ANTARCTIC EXPRESS

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Overview

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Antarctica offers so many extraordinary things to see and do, and traveling with Quark Expeditions® offers multiple options to personalize your experience. We’ve designed this guide to help you identify what interests you most, so that you can  start planning your version of the perfect expedition to the 7th Continent.

Answer the call of Antarctica by flying over the notorious Drake Passage by charter plane to land at King George Island before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by ship. In just 8 adventure-packed days, you’ll experience rewarding shore visits and Zodiac cruises, marvel at intimate wildlife encounters, explore historic sites and make the most of your landmark visit to the 7th Continent. Select from a range of adventure options and onboard activities that match your personal interests and make your expedition uniquely yours.

Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries and our expeditions offer the chance for you to discover why. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable adventure! Feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers who can answer your questions and provide assistance at any time.

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  • Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica
  • Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales
  • Marvel at many of the Antarctic Peninsula highlights
  • Enjoy onboard presentations from polar specialists
  • Cruise in a Zodiac to get up close to icebergs, wildlife and more
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Itinerary

DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE

Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days. By early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions® representative will meet you at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.

DAY 2 | FLY TO KING GEORGE ISLAND & EMBARK

Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only two hours. Far below, the ship will approach King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, stretch your legs with
a one-mile (1.6 km) walk to the shore, before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

DAYS 3–6 | ANTARCTIC PENINSULA & SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes. As your Captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert presenters will deepen your experience with explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region.

Even more exciting are your daily excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking on a beach dotted with penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica.

Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities, and
it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between an Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguin.

You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day.
From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and orcas in  action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore during this unrivaled travel experience.

Your Expedition Team will accompany you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.

DAY 7 | DISEMBARK & FLY TO PUNTA ARENAS

After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your two-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your group transfer to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

DAY 8 | DEPART PUNTA ARENAS

After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your  homeward flights.

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EXPEDITION SPIRIT

Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be
guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.

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Arrival and Departure Details

As you prepare for your journey, you may be interested in your arrival and departure details. Since international air transportation is not included in the cost of your expedition, you have some flexibility in planning your flights. Looking to extend your adventure beyond your polar expedition? On page 15, learn how to add on a pre- or post-expedition stop—or both!—in your gateway city.

Arrival Day and Embarkation

ARRIVING IN PUNTA ARENAS

Please be sure to book a flight that will land with enough time to arrive at the hotel prior to 1pm on Day 1 of your expedition. You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to the included group hotel. For passengers arriving before Day 1 of the itinerary, taxis are available to take you from the airport to your hotel for approximately US$25.

On arrival at your hotel, either check in, and then make your way to the Quark Expeditions® meeting room, or if you have arrived before check-in begins at 3pm, you can head directly to the meeting room, which is open from 12pm. Here you will collect your boots and parka, which you will need for the following day’s flight. You will also need to bring the luggage you are planning to travel with to the meeting room, to have it weighed and checked for biosecurity clearance, which may involve vacuuming out any debris from outer clothing and backpacks. After these procedures, the mandatory briefing will start at 6pm in the meeting room. A welcome dinner hosted by a Quark Expeditions® representative will follow the briefing.

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PLEASE NOTE

It is important that you arrive at the hotel in Punta Arenas no later than 1pm, in order to have time for check in, luggage weighing and tagging, boot and parka distribution, and biosecurity clearance, prior to the mandatory briefing at 6pm.

KING GEORGE ISLAND AND EMBARKATION

Your flight to Antarctica is expected to depart from Punta Arenas for King George Island on Day 2 of your itinerary, after breakfast. Although the flight is scheduled to depart first thing in the morning, there is significant variability based on weather conditions. You should be prepared to depart the hotel for the airport on our group transfer at any time.

CONTINGENCY PLAN

In the unlikely event that the plane is unable to depart on the planned date of the charter flight, you will be provided with a night of hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas, meals included. You may be required to be on standby and remain close to the hotel, as a weather window may open with very little notice. If the weather is not suitable on Day 3, you will enjoy additional nights of accommodation and meals in Punta Arenas. On Day 4, should the charter flight not be able to take off, Quark Expeditions® will officially cancel the voyage and provide a letter for you to submit to your travel insurance provider for coverage of flight changes and other associated non-cruise costs under the trip delay/interruption and cancellation clause.

Quark Expeditions® will make every effort to ensure that your program takes place, but due to complex and variable weather conditions, flying in this region is challenging and is beyond our control. Safety is paramount to your expedition, and our pilots follow strict weather assessment procedures. Quark Expeditions® will offer a refund of your cruise package and any adventure options in the event of a cancellation as a result of the
charter flight being unable to depart as planned.

We strongly recommend that all expedition guests purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy, including trip delay, cancellation and interruption insurance, in addition to the required medical coverage. Please note that international airfare may not be covered by insurance in the event of a cancellation. Please ask your Polar Travel Adviser about travel insurance.

PLEASE NOTE

There is a strict luggage limit of 33 lbs (15 kg) checked luggage and 11 lbs (5 kg) cabin baggage on the flights between Punta Arenas and King George Island. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Punta Arenas. There is NO option to pay for additional luggage.

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Final Day and Departure

DISEMBARKATION AT KING GEORGE ISLAND

Ship disembarkation will generally occur in the late morning, on King George Island. After you disembark, you will take a short one-mile walk (1.5 km) from the beach to the airport to  meet your plane. Your luggage will be transferred to the plane. After a two-hour flight, you will land at the Punta Arenas  airport (PUQ).

DEPARTING FROM PUNTA ARENAS

On arrival in Punta Arenas, you will be transferred from the airport to your post-expedition hotel for one final night. Please note that a departure transfer from the hotel to the Punta Arenas airport is not included.

Included Hotel Accommodations

Your included accommodation begins on Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific hotel will be indicated on your final voyage confirmation. If you are arriving prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are staying after the disembarkation day and would like help booking a pre- or post-stay, please contact your preferred travel agent or Quark Expeditions® for hotel options. As accommodation space is limited, you are encouraged to request any extra nights as early as possible.

Arrival and Departure Transfers

PUNTA ARENAS AIRPORT TRANSFERS

ARRIVAL: Upon your arrival in Punta Arenas, a group transfer is included from the airport to your included pre-expedition hotel on Day 1 of your itinerary. Group transfers are also included in conjunction with the charter flights to and from Antarctica.

DEPARTURE: A departure transfer in Punta Arenas is not included, however your Polar Travel Adviser can arrange one for you.

In order to facilitate your transfers, we request that you provide your flight details to Quark Expeditions® at least 30 days prior to traveling.

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PLEASE NOTE

Weather conditions can always delay our arrival, and airline schedule changes have also been known to occur. Booking flexible tickets is always encouraged, as we cannot be held responsible for delays due to unforeseen circumstances.

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Your Ship Options

Quark Expeditions® boasts the largest polar-class fleet of any polar operator, and the ability to offer you this incredible voyage on one of our ice strengthened vessels.

The entire Quark Expeditions® fleet is built for challenging polar environments, allowing us to take you to places ordinary cruise companies wouldn’t dream of going.

WORLD EXPLORER

Polar powerhouse, the World Explorer—our first allsuites, all-balcony ice-class ship—lets you discover everything Antarctica has to offer, with the type of  service available only at premium hotels. The World Explorer also provides plenty of areas, both inside and out, to witness the incredible Antarctic wildlife or simply watch the world go by. Enjoy a spacious observation deck for taking in sights outdoors, an observation lounge with panoramic skyline views, a library for intimate relaxing and reading, and the Explorer Lounge for a drink and a chat. Presentations and discussions are held in a dedicated lecture theater. Health and wellness
facilities feature an outdoor running track, small gym and spa, plus an outdoor swimming pool. With its new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology and state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce engines and generators, the ship also boasts reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

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SHIP SPECIFICATIONS:

Staff & Crew: 125
Guests: 172
Lifeboats: 2, fully enclosed
Ice Class: 1B

Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details

Entice Travel

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OCEAN ADVENTURER

Ocean Adventurer has long been a fleet favorite among guests and crew who’ve appreciated the charm of this nimble vessel, its ample outdoor deck space, numerous cozy spots to socialize onboard, the outdoor jacuzzi and, of course, the intimacy of a 128-passenger vessel. In 2017, Ocean Adventurer underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation including a refreshed look and feel throughout, plus a completely remodeled lounge, dining room and bar. All cabins received brand new bathroom facilities. Six
new deluxe cabins, as well as three new suites, were also added. Major technical enhancements featured two new Rolls-Royce engines, which yield increased speed and fuel efficiency, and a minimized carbon footprint.

SHIP SPECIFICATIONS:

Staff & Crew: 87
Guests: 128
Lifeboats: 4, partially enclosed
Ice Class: 1A

Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details.

Entice Travel

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Included Activities

Ready for a little adventure beyond your ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage offers a variety of recreational activities to enhance your polar experience.

ZODIAC CRUISING Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar expeditions, taking you to places the ships can’t access, allowing you to reach remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets and search for unique wildlife. Expedition staff make stepping in and out of them safe and comfortable, and your Zodiac drivers will provide active interpretation, making the landscape come even more alive.

HIKING Hiking in Antarctica is free-form and supervised by our expert staff, who set out a perimeter or paths at each landing
site within which you are free to explore. While you hike, staff will be available to enhance your experience by answering
questions about the wildlife, history and geography of the area. Walking poles are provided at each landing for your convenience. As there are a limited number of poles available, please bring your own if you require them on every landing. Some landing sites will offer more demanding terrain options than others.

PRESENTATIONS Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by our world-class onboard polar experts—expedition guides, specialists, photography guides and other special guests who will introduce you to the fascinating history, biology, ornithology,
glaciology and geology of the region, and much, much more.

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POLAR PLUNGE This rite of passage, scheduled only once per expedition, gives you the chance to jump safely into the bracing Antarctic waters under the watchful eye of our staff—and just about every single camera on board!

PHOTOGRAPHY Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guides will help you hone your skills to capture the beauty of the polar regions.

More information about your Included Activities and Adventure Options, including the necessary experience, physical requirements and cost, is available by contacting your Polar Travel Adviser or your travel professional.

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Adventure Options

SEA KAYAKING Imagine gliding across the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program is
a great way to intimately explore your surroundings. A small group of kayakers will plan to go out multiple times per voyage as an alternative to shore landings or Zodiac cruises.

The number of opportunities to kayak is weather dependent, and will be conducted only during calm conditions. Prior kayaking experience is required, and you must be able to do a wet exit to participate. Beginners interested in kayaking should consider participating in the Paddling Excursion.

PADDLING EXCURSION If you’re interested in kayaking but would like to try something a bit less demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re the perfect candidate to sign up for a one-time paddle on our stable sit-on-top kayaks—perfect for anyone with minimal or no kayaking experience. Small groups of passengers will be taken out on calm days, with our expert guides always present to provide instruction and help you connect with the polar sea. Two outings will be pre-booked, and once successfully completed, any
subsequent outings will be offered via lottery on board.

STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING (on World Explorer only) Combining a surfboard with a kayak, stand-up paddle boarding will give you a very personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. Conducted in small groups—in calm bays and harbors, in good
weather conditions—and accompanied by a safety Zodiac, one-time standup paddle boarding excursions can be pre-booked in two consecutive priority groups. After the first two successful outings, this activity will be offered via lottery on board the ship for any subsequent outings.

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PLEASE NOTE

For all paid activities pre-booking is required. We recommend booking early as spaces fill quickly. Please see your pre-departure guide for a list of provided gear for each Adventure Option.

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Dates and Rates
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

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Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

RATES INCLUDE:

  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
  • 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 the expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
  • 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
  • A group arrival transfer in Punta Arenas from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
  • A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
  • A pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport
  • Flights to and from King George Island
  • A post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel
  • One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast

Exclusions

RATES SPECIFICALLY DO NOT INCLUDE:

  • 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
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Your Expedition Team

Our Expedition Leaders and their teams bring diverse expertise in subjects as varied as polar history, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology and
photography. Their knowledge and enthusiasm will greatly enhance your immersion into the polar environment and further deepen your connection
to the Antarctic. With over 30 years of experience bringing passengers to remote polar regions and an industry-leading staff-to-guest ratio, we know how to safely handle the unexpected. Ensuring this hard-earned experience is passed on, all our expedition staff receive comprehensive training in Quark Academy, which provides hands-on polar expedition training prior to any staff member’s first voyage as well as ongoing training for experienced staff.

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Extend Your Trip

PRE- AND POST-EXPEDITION TRIP EXTENSIONS

Since you’re traveling such a long way, you may want to spend extra time in Santiago. Chile’s capital city has a rejuvenating and modern vibe. Its cool,
cultural current resonates, from the hillside parks to the sidewalk cafés. The city’s burgeoning culinary scene is fast becoming Santiago’s calling card. Enjoy new wine bars, tapas cafés and high-end restaurants. Make neighborhood-hopping a holiday action-item and head to trendy Barrio Lastarria, Barrio Italia and Bellavista, the city’s boho quarter.

To discover the best options for extending your adventure, get in touch with your Travel Professional or a Polar Travel Adviser for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions.

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Extend Your Trip

PRE- AND POST-EXPEDITION TRIP EXTENSIONS

Since you’re traveling such a long way, you may want to spend extra time in Santiago. Chile’s capital city has a rejuvenating and modern vibe. Its cool,
cultural current resonates, from the hillside parks to the sidewalk cafés. The city’s burgeoning culinary scene is fast becoming Santiago’s calling card. Enjoy new wine bars, tapas cafés and high-end restaurants. Make neighborhood-hopping a holiday action-item and head to trendy Barrio Lastarria, Barrio Italia and Bellavista, the city’s boho quarter.

To discover the best options for extending your adventure, get in touch with your Travel Professional or a Polar Travel Adviser for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions.

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Meals on Board

If there is one constant on board, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals daily.  While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always be served three well-prepared meals per day. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition. Soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open; beer and wine are served with dinner; and coffee, tea and water stations are available around the clock – all included in the cost of your package. Spirits, premium wines and champagne are available at extra cost which can be billed to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open to enjoy with your fellow shipmates in late morning, afternoon and evening.

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Possible Excursions

When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details.
The following sites are a sample of what you may experience on your expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, or shore landing.

Antarctic Peninsula

CIERVA COVE

If one of your expedition goals is to witness jaw-dropping icebergs and giant sea ice, Cierva Cove will not disappoint. A massive glacial face regularly calves into the bay, leaving often spectacular floating ice. Seals can be spotted on ice floes, and later in the season, humpback whales occasionally feed
in the icy waters

CUVERVILLE ISLAND

A gentoo penguin rookery is situated on a rocky beach at the north end of the island. Depending on when in the season you arrive, you may see the
penguins building nests or attending to their chicks. Giant petrels and kelp gulls breed on the island.

DAMOY POINT

Damoy Point is the site of a historical ice runway used by the British Antarctic Survey for their flights further south since 1975. The well-maintained hut was used as a staging-post to store supplies and for accommodation while awaiting ideal flying conditions. The point is also home to a penguin rookery and allows for spectacular views of the mountains of Anvers Island.

DANCO ISLAND

Home to gentoo penguins, this small dome-shaped island provides you with a stunning view of the Errera Channel.

ENTERPRISE ISLAND

Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island’s protected coves were once used by whalers. A Zodiac cruise exploring the island passes the rusting remains of a wrecked whaling ship, and provides opportunities to search for humpback whales.

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LEMAIRE CHANNEL

One of the most scenic locations on the peninsula’s west coast, this dramatic strait runs between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula. The channel may become impassable when ice fills the narrow, 6.8-mile (11 km)-long passageway, so we’ll hope for clear waters.

MELCHIOR ISLANDS

This group of low, glaciated islands in Dallmann Bay is where you may see hauled-out male fur seals as they recuperate from their battles for
supremacy at the end of their breeding season.

NEKO HARBOUR

Little evidence remains that this bay was once used by the floating whale factory ship Neko. You might see whale vertebrae being used by resident gentoo penguins as shelter from the wind. Climb up a steep slope for spectacular views of the glacier-rimmed harbor.

PETERMANN ISLAND

Here, near the Lemaire Channel, you can stand ashore and see the southernmost breeding colony of gentoo penguins. Adélie penguins, shags and south polar skuas also inhabit the island.

PORT LOCKROY

As part of Operation Tabarin during the Second World War, a secret British base was built in this sheltered harbor, located on the west side of Wiencke Island. Now a designated historic site, the base is a museum and post office. Proceeds from your purchases in Port Lockroy support the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, which preserves British and other historic sites dating to the Heroic Age of Exploration. A large gentoo penguin population
resides here.

WATERBOAT POINT

A surveyor and a geologist lived in a makeshift shelter utilizing a water boat on this point from 1921 to 1922. The remains of their camp have been
designated an Antarctic historic site. The aptly named Waterboat Point is also home to a Chilean Antarctic research station, named González Videla Base after the first sitting head of state to visit the Antarctic continent. When the base is manned, you may be welcomed inside for a visit by the base personnel, or you may visit the resident nesting gentoo rookery if the base is inactive.

South Shetland Islands

AITCHO ISLANDS

This group of small islands is situated in the northern entrance of the English Strait. You can often spot a great mix of wildlife in the area, with gentoo and chinstrap penguins having established rookeries on the islands. Southern elephant and fur seals frequently haul out here, too.

DECEPTION ISLAND

Deception Island is a flooded circular caldera formed by the collapse of an active volcano. To reach this protected harbor, it is necessary to sail through a narrow passage called Neptune’s Bellows. Inside are several bays used at various times for whaling and scientific research. Along with waddling penguins and lounging seals, you’ll see the rusting remains of whaling operations on the beach in some locations. The landscape of Deception Island often presents opportunities for longer walks to striking vistas. The stark contrast between snow and dark volcanic sand and the steam along the shoreline from geothermic activity when the tide is right, gives this location an atmospheric feel.

EXPEDITION SPIRIT

Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, the ice and the weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.

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HALF MOON ISLAND

This crescent-shaped island was known to sealers as early as 1821. While they tried to keep this productive location secret, we’re happy to bring you ashore on this impressive island. Many Antarctic birds breed here, including chinstrap penguins, shags, Wilson’s storm petrels, kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic terns and skuas.

HANNAH POINT

On the southern coast of Livingston Island at Hannah Point, you may see chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries, along with the occasional breeding
macaroni penguin. Due to the rather congested area available to the nesting penguins, we are able to visit here only after January 10.

PENGUIN ISLAND

Antarctica has two flowering plants, both of which you can find on Penguin Island: Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort (Colobanthus quitensis). Chinstrap penguins, fur seals and southern elephant seals can also be spotted here.

ROBERT POINT

A beautiful spot for Zodiac cruising, this point was known to sealers as early as 1820. Chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and pintado petrels breed here, and whales may be seen in the surrounding waters.

TURRET POINT Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries are found on this point, situated on the south coast of King George Island. The beaches here are often crowded with southern elephant, fur and Weddell seals hauled out on the rocks.

YANKEE HARBOUR

Gentoo penguins have established a rookery at this harbor, situated on the southwest side of Greenwich Island. Here, you can see an abandoned
Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier that stretches along the east and north sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing try pot is all that remains of the activity that brought men thousands of miles in tall ships to seek their fortune. Enjoy a rare chance for a longer walk along the expansive beach,  dotted with historical artifacts and wildlife.

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Packing Checklist

WEATHER CONDITIONS & TEMPERATURES

Polar weather is extremely variable; temperatures may hover around the freezing mark and winds can be strong. The extended daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may sometimes find it warm enough for t-shirts. However, you may encounter rain, snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition and should be ready for any conditions.

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For more packing and gear-related info, visit the Quark Expeditions online Polar Boutique

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TOLL FREE AND LOCAL NUMBERS:

North America (Toll Free) 1 888 332 0008
U.K. Tel +44 203 514 2712
U.K. (Toll Free) 0 808 120 2333
Australia Tel +61 280 155 028
Australia (Toll Free) 1 800 812 855
France Tel +33-1 80 14 01 05
France (Toll Free) 08 05 08 66 46