Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

11 Days | Discover the White Continent on a unique voyage to Antarctica

Polar
Wildlife
From
EUR €13,511
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Uncover the landscape, wildlife and stillness of the remote Antarctic Peninsula on this 11-day adventure like no other. Conquer the famed Drake Passage, explore scenic natural environments and take daily Zodiac expeditions to the South Shetland Islands. Here, you can walk, hike and get up close to the colonies of penguins and birds that call this remote paradise home. Spot whales and seals, enjoy talks on history, biology and glaciology by your handy polar experts, and personalise your adventure with optional activities that suit your interests, like kayaking, snowshoeing and paddling. Take on this incredible journey and cross the 7th Continent off the list—your way.

Trip overview

Map of Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7Th Continent including Antarctica and Argentina
Start
Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish
Ushuaia, Argentina
Theme
Polar, Wildlife
Destinations
Antarctica, Argentina
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Comfort
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1 - Max 138
Trip code
GQME
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Discover an unspoiled wilderness, looking out for polar wildlife like penguins, seals, whales and seabirds from your onboard deck and during your onshore landings on the White Continent.
  • Cruise the Antarctic waters during daily Zodiac excursions and take advantage of a range of adventurous options, like kayaking, camping, photography and snowshoeing.
  • Benefit from various onboard activities, including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology by your expert expedition team. You can also luxuriate in the amazing onboard amenities, like the spa, sauna and bar!
  • Explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula on an adventure from Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica – through the Drake Passage and the South Shetland Islands.
  • Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic, with an optional paddling excursion where you can get up close and personal to the icebergs and see things from a totally unique perspective.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The World Explorer and Ocean Explorer are both ice-strengthened ships – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.  
  • Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as a jacket that’s yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack. 
  • Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces.
  • The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area like the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations, which are just as interesting and beautiful! We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty of onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the fitness centre, spa and pool will keep you fresh for when the weather clears. 

Boats

World Explorer
World Explorer
BOAT TYPE: Expedition • PASSENGERS: 172
Decked out with panoramic windows, a glass-domed observation lounge, bar, restaurant, dedicated lecture theatres and even an on board running track, the World Explorer has everything you need to enjoy every minute of your time in the Antarctic (plus those extra creature comforts to take your voyage to the next level).
Explore features
Ocean Explorer exterior from a distance with a large iceberg in the foreground
Ocean Explorer
BOAT TYPE: Expedition • PASSENGERS: 138
The Ocean Explorer is the new way to see the Polar region in style. Purpose-built for exploration, this ship features a fleet of modern Zodiacs, large windows perfect for spotting Polar wildlife, two outdoor Jacuzzis, modern cabins in Scandinavian design, private verandahs in almost all rooms, a spacious gym and sauna and a two-storey, light-filled library. Coupled with plenty of outdoor viewing areas, this ship is the perfect setting for avid photographers, marine enthusiasts and sustainability-conscious explorers.
Explore features

Itinerary

Map of Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7Th Continent including Antarctica and Argentina

Inclusions

Meals

10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Accommodation

1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship

Dates and availability

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Important notes

This trip is operated on either the World Explorer or Ocean Explorer ship. Please check the dates and availability section to see which which ship is used on each voyage.

Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.

One nights pre expedition hotel is included in Ushuaia. The exact hotel will be provided on your final documentation.
Your trip finishes in Ushuaia at the port on day 11 in the morning after breakfast, please do not book onwards flights on this day untill after 12 pm midday.

"BOOKING CONDITIONS
To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
Please refer to our ""Booking terms and conditions"" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions"

ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Sea kayaking, camping and Padding excursions are available to book on the Ocean Explorer ship.
Sea kayaking, camping, Stand Up Paddleboarding and Padding excursions are available to book on the World Explorer ship. 
Some activities must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking.
Camping is only offered on the early season voyages November, December and early January.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

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Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
From
EUR €13,511