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Carrying on a 15-year legacy of polar firsts, last year AdventureSmith Exploration's "Polar Partner" Quark Expeditions confirmed the existence of 4,000 pairs of Emperor Penguins at a previously unknown site near Snow Hill Island - and we're still the only company visiting this remote rookery. Our "safari" is an ideal opportunity for photographers and nature lovers to observe Emperors early in the breeding season and to take the time you need to appreciate these extraordinary creatures.

Beginning and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina, you will experience the wildlife and scenic highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Each voyage incorporates as much wildlife viewing as possible, and plenty of time to enjoy breathtaking waterways, glaciers, icebergs and rugged mountains. You will become one of the fortunate few to have set foot on the continent of Antarctica.

Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina

Upon arrival at the Ushuaia airport you are met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore this 'frontier town' at leisure.

Accommodations: Ushuaia
Included Meals: none

Day 2 - Ushuaia

Spend the morning exploring on your own the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park or the quaint town of Ushuaia. Embark in the afternoon, settle into your cabin, and meet your Expedition Team before the ship sets sail along the scenic Beagle Channel.

Accommodations: Kapitan Khlebnikov,
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Days 3-4 - Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands

Journey across the famous Drake Passage, named after the 16th-century English navigator Sir Francis Drake. Magnificent Wandering Albatross follow us as we sail across the Drake Passage and into the Southern Ocean under austral spring skies tinged with pink by late sunsets. Our ornithologists fill in the details on the Emperor Penguins' biology, unique habitat and adaptive behavior, while our photography experts lead practical on-board workshops. Up on deck, look for wandering albatross, shearwaters, whales and dolphins. And, if the skies are clear, watch the horizon for Elephant Island, where Sir Ernest Shackleton left the stranded Endurance crew while he and five men sailed a lifeboat 800 miles to South Georgia to secure their rescue.

Accommodations: Kapitan Khlebnikov,
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 5-7 - Snow Hill Rookery

Reaching the Snow Hill rookery under the best possible conditions is the goal of the expedition. The Captain and Expedition Leader consult charts, weather bulletins and satellite images to determine where to park the icebreaker for efficient helicopter flights to the rookery. Our plan is to spend three days at the rookery for unparalleled wildlife viewing.

Accommodations: Kapitan Khlebnikov,
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 8-11 - Antarctic Peninsula

While the Emperors are our priority, we also plan to visit the Antarctic Peninsula. Our exact route will be determined by local conditions. We plan to sail Iceberg Alley. Use your newly acquired photographic skills to snap pictures of massive tabular icebergs. While passing through Antarctic Sound, you will see more fantastic ice sculptures, from pure white to deep blue.

While visiting the Peninsula, we hope to explore penguin rookeries under construction. Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins court, lay eggs and raise their young during the austral summer. Your voyage takes place at a time when these smaller penguins are selecting nesting sites and choosing partners.

Accommodations: Kapitan Khlebnikov,
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 12-13 - Drake Passage

You bid farewell to Antarctica as you sail north across the Drake Passage. The adventure is not over, as there are more opportunities to watch birds and whales cavorting in the open ocean. Final presentations by our expedition staff enhance the voyage en route to Ushuaia.You'll be recalling the details of the voyage. These memories will stay with you, as clear and powerful as the day they were formed. The existence of the Emperor Penguin is more that a story of survival and endurance. It is the triumph of life itself.

Accommodations: Kapitan Khlebnikov,
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14 - Ushuaia

Disembark after breakfast and transfer by bus to the Antarctic Unit office located at the entrance to the pier. If you are departing on the morning flight, the transfer continues to the airport.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Notes on Itinerary: The itinerary presented here is for the 14-day voyage. Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Single Travelers: Standard twin cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the share price. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where we match you with a cabin mate(s) of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged.

Children: Recommended minimum age for this expedition is 12 years old. Children must be able to safely navigate a steep gangway, by themselves, in variable conditions. Expedition Leaders will determine if children are allowed on shore excursions and landings. If an Expedition Leader determines a child's participation in these activities is unsafe the child must stay on board, accompanied by an adult.

Cost Includes: Transfer to hotel from airport, one night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast, as indicated in the itinerary; all helicopter transfers and aerial sightseeing according to each day’s program; Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; All meals on board throughout your voyage; All shore landings per the daily program; Experienced Expedition Leaders; All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled; Photographic Album on DVD, documenting the voyage; A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; A Quark Expeditions parka – yours to keep; Coffee, tea, cocoa available around the clock; Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of $100,000 per person.

Not Included: Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; supplement for single hotel accommodations; adventure options of kayaking or diving; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for those who have served you aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Reservations and Payment: A deposit of $2,000 per person is required to confirm a reservation on this Antarctic voyage. The deposit may be paid by bank wire transfer, check, money order or major credit card. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. We do NOT accept credit cards for Final Payment. Final payment can be made by check , money order or bank wire transfer. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted.

Cancellation Policy: A special cancellation policy applies to all Antarctic and Arctic trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received:

180 days prior to departure are fully refunded less an administrative fee of $750 per person.
Between 179-90 days, per person deposit amount is forfeited.
Within 89 days all deposits and tariffs, whether paid or not, are due and forfeited.

Fuel Supplement: Note: should the price of marine fuel increase dramatically, we may have to institute a fuel surcharge.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Accommodations Aboard: The 95-passenger Kapitan Khlebnikov offers comfortable twin and triple cabins each with a desk and ample storage space. Public areas include a lounge and bar, small library, infirmary (there is a doctor on board) and a sauna. Views are excellent from the large, open decks and the navigation bridge, where we are almost always welcome. The European chefs produce a varied menu and the comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine. The ship is staffed by Russian officers and crew, all highly experienced in ice navigation. The atmosphere aboard is relaxed and informal, more like a private expedition than a cruise.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has full mobility, and leads an active life. Passengers must be able to navigate the 30-stair gang-way un-assisted both down and up. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.


We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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