Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent (12-day) with flights from Buenos Aires
Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship OCEAN ENDEAVOUR
Feb 23 – Mar 6 2017
Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula in comfort. A charter flight ushers you from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia prior to embarkation. Once on board, you'll marvel at the arine life and myriad of seabirds swooping in close to show off just for you.
As you cross the Drake Passage and near the northernmost tip of the Seventh Continent, prepare to be dwarfed by massive, glistening icebergs and the looming peninsula, the mos pristine region on the planet. Rediscover your adventurous spirit - scramble just a little higher up that peak, kayak through ice floes, or share a pebbly beach with courious penguins. A part of you will always stay here, but the experience will stay in your heart after you reluctantly go.
THIS EXPEDITION INCLUDES
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
• All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks on board
• All shore landings per the daily program
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled
• Photographic journal documenting the expedition
• Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
• An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
• Coffee, tea and 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 to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person
ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Booking an Adventure Option on your expedition is a great way to enhance your polar experience.
These options are subject to availability and fill up quickly, so be sure to book yours early. Please note, Adventure Options are weather dependent.
KAYAKING
Imagine gliding along the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers! Our kayaking adventures are the best way to feel at one with the sea. Taken in small groups of 16 people, multiple times per voyage, kayaking adventures are only conducted during calm weather conditions. We recommend you have some prior kayaking experience, including the capability to do a wet exit.
MOUNTAINEERING
Geared towards our fitness–conscious adventurers, mountain climbing in Antarctica is among the most rewarding and addicting outdoor endeavors. To climb in Antarctica is a special memory that will last forever. Our mountaineering adventures are full-day activities that can last up to 5 hours and require you to complete a fitness waiver to participate in this challenging option.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Cross-country skiing is one of the most efficient ways to travel over ground that is covered in snow and ice, enabling you to travel in Antarctica the same way that pioneering explorers like Amundsen and Shackleton did. With journeys taking a few hours, it is imperative to be in good physical shape. Ideally, you’ll have cross-country skiing experience to partake in this activity, however exceptions may be made for those deemed physically capable. While Quark provides the essential gear, you will be responsible for certain extras such as additional warm clothing and a pair of good sunglasses.
CAMPING
Treat yourself to an overnight camping adventure in Antarctica! Our popular camping options have limited availability, varying by ship. Dress warmly and eat a hearty meal before you head out as no meals are allowed on land. You will need to complete a waiver form before being considered for this adventure option.
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING
Combining surfing with kayaking or canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding will give you a very personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. Taken in small groups in good weather conditions on calm bays and harbors, with Zodiac accompaniment, paddleboarding will be offered on via signup onboard ship on a first-come, first-served basis.
SNOWSHOEING
A novel way to experience the beauty of the polar landscape, and discover remote alcoves and hidden valleys. The rewards of walking atop the snow are well worth the effort, as we’ll be able to visit new places that may be inaccessible on foot.
This traditional means of transport across the snow comes from the indigenous people of North America. While you can appreciate a connection with the past, the snowshoes we use today are much lighter and more forgiving than the old wood-weave snowshoes used during the days of the North American fur trade.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Antarctica is one of the most abundantly photogenic destinations in the world. Penguins amble across pebbled beaches, whales spy-hop from the crystal blue sea and sparkling icebergs tower in this serene, yet dramatic environment. Whether you own a serious SLR or a simple point-and-shoot, our on-board photography expert provides you with hands-on instruction and technical tips to ensure that you capture the best of your Antarctica experience.
Ask us at (011) 4811-8645 or consultas@4tourists.com.ar
DAY 1 Buenos Aires, Argentina
You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary. Upon your arrival at this splendid city, known for its soaring architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to the group hotel (pre-night hotel included).
DAY 2 Ushuaia, Argentina and Embarkation
After breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and boardour private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Upon arrival, you will have a little time to explore this quaint port town before heading to the pier.
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel 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 & 4 Crossing the Drake Passage
Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You’ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates, while we’ll provide safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.
DAYS 5 TO 9 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
When the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You can 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, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.
We will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.
The majesty of the Peninsula’s mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to
vantage points offering 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbour, gives the opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you’ll have the choice between mountain hiking or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach enjoying the antics of curious penguins. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets!
Amidst 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 in Neko Harbour.
Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team so as to entertain and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
DAYS 10 & 11 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 or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
DAY 12 Disembarkation in Ushuaia
We will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning after breakfast. After disembarkation, we will taste a little of Patagonia by touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before we transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Decembre to march
