Antarctic Explorer 11 or 12 Days from Buenos Aires by Quark

Day 1 - Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in Buenos Aires, Capital of Argentina and Tango Capital of the World! Buenos Aires is a beautiful cosmopolitan city bustling with culture and all manner of interesting sights. Meet the friendly locals who will make you feel at home. You will arrive at your pre-cruise hotel and meet the rest of the group (this pre-night is included)

Day 2 - Ushuaia, Argentina

After breakfast at your hotel in Buenos Aires, you will fly South to Ushuaia, aboard the group charter flight. After arriving you will have some time to explore the quaint port town, which is the most southerly city in the world.

The ship will embark in the late afternoon, sailing down the Beagle channel which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Charles Darwin on observing the peaks and glaciers of the channel wrote in his notebook "It is scarcely possible to imagine anything more beautiful than the beryl-like blue of these glaciers, and especially as contrasted with the dead white of the upper expanse of snow.”

Expect an electric atmosphere as this will be the last time that you see dry land before setting eyes on Antarctica.

Day 3 and 4 – Crossing the Drake Passage

Crossing the Drake Passage can be an experience in its own right as the waters have the potential to be quite rough. You’ll spend this time getting to know your shipmates and the expedition team who provide briefings and insights into what lies ahead.

Day 5 to 8 - The South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Your first sight of Antarctica is a something that you won’t forget, but your Antarctic adventure will have really begun when you crossed the Antarctic convergence. The multitude of wildlife that you will see feasting in these rich upwelling waters is what makes an Antarctic voyage so special.

This is first and foremost an Antarctic expedition cruise which makes it a little different to what you might expect on your typical holiday, to get the most out of the experience the itinerary must be flexible, which allows the ship to respond to the changing conditions found in the Antarctic. Because of this every sailing is completely unique and you are sure to have a personal experience.

You will embark on Zodiac excursions once per day exploring local bays, channels and landing sites. Wildlife is the main highlight of Antarctica and you will have the chance to see humpback and minke whales as well as search for a number of seal species including the powerful if somewhat misunderstood leopard seal.

The mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula, are truly dramatic and will enchant you, scramble up the snowy peaks and take in the break taking panoramas, or you can stay on the beach and chill with the curious penguin chicks. If you are feeling more adventurous you can do the polar plunge and jump into the frigid waters of Antarctica, enjoying the sudden shock of adrenaline and tingling sensation before drying off and enjoying a hot sauna and stiff drink to warm up.

Days 9 and 10 - Crossing the Drake Passage

As you say farewell to the Antarctic, some are happy - bucket list ticked - for others it marks the beginning of a lifelong obsession with this incredible continent. The voyage back across the Drake Passage provides your final chances to see the incredible wildlife of the Southern Ocean.

Day 11- Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

You will disembark in Ushuaia, having a tour of Tierra del Fuego national park before flying to Buenos Aires, speak to your Travel Specialist if you would like to continue your adventure on land, or catch the flight home.

Notes:

The 12-day version of this cruise includes an extra day in Antarctica