Hiking
Hiking in polar regions offers unique, immersive experiences across tundra, snow, and beaches, with organized hikes ranging from short wildlife visits to longer excursions, guided by experts.
10 Days
King George Island, Antarctica
Punta Arenas, Chile
Embark: King George Island, Antarctica
Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina
Destinations: Punta Arenas, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia
Ships: Ocean Explorer
Duration: 10 days
Additional Information: 1 night in Punta Arenas and flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island included.
Embark: Ushuaia, Argentina
Disembark: King George Island, Antarctica
Destinations: Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Punta Arenas
Ships: Ocean Explorer
Duration: 10 days
Additional Information: 1 night in Punta Arenas and flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas included.
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populous city in southern Patagonia. Should you arrive early, you will find numerous museums, restaurants, and shops to explore. By early afternoon, a representative from Quark Expeditions will greet you at the official starting point hotel, where you will enjoy a welcome dinner and receive a briefing on the preparations for your embarkation day.
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica allows you to cross the legendary Drake Passage in just two hours. Meanwhile, your ship will be making its way to King George Island for your arrival. Your first view of the stunning Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique vantage point as your plane descends into the South Shetland Islands. After landing, head to the shore and transfer by Zodiac to your ship, ready to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!
As your Antarctic voyage begins, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived on another planet, with the pristine landscapes and dramatic environments unlike anything else on Earth. From the vessel, you can observe whales swimming and feeding in nutrient-rich waters and spot penguins frolicking and leaping onto ice floes. Equally awe-inspiring are the towering snow-covered mountains and massive glaciers of the Peninsula, which will be your playground for the next few days.
Every Zodiac excursion and landing offers new sights, sounds, and experiences. Some landings may be as serene as sitting on a beach, photographing curious gentoo penguins. Other landings might provide thrilling panoramic views of the Antarctic continent as you hike atop a hill. You might witness a glacier calving into the sea at Petermann Island or take a Zodiac cruise around Pleneau Island in search of fur and elephant seals.
Even everyday activities, like mailing a postcard, become extraordinary in Antarctica. While weather and sea conditions dictate which landings are possible, the Expedition Team will ensure that each day of your Antarctic adventure is unforgettable.
Crossing the Drake Passage is a rite of passage for any Antarctic adventurer, marking the conclusion of your journey. Regardless of sea conditions, you’ll be well-prepared, having developed your sea legs over the previous four days. While the journey home has commenced, the wildlife spotting continues. The Expedition Team will be on deck and on the ship’s bridge to assist you in spotting the majestic wandering albatross and various whale species, including minke and humpback.
When you’re not looking at photos and reminiscing about the past days, the Expedition Team will wrap up their series of engaging presentations on marine biology, polar history, and glaciology.
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to your hotel for the night, explore the town on your own to shop, sightsee and sample some Argentinian cuisine.
Today you are free to make your way to the airport for departure, or extend your stay in Ushuaia.
This quaint city at the southernmost tip of South America is your gateway to Antarctica. The city itself provides a wide range of jewellery shops, cafés, gear shops and restaurants to explore before your voyage. Outside the city, snow-capped mountains and hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park offer ample adventure activities if you enjoy exploring nature.
You will embark in the afternoon today, with a journey through the picturesque Beagle Channel. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled and be out on deck, as the channel is home to a wide variety of wildlife including seabirds and seals. Rainbows are common here too, creating a great photographic opportunity to kick off the start to your Antarctic adventure.
The Drake Passage, known for its unpredictability, offers an adventure all on its own. With expert onboard staff and leaders ensuring your comfort, you’ll have ample time to enjoy the ocean, photograph seabirds flying around the ship, and connect with your Expedition Team and fellow travellers.
As your Antarctic voyage begins, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived on another planet, with the pristine landscapes and dramatic environments unlike anything else on Earth. From the vessel, you can observe whales swimming and feeding in nutrient-rich waters and spot penguins frolicking and leaping onto ice floes. Equally awe-inspiring are the towering snow-covered mountains and massive glaciers of the Peninsula, which will be your playground for the next few days.
Every Zodiac excursion and landing offers new sights, sounds, and experiences. Some landings may be as serene as sitting on a beach, photographing curious gentoo penguins. Other landings might provide thrilling panoramic views of the Antarctic continent as you hike atop a hill. You might witness a glacier calving into the sea at Petermann Island or take a Zodiac cruise around Pleneau Island in search of fur and elephant seals.
Even everyday activities, like mailing a postcard, become extraordinary in Antarctica. While weather and sea conditions dictate which landings are possible, the Expedition Team will ensure that each day of your Antarctic adventure is unforgettable.
With only the Drake Passage ahead, disembark and enjoy a little time on King George Island before flying off to Punta Arenas, Chile. On arrival in Punta Arenas, transfer from the airport to your hotel, where you are free to explore and enjoy a final dinner out.
Depart at your leisure today.
Dec 28 – Jan 6, 2026
Ushuaia / King George Island
Ocean Explorer
Jan 17 – Jan 26, 2024
King George Island / Ushuaia
Ocean Explorer
Feb 21 – Mar 2, 2026
Ushuaia / King George Island
Ocean Explorer
Mar 13 – Mar 22, 2026
King George Island / Ushuaia
Ocean Explorer
Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island or visa versa
An official expedition parka to keep.
Leadership throughout the voyage by an experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings, presentations and other activities.
Shipboard accommodation in your chosen room with private facilities.
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. Beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails also included during bar service hours and dinner.
Waterproof expedition boots to borrow for landings and Zodiac cruising. Snowshoes and walking poles are also provided.
Complimentary Wi-Fi on one device.
Group transfers mentioned through the itinerary.
International airfare to join the cruise.
Passport and applicable visa expenses.
Meals unless otherwise specified.
Waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned.
Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified.
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew.
Additional overnight accommodation.
Adventure options not listed in included activities.
We love a good chat, so please feel free to give us a call! You can also email us on hello@polarfrontiers.com.
+61 3 9640 0622Alternatively, fill out the form below.