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polar regions: antarctica

Antarctica Explorers Quest

A relaxed sail through the Southern Ocean from the tussock covered Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to the Antarctic Peninsula via the wildlife paradise of South Georgia. Landings and Zodiac cruising enable close-encounters with penguins, whales and seals when conditions permit. All activities are delivered in a environmentally responsible manner. Optional kayaking is available on Lyubov Orlova.

Due to the size of the continent, Antarctica's diversity is best appreciated on longer voyages, where greater distances can be covered. This extended expedition encompasses the wildlife paradise of South Georgia, the remote Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) as well as the extraordinary beauty of the Peninsula.

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: Hotel Albatros or similar
Included Meals: none

Day 2 - Embark Antarctic Explorers Quest Cruise

After embarkation in the early afternoon, you will sail down the Beagle Channel. Keep watch on deck for seabirds, penguins and rainbows.

Accommodations: Clipper Adventurer, Vavliov, Ioffe, Ocean Nova
Included Meals: dinner

Day 3 - At Sea

There are many activities to keep you engaged while you are at sea. You could learn to identify the seabirds that will glide alongside the ship, or attend the illustrated presentations by the Expedition Team. They prepare you for the shore landings and Zodiac cruising that is to come.


Accommodations: Clipper Adventurer, Vavilov, Ioffe, Ocean Nova
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 4-5 - Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Properly prepared by the onboard education program, Zodiacs zip you from the ship to shore to hike where Kelp Geese graze and Magellanic Penguins guard their burrows. You'll comb beaches and socialize with local residents.

Accommodations: Clipper Adventurer, Vavilov, Ioffe, Ocean Nova
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 6-7 - At Sea

The Expedition Team prepare you for landings and Zodiac cruises along the coast of South Georgia. Learn about penguins, reindeer and the island's connection to Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Accommodations: Clipper Adventurer, Vavilov, Ioffe, Ocean Nova
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 8-11 - Southern Ocean & South Georgia

The Expedition Team plans a series of landings at King Penguin rookeries, abandoned whaling stations and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Be as active as you like as South Georgia is an excellent locale for hiking or contemplation.

Accommodations: Clipper Adventurer, Vavilov, Ioffe, Ocean Nova
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 12-13 - At Sea

The next presentations during this cruise itinerary are about the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, and the unique flora and fauna found there.

Accommodations: Clipper Adventurer, Vavilov, Ioffe, Ocean Nova
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 14-17 - Antarctic Peninsula

Deception Island, Neko Harbour and Paradise Harbour are names that conjure iconic images of the Antarctic Peninsula; Towering, glacier-capped mountains rising from a brilliant blue sea, dotted with ice floes. You'll visit penguin rookeries, listen for calving glaciers, visit historic sites and, perhaps, a research station.

Accommodations: Clipper Adventurer, Vavilov, Ioffe, Ocean Nova
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 18-19 - The Drake Passage to Ushuaia

No matter what condition you find the Drake, this second crossing is a fitting end to the adventure.

Accommodations: Clipper Adventurer, Vavilov, Ioffe, Ocean Nova
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 20 - Ushuaia

After breakfast aboard, you will be transferred to the airport for your homeward flight.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast


Notes on Itinerary: 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: Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. For those who desire single occupancy, cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.

Minimum Age for Children: 12 years

Land Cost Includes: One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast, as indicated in the itinerary. (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. Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping. All breakfasts, lunches and dinners 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.) All shore landings per the daily program. Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities. 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. Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader. All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program. All luggage handling aboard ship. Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of $100,000 per person.

Not Included: Airfares to the embarkation point and from the disembarkation point; adventure options of kayaking or diving; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; hotel accommodations; supplement for single hotel accommodations; meals while in Ushuaia; 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 $1,500 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 on Antarctic Cruises. 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.

Adventure Options: Kayak in the Antarctic
There is a lot to do within the first few moments of entering a kayak. Once you are settled and have a feel for the paddle in your hands, you will turn your attention to the surroundings. That is the moment, so our kayakers tell us, when you will truly understand that the experience of paddling in Antarctica is like no other. Crystal clear water supports the hull. Elemental sounds of water lapping and the drip of resting paddles are a counterpoint to the cry of penguins and the cracking of ancient ice. Dwarfed by the immensity of the landscape, for a short while you drift in awe.

Arrival and Departure: When considering flights for your Classic Antarctica Cruise plan to arrive Ushuaia, Argentina (USH) at any time on day 1. Plan flights to depart no earlier than 12 noon on the final day.
Fuel Supplement: Note: Should the price of marine fuel increase dramatically, we may have to institute a fuel surcharge.

Trip Insurance: Passengers traveling to the remote destinations of the Arctic and Antarctica are required to be covered by a travel insurance policy that includes emergency evacuation coverage. AdventureSmith recommend's our travelers protect their investment with Access America Insurance.



Accommodations and Services Aboard: Vessels accommodate passengers in comfortable cabins. Public areas include a Lounge and bar with facilities for slide shows and lectures; Views are excellent from the large, open decks and the navigation bridge, where passengers are always welcome. The chefs produce a varied menu and the comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine. Inform us of any special dietary requirements; however, note that the galleys unfortunately can not prepare kosher meals. The ship officers and crew are 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. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join any off-vessel excursions, passengers must be able to navigate the steep, 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 roundtrip 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. You are traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.

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 AdventureSmith Explorations today.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com