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13 Night Emperor Penguin Quest Expedition to Snow Hill and Land Tour

From Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires

Ultramarine

Quark Expeditions
4 Stars
  • Cruise #: 14283995
  • Departs: Wed, Nov 15, 2028
  • Returns: Tue, Nov 28, 2028
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    Itinerary Summary

    Day by Day Details

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Wednesday - Nov 15, 2028
    Day
    1
    Buenos Aires, Argentina
    • Buenos Aires, Argentina
    Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture, and cosmopolitan vibe, you will independently transfer to the designated group hotel, which is included in your Charter Flight & Hotel package.

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Thursday - Nov 16, 2028
    Day
    2
    Buenos Aires, Argentina
    • Buenos Aires, Argentina
    • Air Travel

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Day 2 - Thursday - Nov 16, 2028
    Day
    2
    Cruise Begins
    • Cruise Begins
    • Ushuaia, Argentina
    After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to explore this quaint port town on your own before making your way to the designated meeting spot. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Excitement builds in anticipation of your next stop: Antarctica. ...
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    Friday - Nov 17, 2028
    Day
    3
    Drake Passage, Antarctica
    • Drake Passage, Antarctica
    A Polar Rite of Passage: The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by the expert onboard staff and leaders, you'll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers. ...
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    Saturday - Nov 18, 2028
    Day
    4
    Drake Passage, Antarctica
    • Drake Passage, Antarctica
    Sunday - Nov 19, 2028
    Day
    5
    Weddell Sea Region, Antarctica
    • Weddell Sea Region, Antarctica
    Onboard presentations by world-respected experts will enrich your polar quest, conveying what it was like a century ago for the brave polar heroes who embraced the unknown. You'll also learn more about the ice-dwelling emperor penguins.
    Monday - Nov 20, 2028
    Day
    6
    Weddell Sea Region, Antarctica
    • Weddell Sea Region, Antarctica
    The journey toward Snow Hill Island puts you in true explorer mode, with the captain and expedition leader providing regular weather briefings, meteorological updates, and sea ice reports. Ice conditions determine how close Ultramarine can approach; from there, its twin-engine helicopters take over-much like setting out from base camp on a summit attempt-flying guests toward the emperor penguin colony. As experienced by guests on our November 2023 voyages-and again in 2025, a rare double success-the adventure begins with an extended helicopter transfer over a striking polar landscape of snow-capped peaks and apartment-building-sized tabular icebergs. The rookery lies on sea ice off the south coast of Snow Hill Island. Landings are made as close as possible to the colony while maintaining a safe, respectful distance from the penguins. Once on the ice, you'll walk toward the fabled emperor penguin colony-feeling the wind, hearing the crunch beneath your boots, and tracing paths carved by penguins before you. The sounds grow louder as you approach one of the rarest wildlife encounters on Earth: approximately 8,000 rarely seen emperor penguins gathered on the sea ice. The goal is to bring every guest to the colony at least once. The Expedition Team and onboard experts are on hand to interpret what you're seeing-from the penguins' tightly knit social structure to how they care for their young and even "body surf" across the ice in surprisingly agile fashion. This helicopter-supported search for the colony is, for many, the defining adventure of a lifetime. Back on Ultramarine, you'll be immersed in the Weddell Sea each day. Activities may include Zodiac cruising among icebergs, paddle-on-top kayaking, or observing weather forecasting and ship operations alongside the Expedition Team. A standout feature of the voyage is its bespoke educational program, blending lectures with hands-on learning. Polar experts-including penguin scientists, biologists, and historians-share insights into emperor penguin behavior, the formation of tabular icebergs visible from the ship, and the legacy of early explorers who ventured into the Weddell Sea more than a century ago. You might also take the polar plunge, try standup paddleboarding, or unwind in Ultramarine's spa, sauna, or fitness room. While the emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island is the expedition's goal, conditions ultimately decide our access. If weather or sea ice prevents or limits a visit, alternative sites may be explored. Possible landings occur along the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula-an extension of the Transantarctic Mountains and the continent's northernmost reach-ensuring a rich and varied Antarctic experience regardless of conditions. ...
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    Tuesday - Nov 21, 2028
    Day
    7
    Weddell Sea Region, Antarctica
    • Weddell Sea Region, Antarctica
    Wednesday - Nov 22, 2028
    Day
    8
    Weddell Sea Region, Antarctica
    • Weddell Sea Region, Antarctica
    Thursday - Nov 23, 2028
    Day
    9
    Weddell Sea Region, Antarctica
    • Weddell Sea Region, Antarctica
    Friday - Nov 24, 2028
    Day
    10
    Weddell Sea Region, Antarctica
    • Weddell Sea Region, Antarctica
    Saturday - Nov 25, 2028
    Day
    11
    Drake Passage, Antarctica
    • Drake Passage, Antarctica
    As you recross the Drake, Antarctica fades away, leaving you with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up its series of presentations as well, with a slideshow of the adventures you've shared and the wildlife you've witnessed over the course of your voyage. Be sure to take some time to reflect on everything you've experienced so far. ...
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    Sunday - Nov 26, 2028
    Day
    12
    Drake Passage, Antarctica
    • Drake Passage, Antarctica
    Monday - Nov 27, 2028
    Day
    13
    Drake Passage, Antarctica
    • Drake Passage, Antarctica
    Tuesday - Nov 28, 2028
    Day
    14
    Ushuaia, Argentina
    • Ushuaia, Argentina
    • Cruise Ends

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Day 14 - Tuesday - Nov 28, 2028
    Day
    14
    • Air Travel
    • Buenos Aires, Argentina
    You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast, then make your way to your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.


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