Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
11 Days - Ocean Explorer
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 experts. You can personalize your adventure with options that suit your interests, and cross the 7th Continent off the list—your way.
from AUD $20800 $19760pp
Home » 11 Day Ocean Explorer: Antarctic Explorer – Discovering the 7th Continent
Itinerary Highlights
- Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
- Travel safely and comfortably aboard any Quark Expeditions ice-strengthened vessel
- Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts
- Experience abundant wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales
- Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic, with an optional paddling excursion
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
- Day 2: Embarkation Day
- Day 3 and 4: Crossing the Drake Passage
- Day 5 to 8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 9 and 10: Crossing the Drake Passage
- Day 11: Disembark in Ushuaia
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
Day 2: Embarkation Day
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!
Days 3 and 4:Crossing the Drake Passage
Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
Days 5 to 8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.
Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or consorting with chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier.
Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
Days 9 and 10: Crossing the Drake Passage
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team and celebrate the experiences shared exploring Antarctica.
Day 11: Disembark in Ushuaia
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure onward or catch your flights home.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
16 Mar 2025 - 26 Mar 2025 | AUD $19760pp | Save 5% | |
Deluxe Veranda Fwd | AUD $19760pp | Save 5% | |
Veranda Stateroom | AUD $20520pp | Save 5% | |
Veranda Suite | AUD $21945pp | Save 5% | |
Studio Single | AUD $25650pp | Save 5% | |
Junior Suite | AUD $25650pp | Save 5% | |
Studio Veranda Single | AUD $27835pp | Save 5% | |
Penthouse Suite | AUD $30020pp | Save 5% | |
Owner's Suite | AUD $31540pp | Save 5% | |
04 Nov 2025 - 14 Nov 2025 | AUD $21718pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Deluxe Veranda Fwd | AUD $21718pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Veranda Stateroom | AUD $22849pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Veranda Suite | AUD $24141pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Studio Single | AUD $28420pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Junior Suite | AUD $28420pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Studio Veranda Single | AUD $30681pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Penthouse Suite | AUD $33023pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Owner's Suite | AUD $35284pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
01 Dec 2025 - 11 Dec 2025 | AUD $23252pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Deluxe Veranda Fwd | AUD $23252pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Veranda Stateroom | AUD $24383pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Veranda Suite | AUD $25917pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Studio Single | AUD $30439pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Junior Suite | AUD $30439pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Studio Veranda Single | AUD $32862pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Penthouse Suite | AUD $35284pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Owner's Suite | AUD $37787pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
10 Dec 2025 - 20 Dec 2025 | AUD $23252pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Deluxe Veranda Fwd | AUD $23252pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Veranda Stateroom | AUD $24383pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Veranda Suite | AUD $25917pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Studio Single | AUD $30439pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Junior Suite | AUD $30439pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Studio Veranda Single | AUD $32862pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Penthouse Suite | AUD $35284pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Owner's Suite | AUD $37787pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
19 Dec 2025 - 29 Dec 2025 | AUD $24787pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Deluxe Veranda Fwd | AUD $24787pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Veranda Stateroom | AUD $26159pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Veranda Suite | AUD $27694pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Studio Single | AUD $32619pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Junior Suite | AUD $32619pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Studio Veranda Single | AUD $35123pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Penthouse Suite | AUD $37787pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Owner's Suite | AUD $40371pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Studio Single
Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 166 sq. ft. (15,4 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Deluxe Veranda Fwd
Located on Deck 4 and approximately 182 sq. f. (16.9 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Veranda Stateroom
Located throughout the ship and approximately 208 sq. f. (19.3 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.
Veranda Suite
Located throughout the ship and approximately 205 sq. ft. (19.2 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Junior Suite
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 298 sq. f. (27.7 sq. m,) in size. These 2-room suites have one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom and an outer sitting room furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. From the bedroom there a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.
Studio Veranda Single
Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. f. (15.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Penthouse Suite
This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. f (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom.and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.
Owner's Suite
This massive 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 443 sq. f (41.2 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom. The inner bedroom has a private en-suite with a bathdub, vanity and heated floor. The outer room is furnished with a sofabed, club chair and 4-seat dining table. Walk-out from either room to a triple sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and an additional private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor for the outer room.
Ocean Explorer Deckplan
Specifications
- Infinity class vessel delivered in 2021 by SunStone Maritime Group, the largest expedition-only shipbuilding provider in the world.
- 138-passengers.
- Built for polar expeditions with an Ice Class 1A and PC6 rating.
- Staff and Crew: 105
- Length: 342 ft (104.4m)
- Draft: 17.3ft (5.3m)
- Lifeboats: 2
- Ice Class: 1A, PC6
- Registration: Bahamas
- Zodiacs: 15
- Cruising Speed: 16.5 knows, in open water
Ocean Explorer is among the most technologically-advanced ships in the industry—it features:
- Ulstein X-Bow - a unique inverted bow design to slice through rough seas, minimizing vibration for faster transits with lower fuel consumption.
- Zero-speed stabilizers that keep things smooth while sailing, but also level and steady when at rest.
- Safe Return to Port system, providing duplicate power to keep the operating and comfort systems working even in cases of engine failure
- Dynamic positioning is a computer-controlled system to automatically maintain a vessel's position and heading by using its own propellers and thrusters.
Whats included?
- Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
- All shore landings as per the daily program
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
- Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
- Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
- Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
- Group departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage storage facility
What’s not included?
- International airfare
- Passport and applicable visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
- Meals unless otherwise specified
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
- Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
Notes
Adventure Options:
- Sea Kayak: US$1,995
- Paddling Excursion: US$395
- Antarctica Camping: US$495