Antarctica

Antarctic Explorer – Discovering the 7th Continent

12 Days aboard Ultramarine. From NZD $22,328$19,091pp.
Details

Overview

Antarctica is an incredible destination with the power to transform those who are fortunate enough to experience its many natural wonders. We’ve been delivering transformational polar experiences for over the decades, and in that time we’ve realized that the more personalized an expedition is, the more enriching the experience will be. That’s why we’ve designed this guide: to help you plan your perfect expedition to the 7th continent.

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Itinerary Highlights

  • Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and enjoy the tango capital of the world
  • Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Enjoy flightseeing on Ultramarine's two twin-engine helicopters
  • Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology and geology by our onboard polar experts
  • Observe abundant wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales
  • Explore Antarctica on an optional paddling excursion.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
  • Days 3 & 4: Crossing the Drake Passage
  • Days 5 to 9: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
  • Days 10 & 11: Crossing the Drake Passage
  • Day 12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Arrive in 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 your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark

After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our 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 pier.

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: the Antarctic!

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Days 3 & 4: Crossing the Drake Passage

The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our 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 our Expedition Team and fellow travelers.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Days 5 to 9: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Once the Drake Passage is left in our wake and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. On every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means your expedition will be unlike any other—a unique, personal experience.

Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. 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 Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views of your surroundings. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and the next you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.

Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes—such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles—become indelible memories.

Each day will be different, carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Days 10 & 11: Crossing the Drake Passage

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Southern Ocean air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you've
shared exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will then make your way towards your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 19 Feb 2025
DatesCabinFromSpecial Offer
19 Feb 2025 - 02 Mar 2025 NZD$25217ppExpand to view offers
Explorer TripleNZD $29667ppNZD$25217ppSave 15%
Explorer SuiteNZD $34222ppNZD$29089ppSave 15%
Balcony SuiteNZD $37889ppNZD$32206ppSave 15%
Deluxe Balcony SuiteNZD $45222ppNZD$38439ppSave 15%
Terrace SuiteNZD $46222ppNZD$39289ppSave 15%
Solo Panorama CabinNZD $48000ppNZD$40800ppSave 15%
Penthouse SuiteNZD $49889ppNZD$42406ppSave 15%
Owner's SuiteNZD $61778ppNZD$52512ppSave 15%
Ultra SuiteNZD $68333ppNZD$58084ppSave 15%
27 Nov 2025 - 08 Dec 2025 NZD$25596ppExpand to view offers
07 Dec 2025 - 18 Dec 2025 NZD$25596ppExpand to view offers
17 Dec 2025 - 28 Dec 2025 NZD$22712ppExpand to view offers
27 Dec 2025 - 07 Jan 2026 NZD$22712ppExpand to view offers
08 Feb 2026 - 19 Feb 2026 NZD$21614ppExpand to view offers
18 Feb 2026 - 01 Mar 2026 NZD$21614ppExpand to view offers
17 Dec 2026 - 28 Dec 2026 NZD$23271ppExpand to view offers
27 Dec 2026 - 07 Jan 2027 NZD$23271ppExpand to view offers
06 Jan 2027 - 17 Jan 2027 NZD$23271ppExpand to view offers
06 Feb 2027 - 17 Feb 2027 NZD$21846ppExpand to view offers
28 Feb 2027 - 11 Mar 2027 NZD$20326ppExpand to view offers
10 Mar 2027 - 21 Mar 2027 NZD$19091ppExpand to view offers

In the 2023/24 season this itinerary is 11 days long. Departure dates can be found here.

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Solo Panorama Cabin

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 132 square-feet
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Single bed
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors

Solo Panorama Cabin
Solo Panorama Cabin
Explorer Triple

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Deck 3
- Approx. 285 square-feet
- Three separate single beds
- Sitting area
- Picture window
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors

Explorer Triple
Explorer Triple
Explorer Suite

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Deck 3
- Approx. 285 square-feet
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Picture window
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors

Explorer Suite
Explorer Suite
Balcony Suite

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Decks 4 and 6
- Approx. 226 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 52 square-foot balcony
- Connecting cabins available
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors

Balcony Suite
Balcony Suite
Deluxe Balcony Suite

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Decks 4 and 6
- Approx. 299 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 70 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors

Deluxe Balcony Suite
Deluxe Balcony Suite
Terrace Suite

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 350 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 100-square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private extra-wide balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors

Terrace Suite
Terrace Suite
Penthouse Suite

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Deck 7
- Approx. 369 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 67 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors

Penthouse Suite
Penthouse Suite
Owner's Suite

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 446 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 46.3 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds in a private bedroom
- Walk-in closet
- Sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
- Separate powder room

Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite
Ultra Suite

*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.

- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 563 square-feet of interior living space
- Approx. 46 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Walk-in closet
- Sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
- Separate powder room

Ultra Suite
Ultra Suite

Ultramarine Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Staff and Crew: 140
  • Guests: 199
  • Ice Class: 1A+, PC6
  • Length: 420 ft (128m)
  • Draft: 16.4ft (5.1m)
  • Cruising Speed: 16 knots, in open water
  • Registration: Marshall Islands
  • Lifeboats: 4, fully enclosed

Whats included?

  • Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings and other activities
  • An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. Please inform us of any
  • dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.
  • Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • A photographic journal documenting your expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)

What’s not included?

  • International airfare
  • Passport and applicable visa expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
  • Meals unless otherwise specified
  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
  • Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
  • Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
  • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
  • Additional overnight accommodation
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
  • Mandatory transfer package (see notes)

Notes

MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: 

  • One pre-night’s hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast
  • Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires 
  • Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia, and returning to Buenos Aires’ international airport (Ezeiza/EZE) 
  • Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, and return (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of the journey is not included. Please make your way to the included hotel.) 
  • Combined airport transfer and express bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after disembarkation in Ushuaia 

PACKAGE PRICE:

  • US$995 (Antarctic 2024/25)
  • US$1,195 (Antarctic 2025/26)

It is also possible to join the ship in Ushuaia on embarkation day and opt out of the transfer package services at no additional cost. If you choose this option, your expedition will commence on Day 2.

Adventure Options:

  • Sea Kayak: US$1,995
  • Paddling Excursion: US$395
  • SUP: US$295
  • Exclusive Heli-Landing: US$995

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Antarctica

On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Antarctic Explorer – Discovering the 7th Continent

12 Days aboard Ultramarine. From NZD $22,328$19,091pp.