales, beauty of Antarctica. Listening to the crackling and crumbling of icebergs

3 DAYS 10 & 11 | NORTHBOUND of memories to last a lifetime. Excited ALONG THE PENINSULA conversations with your newfound EXPEDITION SPIRIT By now, your knowledge of Adélie, friends will make the crossing fly by, Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be regardless of weather and sea conditions. expedition travel. When traveling matched by your ability to differentiate Your Expedition Team will round up its in extremely remote regions, your between a leopard, fur and Weddell seal. series of presentations as well, with a Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ Expedition Team must consider slideshow of the great landing sites and the sea, ice and weather to guide will become part of your vocabulary, yet wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course the route and itinerary details. This there are still many tales to be told. As of your voyage. Be sure to take some itinerary is a tentative outline of what you head north, Zodiac excursions will time to reflect on everything you’ve you may experience on this voyage; fill your days, and your Expedition Team experienced so far. please be aware that no specific will continue looking out for species of itinerary can be guaranteed. By the seabirds, seals and whales that may have DAY 14 | DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA same token, wildlife encounters as eluded you on your journey south. Today, you’ll say goodbye to your described are expected, but not Expedition Team and fellow travelers, guaranteed. Your Expedition Team DAYS 12 & 13 | CROSSING disembarking in the morning to catch THE DRAKE PASSAGE will use their considerable experience your homeward flights or continue your to seek out wildlife in known habitats, As you recross the Drake, Antarctica travels on your own. but the presence of any particular fades away, leaving you with a collection species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.

4 Included Activities

10 Adventure Options

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 • Int ernational airfare landings and other activities throughout the program • Passp ort and applicable visa expenses • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily • All luggage handling aboard the ship • Go vernment arrival and departure taxes not program • Emerg ency 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 • Shipb oard accommodation with daily housekeeping • Gr oup arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre- • Baggag e, 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 • Ex cess-baggage fees on international flights dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. in Ushuaia with breakfast (Note: The number of • Manda tory 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 • Sele ct 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 • Gr oup transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation • V oluntary 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 • Gr oup 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 • Adv enture Options not listed in Included Activities

13 Possible Excursions

17 on surveying, geology and meteorology. PARADISE BAY The hut was cleaned up by the British Paradise Bay is a wide bay and natural Antarctic Survey in 1996-97, and more harbor on the West Antarctic Peninsula. recently restored by the UK Antarctic Mountains, glaciers and ice cliffs offer Heritage Trust. spectacular views. Icebergs regularly calve from the glaciers, providing a ENTERPRISE ISLAND place for seals, penguins and seabirds Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island to rest and play. An Argentine research was once used by whalers. A Zodiac base, Brown Base—named after Admiral cruise exploring the island passes the Guillermo Brown, father of the Argentine rusting remains of a wrecked whaling Navy—is also located in Paradise Bay, ship, and provides opportunities to and was operated from 1951 until it search for humpback whales. burned down in 1984. It has since been partially rebuilt and is used as a summer LEMAIRE CHANNEL research base. One of the most scenic locations on the peninsula’s west coast, this dramatic PETERMANN ISLAND strait runs between Booth Island and the Here, near the Lemaire Channel, you can Antarctic Peninsula. The channel may stand ashore and see the southernmost become impassable when ice fills the breeding colony of gentoo penguins. narrow, 6.8-mile (11 km)-long passageway, Adélie penguins, shags and south polar so we’ll hope for clear waters. skuas also inhabit the island. MELCHIOR ISLANDS PORT LOCKROY This group of low, glaciated islands As part of Operation Tabarin during the EXPEDITION SPIRIT in Dallmann Bay is where you may Second World War, a secret British base Embracing the unexpected is part see hauled-out male fur seals as they was built in this sheltered harbor, located of the legacy—and excitement—of recuperate from their battles for on the west side of Wiencke Island. Now expedition travel. When traveling supremacy at the end of their in extremely remote regions, your a designated historic site, the base is a breeding season. Expedition Team must allow the sea, museum and post office. Proceeds from the ice and the weather to guide your purchases in Port Lockroy support MIKKELSEN HARBOR route and itinerary details. This the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, which Located on the south side of Trinity itinerary is a tentative outline of what preserves British and other historic sites Island, Mikkelsen Harbor is a 1.86-mile you’ll experience on this voyage; dating to the Heroic Age of Exploration. (3 km) wide bay surrounded by stunning please be aware that no specific A large gentoo penguin population ice cliffs. It was discovered by a Swedish itinerary can be guaranteed. By the resides here. Antarctic expedition in 1901–04, and is same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but surrounded by several reefs. Keep your WATERBOAT POINT not guaranteed. Your Expedition camera close, as gentoo penguins and Two scientists studying penguin behavior Team will use their considerable skuas, as well as Weddell, Antarctic fur, lived in a water boat on this point from experience to seek out wildlife in leopard and crabeater seals, are often 1921 to 1922. The remains of their camp known habitats, but the presence seen in the region. have been designated an Antarctic of any particular species of bird or historic site. The aptly named Waterboat marine wildlife is not guaranteed. NEKO HARBOUR Point is also home to a Chilean Antarctic Little evidence remains that this bay was research station, named González Videla once used by the floating whale factory Base after the first sitting head of state to ship Neko. You might see whale vertebrae visit the Antarctic continent. When the being used by resident gentoo penguins base is manned, you may be welcomed as shelter from the wind. Climb up a inside for a visit by the base personnel, steep slope for spectacular views of the or you may visit the resident nesting glacier-rimmed harbor. gentoo rookery if the base is inactive.

20 ANTARCTIC 2021.22 EPIC ANTARCTICA

Crossing the Circle via Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia with flights from Buenos Aires

INAUGURAL SEASON Overview Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia

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. Our Epic Antarctica voyage is so named for a reason: it includes every one of the major Antarctic highlights. From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will experience countless unforgettable EXPEDITION IN BRIEF moments on this adventure-packed, 23-day voyage. Start with the Falklands, Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the reminiscent of both sandy Cape Cod and the English moors, home to albatross, tango capital of the world, and let us take care of the rest of your journey dolphins, and five species of penguins. From there, venture to South Georgia, Explore the quaint British town where you’ll encounter the home of 300,000 breeding king penguins, 50 million of Stanley in the Falkland Islands seabirds and 5 million seals. Then, explore the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, and, (Islas Malvinas) finally, cross the Antarctic Circle—an enduring milestone for any world traveler. See the incredible wildlife— more than 30 species of breeding Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries—now it’s your turn. Be birds, including four species of penguin—of South Georgia, often among the first guests on our pioneering new vessel, Ultramarine. This purpose- called the Galapagos of the Poles built vessel is designed to extend the boundaries of polar exploration and offer Follow in the wake of Sir Ernest an unmatched Antarctic experience, including a flightseeing tour you’ll never Shackleton’s perilous voyage to South forget and a range of adventure options more extensive than any other ship in its Georgia and visit his gravesite class. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable adventure! Please feel free Cross the Antarctic Circle and celebrate with a toast to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers, who are happy to answer your Enjoy helicopter flightseeing from questions and provide assistance at any time. Ultramarine for a unique perspective of the Antarctic Peninsula

1 Itinerary

DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN After a late afternoon embarkation, you BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, Santiago Buenos Aires You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any which transects the Tierra del Fuego time during Day 1 of your itinerary. archipelago in the extreme south of South ARGENTINA Upon arriving in this splendid city, America. Expect an air of anticipation as known for its architecture and you depart—the next time you see land, CHILE Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) rich European heritage, you will you’ll be in a wildlife wonderland! Atlantic Ocea n independently transfer to your group Stanley South Georgia Punta hotel (pre-expedition hotel night DAY 3 | AT SEA Arenas Ushuaia South Shetland included in mandatory transfer package). Your days at sea are filled with Drake Passage Islands presentations and lectures led by your DAY 2 | EMBARKATION Anvers Expedition Team, who will prepare you Island DAY IN USHUAIA Lemaire Channel for the wildlife that will greet you upon CLE CIR After an early breakfast at the hotel, TIC RC Weddell Sea your arrival. In between presentations, TA Antarctic the group will transfer to the airport AN Peninsula spend time chatting with your shipmates and board our private charter flight to over a drink at the bar, or enjoy the fresh Ushuaia, Argentina. EPIC ANTARCTICA air and views on the outer decks. Crossing the Circle via Upon arrival, you will be transferred Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia from the airport to a central downtown DAYS 4 & 5 | FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS) On board the Ultramarine location to have some time on your own Flights to/from Buenos Aires Upon your arrival in the Falklands to explore this quaint port town before (Malvinas), your camera will get its first making your way to the pier.

2 real workout capturing the abundant Your team of lecturers and specialists hunting whales and seals. Today, island wildlife and rugged feel of this sub- will educate you on the local flora and wildlife populations are rebounding, but Antarctic region. The archipelago fauna, helping you make the most of you’ll still see remnants of old whaling contains two main islands, East your time in the Falklands. stations and other abandoned outposts. Falkland and West Falkland, which DAYS 6 & 7 | AT SEA Among the most significant and moving you will explore during daily Zodiac Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you’ll sites on South Georgia is the grave of excursions and landings. officially enter Antarctic waters once the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, you cross the Antarctic Convergence, an You can visit his grave at the settlement is often a favored landing site, as the invisible biological boundary encircling of Grytviken, which is also home to an town offers a unique British outpost feel, the continent. This meeting of oceans, old whaling station, plus a museum, gift complete with eclectic charm. You’ll be where the cold Antarctic waters mix shop, church and small research station. free to explore, grab a pint at the local with the warmer waters of the Indian, Although South Georgia’s history is an pub, or visit the numerous churches Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, helps important attraction to the island, it is and museums. nourish the abundance of krill that the tremendous abundance of wildlife The Archipelago is rich in wildlife, attracts whales, seals, and birdlife to this that you and your shipmates will surely especially birds, and home to Magellanic, part of the world. Your Expedition Team find most captivating. Each landing you gentoo and southern rockhopper will notify you when you cross this make on South Georgia, often referred to penguins. If you’re lucky, you may even invisible yet important line, and will also as the Galapagos of the Poles, will open spot king penguins here as well! You can help you look out for the seabirds and your eyes to the wondrous lives of new, expect to see black-browed albatross, marine life that frequent the area. enthralling creatures. plus two endemic bird species—the DAYS 8–11 | SOUTH GEORGIA One day you may see rookeries with flightless Falkland steamer duck, and This remote, mountainous island was a hundreds of thousands of pairs of king possibly, the elusive Cobb’s wren. popular stop for many historic Antarctic penguins waddling on a beach, and expeditions and was once a haven for the next, you may visit another beach

3 blanketed with thousands of fur or of reverence and awe. You will discover DAYS 17 & 18 | ANTARCTIC CIRCLE elephant seals. The grasses, mountains that Antarctica is a land of extremes: at Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both and beaches of South Georgia all play one moment you’ll be overcome with a a memorable experience and impressive an important role in the breeding and feeling of complete silence and solitude; achievement, as few travelers reach so survival of different species on the the next, you’ll be laughing at the comical far south. If conditions allow us to cross island. Your Expedition Leaders will antics of a curious penguin. this famed line at 66°33´ S, we’ll toast help you understand and appreciate the first explorers who ventured here, Zodiac cruising, visits to historical sites the delicate balance among these and you can raise a glass and take pride and, of course, communing with seals fragile and interwoven relationships. in knowing you’ve made it to a part of and penguins are sure to keep you the world visited by very few people. DAYS 12 & 13 | AT SEA smiling every day. Perhaps you’ll catch This is raw Antarctica, home of the Say goodbye to the king penguins, as sight of the fearless penguin eater, the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your your next destination is Antarctica! Your leopard seal, or maybe you’ll come eye best chances of encountering sea ice – days at sea are filled with presentations, to eye with an Antarctic minke whale the foundation of the Antarctic marine lectures and workshops led by your while you cruise in a Zodiac. Each day, ecosystem. Expedition Team, who will prepare and each excursion, will present a new you for the wildlife that will greet collection of creatures to delight you DAYS 19 & 20 | NORTHBOUND you upon your arrival. and keep your camera busy. ALONG THE PENINSULA If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic If you find yourself wanting more, DAYS 14–16 | SOUTH SHETLAND wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll ISLANDS & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA treat yourself to an optional kayaking surely be satisfied by the time you The experience is hard to put into words, adventure (reserve in advance when return to the Drake Passage. You will but the most common reaction upon booking your trip), or cast reason continue to make excursions by Zodiac reaching the White Continent is a sense aside and join in the Polar Plunge— as you travel north along the western it’s something you’ll never forget! Antarctic Peninsula.

4 Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.

DAYS 21 & 22 | CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE After more than three weeks of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins. The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and reflect on your remarkable Antarctic adventure.

DAY 23 | DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA & FLY TO BUENOS AIRES 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.

5 Included Activities

Ready for a little adventure beyond your your Zodiac drivers will provide active history, biology, ornithology, and ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage interpretation, making the landscape glaciology of the region, and much, offers a variety of recreational activities come even more alive. much more. to enhance your polar experience. HIKING POLAR PLUNGE FLIGHTSEEING Hiking in Antarctica is free-form and This rite of passage, scheduled only once While polar landscapes are spectacular supervised by our expert staff, who set per expedition, gives you the chance to from the sea, they are even more striking out a perimeter or paths at each landing jump safely into the bracing Antarctic from the air. Onboard Ultramarine site within which you are free to explore. waters under the watchful eye of our you will experience remarkable aerial While you hike, staff will be available to staff—and just about every single camera perspectives on a 10- to 15-minute enhance your experience by answering on board! flightseeing excursion included in questions about the wildlife, history PHOTOGRAPHY the cost of your voyage. Additional and geography of the area. Walking Documenting your voyage so you can helicopter activities may also be available poles are provided at each landing for take the memories home is a rewarding for purchase onboard. Please note all your convenience. As there are a limited experience. Our photography guides will helicopter operations are weather- and number of poles available, please bring help you hone your skills to capture the logistics-dependent. your own if you require them on every beauty of the polar regions. landing. Some landing sites will offer more ZODIAC CRUISING demanding terrain options than others. More information about your Included Activities Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar and Adventure Options, including the necessary expeditions, taking you to places the PRESENTATIONS experience, physical requirements and cost, is ships can’t access, allowing you to reach Enjoy daily chats with and presentations available by contacting your Polar Travel Adviser remote shorelines, explore shallow by our world-class onboard polar or travel professional. inlets and search for unique wildlife. experts—guides, scientists, naturalists, Expedition staff make stepping in and historians and other special guests who out of them safe and comfortable, and will introduce you to the fascinating

10 Adventure Options

SEA KAYAKING top kayaks—perfect for anyone with Imagine gliding across the surface of minimal or no kayaking experience. a bay in the presence of icebergs and Small groups of passengers will be taken glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program is out on calm days, with our expert guides a great way to intimately explore your always present to provide instruction surroundings. A small group of kayakers and help you connect with the polar will plan to go out multiple times per sea. Two outings will be pre-booked, voyage as an alternative to shore landings and once successfully completed, any or Zodiac cruises. subsequent outings will be offered via lottery on board. The number of opportunities to kayak is weather dependent, and will be STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING 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 required. We recommend booking early would like to try something a bit less 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 EXCLUSIVE HELI-LANDING Imagine setting foot in an area of the Antarctic that can only be safely accessed by helicopter. With a small group of fellow passengers and expert guides, you’ll board one of Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters to soar off to an exclusive polar site where no ships can navigate. Expect stunning bird’s-eye views during your flight, and then, upon arrival, simply sit back, relax and take in the splendor of the Antarctic from “the best seat in the house”: glacial amphitheaters, breath-taking summits, and more. Traveling in groups of 12 with no more than 4 groups (48 guests) at a time on each landing, you’ll have time to relax and quietly reflect on the beauty of your polar surroundings, after which you’ll be picked up by the helicopters in the same location and returned to Ultramarine. Each heli-landing experience is uniquely curated by our expedition team, taking conditions and location capacity into consideration.

ALPINE HELI-TREKKING Let us take you on an active adventure high up in the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll be part of an intimate group of adventurers to board one of Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters for a trekking excursion in an area only safely accessed by air. The helicopter flight alone rewards guests with unforgettable views of the expansive polar landscape PLEASE NOTE down below. On land, during an invigorating walk, hike or Pre-booking is required for all paid activities. snowshoe trek (depending on conditions), you’ll be rewarded We recommend booking early, as spaces fill quickly. with equally stunning views of remote ridgelines, glaciated Please see your pre-departure guide for a list of terrain, and snow-topped peaks. This once-in-a-lifetime provided gear for each Adventure Option. heli-adventure will leave you marveling at the overwhelming beauty of the Antarctic.

12 Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions Exclusions ON ALL SHIPS, RATES INCLUDE: RATES SPECIFICALLY • Leadership throughout your voyage by our • Formal and informal presentations by our DO NOT INCLUDE: experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled • Manda tory Transfer Package* landings and other activities • A photographic journal documenting the expedition • Int ernational airfare • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for • Passp ort and applicable visa expenses program landings and Zodiac cruising excursions • Go vernment arrival and departure taxes not • All shore landings as per the daily program • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep mentioned • Shipb oard accommodation with daily housekeeping • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin • Meals unless otherwise specified • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges • Baggag e, cancellation, interruption and medical throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any throughout the program travel insurance—strongly recommended dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. • All luggage handling aboard the ship • Ex cess-baggage fees on international flights Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare • Emerg ency Evacuation insurance for all passengers kosher meals.) • Manda tory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person and cruising excursions, or any other gear not • Sele ct beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea • One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing mentioned and cocoa available around the clock excursion (weather and logistics permitting) • Laundry , bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified *MANDATORY TRANSFER • Group transfer from hotel to airport in • Phone and Internet charges PACKAGE INCLUDES: Buenos Aires • V oluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for • One pre-night’s hotel accommodation in Buenos • Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, expedition staff and shipboard crew Aires with breakfast (Note: The number of and return (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos • Additional overnight accommodation guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of • Arrival and departure transfers, except where on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers the journey is not included. Please make your explicitly stated who reserve a suite on board are accommodated way to the included hotel.) • Adv enture Options not listed in Included in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may • Combined airport transfer and express bus Activities not be available.) tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after • Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ disembarkation in Ushuaia domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia, and returning to Buenos Aires’ international airport (Ezeiza/EZE) PACKAGE PRICE: $995 USD

14 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 called in at Stanley as well. Take a stroll and Lorraine McGill. Named for the through this quaint English town, Royal Navy ship HMS Carcass, which visiting the cathedral, museum, or arrived in 1766, it is a picturesque one of its many pubs. place, where songbirds nest among the WEST POINT ISLAND luxuriant growth that covers the gently The Napier family has owned West Point 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.

18 South Georgia famous explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton, Antarctic Peninsula at whose grave you can pay your respects. DRYGALSKI FJORD ANTARCTIC CIRCLE This is a photogenic and dramatic SALISBURY PLAIN The crossing of the Antarctic Circle is fjord, with sharp and jagged peaks One of the largest king penguin rookeries a moment to remember for life. The rising out of the sea. Glaciation never on South Georgia is located on Salisbury event will happen while at sea, so be reached the peaks, giving Drygalski Plain. The Murphy and Lucas Glaciers sure to head out on deck to toast the its unique landscape. flank the plain, creating a spectacular achievement. backdrop for photos. GOLD HARBOUR BROWN BLUFF The backdrop to this harbor is the ST. ANDREW’S BAY A dormant volcano, Brown Bluff hanging Bertrab Glacier. Thousands Over 150,000 breeding pairs of king towers 2,225 feet (678 meters) over of king and gentoo penguins call Gold penguins nest at St. Andrew’s Bay—the the rookeries of Adélie and gentoo Harbour home, as do rowdy elephant largest and fastest growing king penguin penguins, which number in the and fur seals. rookery on South Georgia, and a thousands. These penguins will create breathtaking wildlife spectacle to behold. a distinctive symphony of background GRYTVIKEN noise while you explore the bluff. Only a handful of people live, albeit STROMNESS temporarily, on South Georgia, a British This abandoned whaling station was in CIERVA COVE overseas territory. Two of them are full operation on the day in 1916 that Sir If one of your expedition goals is to curators of the South Georgia Museum, Ernest Shackleton and his companions witness jaw-dropping icebergs and giant located in the former villa of the whaling staggered into it after a 36-hour trek sea ice, Cierva Cove will not disappoint. station manager. The local church, built across the island in an attempt to find help A massive glacial face regularly calves into for the whaling community, is the only for their shipmates stranded on Elephant the bay, leaving often spectacular floating building in Grytviken still used for its Island. There is a small cemetery here ice. Seals can be spotted on ice floes, and original purpose. Buried in the church which can be seen from a distance, with later in the season, humpback whales cemetery is one of Antarctica’s most the graves of 14 whalers. occasionally feed in the icy waters.

19 CUVERVILLE ISLAND The hut was cleaned up by the British MELCHIOR ISLANDS Rising out of the mouth of the Errera Antarctic Survey in 1996-97, and more This group of low, glaciated islands in Channel, this tall, steep island is covered recently restored by the UK Antarctic Dallmann Bay is where you may see by a spectrum of lichens and mosses. A Heritage Trust. hauled-out male fur seals as they recuperate large gentoo penguin rookery is situated from their battles for supremacy at the end on a rocky beach at the north end of the ENTERPRISE ISLAND of their breeding season. island. Depending on when in the season Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island MIKKELSEN HARBOR you arrive, you may see the penguins was once used by whalers. A Zodiac Located on the south side of Trinity building nestsm incubating eggs, or cruise exploring the island passes the Island and surrounded by stunning ice attending to their chicks. rusting remains of a wrecked whaling ship, and provides opportunities to cliffs and several reefs, Mikkelsen Harbor DANCO ISLAND search for humpback whales. is a 1.86-mile (3 km)-wide bay, discovered Home to gentoo penguins, this small by a Swedish Antarctic expedition in dome-shaped island provides you with a HOPE BAY 1901-04. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise of the stunning view of the Errera Channel. Three members of the Swedish Antarctic beautiful waters, or if conditions allow, Expedition (1901-04) spent the winter in land at D’Hainaut Island, home to an DETAILLE ISLAND a hut on the shores of the bay. The hut Argentine refuge and whaling remains Detaille Island lies in Lallemand Fjord off is located close to the jetty of Esperanza in the form of a wooden boat and whale Crystal Sound, on the Loubet Coast, east Station, an Argentine research station. skeletons. Weddell seals are often seen in of Adelaide Island. The hut at this site the area and a gentoo penguin rookery is is the British Antarctic Survey’s Station LEMAIRE CHANNEL situated on the island. W, which was evacuated in 1959 when One of the most scenic locations on the sea ice and weather made relief by ship peninsula’s west coast, this dramatic NEKO HARBOUR impossible, and base personnel were strait runs between Booth Island and the Little evidence remains that this bay was forced to close the station and transfer to Antarctic Peninsula. The channel may once used by the floating whale factory Station Y at Horseshoe Island. Research become impassable when ice fills the ship Neko. You might see whale vertebrae undertaken at Detaille Island site focused narrow, 6.8-mile (11 km)-long passageway, being used by resident gentoo penguins on surveying, geology and meteorology. so we’ll hope for clear waters. as shelter from the wind. Climb up a steep slope for spectacular views of the glacier-rimmed harbor.

20 PARADISE BAY PETERMANN ISLAND humpbacks bubble-net feeding: they Paradise Bay is a wide bay and natural Here, near the Lemaire Channel, you can exhale while swimming in a wide circle harbor on the West Antarctic Peninsula. stand on shore and see the southernmost below the surface, trapping krill in a Mountains, glaciers and ice cliffs offer breeding colony of gentoo penguins. “net” of bubbles, and then swim straight spectacular views. Icebergs occasionally Adélie penguins, shags and south polar up from below, mouths open, to engulf calve from the glaciers, providing a skuas also inhabit the island. their prey. A truly astounding sight! place for seals, penguins and seabirds PORT LOCKROY to rest and play. An Argentine research WATERBOAT POINT As part of Operation Tabarin during the Two scientists studying penguin behavior base, Brown Base—named after Admiral Second World War, a secret British base lived in a water boat on this point from Guillermo Brown, father of the Argentine was built in this sheltered harbor, located 1921 to 1922. The remains of their camp Navy—is also located in Paradise Bay, and on the west side of Wiencke Island. Now have been designated an Antarctic was operated from 1951 until it burned a designated historic site, the base is a historic site. The aptly named Waterboat down in 1984. It has since been partially museum and post office. Proceeds from Point is also home to a Chilean Antarctic rebuilt and today is used during summer your purchases in Port Lockroy support research station, named González Videla months for scientific research. the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, which Base after the first sitting head of state to PAULET ISLAND preserves British and other historic sites visit the Antarctic continent. When the Located in the northwestern Weddell dating to the Heroic Age of Exploration. base is manned, you may be welcomed Sea, Paulet Island is home to a large A large gentoo penguin population inside for a visit by the base personnel, Adélie penguin rookery. With a volcanic resides here. or you may visit the resident nesting cone that rises 1,158 feet (353 meters), gentoo rookery if the base is inactive. WILHELMINA BAY the island reminds you that this was Humpback whales abound in “Whale- once a very active landscape. In addition mina Bay,” as it’s nicknamed, and the South Shetland Islands to penguins, you may be interested in scenery is spectacular. Sheer cliffs and AITCHO ISLANDS visiting a historic hut built by members of glaciers surround the calm waters of the This group of small islands is situated the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901- protected bay, named after Wilhelmina, in the northern entrance of the English 04. A cross marks the gravesite of Ole queen of the Netherlands from 1890 to Strait. You can often spot a great mix Wennersgaard, a member of the crew. 1948. If you’re lucky, you may see the of wildlife in the area, with gentoo and

21 chinstrap penguins having established all the men alive. On August 30, 1916, macaroni penguin. Due to the rather rookeries on the islands. Southern 137 days later, Shackleton returned to congested area available to the nesting elephant and fur seals frequently rescue his men with the vessel Yelcho. A penguins, we are able to visit here only haul out here, too. bronze bust of the Yelcho’s Captain, Luis after January 10. Pardo Villalon, can be seen within the BAILY HEAD PENDULUM COVE chinstrap penguin colony at Point Wild. Also known as Rancho Point, Baily Geothermal waters are found along the Conditions here can make shore landings Head is a rocky headland on the shoreline of this Deception Island cove, rare, but we hope to spot this historic southeastern shore of Deception named for observations made on Earth’s island from Zodiacs or the ship. Island. A large colony of chinstrap gravity using pendulums in 1829 by a penguins build nests on slopes leading HALF MOON ISLAND British expedition. You may see steam to a high ridge that forms a natural This crescent-shaped island was known rising from the shore and “cooked” amphitheater and provides a superb to sealers as early as 1821. While they krill floating on the surface due to the setting for landscape photography. tried to keep this productive location volcanically heated water. secret, we’re happy to bring you ashore ELEPHANT ISLAND PENGUIN ISLAND on this impressive island. Many Antarctic Elephant Island is a site of great The entire continent of Antarctica has birds breed here, including chinstrap historical significance as Shackleton’s only two species of flowering plants, penguins, shags, Wilson’s storm petrels, party beached here after the Endurance both of which you can find on Penguin kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic sank in the Weddell Sea. Twenty-two Island: Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia terns and skuas. of Shackleton’s men remained here, antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort living under a lifeboat, while ‘the Boss’ HANNAH POINT (Colobanthus quitensis). Chinstrap and five companions took to the James On the southern coast of Livingston penguins, fur seals and southern elephant Caird and sailed for South Georgia. Island at Hannah Point, you may see seals can also be spotted here. The stranded party, led by Frank Wild chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries, (for whom Point Wild is named), kept along with the occasional breeding

22 ROBERT POINT by whalers from 1906 to 1931 and is part A beautiful spot for Zodiac cruising, this of a protected harbor created by the EXPEDITION SPIRIT point was known to sealers as early as formation of the circular flooded caldera Embracing the unexpected is part 1820. Chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and known as Deception Island. Along with of the legacy—and excitement—of pintado petrels breed here, and whales waddling penguins and lounging seals, expedition travel. When traveling may be seen in the surrounding waters. you’ll see the rusting remains of whaling in extremely remote regions, your operations on the beach. Watch for steam Expedition Team must allow the sea, TELEFON BAY along the shoreline from geothermic the ice and the weather to guide route Your Expedition Team will be happy activity when the tide is right. and itinerary details. This itinerary to point out that this is where the most is a tentative outline of what you’ll recent evidence of volcanic eruption on YANKEE HARBOUR experience on this voyage; please be Deception Island can be observed. Gentoo penguins have established a aware that no specific itinerary can be rookery at this harbor, situated on the guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife TURRET POINT southwest side of Greenwich Island. encounters as described are expected, Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries Here, you can see an abandoned but not guaranteed. Your Expedition are found on this point, situated on the Team will use their considerable Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier northeast coast of King George Island. experience to seek out wildlife in that stretches along the east and north The beaches here are often crowded with known habitats, but the presence of sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing southern elephant, fur and Weddell seals any particular species of bird or marine try pot is all that remains of the activity hauled out on the rocks. wildlife is not guaranteed. that brought men thousands of miles in WHALER’S BAY tall ships to seek their fortune. Enjoy a To reach Whaler’s Bay, it is necessary rare chance for a longer walk along the to sail through a narrow passage called expansive beach, dotted with historical Neptune’s Bellows. The bay was used artifacts and wildlife.

23 ANTARCTIC 2021.22 EPIC ANTARCTICA

Crossing the Circle via Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia Crossing the Circle via Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia Overview Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia

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.

Our Epic Antarctica voyage is called so for a reason—it includes all of the major Antarctic highlights you can imagine. From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will have countless unforgettable moments on this adventure-packed, 23-day voyage. EXPEDITION IN BRIEF Start with the Falklands, reminiscent of both sandy Cape Cod and the Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife from English moors, home to albatross, dolphins, and five species of penguins. our expert team of lecturers From there, venture to South Georgia where you’ll enter the home of Explore the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falkland Islands 300,000 breeding king penguins, 50 million other seabirds and 5 million (Islas Malvinas) seals. Then, explore the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, and finally cross the See the incredible wildlife— Antarctic Circle—a significant milestone for any world traveler. more than 30 species of breeding birds, including four species of Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries and our expeditions penguin—of South Georgia, often called the Galapagos of the Poles offer the chance for you to discover why. We’re excited to host you on your Follow in the wake of Sir Ernest unforgettable adventure! Feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Shackleton’s perilous voyage to South Georgia and visit his grave site Advisers who can answer your questions and provide assistance at any time. Cross the Antarctic Circle and celebrate with a toast

1 Itinerary

DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN every Antarctic adventure presents USHUAIA, ARGENTINA new opportunities and experiences, Santiago Buenos Aires Your gateway for this expedition is embarkation day is just as exciting for ARGENTINA Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the your Expedition Team as it is for you. Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia On board to ensure your comfort and has a small-town feel yet boasts many CHILE safety, your team will also help make Falkland Islands shops, museums, cafés and restaurants (Islas Malvinas) your wildlife dreams come true. Atlantic Ocean that you can enjoy before your voyage. Stanley South Georgia DAY 3 | AT SEA Punta Arenas If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby Ushuaia Tierra del Fuego National Park and Your days at sea are filled with South Shetland Drake Passage Islands Martial Glacier offer plenty of outdoor presentations and lectures led by your Anvers activities, such as hiking. Expedition Team, who will prepare you Island for the wildlife that will greet you upon Lemaire Channel LE DAY 2 | EMBARKATION DAY IRC C Weddell Sea your arrival. In between presentations, TIC RC TA As you embark, the anticipation grows. N Antarctic spend time chatting with your shipmates A Peninsula Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet over a drink at the bar, or enjoy the fresh and greet your fellow travelers and air and views on the outer decks. EPIC ANTARCTICA get acquainted with your ship. Since Crossing the Circle via Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia On board the Ocean Diamond

2 DAYS 4 & 5 | FALKLAND ISLANDS plus two endemic bird species—the DAYS 8–11 | SOUTH GEORGIA (ISLAS MALVINAS) flightless Falkland steamer duck and This remote, mountainous island was a Upon your arrival in the Falklands possibly the elusive Cobb’s wren. popular stop for many historic Antarctic (Malvinas), your camera will get its first expeditions and was once a haven for Your team of lecturers and specialists will real workout capturing the abundant hunting whales and seals. Today, island be sure to educate you on the local flora wildlife and rugged feel of this sub- wildlife populations are rebounding, but and fauna, making the most out of your Antarctic region. The archipelago you’ll still see remnants of old whaling time in the Falklands. contains two main islands, East Falkland stations and other abandoned outposts. and West Falkland, which you will DAYS 6 & 7 | AT SEA One significant and historic site is the explore during daily Zodiac excursions Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you’ll grave of the great explorer Sir Ernest and landings. officially enter Antarctic waters once Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the you cross the Antarctic Convergence, an Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, is settlement of Grytviken, which is also invisible biological boundary encircling often a favored landing site, as the town home to an old whaling station, plus a the continent. This meeting of oceans, offers a unique British outpost feel, museum, gift shop, church and small where the cold Antarctic waters mix complete with eclectic charm. You’ll be research station. free to explore, grab a pint at the local pub and mingle with the warmer waters of or visit the cathedral and museum. the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Although South Georgia’s history is an helps nourish the abundance of krill important attraction to the island, it is The Archipelago is rich in wildlife, that attracts whales, seals, and birdlife to the tremendous abundance of wildlife especially birds, and home to Magellanic, this part of the world. Your Expedition that you and your shipmates will surely gentoo and southern rockhopper Team will notify you when you cross this find most captivating. Each landing you penguins. If you’re lucky, you may even invisible yet important line, and also look make on South Georgia, often referred to spot king penguins here as well! You can out for the seabirds and marine life that as the Galapagos of the Poles, will open expect to see black-browed albatross, frequent the area. your eyes to the wondrous lives of new, enthralling creatures.

3 One day you may see rookeries with DAYS 14–16 | SOUTH SHETLAND hundreds of thousands of pairs of king ISLANDS & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA The experience is hard to put into words, EXPEDITION SPIRIT penguins waddling on a beach, and Embracing the unexpected is part but the most common reaction upon the next, you may visit another beach of the legacy—and excitement—of reaching the White Continent is a sense blanketed with thousands of fur or expedition travel. When traveling of reverence and awe. You will discover elephant seals. The grasses, mountains in extremely remote regions, your and beaches of South Georgia all play that Antarctica is a land of extremes: at Expedition Team must consider the an important role in the breeding and one moment you’ll be overcome with a sea, ice and weather to guide the route survival of different species on the island. feeling of complete silence and solitude; and itinerary details. This itinerary is This fragile and interwoven relationship the next, you’ll be laughing at the comical a tentative outline of what you may is something your Expedition Team will antics of a curious penguin. experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be instill in you during your time here. Zodiac cruising, visits to historical sites guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife and, of course, communing with seals DAYS 12 & 13 | AT SEA encounters as described are expected, and penguins are sure to keep you Say goodbye to the king penguins, as but not guaranteed. Your Expedition smiling every day. Perhaps you’ll catch your next destination is Antarctica! Your Team will use their considerable sight of the fearless penguin eater, the days at sea are filled with presentations, experience to seek out wildlife in leopard seal, or maybe you’ll come eye lectures and workshops led by your known habitats, but the presence of to eye with a humpback whale while any particular species of bird or marine Expedition Team, who will prepare you you are cruising in a Zodiac. Each day wildlife is not guaranteed. for the wildlife that will greet you upon and each excursion will present a new your arrival. collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.

4 If you find yourself wanting more, treat yourself to an optional kayaking adventure (reserve in advance when booking your trip) or a swim in Antarctic waters during the Polar Plunge!

DAYS 17 & 18 | ANTARCTIC CIRCLE Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. If conditions allow us to cross this famed line at 66°33´ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

DAYS 19 & 20 | NORTHBOUND ALONG THE PENINSULA If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to the Drake Passage. You will continue to make excursions by Zodiac as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.

DAYS 21 & 22 | CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE After more than three weeks of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of approval on your Antarctic adventure.

DAY 23 | DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your Expedition Team. Airport transfers will be provided for those departing on the first homeward flights. Other guests will be transferred to town.

5 Included Activities

10 Adventure Options

SEA KAYAKING out on calm days, with our expert guides Imagine gliding across the surface of always present to provide instruction a bay in the presence of icebergs and and help you connect with the polar glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program is sea. Two outings will be pre-booked, a great way to intimately explore your and once successfully completed, any surroundings. A small group of kayakers subsequent outings will be offered via will plan to go out multiple times per lottery on board. voyage as an alternative to shore landings or Zodiac cruises. CAMPING Treat yourself to an overnight camping The number of opportunities to kayak adventure in Antarctica! This is one of is weather dependent, and will be the best ways to experience Antarctica conducted only during calm conditions. in an intimate manner, taking your Prior kayaking experience is required, expedition to the next level. Camping is and you must be able to do a wet exit available on most early-season Antarctic to participate. Beginners interested in voyages. An onboard safety briefing kayaking should consider participating in gets you fully prepped and ready for an the Paddling Excursion. unforgettable night of sleeping under the Antarctic summer sky. Dress warmly and PADDLING EXCURSION eat a hearty meal before you head out, as If you’re interested in kayaking but PLEASE NOTE no food is allowed on land. You will be would like to try something a bit less For all paid activities pre-booking is provided with an insulating mat, sleeping demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re required. We recommend booking early bag, and bivvy sack (a thin waterproof the perfect candidate to sign up for a as spaces fill quickly. Please see your outer bag) to keep you comfortable pre-departure guide for a list of provided one-time paddle on our stable sit-on- and dry while you sleep on top of the gear for each Adventure Option. top kayaks—perfect for anyone with snow. Our popular camping options minimal or no kayaking experience. have limited availability, so book early to Small groups of passengers will be taken secure your space.

11 Dates and Rates Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia

OCEAN DIAMOND Adventure Options Single Single Obst. Twin Obst. Dates Days Start / End Triple Twin Window Suite Balcony Suite Porthole View View ANTARCTIC 2021.22 DEC 27, 2021 – JAN 18, 2022 23 Ushuaia $19,495 $34,495 $34,495 $27,995 $29,495 $31,995 $33,495 $995 $295 $295 ANTARCTIC 2020.21 DEC 18, 2020 – JAN 9, 2021 23 Ushuaia $16,495 $29,995 $29,995 $23,995 $25,495 $26,995 $28,495 $995 $295 $295

Note: Antarctic Circle crossings in the early part of the season are heavily dependent on ice conditions

12 Inclusions and Exclusions

13 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 what dolphins by the shore, and for whale you may experience on your expedition, blows out at sea. whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, or shore STANLEY 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, where its many pubs. songbirds nest amongst the luxuriant WEST POINT ISLAND growth that covers the gently rolling The Napier family has owned West Point 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.

17 South Georgia famous explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton, Antarctic Peninsula at whose grave you can pay your DRYGALSKI FJORD ANTARCTIC CIRCLE respects. This is a photogenic and dramatic fjord, Although not a shore landing, the with sharp and jagged peaks rising out SALISBURY PLAIN crossing of the Antarctic Circle is a of the sea. Glaciation never reached One of the largest king penguin rookeries moment to remember for life. The the peaks, giving Drygalski its unique on South Georgia is located on Salisbury event will happen while at sea, so be landscape. Plain. The Murphy and Lucas Glaciers sure to head out on deck to toast the flank the plain, creating a perfect achievement. GOLD HARBOUR backdrop for photos. The backdrop to this harbor is the BROWN BLUFF hanging Bertrab Glacier. Thousands ST. ANDREW’S BAY A dormant volcano, Brown Bluff of king and gentoo penguins call Gold Over 150,000 breeding pairs of king towers 2,225 feet (678 meters) over Harbour home, as do rowdy elephant penguins nest at St. Andrew’s Bay—the the rookeries of Adélie and gentoo and fur seals. largest and fastest growing king penguin penguins, which number in the rookery on South Georgia. It’s a true thousands. These penguins will create GRYTVIKEN wildlife spectacle to behold. a symphony of background noise while Only a handful of people live, albeit you explore the bluff. temporarily, on South Georgia, a British STROMNESS overseas territory. Two of them are This abandoned whaling station was in CIERVA COVE curators of the South Georgia Museum, full operation on the day in 1916 that Sir If one of your expedition goals is to located in the former villa of the whaling Ernest Shackleton and his companions witness incredible icebergs and sea station manager. The local church, built staggered into it after a 36-hour trek ice, Cierva Cove is the place for you. A for the whaling community, is the only across the island in an attempt to find massive glacial face regularly calves into building in Grytviken still used for its help for their shipmates stranded the bay, and the floating ice can be quite original purpose. Buried in the church on Elephant Island. There is a small spectacular. Seals can be spotted on ice cemetery is one of Antarctica’s most cemetery here which can be seen from a floes, and later in the season, humpback distance, with the graves of 14 whalers. whales occasionally feed in the icy waters.

18 CUVERVILLE ISLAND on surveying, geology and meteorology. MELCHIOR ISLANDS Rising out of the mouth of the Errera The hut was cleaned up by the British This group of low, glaciated islands Channel, this tall, steep island is covered Antarctic Survey in 1996-97, and more in Dallmann Bay is where you may by a spectrum of lichens and mosses. A recently restored by the UK Antarctic see hauled-out male fur seals as they large gentoo penguin rookery is situated Heritage Trust. recuperate from their battles for on a rocky beach at the north end of the supremacy at the end of their breeding ENTERPRISE ISLAND island. Depending on when in the season season. Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island you arrive, you may see the penguins was once used by whalers. A Zodiac MIKKELSEN HARBOR building nests, incubating eggs, or cruise exploring the island passes the Located on the south side of Trinity attending to their chicks. rusting remains of a wrecked whaling Island and surrounded by stunning ice DANCO ISLAND ship, and provides opportunities to cliffs and several reefs, Mikkelsen Harbor Home to gentoo penguins, this small search for humpback whales. is a 1.86-mile (3 km)-wide bay, discovered dome-shaped island provides you with a by a Swedish Antarctic expedition in HOPE BAY stunning view of the Errera Channel. 1901-04. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise of the Three members of the Swedish Antarctic beautiful waters, or if conditions allow, DETAILLE ISLAND Expedition (1901-04) spent the winter in land at D’Hainaut Island, home to an Detaille Island lies in Lallemand Fjord off a hut on the shores of the bay. The hut Argentine refuge and whaling remains Crystal Sound, on the Loubet Coast, east is located close to the jetty of Esperanza in the form of a wooden boat and whale of Adelaide Island. The hut at this site Station, an Argentine research station. skeletons. Weddell seals are often seen in is the British Antarctic Survey’s Station LEMAIRE CHANNEL the area and a gentoo penguin rookery is W, which was evacuated in 1959 when One of the most scenic locations on the situated on the island. sea ice and weather made relief by ship peninsula’s west coast, this dramatic impossible, and base personnel were NEKO HARBOUR strait runs between Booth Island and the forced to close the station and transfer to Little evidence remains that this bay was Antarctic Peninsula. The channel may Station Y at Horseshoe Island. Research once used by the floating whale factory become impassable when ice fills the undertaken at Detaille Island site focused ship Neko. You might see whale vertebrae narrow, 6.8-mile (11 km)-long passageway, being used by resident gentoo penguins so we’ll hope for clear waters.

19 as shelter from the wind. Climb up a to penguins, you may be interested in WILHELMINA BAY steep slope for spectacular views of the visiting a historic hut built by members of Humpback whales abound in “Whale- glacier-rimmed harbor. the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901- mina Bay,” as it’s nicknamed, and the 04. A cross marks the grave site of Ole scenery is spectacular. Sheer cliffs and PARADISE BAY Wennersgaard, a member of the crew. glaciers surround the calm waters of the Paradise Bay is a wide bay and natural protected bay, named after Wilhelmina, harbor on the West Antarctic Peninsula. PETERMANN ISLAND queen of the Netherlands from 1890 to Mountains, glaciers and ice cliffs offer Here, near the Lemaire Channel, you can 1948. If you’re lucky, you may see the spectacular views. Icebergs occasionally stand ashore and see the southernmost humpbacks bubble-net feeding: they calve from the glaciers, providing a breeding colony of gentoo penguins. exhale while swimming in a wide circle place for seals, penguins and seabirds Adélie penguins, shags and south polar below the surface, trapping krill in a to rest and play. An Argentine research skuas also inhabit the island. “net” of bubbles, and then swim straight base, Brown Base—named after Admiral PORT LOCKROY up from below, mouths open, to engulf Guillermo Brown, father of the Argentine As part of Operation Tabarin during the their prey. A truly astounding sight! Navy—is also located in Paradise Bay, and Second World War, a secret British base was operated from 1951 until it burned was built in this sheltered harbor, located down in 1984. It has since been partially South Shetland Islands on the west side of Wiencke Island. Now rebuilt and today is used during summer AITCHO ISLANDS a designated historic site, the base is a months for scientific research. This group of small islands is situated museum and post office. Proceeds from in the northern entrance of the English PAULET ISLAND your purchases in Port Lockroy support Strait. You can often spot a great mix Located in the northwestern Weddell the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, which of wildlife in the area, with gentoo and Sea, Paulet Island is home to a large preserves British and other historic sites chinstrap penguins having established Adélie penguin rookery. With a volcanic dating to the Heroic Age of Exploration. rookeries on the islands. Southern cone that rises 1,158 feet (353 meters), A large gentoo penguin population elephant, fur and Weddell seals the island reminds you that this was resides here. frequently haul out here too. once a very active landscape. In addition

20 BAILY HEAD with the vessel Yelcho. A bronze bust of macaroni penguin. Due to the rather Also known as Rancho Point, Bailey the Yelcho’s Captain, Luis Pardo Villalon, congested area available to the nesting Head is a rocky headland on the can be seen within the chinstrap penguin penguins, we are able to visit here only southeastern shore of Deception Island. colony at Point Wild. Conditions here after January 10. A large colony of chinstrap penguins can make shore landings rare, but we PENDULUM COVE build nests on slopes leading to a high hope to spot this historic island from Geothermal waters are found along the ridge that forms a natural amphitheater Zodiacs or the ship. shoreline of this Deception Island cove, and provides a superb setting for HALF MOON ISLAND named for observations made on Earth’s landscape photography. This crescent-shaped island was known gravity using pendulums in 1829 by a ELEPHANT ISLAND to sealers as early as 1821. While they British expedition. You may see steam Elephant Island is a site of great tried to keep this productive location rising from the shore and “cooked” historical significance as Shackleton’s secret, we’re happy to bring you ashore krill floating on the surface due to the party beached here after the Endurance on this impressive island. Many Antarctic volcanically heated water. sank in the Weddell Sea. Twenty-two of birds breed here, including chinstrap PENGUIN ISLAND Shackleton’s men remained here, living penguins, shags, Wilson’s storm petrels, The entire continent of Antarctica has under a lifeboat, while ‘the Boss’ and five kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic only two species of flowering plants, companions took to the James Caird and terns and skuas. both of which you can find on Penguin sailed for South Georgia. The stranded HANNAH POINT Island: Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia party, led by Frank Wild (for whom On the southern coast of Livingston antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort Point Wild is named), kept all the men Island at Hannah Point, you may see (Colobanthus quitensis). Chinstrap alive. On August 30, 1916, 137 days later, chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries, penguins, fur seals and southern elephant Shackleton returned to rescue his men along with the occasional breeding seals can also be spotted here.

21 ROBERT POINT by whalers from 1906 to 1931 and is part A beautiful spot for Zodiac cruising, this of a protected harbor created by the EXPEDITION SPIRIT point was known to sealers as early as formation of the circular flooded caldera Embracing the unexpected is part 1820. Chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and known as Deception Island. Along with of the legacy—and excitement—of pintado petrels breed here, and whales waddling penguins and lounging seals, expedition travel. When traveling may be seen in the surrounding waters. you’ll see the rusting remains of whaling in extremely remote regions, your operations on the beach. Watch for steam Expedition Team must allow the sea, TELEFON BAY along the shoreline from geothermic the ice and the weather to guide route Your Expedition Team will be happy activity when the tide is right. and itinerary details. This itinerary to point out that this is where the most is a tentative outline of what you’ll recent evidence of volcanic eruption on YANKEE HARBOUR experience on this voyage; please be Deception Island can be seen. Gentoo penguins have established a aware that no specific itinerary can be rookery at this harbor, situated on the guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife TURRET POINT southwest side of Greenwich Island. encounters as described are expected, Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries Here, you can see an abandoned but not guaranteed. Your Expedition are found on this point, situated on the Team will use their considerable Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier south coast of King George Island. The experience to seek out wildlife in that stretches along the east and north beaches here are often crowded with known habitats, but the presence of sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing southern elephant, fur and Weddell seals any particular species of bird or marine try pot is all that remains of the activity hauled out on the rocks. wildlife is not guaranteed. that brought men thousands of miles in WHALER’S BAY tall ships to seek their fortune. Enjoy a To reach Whaler’s Bay, it is necessary rare chance for a longer walk along the to sail through a narrow passage called expansive beach, dotted with historical Neptune’s Bellows. The bay was used artifacts and wildlife.

22 ANTARCTIC 2021.22 FALKLANDS (MALVINAS), SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTICA

Explorers and Kings 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.

4 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

10 Inclusions and Exclusions

12 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 towers 2,225 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.

20 ANTARCTIC 2021.22 SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

Penguin Safari with flights from Buenos Aires

INAUGURAL SEASON Overview South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari

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. Our South Georgia and Antarctica: Penguin Safari itinerary is the fastest way to get to the seldom visited South Georgia Island while also setting foot on the 7th continent. As we set sail, photograph massive albatross and beautiful pintado EXPEDITION IN BRIEF petrels as they swoop and soar around the ship, guiding us toward South Georgia. Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals greet us on this fabled tango capital of the world, and let us take care of the rest of your journey island, where we’ll pay our respects to famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Antarctica awaits, with its soaring peaks and staggering expanse. Go further into See South Georgia’s incredible the Antarctic sea on a Zodiac, experience the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak, wildlife, including 30 breeding bird species and four penguin species undertake an exhilarating hike up a sparkling glacier, or share an endearingly Follow in the wake of Sir Ernest comical moment with an inquisitive gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguin. In Shackleton’s perilous voyages to these ways and countless others, Antarctica will amaze, surprise and delight. South Georgia and visit his gravesite Explore the Antarctic Peninsula by Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries—now it’s your turn. Be ship, Zodiac and foot among the first guests on our pioneering new vessel, Ultramarine. This purpose- Learn about Antarctica’s unique built vessel is designed to extend the boundaries of polar exploration and offer geology, history and wildlife from our an unmatched Antarctic experience, including a flightseeing tour you’ll never onboard experts forget and a range of adventure options more extensive than any other ship in its Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic with an optional class. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable adventure! Please feel free paddling excursion to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers, who are happy to answer your Enjoy helicopter flightseeing from questions and provide assistance at any time. Ultramarine for a unique perspective of the Antarctic Peninsula

1 Itinerary

DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN After a late afternoon embarkation, Santiago Buenos Aires BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA you will sail along the historic Beagle You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any Channel, which transects the Tierra ARGENTINA time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon del Fuego archipelago in the extreme arriving in this splendid city, known for its south of South America. Expect an air of architecture and rich European heritage, anticipation as you depart! CHILE you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night DAYS 3–6 | AT SEA Atlantic Ocea n There are many activities available to South Georgia included in mandatory transfer package). Punta keep you engaged while you are at sea. Arenas Ushuaia DAY 2 | FLY TO USHUAIA & EMBARK Elephant Learn to identify seabirds that glide Drake Passage South Island After an early breakfast at the hotel, Shetland alongside the ship, or attend dynamic Islands the group will transfer to the airport presentations by your Expedition Team. and board our private charter flight to Lemaire Channel You will be prepped on safety procedures ANTARCTIC C IRCLE Ushuaia, Argentina. for Zodiac cruises and shore landings, Weddell Sea Antarctic Upon arrival, you will be transferred and also be given instructions for Peninsula from the airport to a central downtown getting the most out of your optional sea SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Penguin Safari location to have some time on your own kayaking adventures (extra cost), a truly On board the Ultramarine intimate way to experience Antarctica. to explore this quaint port town before Flights to/from Buenos Aires making your way to the pier.

2 If conditions are right, the first indication blanketed with penguins and seals. It DAYS 9 & 10 | AT SEA that you are approaching South Georgia won’t take you long to realize that you Say goodbye to the king penguins, as is the sight of birds around a group of are in a bird paradise, as burrowing your next destination is Antarctica! Your rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have seabirds, albatross and petrels can be days at sea are filled with presentations your binoculars and cameras ready to seen in abundance. and workshops led by your Expedition capture these rocky spires rising out of Team, who will prepare you for the You’ll find that South Georgia, once a the icy ocean waters. Shags and prions wildlife and landscapes that will popular base for whalers and sealers, often rest here, and due to nutrient rich surround you upon your arrival. is also scattered with abandoned relics upwellings around the rocks it can be a and evidence of human activity from DAYS 11–13 | ANTARCTIC PENINSULA good place to keep a lookout for whales. centuries gone by. Your Expedition Team The most common reaction upon DAYS 7 & 8 | SOUTH GEORGIA will help bring those days to life while reaching the White Continent is a sense After enjoying South Georgia from a you visit old whaling stations and enjoy of reverence and awe. The experience is distance, we’ll head toward its numerous presentations on the South Georgia of hard to put into words, since few places beaches to find a bay for your first then and now. are as untouched and enduring excursion. Landing sites are varied, One of the most significant sites you as Antarctica. largely determined by the weather will visit on the island is Grytviken. This You will discover that Antarctica is a conditions of your voyage. Whichever settlement is the first whaling stations land of extremes. At one moment you’ll sites we visit, they’ll provide you with established in sub-Antarctic waters. be overcome with a feeling of complete wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere Many travelers find that this place has a isolation and silence, and at the next else on earth. special appeal, as it is the site of the grave moment you’ll be inspired by nature as South Georgia is one of the most fertile of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant breeding grounds in the world for famous Antarctic explorers. blue sea or a penguin waddles by to sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches inspect your footwear.

3 Your Expedition Team will take care of DAYS 14 & 15 | CROSSING you at each excursion, whether you are THE DRAKE PASSAGE EXPEDITION SPIRIT Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site After more than a dozen days of unique Embracing the unexpected is part or consorting with penguin colonies. wildlife encounters and remarkable of the legacy—and excitement—of Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins landscapes, your journey home begins. expedition travel. When traveling are found here, along with Weddell, Crossing the Drake is your unofficial in extremely remote regions, your fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Keep rite of passage. Spend time on deck Expedition Team must consider the a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as watching for seabirds and whales, enjoy sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each presentations by your Expedition Team, a tentative outline of what you may day and each excursion will present a or simply relax and reminisce about your experience on this voyage; please be new collection of creatures to delight you experiences. aware that no specific itinerary can be and keep your camera busy. DAY 16 | DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and & FLY TO BUENOS AIRES encounters as described are expected, landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning but not guaranteed. Your Expedition to an extra-special Antarctic experience and disembark after breakfast. The Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in by partaking in an optional paddling mandatory transfer package includes known habitats, but the presence of excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason a little taste of Patagonia with a Tierra any particular species of bird or marine aside and jump into Antarctic waters for del Fuego National Park tour before wildlife is not guaranteed. the Polar Plunge! transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

4 Included Activities

9 Adventure Options

10 Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions Exclusions RATES INCLUDE: RATES SPECIFICALLY • Leadership throughout your voyage by our • Formal and informal presentations by our DO NOT INCLUDE: experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled • Manda tory Transfer Package* landings and other activities • A photographic journal documenting the expedition • International airfare • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for • Passport and applicable visa expenses program landings and Zodiac cruising excursions • Government arrival and departure taxes not • All shore landings as per the daily program • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep mentioned • Shipb oard accommodation with daily housekeeping • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin • Meals unless otherwise specified • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any throughout the program travel insurance—strongly recommended dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. • All luggage handling aboard the ship • Ex cess-baggage fees on international flights Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare • Emerg ency Evacuation insurance for all passengers kosher meals.) • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person and cruising excursions, or any other gear not • Sele ct beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea • One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing mentioned and cocoa available around the clock excursion (weather and logistics permitting) • Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified *MANDATORY TRANSFER • Group transfer from hotel to airport in • Phone and Internet charges PACKAGE INCLUDES: Buenos Aires • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for • One pre-night’s hotel accommodation in Buenos • Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, expedition staff and shipboard crew Aires with breakfast (Note: The number of and return (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos • Additional overnight accommodation guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of • Arrival and departure transfers, except where on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers the journey is not included. Please make your explicitly stated who reserve a suite on board are accommodated way to the included hotel.) • Adventure Options not listed in Included in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may • Combined airport transfer and express bus Activities not be available.) tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after • Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ disembarkation in Ushuaia domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia, and returning to Buenos Aires’ international airport (Ezeiza/EZE) PACKAGE PRICE: $995 USD

12 Possible Excursions

When traveling in extremely remote located in the former villa of the whaling regions, your Expedition Team must station manager. The local church, built consider the sea, ice and weather to for the whaling community, is the only guide the route and itinerary details. building in Grytviken still used for its The following sites are a sample of original purpose. Buried in the church what you may experience on your cemetery is one of Antarctica’s most expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac famous explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton, cruise, or shore landing. at whose grave you can pay your respects.

SALISBURY PLAIN South Georgia One of the largest king penguin rookeries DRYGALSKI FJORD on South Georgia is located on Salisbury This is a photogenic and dramatic fjord, Plain. The Murphy and Lucas Glaciers with sharp and jagged peaks rising out of flank the plain, creating a spectacular the sea. Glaciation never reached the peaks, backdrop for photos. giving Drygalski its unique landscape. ST. ANDREW’S BAY GOLD HARBOUR Over 150,000 breeding pairs of king The backdrop to this harbor is the penguins nest at St. Andrew’s Bay—the hanging Bertrab Glacier. Thousands largest and fastest growing king penguin of king and gentoo penguins call Gold rookery on South Georgia, and a wildlife Harbour home, as do rowdy elephant spectacle to behold. and fur seals. STROMNESS GRYTVIKEN This abandoned whaling station was in Only a handful of people live, albeit full operation on the day in 1916 that Sir temporarily, on South Georgia, a British Ernest Shackleton and his companions overseas territory. Two of them are staggered into it after a 36-hour trek curators of the South Georgia Museum, across the island in an attempt to find help for their shipmates stranded on Elephant

16 Island. There is a small cemetery here ENTERPRISE ISLAND 1901-04. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise of the which can be seen from a distance, with Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island beautiful waters, or if conditions allow, the graves of 14 whalers. was once used by whalers. A Zodiac land at D’Hainaut Island, home to an cruise exploring the island passes the Argentine refuge and whaling remains Antarctic Peninsula rusting remains of a wrecked whaling in the form of a wooden boat and whale ship, and provides opportunities to search skeletons. Weddell seals are often seen in BROWN BLUFF for humpback whales. the area and a gentoo penguin rookery is A possible exposed volcano, Brown situated on the island. Bluff towers 2,225 feet (678 meters) HOPE BAY over the rookeries of Adélie and Three members of the Swedish Antarctic PARADISE BAY gentoo penguins, which number in the Expedition (1901-04) spent the winter in Paradise Bay is a wide bay and natural thousands. These penguins will create a hut on the shores of the bay. The hut harbor on the West Antarctic Peninsula. a distinctive symphony of background is located close to the jetty of Esperanza Mountains, glaciers and ice cliffs offer noise while you explore the bluff. Station, an Argentine research station. spectacular views. Icebergs occasionally calve from the glaciers, providing a CIERVA COVE MELCHIOR ISLANDS place for seals, penguins and seabirds If one of your expedition goals is to This group of low, glaciated islands to rest and play. An Argentine research witness incredible icebergs and brash in Dallmann Bay is where you may base, Brown Base—named after Admiral ice, Cierva Cove is the place for you. A see hauled-out male fur seals as they Guillermo Brown, father of the Argentine massive glacial face regularly calves into recuperate from their battles for supremacy Navy—is also located in Paradise Bay, and the bay, and the floating ice can be quite at the end of their breeding season. was operated from 1951 until it burned spectacular. Seals can be spotted on ice down in 1984. It has since been partially floes, and later in the season, humpback MIKKELSEN HARBOR rebuilt and today is used during summer whales occasionally feed in the icy waters. Located on the south side of Trinity Island and surrounded by stunning ice months for scientific research. DANCO ISLAND cliffs and several reefs, Mikkelsen Harbor PAULET ISLAND Home to gentoo penguins, this small is a 1.86-mile (3 km)-wide bay, discovered Located in the northwestern Weddell dome-shaped island provides you with a by a Swedish Antarctic expedition in Sea, Paulet Island is home to a large stunning view of the Errera Channel.

17 Adélie penguin rookery. With a volcanic WATERBOAT POINT BAILY HEAD cone that rises 1,158 feet (353 meters), Two scientists studying penguin behavior Also known as Rancho Point, Baily the island reminds you that this was lived in a water boat on this point from Head is a rocky headland on the once a very active landscape. In addition 1921 to 1922. The remains of their camp southeastern shore of Deception Island. to penguins, you may be interested in have been designated an Antarctic A large colony of chinstrap penguins visiting a historic hut built by members of historic site. The aptly named Waterboat build nests on slopes leading to a high the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901- Point is also home to a Chilean Antarctic ridge that forms a natural amphitheater 04. A cross marks the gravesite of Ole research station, named González Videla and provides a superb setting for Wennersgaard, a member of the crew. Base after the first sitting head of state to landscape photography. visit the Antarctic continent. When the WILHELMINA BAY HALF MOON ISLAND base is manned, you may be welcomed Humpback whales abound in “Whale- This crescent-shaped island was known inside for a visit by the base personnel, mina Bay,” as it’s nicknamed, and the to sealers as early as 1821. While they or you may visit the resident nesting scenery is spectacular. Sheer cliffs and tried to keep this productive location gentoo rookery if the base is inactive. glaciers surround the calm waters of the secret, we’re happy to bring you ashore protected bay, named after Wilhelmina, on this impressive island. Many Antarctic queen of the Netherlands from 1890 to South Shetland Islands birds breed here, including chinstrap 1948. If you’re lucky, you may see the AITCHO ISLANDS penguins, shags, Wilson’s storm petrels, humpbacks bubble-net feeding: they This group of small islands is situated kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic exhale while swimming in a wide circle in the northern entrance of the English terns and skuas. below the surface, trapping their prey Strait. You can often spot a great mix HANNAH POINT in a “net” of bubbles, and then swim of wildlife in the area, with gentoo and On the southern coast of Livingston straight up from below, mouths open. A chinstrap penguins having established Island at Hannah Point, you may see truly astounding sight! rookeries on the islands. Southern elephant and fur seals frequently haul out chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries, here, too. along with the occasional breeding

18 macaroni penguin. Due to the rather ROBERT POINT by whalers from 1906 to 1931 and is part congested area available to the nesting A beautiful spot for Zodiac cruising, this of a protected harbor created by the penguins, we are able to visit here only point was known to sealers as early as formation of the circular flooded caldera after January 10. 1820. Chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and known as Deception Island. Along with pintado petrels breed here, and whales waddling penguins and lounging seals, PENDULUM COVE may be seen in the surrounding waters. you’ll see the rusting remains of whaling Geothermal waters are found along the operations on the beach. Watch for steam shoreline of this Deception Island cove, TELEFON BAY along the shoreline from geothermic named for observations made on Earth’s Your Expedition Team will be happy activity when the tide is right. gravity using pendulums in 1829 by a to point out that this is where the most British expedition. You may see steam recent evidence of volcanic eruption on YANKEE HARBOUR rising from the shore and “cooked” Deception Island can be observed. Gentoo penguins have established a krill floating on the surface due to the rookery at this harbor, situated on the TURRET POINT volcanically heated water. southwest side of Greenwich Island. Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries Here, you can see an abandoned PENGUIN ISLAND are found on this point, situated on the Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier The entire continent of Antarctica has northeast coast of King George Island. that stretches along the east and north only two species of flowering plants, The beaches here are often crowded with sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing both of which you can find on Penguin southern elephant, fur and Weddell seals try pot is all that remains of the activity Island: Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia hauled out on the rocks. that brought men thousands of miles in antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort WHALER’S BAY tall ships to seek their fortune. Enjoy a (Colobanthus quitensis). Chinstrap To reach Whaler’s Bay, it is necessary rare chance for a longer walk along the penguins, fur seals and southern elephant to sail through a narrow passage called expansive beach, dotted with historical seals can also be spotted here. Neptune’s Bellows. The bay was used artifacts and wildlife.

19 ANTARCTIC 2021.22 SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

Penguin Safari Overview South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari

The Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions offer so many extraordinary things to see and do for adventurous travelers. We’ve designed this guide to help you figure out what interests you most in order to plan the perfect expedition that suits your interests and passions.

The South Georgia and Antarctica: Penguin Safari itinerary is the fastest way to get to the rarely visited South Georgia Island while also stepping foot on the 7th Continent. As we set sail, photograph massive albatross and beautiful pintado petrels as they swoop and soar around the ship, guiding us toward South Georgia. Beaches teeming EXPEDITION IN BRIEF with king penguins and elephant seals greet us on this fabled island, where we’ll See South Georgia’s incredible wildlife, including 30 breeding bird pay our respects to famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Antarctica awaits, with its species and four penguin species soaring peaks and overwhelming enormity. Relax on a Zodiac ride, hike to overlooks Follow in the wake of Sir Ernest of glistening glaciers, share comical moments with inquisitive gentoo, chinstrap and Shackleton’s perilous voyages to South Georgia and pause for a Adélie penguins, or witness the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak. Antarctica will moment at his grave site surprise and delight, and never disappoint. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and foot Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries and this expedition offers 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 polar adventure! Feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers who can Immerse yourself in the icy realm answer your questions and provide assistance at any time. of the Antarctic, with an optional paddling excursion

1 Itinerary

DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN DAYS 3–6 | AT SEA USHUAIA, ARGENTINA There are many activities to keep you Santiago Buenos Aires You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, engaged while you are at sea. Learn to ARGENTINA a small but bustling port at the tip of identify seabirds that glide alongside the South America. It’s the ideal gateway ship, or attend dynamic presentations for you to explore the southern extent CHILE by your Expedition Team. You will be Falkland Islands of Patagonia while preparing for (Islas Malvinas) prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac your adventure ahead. Get active in Atlantic Ocean cruises and shore landings, and also South Georgia the mountains or enjoy handcrafted Punta Arenas be given instructions for getting the Ushuaia chocolate at a café in town. most out of your optional sea kayaking Elephant Drake Passage South Island Shetland adventures (extra cost), a truly intimate Islands DAY 2 | EMBARKATION DAY way to experience Antarctica. Embarkation will occur in the late Lemaire Channel afternoon, after which your vessel will LE If conditions are right, the first indication RC Weddell Sea CI TIC sail down the historic Beagle Channel, RC that you are approaching South Georgia TA Antarctic AN which transects the Tierra del Fuego is the sight of birds around a group of Peninsula archipelago in the extreme south rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA of South America. Expect an air of your binoculars and cameras ready to Penguin Safari anticipation as you depart! capture these rocky spires rising out of On board the Ocean Adventurer, Ocean Diamond, or World Explorer

2 the icy ocean waters. Shags and prions You’ll find that South Georgia, once a Team, who will prepare you for the often rest here, and due to nutrient rich popular base for whalers and sealers, wildlife and landscapes that will upwellings around the rocks it can be a is also scattered with abandoned relics surround you upon your arrival. good place to keep a lookout for whales. and evidence of human activity from DAYS 11–13 | ANTARCTIC PENINSULA centuries gone by. Your Expedition Team DAYS 7 & 8 | SOUTH GEORGIA The most common reaction upon will help bring those days to life while After enjoying South Georgia from a reaching the White Continent is a sense you visit old whaling stations and enjoy distance, we’ll head toward its numerous of reverence and awe. The experience is presentations on the South Georgia of beaches to find a bay for your first hard to put into words, since few places then and now. excursion. Landing sites are varied, are as untouched and enduring largely determined by the weather One of the most significant sites you as Antarctica. conditions of your voyage. Whichever will visit on the island is Grytviken. You will discover that Antarctica is a sites we visit, they’ll provide you with This settlement is the first whaling land of extremes. At one moment you’ll wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere stations established in sub-Antarctic be overcome with a feeling of complete else on earth. waters. Many travelers find that this isolation and silence, and at the next place has a special appeal, as it is the site South Georgia is one of the most fertile moment you’ll be inspired by nature as of the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one breeding grounds in the world for a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant of the most famous Antarctic explorers. sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches blue sea or a penguin waddles by to blanketed with penguins and seals. It DAYS 9 & 10 | AT SEA inspect your footwear. won’t take you long to realize that you Say goodbye to the king penguins, as Your Expedition Team will take care of are in a bird paradise, as burrowing your next destination is Antarctica! Your you at each excursion, whether you are seabirds, albatross and petrels can be days at sea are filled with presentations Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site seen in abundance. and workshops led by your Expedition

3 or consorting with penguin colonies. DAYS 14 & 15 | CROSSING Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins THE DRAKE PASSAGE are found here, along with Weddell, After more than a dozen days of unique EXPEDITION SPIRIT fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Keep wildlife encounters and remarkable Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as landscapes, your journey home begins. expedition travel. When traveling minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each Crossing the Drake is your unofficial in extremely remote regions, your day and each excursion will present a rite of passage. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoy Expedition Team must consider the new collection of creatures to delight sea, ice and weather to guide the route presentations by your Expedition Team, you and keep your camera busy. and itinerary details. This itinerary is or simply relax and reminisce about a tentative outline of what you may As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and your experiences. landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be to an extra-special Antarctic experience DAY 16 | DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife by partaking in an optional paddling You will arrive in Ushuaia in the encounters as described are expected, excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason morning, which allows for you to but not guaranteed. Your Expedition continue your adventure onward or aside and jump into Antarctic waters for Team will use their considerable the Polar Plunge! catch your flights home. experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.

4 Included Activities

11 Adventure Options

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 up paddleboarding excursions can be If you’re interested in kayaking but pre-booked in two consecutive priority PLEASE NOTE would like to try something a bit less groups. After the first two successful Pre-booking is required for all paid demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re outings, this activity will be offered activities. We recommend booking early, as spaces fill quickly. Please the perfect candidate to sign up for a via lottery on board the ship for any see your pre-departure guide for one-time paddle on our stable sit-on- subsequent outings. a list of provided gear for each top kayaks—perfect for anyone with Adventure Option.

12 Inclusions and Exclusions

14 Possible Excursions

When traveling in extremely remote located in the former villa of the whaling regions, your Expedition Team must station manager. The local church, built consider the sea, ice and weather to for the whaling community, is the only guide the route and itinerary details. building in Grytviken still used for its The following sites are a sample of what original purpose. Buried in the church you may experience on your expedition, cemetery is one of Antarctica’s most whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, or shore famous explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton, landing. at whose grave you can pay your respects.

South Georgia SALISBURY PLAIN DRYGALSKI FJORD One of the largest king penguin rookeries This is a photogenic and dramatic fjord, on South Georgia is located on Salisbury with sharp and jagged peaks rising out Plain. The Murphy and Lucas Glaciers of the sea. Glaciation never reached flank the plain, creating a perfect the peaks, giving Drygalski its unique backdrop for photos. landscape. ST. ANDREW’S BAY GOLD HARBOUR Over 150,000 breeding pairs of king The backdrop to this harbor is the penguins nest at St. Andrew’s Bay—the hanging Bertrab Glacier. Thousands largest and fastest growing king penguin of king and gentoo penguins call Gold rookery on South Georgia, and a wildlife Harbour home, as do rowdy elephant spectacle to behold. and fur seals. STROMNESS GRYTVIKEN This abandoned whaling station was in Only a handful of people live, albeit full operation on the day in 1916 that Sir temporarily, on South Georgia, a British Ernest Shackleton and his companions overseas territory. Two of them are staggered into it after a 36-hour trek curators of the South Georgia Museum, across the island in an attempt to find

18 help for their shipmates stranded DANCO ISLAND MIKKELSEN HARBOR on Elephant Island. There is a small Home to gentoo penguins, this small Located on the south side of Trinity cemetery here which can be seen from a dome-shaped island provides you with a Island, Mikkelsen Harbor is a 1.86-mile distance, with the graves of 14 whalers. stunning view of the Errera Channel. (3 km) wide bay surrounded by stunning ice cliffs. It was discovered by a Swedish ENTERPRISE ISLAND Antarctic expedition in 1901–04, and is Antarctic Peninsula Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island surrounded by several reefs. Keep your BROWN BLUFF was once used by whalers. A Zodiac camera close, as gentoo penguins and A dormant volcano, Brown Bluff towers cruise exploring the island passes the skuas, as well as Weddell, Antarctic fur, 2,225 feet (678 meters) over the rookeries rusting remains of a wrecked whaling leopard and crabeater seals, are often of Adélie and gentoo penguins, which ship, and provides opportunities to seen in the region. number in the thousands. These penguins search for humpback whales. will create a symphony of background PARADISE BAY HOPE BAY noise while you explore the bluff. Paradise Bay is a wide bay and natural Three members of the Swedish Antarctic harbor on the West Antarctic Peninsula. CIERVA COVE Expedition (1901-04) spent the winter in Mountains, glaciers and ice cliffs offer If one of your expedition goals is to a hut on the shores of the bay. The hut spectacular views. Icebergs regularly witness incredible icebergs and sea is located close to the jetty of Esperanza calve from the glaciers, providing a ice, Cierva Cove is the place for you. A Station, an Argentine research station. place for seals, penguins and seabirds massive glacial face regularly calves into to rest and play. An Argentine research the bay, and the floating ice can be quite MELCHIOR ISLANDS base, Brown Base—named after Admiral spectacular. Seals can be spotted on ice This group of low, glaciated islands Guillermo Brown, father of the Argentine floes, and later in the season, humpback in Dallmann Bay is where you may Navy—is also located in Paradise Bay, whales occasionally feed in the icy waters. see hauled-out male fur seals as they and was operated from 1951 until it recuperate from their battles for supremacy at the end of their breeding season.

19 burned down in 1984. It has since been humpbacks bubble-net feeding: they amphitheater and provides a superb partially rebuilt and is used as a summer exhale while swimming in a wide circle setting for landscape photography. research base. below the surface, trapping krill in a “net” of bubbles, and then swim straight HALF MOON ISLAND PAULET ISLAND up from below, mouths open, to engulf This crescent-shaped island was known Located in the northwestern Weddell their prey. A truly astounding sight! to sealers as early as 1821. While they Sea, Paulet Island is home to a large tried to keep this productive location Adélie penguin rookery. With a volcanic secret, we’re happy to bring you ashore cone that rises 1,158 feet (353 meters), South Shetland Islands on this impressive island. Many Antarctic the island reminds you that this was AITCHO ISLANDS birds breed here, including chinstrap once a very active landscape. In addition This group of small islands, some still penguins, shags, Wilson’s storm petrels, to penguins, you may be interested in unnamed, is situated in the northern kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic visiting a historic hut built by members of entrance of the English Strait. You can terns and skuas. the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901- often spot a great mix of wildlife in the HANNAH POINT 04. A cross marks the grave site of Ole area, with gentoo and chinstrap penguins On the southern coast of Livingston Wennersgaard, a member of the crew. having established rookeries on the islands. Southern elephant and fur seals Island at Hannah Point, you may see WILHELMINA BAY frequently haul out here, too. chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries, Humpback whales abound in “Whale- along with the occasional breeding BAILY HEAD mina Bay,” as it’s nicknamed, and the macaroni penguin. Due to the rather Also known as Rancho Point, Bailey Head scenery is spectacular. Sheer cliffs and congested area available to the nesting is a rocky headland on the southeastern glaciers surround the calm waters of the penguins, we are able to visit here only shore of Deception Island. Chinstrap protected bay, named after Wilhelmina, after January 10. penguins build nests on slopes leading queen of the Netherlands from 1890 to to a high ridge that forms a natural 1948. If you’re lucky, you may see the

20 PENDULUM COVE TELEFON BAY operations on the beach. Watch for steam Geothermal waters are found along the Your Expedition Team will be happy along the shoreline from geothermic shoreline of this Deception Island cove, to point out that this is where the most activity when the tide is right. named for observations made on Earth’s recent evidence of volcanic eruption on YANKEE HARBOUR gravity using pendulums in 1829 by a Deception Island can be seen. Gentoo penguins have established a British expedition. You may see steam TURRET POINT rookery at this harbor, situated on the rising from the shore and “cooked” Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries southwest side of Greenwich Island. krill floating on the surface due to the are found on this point, situated on the Here, you can see an abandoned volcanically heated water. south coast of King George Island. The Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier PENGUIN ISLAND beaches here are often crowded with that stretches along the east and north Antarctica has two flowering plants, southern elephant, fur and Weddell seals sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing both of which you can find on Penguin hauled out on the rocks. try pot is all that remains of the activity Island: Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia that brought men thousands of miles in antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort WHALER’S BAY tall ships to seek their fortune. Enjoy a (Colobanthus quitensis). Chinstrap To reach Whaler’s Bay, it is necessary rare chance for a longer walk along the penguins, fur seals and southern elephant to sail through a narrow passage called expansive beach, dotted with historical seals can also be spotted here. Neptune’s Bellows. The bay was used artifacts and wildlife. by whalers from 1906 to 1931 and is part ROBERT POINT of a protected harbor created by the A beautiful spot for Zodiac cruising, this formation of the circular flooded caldera point was known to sealers as early as known as Deception Island. Along with 1820. Chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and waddling penguins and lounging seals, pintado petrels breed here, and whales you’ll see the rusting remains of whaling may be seen in the surrounding waters.

21 ANTARCTIC 2021.22 ESSENTIAL PATAGONIA

Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine

INAUGURAL SEASON Overview Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine

Retrace Charles Darwin’s epic voyage to the ‘edge of the world’ on our Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine expedition, a comprehensive journey into Chile’s spectacular network of fjords and channels. Helicopter flightseeing and Zodiac cruises along this enchanting stretch of coastline provide awe-inspiring perspectives of some of the most remote and picturesque landscapes on Earth. From Magellanic penguin colonies and other seabirds to South American sea lions and southern elephant seals, the fascinating array of wildlife is as abundant as the majestic blue-toned tidewater EXPEDITION IN BRIEF glaciers. Join us in this enchanting wonderland and experience all the natural splendors Encounter iconic wildlife, such as Magellanic penguins, sea lions and of southern Patagonia. seabirds

By coming aboard for this special journey, you will also be among the first guests Experience some of the world’s most remote glacial and fjord to experience our pioneering new vessel, Ultramarine. This purpose-built vessel is systems, including Glacier Alley designed to extend the boundaries of exploration and offer an unmatched experience, Retrace Darwin’s route through the including a flightseeing tour you’ll never forget and a range of adventure options Beagle Channel and learn about the more extensive than any other ship in its class. We’re excited to host you on your storied history of southern Chile unforgettable adventure! Please feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Cruise in a Zodiac for a unique Advisers, who are happy to answer your questions and provide assistance at any time. perspective of glaciers, fjords and channels

Enjoy helicopter flightseeing from Ultramarine for a unique perspective of the landscape

1 Itinerary

DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN From BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA To Buenos You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any Santiago Aires time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon CHILE ARGENTINA Torres arriving in this splendid city, known for its del Paine architecture and rich European heritage, Strait of Puerto Magellan you will independently transfer to your Natales group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night Atlantic Alacalufes Ocean National Park included in mandatory transfer package). Strait of Magellan Punta Arenas DAY 2 | FLY TO USHUAIA & EMBARK Admiralty Sound After an early breakfast at the hotel, Ushuaia Agostini the group will transfer to the airport National Park and board our private charter flight to Paci c Ocean Ushuaia, Argentina. Cape Horn Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown Diego Ramírez Islands location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before ESSENTIAL PATAGONIA making your way to the pier. Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine On board the Ultramarine Flights to/from Buenos Aires/Santiago Torres del Paine excursion

2 After a late afternoon embarkation, opening of the Panama Canal, this cape you will sail along the historic Beagle was part of a major global trade route. IMPORTANT REMINDER Channel, which transects the Tierra If sea and weather conditions allow, As this voyage will start in Argentina del Fuego archipelago in the extreme you may go ashore for a hike out to the and enter Chile, please ensure you south of South America. lighthouse, the tiny Stella Maris (“Star obtain visas for both countries DAY 3 | CAPE HORN of the Sea”) Chapel, and the albatross- as required by your nationality. As we begin our exploration of Chile’s shaped monument honoring the many Residents of some countries may southern extent, expect a new adventure mariners who lost their lives attempting also be required to pay a reciprocity every day. Though each expedition will to “round the Horn.” Atop the windswept fee to enter Chile. be different, depending on the weather, promontory, pause for a moment to take we aim to start our journey to the “edge in the panoramic view and to enjoy the of the earth” with a visit to historic peaceful solitude that can only be found explored places on the planet. This Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). At the at one of the most southern stretches small archipelago was actually thought southernmost point of the Tierra del of land in the world. You can even have to be the southernmost land mass in Fuego (“Land of Fire”) archipelago, the your passport stamped by the family the world when it was discovered in most isolated place in the Americas, operating the lighthouse! 1619 by the Spanish Garcia de Nodal this steep, rocky headland on Hornos DAY 4 | DIEGO RAMÍREZ ISLANDS expedition. Named after the expedition’s Island marks the northern boundary of Your ship will then continue cruising cosmographer, the archipelago held the famous Drake Passage, where the farther south, to the Diego Ramírez this distinction for 156 years, until Capt. Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. From Islands, the most southern point of James Cook’s discovery of the South the 1700s to the early 1900s, prior to the South America and one of the least- Sandwich Islands in 1775. Weather

3 permitting, depending on conditions, stimulating presentations by your glaciers have taken their names—España we may choose to zodaic cruise or ship Expedition Team will enrich your (Oblicuo), Romanche, Alemania (Roncagli), cruise cruise around these tussock- knowledge of the glacial systems, Francia, Italia, and Holland Glaciers. grass-covered islands to admire geology, environment, wildlife and Situated within the protected boundary the abundant birdlife. A designated storied history of the region as you of Alberto de Agostini National Park, Important Bird Area, and part of the retrace Charles Darwin’s historic journey both Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers sit at the recently-designated Diego Ramirez through the Beagle Channel, a 150-mile head of picturesque ice-choked fjords Islands and Drake Passage Marine Park, (240 km) strait separating Tierra del that offer jaw-dropping views. Located the archipelago is home to millions of Fuego’s main island from several smaller within the Cordillera Darwin (Darwin breeding seabirds, and an exceptional islands. Named after Captain Robert Mountain Range), the impressive place for birdwatching. Binoculars in FitzRoy’s famous ship on which Charles Pia Glacier extends from the soaring hand, birders will marvel at the sight Darwin was a passenger, the channel mountaintops down into the sea. A short of multiple species of albatross (these presents plenty of photo ops to capture hike to a lookout point provides superb islands are the southernmost albatross seabirds hovering overhead and dramatic vistas of the glacier and mountains. breeding ground in the world), including vistas of jagged-peaked mountains and black-browed albatross, shy albatross massive tidewater glaciers. Rugged and Surrounded by pristine sub-Antarctic and grey-headed albatross. Sightings of untouched, this magnificent landscape forests, Garibaldi Glacier flows from a dolphins, South American fur seals, and is as starkly beautiful as it was when separate mountain, providing equally rockhopper, macaroni and Magellanic Darwin first laid eyes on it in 1833. exceptional views, with the Darwin penguins are also possible here. Mountains rising dramatically out of Glacier Alley (as it’s nicknamed) is one the fjord. We can explore this area by of the most spectacular ship passages in DAY 5 | PIA & GARIBALDI Zodiac, including a beautiful glacial GLACIERS, GLACIER ALLEY Tierra del Fuego. To honour the European waterfall nearby. As our ship sails back north toward countries that first explored the region, the the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego,

4 As we navigate the fjords, your DAY 7 | CRUISING deep, windswept fjords, narrow channels Expedition Team will keep watch for THE CHILEAN FJORDS and isolated bays, with an eye toward the Andean condors, massive birds rivaled Continuing north, we’ll navigate rugged landscape, unique wildlife and in wingspan by only the wandering through a remote network of coastal impressive glaciers that tumble from the albatross. fjords and channels, including time towering mountains into the icy waters spent venturing out into the Pacific below, along with the imperial and king DAY 6 | DAINELLI (AGUILA) GLACIER Ocean. Your Expedition Team will cormorants, South American terns, black- Located at the end of a tranquil lagoon prepare for the adventures that await, necked swans and southern wigeons surrounded by lush sub-Antarctic helping you further understand the (Chiloé wigeons) that frequent the fjord. forests in Agostini Sound, Dainelli glacial systems, as well as the flora and Glacier (sometimes called Aguila— fauna that can be found in this part Torres del Paine National Park is one Spanish for “Eagle” Glacier) is a unique of Chile. Take a moment, as we glide of the most stunning wilderness areas sight, as it appears to flow over rolling past soaring snow-capped peaks, to in South America, and Puerto Natales hills rather than mountains. Cruising contemplate the mariners of long ago is the gateway. This enormous park aboard a Zodiac toward the blue-tinged who traveled these same sheltered is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so wall of ice, conditions permitting, you passageways, and were rewarded with designated for both its natural wonders will be humbled by the wonder of the same wondrous sights. and ancient human history, and named nature’s power. We hope to venture for the three granite peaks that tower ashore for an easy hike along the beach DAYS 8 & 9 | PUERTO NATALES & above the glacier-fed lakes. Enjoy a full TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK to get a more intensive look at the glacier day of hiking tailored to your preferred Sailing the turquoise waters of the and surrounding mountains. activity level and stopping at lookouts extraordinary stretch of coastline leading in the park, followed by a traditional to the small port of Puerto Natales, we’ll Patagonian barbecue in the afternoon. meander through a mesmerizing maze of

5 Taking our expedition onto dry land feeling more adventurous, perhaps you’ll DAY 12 | AINSWORTH BAY & for another full day, we will also visit a treat yourself to an optional kayaking ISLOTE ALBATROS working Patagonian estancia (“ranch”), excursion (extra cost), an exceptional Continuing our exploration of founded in 1891 by Scottish immigrants. opportunity to experience the channel Almirantazgo Sound, we plan to explore Here you will learn about Patagonian from a special perspective. ashore at Ainsworth Bay, one of the sheep farming in a historic pastoral most picturesque and pristine places in DAY 11 | TUCKERS ISLETS setting. Inhabiting the surrounding Patagonia. Surrounded by untouched A series of small islands and rocky grasslands are the ostrich-like rhea, and sub-Antarctic forest, this isolated bay outcrops in Almirantazgo Sound guanacos, a wild relative of the domestic is a protected area within the border (“Admiralty Sound”), a small fjord off llama. Complete your cultural experience of Alberto de Agostini National Park. It the Strait of Magellan, Tuckers Islets with a lunch of barbecued lamb al palo hosts abundant birdlife, so you’ll want to is a superb location for viewing (“on a stick”), and return to the ship in keep your eyes peeled as we cruise in the penguins. Though landing here is the early evening. Zodiacs. Hiking options will be available prohibited, a Zodiac excursion will take for all fitness levels, affording panoramic DAY 10 | CANAL DE LAS MONTAÑAS you very near a pebble beach to view a views of Marinelli Glacier, Marinelli Cruising the calm, crystal-clear waters colony of 4,000-plus breeding Magellanic Fjord and the surrounding Darwin of the Canal de las Montañas (“Channel” penguins, conditions permitting. Named mountain range. or “Fjord of the Mountains”) will leave for Portuguese explorer Ferdinand you breathless. You’ll be awed by the Magellan, whose crew sighted the In 2003, a small breeding colony of black- amazing series of waterfalls cascading charming creatures in 1520 during the browed albatross was documented on down between the jagged peaks that rise first circumnavigation of the globe, the Islote Albatros (“Albatross Islet”), located up sharply on either side of the narrow, species is native to the region, and the in Admiralty Sound. Normally albatross 41-mile (66 km) long channel dotted with sight of them in their burrows, lounging are seabirds, nesting and feeding in glaciers, five of which spill dramatically on the beach or waddling in and out coastal waters and open ocean; this the into the water. Here, impressive ice fields of the water, is one you won’t forget. first record of a colony of this species in glisten, and steeply sloped glaciers exceed If we’re fortunate, we may also see inland waters, feeding mainly in fjords elevations over 8,235 feet (2,510 meters). Chilean skuas, Magellanic cormorants and channels. The channel also provides an ideal place (rock shags), imperial cormorants (king DAY 13 | BAHIA BROOKES to put our Zodiacs in the water for more shags), oystercatchers, kelp geese, or Another excellent spot for glacier detailed exploring or going ashore for even dolphins. exploring in Almirantazgo Sound is a hike to scenic viewpoints. If you’re Bahia Brookes (Brookes Bay), where,

6 conditions permitting, we’ll go ashore observe and photograph the colony by Zodiac. The bay offers ample chances from a short distance, in the comfort EXPEDITION SPIRIT for closer views of a number of waterfalls of a Zodiac. Called lobos marinos (“sea Embracing the unexpected is part and glaciers, including the calving wolves”) by local Chileans, these of the legacy—and excitement—of North Brookes Glacier, set against the giant pinnipeds—males can weigh expedition travel. When traveling breathtaking backdrop of the towering over 700 pounds/320 kg—form quite in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider Darwin mountain range. Amid the serene a noisy group as each sea lion vies the sea, ice and weather to guide silence of this icy wonderland, the only for a choice spot of coastline. As the route and itinerary details. This sound you may hear is the powerful roar you cruise by, sightings of imperial itinerary is a tentative outline of what of ice breaking off and crashing into the cormorants, skuas, southern gulls, you may experience on this voyage; frigid waters below. This is also a great Antarctic pigeons—and if we’re lucky, please be aware that no specific location for viewing ice fall deposits, dolphins—are also possible. itinerary can be guaranteed. By the which form reconstituted glaciers, and same token, wildlife encounters DAY 15 | DISEMBARK IN PUNTA kame (silt and sediment deposits). ARENAS & FLY TO SANTIAGO as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition After an adventurous two weeks of DAY 14 | MARTA ISLAND Team will use their considerable exploration, you’ll say goodbye to In the middle of the Strait of Magellan, experience to seek out wildlife in your Expedition Team and disembark Marta Island (Isla Marta) is home to known habitats, but the presence abundant birdlife and more than one in Punta Arenas, to be transferred of any particular species of bird or thousand Patagonian (South American) to the airport for your charter flight marine wildlife is not guaranteed. sea lions. To protect the wildlife, shore to Santiago, where you are welcome landings are not possible here, but we to continue on your own travels or do plan to circumnavigate the island, connect to your homeward flights. providing numerous opportunities to

7 Included Activities

Ready for a little adventure beyond your your Zodiac drivers will provide active introduce you to the fascinating history, ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage interpretation, making the landscape biology, ornithology, and glaciology of offers a variety of recreational activities come even more alive. the region, and much, much more. to enhance your experience. HIKING PHOTOGRAPHY FLIGHTSEEING Led by experienced staff, exploring Documenting your voyage so you can While alpine landscapes are spectacular on foot is the best way to appreciate take the memories home is a rewarding from the sea, they are even more striking the landscapes. Our guides are able to experience. Our photography guides will from the air. On board Ultramarine accommodate a range of skill levels to help you hone your skills to capture the you will experience remarkable aerial suit every passenger. While you hike, beauty of Patagonia. perspectives on a 10- to 15-minute staff will be available to enhance your More information about your Included Activities flightseeing excursion included in experience by answering questions about and Adventure Options, including the necessary the cost of your voyage. Additional the wildlife, history and geography of the experience, physical requirements and cost, is helicopter activities may also be available area. Walking poles are provided at each available by contacting your Polar Travel Adviser for purchase onboard. Please note all landing for your convenience. As there or travel professional. helicopter operations are weather- and are a limited number of poles available, logistics-dependent. please bring your own if you require them on every landing. Some landing ZODIAC CRUISING sites will offer more demanding terrain Zodiacs are the workhorses of our options than others. expeditions, taking you to places the ships can’t access, allowing you to reach PRESENTATIONS remote shorelines, explore shallow Enjoy daily chats with and presentations inlets and search for unique wildlife. by our world-class onboard specialists— Expedition staff make stepping in and guides, scientists, naturalists, historians out of them safe and comfortable, and and other local experts who will

12 Adventure Options

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 PLEASE NOTE passengers will be taken out on calm days, with our expert Pre-booking is required for all paid activities. We guides always present to provide instruction and help recommend booking early, as spaces fill quickly. you connect with the polar sea. Two outings will be pre- Please see your pre-departure guide for a list of provided gear for each Adventure Option. booked, and once successfully completed, any subsequent outings will be offered via lottery on board.

13 STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING Combining a surfboard with a kayak, stand-up paddleboarding will give you a very personal and unique perspective on the environment. Conducted in small groups—in calm bays and harbors, in good weather conditions—and accompanied by a safety Zodiac, one-time stand-up paddleboarding excursions can be pre-booked in two consecutive priority groups. After the first two successful outings, this activity will be offered via lottery on board the ship for any subsequent outings.

EXCLUSIVE HELI-LANDING Imagine setting foot in an area of Patagonia that can only be safely accessed by helicopter. With a small group of fellow passengers and expert guides, you’ll board one of Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters to soar off to an exclusive site where no ships can navigate. Expect stunning bird’s-eye views during your flight, and then, upon arrival, simply sit back, relax and take in the splendor of Patagonia from “the best seat in the house”: alpine amphitheaters, breath-taking summits, and more. Traveling in groups of 12 with no more than 4 groups (48 guests) at a time on each landing, you’ll have time to relax and quietly reflect on the beauty of your surroundings, after which you’ll be picked up by the helicopters in the same location and returned to Ultramarine.

PLEASE NOTE Pre-booking is required for all paid activities. Each heli-landing experience is uniquely curated by our We recommend booking early, as spaces fill quickly. expedition team, taking conditions and location capacity Please see your pre-departure guide for a list of into consideration. provided gear for each Adventure Option.

14 Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions Exclusions RATES INCLUDE: RATES SPECIFICALLY • Leadership throughout your voyage by our • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for DO NOT INCLUDE: experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and Zodiac cruising excursions • Manda tory Transfer Package* landings and other activities • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep • Int ernational airfare • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin • Passp ort and applicable visa expenses program • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges • Chilean reciprocity fee, if applicable • All shore landings as per the daily program throughout the program • Go vernment arrival and departure taxes not • Shipb oard accommodation with daily housekeeping • All luggage handling aboard the ship mentioned • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board • Emerg ency Evacuation insurance for all passengers • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified in the throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person itinerary dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. • One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing • Baggag e, cancellation, interruption and medical Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare excursion (weather and logistics permitting) travel insurance—strongly recommended kosher meals.) • T orres del Paine National Park entrance fee and • Ex cess-baggage fees on international flights • Sele ct beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea ground transfers and cocoa available around the clock • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing • Estancia visit and ground transfers and cruising excursions, or any other gear not • Formal and informal presentations by our mentioned Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled • Barbecue lunches ashore during Puerto Natales/ Torres del Paine excursion days • Laundry , bar, spa services and other personal • A photographic journal documenting the expedition charges, unless specified • Phone and Internet charges *MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: • V oluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for • One pre-night’s hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per expedition staff and shipboard crew room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a • Additional overnight accommodation suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.) • Arrival and departure transfers, except where • Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires explicitly stated • Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia, and returning • Adv enture Options not listed in Included to Santiago’s international airport (SCL) Activities • Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, and from ship to Punta Arenas airport (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of the journey is not included. Please make your way to the included hotel.)

PACKAGE PRICE: $995 USD

16 Possible Excursions

DIANELLI (AGUILA) GLACIER Reserve, this 41-mile (66 km) long This striking blue glacier, which flows channel is flanked by two majestic down from the middle of the Darwin mountain ranges, the Cordillera Riesco mountain range, sits at the end of a to the east and the Cordillera Sarmiento tranquil lagoon formed by the glacier’s to the west. Sightings of sea lions and meltwater. An easy hike along the shore dolphins are possible. takes you to the edge of the glacier. CAPE HORN AINSWORTH BAY Sitting at the southernmost tip of Tierra An offshoot of Almirantazgo Sound del Fuego, on Hornos Island, Cape Horn (Admiralty Sound), Ainsworth Bay is was named by Dutch navigator Willem surrounded by pristine sub-polar forests. Schouten, who discovered and first The bay is fed by the meltwater of the rounded the cape in 1616 and named it in Marinelli Glacier, which flows down honor of his birthplace, Hoorn, Holland. from the Cordillera Darwin Icefield. Filled with rugged, natural beauty, the historic windswept cape is located within BAHIA BROOKES Cabo de Hornos National Park, which Located in Almirantazgo Sound was designated a UNESCO Biosphere (Admiralty Sound), in the heart of Reserve in 2005. The Chilean Navy Alberto de Agostini National Park, this maintains a station on the island. bay is the site of several glaciers, the most impressive being the North Brookes DIEGO RAMÍREZ ISLANDS Glacier. The bay is also an ideal locale for About 62 miles (100 km) southwest of learning about the geology of glaciers and Cape Horn, these little-known islands how they shape the landscape. constitute the southernmost point of South America. They’re also the CANAL DE LAS MONTAÑAS continent’s most southerly inhabited Situated within the Alacalufes National outpost, as the Chilean Navy maintains a

20 weather station here that was established Magellanic penguins, and a shore southern part of the Andes mountain in 1951. The archipelago is an Important landing here allows time to observe range. This area provides outstanding Bird Area, home to multiple species of these splendid creatures in their natural opportunities for taking the Zodiacs nesting albatross, as well as blue petrels, habitat. A hike to the lighthouse provides out for a shore landing and hiking to diving petrels and sooty shearwaters. panoramic views of the island sea, while a spectacular lookout. Though the sightings of several species of seabirds, provenance of the glacier’s name remains ISLOTE ALBATROS (ALBATROSS ISLET) including imperial cormorants and unconfirmed, some believe Alberto In 2003, a small breeding colony of Chilean skuas, are possible. Maria de Agostini, an Italian missionary, black-browed albatross was documented mountaineer and explorer who lived in on Islote Albatros, located in Admiralty MARTA ISLAND Tierra del Fuego, named it after Princess Sound. Normally albatross are seabirds, Marta Island, along with nearby Maria Pia of Savoy, the daughter of Italy’s nesting and feeding in coastal waters Magdalena Island, is a designated first king. and open ocean; this the first record of natural monument, Monumento Natural a colony of this species in inland waters, Los Pingüinos (The Penguins Natural TUCKERS ISLETS feeding mainly in fjords and channels. Monument), and has been a protected Located in Almirantazgo Sound area since 1982. The small island is home (Admiralty Sound), a stunning offshoot of MAGDALENA ISLAND to a large colony of sea lions, as well the Strait of Magellan, this tiny group of In the middle of the Strait of Magellan, as an abundance of seabirds, including islands is covered in grasses, mosses and Magdalena Island is a protected cormorants, skuas and gulls. small trees, providing a verdant backdrop reserve, with fishing prohibited in for viewing a large colony of nesting the surrounding waters. The island, PIA GLACIER Magellanic penguins. Other bird species discovered in 1520 by Portuguese In the Beagle Channel, Pia Glacier is that may be spotted here include king and explorer Ferdinand Magellan, harbors situated in a fjord in the Cordillera rock cormorants, oystercatchers, Chilean one of Chile’s largest colonies of breeding Darwin (Darwin Mountains), the skuas, kelp geese and dolphin gulls.

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 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.