Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings

This is a truly epic adventure through the remote Falkland Islands, the wildlife paradise of South Georgia and the extraordinary landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll enjoy unforgettable encounters with untamed wildlife in a vast, dramatic and spectacular setting; you’ll take a step back in time at historically significant sites; and you’ll be mesmerized by the rich diversity and contrasts that make these regions so captivating and unique.

Watch a wild, isolated and extreme world come to life as scores of penguins dive for food, herds of elephant seals bathe in the sun, and pods of orcas pass you by. You’ll be transported to your own wildlife documentary, staged in a magnificent setting of mountains, sea and ice.

Date Duration Starting From Ship
Nov 14 2018, Dec 16 2018, Jan 5 2019, Mar 14 2019 20 days $ 11,395.00 Ocean Endeavour, Ocean Diamond, World Explorer
Tabs
  • Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, the northernmost tip of the world’s 7th continent, by ship, Zodiac and foot
  • Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife with our expert team of on-board lecturers
  • See South Georgia’s incredible wildlife, including 30 breeding bird species and four penguin species
  • Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages to South Georgia and pause for a moment at his gravesite
  • Wander the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falkland Islands
  • Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic, with an optional kayaking excursion

Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings PDF

Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings with flights from Buenos Aires PDF


Departs From
Ushuaia, Argentina

Day 1

The journey begins

Location: Ushuaia, Argentina

Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia has a small-town feel yet also has many shops, museums, cafés and restaurants that you can enjoy before your voyage. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby national park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking.

Explore

Location: Embarkation Day

As you embark, the anticipation grows. Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet and greet your fellow travelers and get acquainted with your ship. Since every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, embarkation day is just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you. On board to ensure your comfort and safety, your team will also help make your wildlife dreams come true.

Day 2

Day 3

Explore

Location: Crossing the Drake Passage

There are many activities to keep you engaged while you are at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team. You will be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings, and also be given instructions for getting the most out of your optional kayaking adventures, a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica.

Explore

Location: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Upon your arrival in the Falklands (Malvinas), your camera will get its first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of this region. The archipelago contains two main islands—East Falkland and West Falkland—which you will explore during Zodiac excursions and daily landings.

Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel, complete with eclectic charm. You’ll be free to explore, grab a pint at the local pub or visit numerous churches and museums.

In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to Magellanic, gentoo and rockhopper penguins. If you’re lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! You can expect to see black- browed albatross, plus two endemic bird species—Cobb’s wren and the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck.

Your team of lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna, making the most out of your time in the Falklands.

Day 4-5

Day 6-7

Explore

Location: At Sea

Sailing south, you’ll officially enter Antarctic waters once you cross the invisible biological boundary called the Antarctic Convergence. Encircling the continent, cold Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, creating an abundance of krill and marine life that attracts whales and seals to this part of the world. Your Expedition Team will be sure to keep you posted when you cross this invisible yet important line.

Explore

Location: South Georgia

This remote outpost was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and elephant and fur seals. Today, island wildlife populations have rebounded, but you’ll still see remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts.

One significant and historic site that will be of interest is the grave of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, a museum, a gift shop, a church and a small research station.

Although South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the island, it is the wildlife that you and your shipmates will surely find most captivating. Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, each landing you make on South Georgia will open your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife.

One day you may see rookeries with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins waddling on a beach, and the next day you may visit another beach dotted with thousands of fur or elephant seals. The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island. This fragile and symbiotic relationship is something that your Expedition Team will explain to you during your time here.

Day 8-11

Day 12-13

Explore

Location: At Sea

Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations, lectures and workshops led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.

If conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, our first official stop in Antarctica.

Explore

Location: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica.

You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete desolation and silence, and at the next moment you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.

Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Curious whales, such as minkes, are often attracted to our Zodiacs, giving you a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic animals. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera busy.

As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an extra-special Antarctic experience by partaking in an optional (extra cost) kayaking excursion or going for a swim in Antarctic waters!

Day 14-17

Day 18-19

Explore

Location: Crossing the Drake Passage

After more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, completing your Antarctic adventure.

Enjoy your final moments mingling with your fellow shipmates. The noisy, busy, populated world awaits your return, so savor the silence of the sea as long as you can.

Explore

Location: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your Expedition Team. Airport transfers will be provided for those departing on the first homeward flights. Other guests will be transferred to town.

Day 20

Location
Disembark in Ushuaia

Adventure Options

Every Quark Antarctic voyage includes great daily outdoor activities including Zodiac cruises, hiking and some also offer snowshoeing. The more discerning adrenaline junkie can also choose from a range of optional adventure activities, with varying exertion levels, to experience the 7th continent in a more personal way.

  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Kayaking
  • Mountaineering
  • Photography
  • Snowshoeing
  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding
  • Walking/Hiking

If you love cross-country skiing, why not experience it on pristine Antarctic snow? All you’ll hear will be the sound of your skis gliding through the fresh snow as penguins provide the soundtrack to your journey. Cross-country skiing is available on select Antarctic voyages at the beginning of the season. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.

Pricing subject to change based on season. Please proceed to checkout or contact a Polar Travel Adviser for more details.

Pre- and Post-Trip Options

Extend Your Stay

Getting to the Antarctic can be just as much fun as being there. Quark offers multiple travel packages that enable you to see more of the world before and after your Antarctic adventure.

Buenos Aires

Savour a spectacular bottle of Malbec with fine Argentine steak, explore street art in colourful San Telmo or experience the world-class shopping on Avenida Florida. Discover the elegant beauty of Buenos Aires, a city that melds European charm with the frenzied pace of Latin life. This package includes a guided tour of the city’s impressive highlights, from the quaint, cobbled plazas to its most sophisticated neighbourhoods. In the evening, you will enjoy a spectacular dinner and tango show with a live orchestra. Please contact a Quark Polar Travel Adviser for pricing.

Iguazú

One of the great natural wonders of the world, the grandeur of Iguazú Falls includes over 274 cascades spread over nearly two miles of the Iguazú River. Learn about the history, flora and fauna of the National Park, and the waterfalls. Experience the spectacular views and the thundering sounds of the waterfalls, located in the midst of 890 square miles of nature reserve. The National Park has easily walkable footpaths which will give you incredible access to the numerous waterfalls. Enjoy one of the true wonders of the natural world.

RIVER CRUISE DEALS!