%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2F05d823c1-0e0e-4b01-bb1b-9a87c9bee70f-img_0094_david-merron.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Best Price Guarantee
Best Price Guarantee
Length
20 Days
Ship category
Luxury
Ship type
Large Ship
Capacity
138 Passengers
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2Ff3affaed-92e7-41b3-a8f1-aed3e0eed80b-oex_deckplan_2024_final-1-_3.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F011dea4b-4d31-433c-bbf9-8933f2f0a21d-b2091fec-a6b7-47ac-91b1-d8b4641d0b78.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F79f0dec4-aec4-4bcd-932a-f391526a7bdf-9936371e-f5e5-4f46-aa68-80f1f3e4abcf.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Our Polartours team is very proud to introduce the wonderful Ocean Explorer, the latest addition to the fleet, purpose-built for polar expeditions.
With a capacity for 138 passengers, this modern vessel boasts cutting-edge expedition ship technology, including the renowned ULSTEIN X-BOW®, ensures a smooth and comfortable sailing experience.
We have been enchanted by the light-filled two-story library located at the bow, offering a welcoming ambiance for guests to unwind. The Scandinavian-designed cabins, most with verandas, providing luxurious accommodations, exceeded our expectations.
%3Aformat(webp)%2F6d9f92d2-5945-43f6-a23c-f12b1dac1654-oex_cabin_studio-single_img_1176.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ffc81c47e-6314-4368-b5ca-53f62f5facf0-oex_cabin_explorer-suite_img_1143.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fbac50cbb-1da2-4388-83af-1a1dddf32e2d-oex_cabin_studio-veranda-suite_img_1190.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F12e1d8a8-4245-461d-84a5-9b74c422f0c4-140a76ad-68ee-4c25-b54b-ab1f1a7e3865.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F5cd68484-052d-4e5c-8088-a2a569084260-oex_cabin_deluxe-veranda-mid_img_1222.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F09cef1e1-7fc7-4dde-a2a7-fed9451d24c3-oex_cabin_deluxe-veranda-fwd_img_1198.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fab8995f3-2ad9-402a-b238-9a8e50012c05-623203e4-9ead-45bc-a6d2-b00c2cf1d03f.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fcc868fcf-1c14-40c5-9ac4-763d90c62ce7-8c3d2b8c-dbd5-4c25-9160-96c5dcb99628.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Bar
Mudroom
Gym on board
Expedition Parka
Observation Deck
Zodiac Fleet
Kayaks on board
Observation Lounge
Hot Tub
All meals
Interconnecting cabins
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
Sauna
Medical Services
TV in room
Library
English guides
Internet/Wifi
Restaurant
The dining rooms are located on deck 5. While mealtimes may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always be served three delicious meals a day.
Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet-style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing the chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs. Working in a small kitchen, the chefs are able to monitor and control the quality of food being served, ensuring you receive top-quality meals during the course of your expedition.
An assortment of freshly baked cookies and/or pastries are offered each afternoon. There is also a selection of hot and cold snacks available in the lounge during cocktail hour, expedition activities permitting.
When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you. Exceptions may apply.
An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep.
Expedition leadership, scheduled shore landings and other included activities.
Scheduled Zodiac transfers and cruises.
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices aboard.
Selected beer, wines and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner.
Coffee, tea and cocoa around the clock.
Scheduled presentations by the expedition team and guest speakers.
A photographic expedition journal.
Waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac excursions.
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin.
Basic Wi-Fi on one device, subject to polar connectivity.
Service taxes, port charges and luggage handling aboard.
The Charter Flight & Hotel Package and any trip-specific pre-voyage hotel arrangements unless expressly confirmed.
International airfare.
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes not expressly listed.
Meals ashore unless specified.
Travel insurance, including baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical cover.
Excess-baggage fees.
Mandatory waterproof trousers and other personal equipment not listed as included.
Laundry, spa, phone and other personal charges.
Voluntary gratuities for the expedition team and crew.
Additional accommodation and transfers not expressly listed.
Paid adventure options not listed as included activities.
The current exact Ocean Explorer variant begins in Puerto Madryn and ends in Ushuaia.
Outer-island and South Georgia landings depend strongly on swell, wind and biosecurity.
Wildlife numbers and encounters vary naturally and cannot be guaranteed.
Sea Kayaking and Paddling are paid, limited options subject to advance booking.
Ocean Explorer carries up to 138 guests on the current official ship specification.
After completing your booking, you will receive an invoice from your travel specialist by email. A deposit of 30% of the trip price is required to secure your booking. Payment can be made through bank transfer or by credit card through a secure payment link.
Full payment is expected 30 days before your trip. Payment can be made in installments.
Long-haul flights and the on-the-ground program generate 6 t CO₂e on this trip. Polartours regularly measures and monitors the carbon footprint of its journeys and actively reduces emissions through sustainable travel design: no unnecessary flights, fewer feeder flights, integration of rail and public transport, and promoting longer stays for a more balanced relationship between travel distance and impact.
From 2018 to 2024, we supported carbon reduction projects equivalent to the emissions generated. Recognizing the limits of traditional offsetting, we now focus on active environmental protection through our own rainforest project, Forest Guardians.
More information on our climate and environmental responsibility: https://www.venturatravel.org/impact
All cruises in the polar regions operate to itineraries that are more-or-less fixed. We say "more or less", because wildlife (breeding, seasonality) and weather always play an important role in routing. Most cruises will offer a range of land-based and water-based activities that you will enjoy at various points in your cruise, including:
All boats carry English speaking, scientifically trained guides. They will lead you on your excursions, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the unique wildlife and habitats of the Polar Regions.
Choosing the right ship for a cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic seems difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Our fleet is over 30 vessels, we are sure that there is the perfect one for you. Please, follow these simple steps, and you will be able to find your ideal ship:
In addition: We work with responsible partners who provide a great experience for their passengers. All of our providers are committed to sustainability and to preserving the beauty of the polar regions. You don’t need to worry about the impact of your cruise, because we’ve already taken care of it.
We love to help people find their dream vacation to the Arctic and Antarctic. Whether you give us a call, contact us via email, or use our website inquiry form, one of our Polar travel experts will be more than happy to answer any questions, recommend ships and itineraries, and walk you through the whole process!
Step 1: Find your perfect trip. If you have already started looking for Polar Cruises, you will have quickly noticed that the sheer amount of options can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate the countless departures and itineraries that our fleet offers, we have put together a great filter page for Antarctic and Arctic Expedition Cruises. Use this page to filter all trips by price, date, ship category, and even destinations you wish to visit. We update all dates, prices, and availabilities daily, and are proud to host what is doubtlessly the world's most complete collection of information.
Step 2: Found something you love? We'll hold your spaces, free of charge! If you find a cruise you like, you can either inquire directly with us or make an unbinding booking online. We will then reach out to the shipowners to put a hold on your spaces for a limited time, free of charge. Once we have confirmed your block with the ship, we will send you a written confirmation of your reservation and include full payment details in an invoice. Typically, we are able to hold unpaid reservations for up to 1 week*. This gives us time to clarify all your remaining questions, and also ensures that no other passengers can book your spaces, while we continue our conversation.
Step 3: Confirm your booking. In order to confirm your booking, we ask for a deposit payment. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card. Keep in mind, that we can only hold your spaces for a limited amount of time. If we don't receive your payment after this time, we can no longer guarantee that the places will be available or that the price won't increase. To prevent disappointment, we will automatically cancel your reservation if we don't receive your deposit by the due date stated on your booking reservation.
Step 4: Booking confirmation & Payment. As soon as we have received your deposit and a completed passenger information form, we will be pleased to send your booking confirmation and updated invoice, along with your trip itinerary, important information, and other great tips for your cruise.
Step 5: Final payment. In your initial invoice, we will define a final payment date by when you need to pay us the remaining amount of your trip. Once we have received your final payment we'll send you your cruise documents and voucher. As your trip approaches, we make sure to pass along all necessary information, so you feel super prepared and stress-free.
*For last-minute bookings, we might not be able to hold your spaces for so long. We will also require the full payment of your cruise upon booking.
An expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic is a big deal! Most people plan for this type of trip at least 8 months in advance. This means the earlier you book, the better chance you'll have to reserve your prefered cabins. Early bird discounts are also popular and a great way to get 10-30% off your cruise.
Most expedition cruises offer optional activities like camping and kayaking, but the spaces are limited. A cruise with 120 passengers can have only 10-15 spaces for kayaking. These are reserved on a first come first served basis. The earlier you book, the higher your chance of grabbing a spot.
Even though last minute deals do occur, keep in mind that the airline prices will be much higher if you purchase them last minute. You may save a few hundred on your cruise, but you may end up paying the most for airfare.
4.8
(17)
Price
Upon Request
17 Reviews
Remote Falkland seabird islands such as Steeple Jason or New Island
Stanley's compact streets, museum and windswept setting
South Georgia's vast king penguin and seal concentrations
Grytviken and the island's whaling and Shackleton history
Best Price Guarantee: Find a better price elsewhere, and we’ll match it.
Polar Expedition Specialists: We focus exclusively on polar voyages, with advice rooted in real, firsthand expertise.
Travel that gives back: Every booking directly funds our mission to protect and restore global rainforests.
Sail from Puerto Madryn to the outer Falkland Islands and spend six expedition days around South Georgia aboard Ocean Explorer. The route is built around seabird cliffs, penguin colonies, seal beaches and the human history of Stanley and Grytviken, with unusually generous time for condition-led wildlife encounters.
Every landing depends on swell, wind, wildlife and biosecurity. Steeple Jason, New Island, Gold Harbour and other named sites are possibilities within the official plan, not promises; the expedition team will always choose the strongest safe alternative.
Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fimg%2F2048x1536%2FPMY06.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fimg%2F2048x1536%2FPMY040.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fimg%2F2048x1536%2F11856.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Arrive independently and make your way to the included hotel. Explore the Patagonian coastal city as time allows.
%3Aformat(webp)%2F41de6771-04f2-4c4f-a972-d4fe0af1768e-falkland-islands-15-of-15-.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F99dfe97d-cf48-478e-8243-832920e45f94-2020-03_quest_for_the_antarctic_circle-43.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fdbea98c9-01b2-46c8-b8a1-1289b1efe6fb-falkland-islands-12-of-15-.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Sail east through wildlife-rich waters while presentations introduce the Patagonian coast, Falklands and South Georgia. Watch for seabirds and dolphins from deck.
%3Aformat(webp)%2F41de6771-04f2-4c4f-a972-d4fe0af1768e-falkland-islands-15-of-15-.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F99dfe97d-cf48-478e-8243-832920e45f94-2020-03_quest_for_the_antarctic_circle-43.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fdbea98c9-01b2-46c8-b8a1-1289b1efe6fb-falkland-islands-12-of-15-.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Approach the outer Falklands as albatross activity increases. The team aims for rarely visited northwestern islands, but swell and weather decide the first landing.

%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2Fe287f906-0a67-448a-bf7f-f6be00bb4a5b-antarctica_southgeorgiaisland_kingpenguins_mountains_46_ss.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2Ffa4f8a62-2687-4831-ac0d-77fc4c079417-antarctica_southgeorgiaisland_salisburyplain_kingpenguins_019_ae.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
If conditions permit, seek the immense black-browed albatross colony and tussock landscapes of Steeple Jason. This exposed island is difficult to access and never guaranteed.

%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2Fe287f906-0a67-448a-bf7f-f6be00bb4a5b-antarctica_southgeorgiaisland_kingpenguins_mountains_46_ss.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2Ffa4f8a62-2687-4831-ac0d-77fc4c079417-antarctica_southgeorgiaisland_salisburyplain_kingpenguins_019_ae.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Use the best safe outer-island opportunity for penguins, albatrosses, dolphins and white-sand beaches. New Island, Saunders and West Point are official possibilities.

%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2Fe287f906-0a67-448a-bf7f-f6be00bb4a5b-antarctica_southgeorgiaisland_kingpenguins_mountains_46_ss.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2Ffa4f8a62-2687-4831-ac0d-77fc4c079417-antarctica_southgeorgiaisland_salisburyplain_kingpenguins_019_ae.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Complete the Falklands block with the strongest remaining wildlife site and time in Stanley, where the museum, pubs and open sheep country reveal everyday island life.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F149159ec-8bed-45fa-bd8f-6fff70d31f12-drygalski-fjord_aboard-plancius_south-georgia_november_martin-van-lokven.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2F8d6a6bb1-8aa8-4cf8-9a98-fbc6ae8d1d9c-antarctica_ocean_humpbackwhale_fin_002.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2F262ebefa-fadd-4805-8f29-2c853ecb4ff3-antarctica_ocean-atlantic_paradise-bay_ae.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Sail toward South Georgia and cross the Polar Front, where cold and warm waters mix. Watch for albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters and marine mammals.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F149159ec-8bed-45fa-bd8f-6fff70d31f12-drygalski-fjord_aboard-plancius_south-georgia_november_martin-van-lokven.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2F8d6a6bb1-8aa8-4cf8-9a98-fbc6ae8d1d9c-antarctica_ocean_humpbackwhale_fin_002.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2F262ebefa-fadd-4805-8f29-2c853ecb4ff3-antarctica_ocean-atlantic_paradise-bay_ae.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Continue through the Southern Ocean as prions, shags and changing conditions signal the island's approach. Prepare for stringent landing biosecurity.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F1187afb0-06e6-4904-b846-eaf23da30812-south-georgia-5.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2F9b4f2abd-918f-4cc3-aca3-c1229dbe70e0-south-georgia-8.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F5bed31f4-5da7-4f9e-bbe9-75ff375ace7c-falklands-south-georgia-ant-peninsula-fotografie-dietmar-denger-oceanwide-expeditions218.jpg_dietmar-denger.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
Choose a weather-protected bay for the first excursion among beaches used by penguins and seals. The expedition team sets the exact site after wildlife and sea-state checks.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F1187afb0-06e6-4904-b846-eaf23da30812-south-georgia-5.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2F9b4f2abd-918f-4cc3-aca3-c1229dbe70e0-south-georgia-8.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F5bed31f4-5da7-4f9e-bbe9-75ff375ace7c-falklands-south-georgia-ant-peninsula-fotografie-dietmar-denger-oceanwide-expeditions218.jpg_dietmar-denger.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
Seek a safe visit to one of South Georgia's major king penguin areas, where colony scale, glaciers and steep mountains create an extraordinary wildlife landscape.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F1187afb0-06e6-4904-b846-eaf23da30812-south-georgia-5.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2F9b4f2abd-918f-4cc3-aca3-c1229dbe70e0-south-georgia-8.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F5bed31f4-5da7-4f9e-bbe9-75ff375ace7c-falklands-south-georgia-ant-peninsula-fotografie-dietmar-denger-oceanwide-expeditions218.jpg_dietmar-denger.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
Visit Grytviken when conditions allow for its museum, church, whaling remains and the grave of Ernest Shackleton, with guides connecting exploitation and recovery.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F1187afb0-06e6-4904-b846-eaf23da30812-south-georgia-5.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2F9b4f2abd-918f-4cc3-aca3-c1229dbe70e0-south-georgia-8.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F5bed31f4-5da7-4f9e-bbe9-75ff375ace7c-falklands-south-georgia-ant-peninsula-fotografie-dietmar-denger-oceanwide-expeditions218.jpg_dietmar-denger.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
Use favourable conditions for another wildlife-rich coast, potentially Gold Harbour or St Andrews Bay, where king penguins and elephant seals gather beneath glaciers.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F1187afb0-06e6-4904-b846-eaf23da30812-south-georgia-5.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2F9b4f2abd-918f-4cc3-aca3-c1229dbe70e0-south-georgia-8.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F5bed31f4-5da7-4f9e-bbe9-75ff375ace7c-falklands-south-georgia-ant-peninsula-fotografie-dietmar-denger-oceanwide-expeditions218.jpg_dietmar-denger.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
Continue around the island's sheltered coves and exposed headlands, looking for albatrosses, petrels and seal beaches while respecting protected distances.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F1187afb0-06e6-4904-b846-eaf23da30812-south-georgia-5.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2F9b4f2abd-918f-4cc3-aca3-c1229dbe70e0-south-georgia-8.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F5bed31f4-5da7-4f9e-bbe9-75ff375ace7c-falklands-south-georgia-ant-peninsula-fotografie-dietmar-denger-oceanwide-expeditions218.jpg_dietmar-denger.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
Make the strongest remaining landing or Zodiac cruise before turning west. Extra time gives the team room to recover an opportunity lost earlier to weather.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2Ffbf3daf3-b28e-4fa7-bb36-739aea919233-campbell-albatross-campbell-mollymawk-campbell-island-new-zealand-anne-charlesworth-lightroom.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F82177e6c-c824-4fc4-817e-d4d43fad7c25-todd-cravens-lwacyk8scma-unsplash.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Faf985280-02c4-4572-a878-6a2f5002f849-clem-onojeghuo-7uwbhgsh5fg-unsplash.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Begin the long return to South America, watching for seabirds and marine mammals as South Georgia falls astern.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2Ffbf3daf3-b28e-4fa7-bb36-739aea919233-campbell-albatross-campbell-mollymawk-campbell-island-new-zealand-anne-charlesworth-lightroom.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F82177e6c-c824-4fc4-817e-d4d43fad7c25-todd-cravens-lwacyk8scma-unsplash.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Faf985280-02c4-4572-a878-6a2f5002f849-clem-onojeghuo-7uwbhgsh5fg-unsplash.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Cross back over the Antarctic Convergence while presentations and deck watches continue through productive Southern Ocean waters.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2Ffbf3daf3-b28e-4fa7-bb36-739aea919233-campbell-albatross-campbell-mollymawk-campbell-island-new-zealand-anne-charlesworth-lightroom.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F82177e6c-c824-4fc4-817e-d4d43fad7c25-todd-cravens-lwacyk8scma-unsplash.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Faf985280-02c4-4572-a878-6a2f5002f849-clem-onojeghuo-7uwbhgsh5fg-unsplash.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Sail west past deep ocean and the shallower Burwood Bank region, where birds and occasional marine mammals may be seen.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2Ffbf3daf3-b28e-4fa7-bb36-739aea919233-campbell-albatross-campbell-mollymawk-campbell-island-new-zealand-anne-charlesworth-lightroom.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F82177e6c-c824-4fc4-817e-d4d43fad7c25-todd-cravens-lwacyk8scma-unsplash.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Faf985280-02c4-4572-a878-6a2f5002f849-clem-onojeghuo-7uwbhgsh5fg-unsplash.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Look for the first South American mountains before Ocean Explorer enters the Beagle Channel after dinner for the final approach to Ushuaia.
%3Aformat(webp)%2F5369ee1a-0bf0-4d40-8b89-e7802f3e3257-2020-03_hiking_ushuaia-2.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fa2590656-d523-432b-b515-b97295fcf7b7-2020-03_hiking_ushuaia-3.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2Fb3b3835c-b3d9-4901-bfbf-ff42dafebe2f-26424011697_450d3d594f_o.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Disembark in Ushuaia after breakfast, farewell the expedition team and continue your onward journey independently.