Depart
Flightseeing
While polar landscapes are spectacular from the sea, they’re even more stunning from the air while seated in one of Ultramarine’s two twin–engine helicopters. Please note: all helicopter operations are weather– and logistics–dependent.
From
AU$36,412 per person
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Duration
14 Days
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Embark
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina
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Disembark
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina
Quark Crossing the Circle Southern Expedition – 14 days
Routes
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Depart
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Route Information
Embark: Ushuaia, Argentina
Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina
Destinations: South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Lemaire Channel and the Antarctic Circle
Ships: Ultramarine
Duration: 14 days
Additional Information: 1 night in Buenos Aires and return flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia included.
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Depart
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Route Information
Embark: Ushuaia, Argentina
Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina
Destinations: South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Lemaire Channel and the Antarctic Circle
Ships: Ocean Explorer
Duration: 14 days
Additional Information: 1 night in Ushuaia included.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arriving in this splendid city, renowned for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, you will be met and transferred to your group hotel.
Day 2 Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Following an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will head to the airport and catch the private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Once you arrive, you'll be transported from the airport to a central downtown location, where you can explore this charming port town independently before heading to the designated meeting point at the pier.
In the late afternoon, you'll embark and begin sailing along the historic Beagle Channel, which cuts through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the far south of South America. Anticipation grows as you look forward to your next destination: Antarctica!
Day 3 - 4 Crossing the Drake Passage
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.
Days 5 - 7 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
As we leave the Drake Passage behind and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. You will understand why this region has fascinated explorers and travellers for so long. Each visit to Antarctica reveals something new and unexpected, making your expedition a unique and personal experience.
Daily Zodiac excursions from the ship will allow you to explore local bays, channels, and landing sites. With wildlife always in focus, you will visit penguin rookeries, look out for humpback and minke whales, and search for various southern seal species, including the elusive leopard seal.
The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will captivate you as you hike snowy paths to vantage points with panoramic views. Antarctica is a land of extremes. One moment you'll feel complete isolation and silence, and the next you'll be awed by nature as a glacier calves into the blue sea or a curious penguin inspects your footwear.
In the quietude of Antarctica, even the noisy squabbles of penguins over prized pebbles become unforgettable memories. Each day will be different, thoughtfully designed by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this incredible part of the world.
Days 8 - 9 Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is a truly unforgettable milestone and an impressive feat, given that only a select few travellers venture this far south. If conditions are favourable for us to cross the iconic latitude of 66°33' S, we will celebrate the pioneering explorers who first reached this remote region. Raise your glass and take pride in knowing you’ve journeyed to one of the least visited parts of the world. This is unspoiled Antarctica, where the midnight sun reigns, Weddell seals thrive, and the chances of encountering sea ice – the backbone of the Antarctic marine ecosystem – are at their highest
Days 10 - 11 Northbound Along the Peninsula
If you haven't yet fully indulged in the wonders of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs, your return to King George Island will surely complete the experience. As you journey north along the western Antarctic Peninsula, you'll have more opportunities to explore by Zodiac or on land.
Days 12 - 13 Crossing the Drake Passage
The return journey across the Drake Passage offers a last chance to relish the refreshing Southern Ocean air. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and looking out for whales, enjoy engaging presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the incredible experiences you've had exploring the extraordinary world of Antarctica.
Day 14 Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will then make your way to the airport for your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Day 1 Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentine
Begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Enjoy active outings in the mountains or sample handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
Day 2 Embark Ushuaia
In the late afternoon, you'll embark and begin sailing along the historic Beagle Channel, which cuts through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the far south of South America. Anticipation grows as you look forward to your next destination: Antarctica!
Days 3 - 4 Crossing the Drake Passage
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.
Days 5 - 7 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
As we leave the Drake Passage behind and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. You will understand why this region has fascinated explorers and travellers for so long. Each visit to Antarctica reveals something new and unexpected, making your expedition a unique and personal experience.
Daily Zodiac excursions from the ship will allow you to explore local bays, channels, and landing sites. With wildlife always in focus, you will visit penguin rookeries, look out for humpback and minke whales, and search for various southern seal species, including the elusive leopard seal.
The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will captivate you as you hike snowy paths to vantage points with panoramic views. Antarctica is a land of extremes. One moment you'll feel complete isolation and silence, and the next you'll be awed by nature as a glacier calves into the blue sea or a curious penguin inspects your footwear.
In the quietude of Antarctica, even the noisy squabbles of penguins over prized pebbles become unforgettable memories.
Each day will be different, thoughtfully designed by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this incredible part of the world.
Days 8 - 9 Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is a truly unforgettable milestone and an impressive feat, given that only a select few travellers venture this far south. If conditions are favourable for us to cross the iconic latitude of 66°33' S, we will celebrate the pioneering explorers who first reached this remote region. Raise your glass and take pride in knowing you’ve journeyed to one of the least visited parts of the world. This is unspoiled Antarctica, where the midnight sun reigns, Weddell seals thrive, and the chances of encountering sea ice – the backbone of the Antarctic marine ecosystem – are at their highest.
Days 10 - 11 Northbound Along the Peninsula
If you haven't yet fully indulged in the wonders of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs, your return to King George Island will surely complete the experience. As you journey north along the western Antarctic Peninsula, you'll have more opportunities to explore by Zodiac or on land.
Days 12 - 13 Crossing the Drake Passage
The return journey across the Drake Passage offers a last chance to relish the refreshing Southern Ocean air. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and looking out for whales, enjoy engaging presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the incredible experiences you've had exploring the extraordinary world of Antarctica.
Day 14 Disembark in Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast
Activities
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.
Paddling Excursion
The Paddle Excursion Program offers sit-on-top, two-person inflatable kayaks for a unique, intimate experience exploring unforgettable Antarctic locations from a different perspective
Sea Kayaking
Kayaking offers adventurous travellers a unique, intimate connection to the Antarctic wilderness, allowing exploration of the mazes sea ice and glaciers while forging bonds with fellow explorers at water level.
Zodiac Cruising
Zodiacs take you places that ships can’t access, allowing you to reach remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets and search for unique wildlife.
Stand-up Paddleboarding
Experience a unique view of Antarctica with stand-up paddleboarding in small groups, exploring calm bays and harbours under good weather conditions, guided by a support Zodiac.
Polar Plunge
This rite of passage, scheduled once per voyage, offers you the chance to jump safely into the bracing polar waters under the watchful eye of our trained staff.
Camping
Elevate your expedition with a unique overnight camping adventure in Antarctica! Experience this incredible destination up close. Limited camping options are available, so book early to secure your spot.
Alpine Heli-Trekking
The helicopter flight alone rewards guests with unforgettable views. On land, during an invigorating walk, hike or snowshoe trek (depending on conditions), you’ll be rewarded with equally stunning views of remote ridgelines, glaciated terrain, and snow-topped peaks.
Heli-Landing
Experience the Antarctic's stunning beauty from the sky. Travel in small groups by helicopter, enjoying stunning views and unique access to remote glacial sites and more.
Dates & rates
Pricing is dynamic and fluctuates with availability. Subject to change or withdrawal at any time. Contact us for details.
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Dates
Jan 6 – Jan 19, 2026
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Embark / Disembark
Ushuaia / Ushuaia
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Ship
Ultamarine
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From price (per person, twin share)
A$40,370 was A$42,395
Save up to 5% -
Dates
Feb 28 – Mar 13, 2026
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Embark / Disembark
Ushuaia / Ushuaia
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Ship
Ultramarine
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From price (per person, twin share)
A$36,412 was A$54,995
Save up to 34% What's included
Inclusions
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.
Additional Inclusions aboard Ultramarine 14 day itinerary:
Flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia return
One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)
Exclusions
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.