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Seal Kayaking Antarctica

Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

Discover the main polar attractions in this Antarctic Express Cruise aboard the Ocean Explorer

Length

10 Days

Ship category

Luxury

Ship type

Large Ship

Capacity

138 Passengers

Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

12 Reviews

Trip highlights

Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife such as penguins, seals & whales

Hike up a sparkling glacier

Step a foot on the 7th continent

Cross the Drake passage by flight & boat

The Polartours experience

Best price guaranteed

Experience the chill of a polar plunge

Your booking contributes to our Conservation Project

Learn from Polar experts on history, glaciology and geology

Revel in the excitement of crossing the famed Drake Passage after embarking from Ushuaia, with the convenience of a northbound return flight at the end of your expedition. Minke and humpback whales or Adélie penguins floating on ice floes may greet you as you pass, enroute to the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.

The surreal silence in this vast wilderness may at first overwhelm, but playful, charismatic wildlife and your intrepid traveling companions keep you grounded. You’ll develop a new appreciation and understanding of Antarctica’s extreme contrasts - harsh, rugged mountain peaks and fragile ecosystems; stark, lonely icescapes and populous, gregarious penguins.

Your ship: Ocean Explorer

Ocean Explorer Deckplan
Sauna
Jacuzzi

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.

We, … Read more about Ocean Explorer

Cabins

Studio single oe
Studio Single

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

1

More about this cabin

Deluxe veranda middle
Veranda Suite

Type:

Double/Matrimionial + Sofabed

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Explorer suite oe
Penthouse Suite

Type:

Double/Matrimionial + Sofabed

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

studio veranda singleOE
Studio Veranda Single

Type:

Single

Max. occupancy:

1

More about this cabin

Deluxe veranda forward oe
Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Junior Suite Ocean Explorer
Junior Suite

Type:

Double/Matrimionial + Sofabed

Max. occupancy:

2

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Owners Suite Ocean Explorer
Owners Suite

Type:

Double/Matrimionial + Sofabed

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Studio Veranda Stateroom Ocean Explorer
Veranda Stateroom

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Map

Itinerary

Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.

Paddling Excursion

0 Days

Paddling Excursion

Please note that depending on the ship, length of your cruise, and the itinerary, this price may vary. Inquire with your Polar Specialist. Enjoy being out on Polar waters on a two-person inflatable kayak, which enables you to enjoy a more intimate sailing experience in an unforgettable location. The kayaks are stable and comfortable, the perfect vehicle to see the Polar regions from a different perspective. This is a one-time activity, and no prior experience is necessary. IMPORTANT: This activity is dependent on weather conditions and logistics.

Price on request

Sea-Kayaking-What-To-Wear-In-Antarctica

0 Days

5.0

(1)

Sea Kayaking

Embark on an exhilarating sea kayaking adventure in some of the world's most magnificent and biodiverse wilderness areas, including Antarctica and the Arctic. Take in the breathtaking scenery as you navigate through ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes. In Antarctica, spend unforgettable moments with penguins, seals and whales, and keep an eye out for the occasional encounter with leopard seals or killer whales. In the Arctic, paddle through bird colonies, past massive glaciers and around huge icebergs. Led by experienced guides, you will join a small group of like-minded adventurers to explore the picturesque coastlines of these wild and remote destinations. Paddling offers an intimate and unique way to experience the beauty of these regions and make the most of your time there. Important: This activity is subject to weather conditions and logistics.

Price on request

Stand Up Paddleboarding

0 Days

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Please note that depending on the ship, length of your cruise, and the itinerary, this price may vary. Inquire with your Polar Specialist. Combine surfing and kayaking into one fun and unique Antarctic experience. Stand-up paddle boarding is conducted in small adventurous groups, accompanied by a safety Zodiac boat. You’ll paddle around in calm bays and harbors, in good weather conditions only. IMPORTANT: This activity is dependent on weather conditions and logistics.

Price on request

Punta Arenas
Polartours
Polartours

City tour Ushuaia

Canoeing to Lapataia Bay

Dinner in a refuge

City Exploration

Beaver watching (opt.)

King Crab Lunch

Dinghy tour to Lapataia Bay

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Welcome Cocktail with the Crew

Boat Tour on Beagle Channel

Penguin Island Isla Martillo

Hike in Fireland National Park

Picnic at Lapataia Bay

End of the World Museum

Former Prison & Maritime Museum

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. This quaint city at the southernmost tip of South America is your gateway to Antarctica. The city itself provides a wide range of jewelry shops, cafés, gear shops and restaurants to explore before your voyage. Outside the city, snow-capped mountains and hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park offer ample adventure activities if you enjoy exploring nature.

Day 2 - Ushuaia
Embark on your new home, the Ocean Explorer
Arrival to Ushuaia
Arrival to Ushuaia
Laguna Esmeralda

City tour Ushuaia

Canoeing to Lapataia Bay

Dinner in a refuge

City Exploration

Beaver watching (opt.)

King Crab Lunch

Dinghy tour to Lapataia Bay

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Welcome Cocktail with the Crew

Boat Tour on Beagle Channel

Penguin Island Isla Martillo

Hike in Fireland National Park

Picnic at Lapataia Bay

End of the World Museum

Former Prison & Maritime Museum

You will embark on the Ocean Explorer in the afternoon, with a journey through the picturesque Beagle Channel. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled and be out on deck, as the channel is home to a wide variety of wildlife including seabirds and seals. Rainbows are common here too, creating a great photographic opportunity to kick off the start to your Antarctic adventure.

Drake Passage
Crossing the Drake Passage
Beagle Channel

Legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, you may get lucky and have surprisingly calm seas. Spend your time in the lounge or chatting with your fellow travelers. As you develop your sea legs during the crossing, our Expedition Team will begin their series of presentations to help prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, a biological boundary that fluctuates around 60° south.

Antarctic Peninsula
Before and After Antarctic Peninsula
South Georgia

Cuverville Island

Wordie House, Winter Island

Yankee Harbour

Georges Point, Rongé Island

Neko Harbour

Pleneau Island

Goudier Island

Port Charcot, Booth Island

Damoy Point

Danco Island, Errera Channel

Yalour Islands

Jougla Point

Astrolabe Island

Orne Harbour

D’Hainaut & Trinity Island

Orne Islands

Portal Point

Petermann Island

You’ll get a sense that you’ve arrived on a new planet during the start of your Antarctic voyage, as the pristine nature and dramatic environments are like nothing else on earth. From the vessel you can watch whales swim and feed in nutrient-rich waters and spot penguins frolicking in the water and jumping aboard ice floes. Just as amazing as the wildlife are the towering snowcovered mountains and massive glaciers of the Peninsula, which will be your playground for the next few days.

Every Zodiac excursion and landing presents new sights, sounds and smells. Some landings may be as relaxing as sitting on a beach, taking photographs of curious gentoo penguins. Other landings may provide exhilarating panoramic views of the Antarctic continent by hiking atop a hill. Perhaps you’ll catch a calving glacier crumbling into the sea at Petermann Island, or take a Zodiac cruise in search of fur and elephant seals around Pleneau Island.

Even common travel experiences like mailing a postcard take on an extra level of excitement in Antarctica. While weather and sea conditions determine which landings we can make, your Expedition Team will ensure that each day of your Antarctic adventure leaves a lasting impression.

Business Flight to King George Island
King George Island
King George Island

King George Island

Embark at King George Island

As the ship turns north, you’ll say goodbye to the penguins, as well as many of your shipmates. With only the Drake Passage ahead, you’ll disembark and enjoy a bit of time on King George Island before flying off to Punta Arenas, Chile. Once you’re in Punta Arenas, we’ll transfer you from the airport to your hotel, where you’re free to explore and enjoy a final dinner out.

Punta Arenas Chile
Polartours
Polartours

Navigating the Strait of Magellan

Visit of Graveyard

Whales and other aquatic mammals

Patagonian Steppe

Nao Victoria Museum

Passing through Cape Froward

Arrival at Punta Arenas

Cemetery Sara Braun

End of Air Cruise

Embark in Punta Arenas

Walking City Tour Punta Arenas

Strait of Magellan

Drive to the "fin de camino"

Route at the end of the world

Strait Magellan

Flight to King George Island

Penguins on Magdalena Island

Patagonian Ice Field

Exploring Punta Arenas

Today you are free to make your way to the airport for departure, or extend your stay in Punta Arenas.

Info

Single Cabin Supplement

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.

What's included

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

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 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

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

Credit Card charges may apply

A fuel surcharge may apply at a later stage. More info

Reviews

Marilyn G.

Ocean Explorer Arctic and Antarctic Cruises

Luxury

The trip to Svalbard lives up to all my expectations. Animals, accommodations, activities and meals all lived up to my expectations.

Mengqi Z.

Ocean Explorer Arctic and Antarctic Cruises

Luxury

Excellent experience

Review quark poloxcc

Natalia P.

Ocean Explorer Arctic and Antarctic Cruises

Luxury

To put it mildly, my life is forever changed. The absolute beauty, serenity, peace, and just nature were overwhelming. I spent a lot of time in the observation lounge just soaking it in.due to some physical limitations I chose not to leave the ship for any zodiac adventures, but what I got just from the ship was amazing. I cant rave enough about the food...the scientific presentations...and the entire crew. Our cabin was clean and comfy too. I thought it was once in a lifetime, but now we are discussing how to pull off a repeat....and we just got home!

FAQ

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.

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:

  • Land excursions (including hiking trails, visitor centers, time relaxing on beaches, observing animals, etc.)
  • Bird Watching
  • Snorkeling (from ship or beaches)
  • Dinghy rides
  • Kayaking
  • Diving (on ships with diving itineraries)
  • Naturalist presentations. These usually take place every evening - on board the bigger ships also with help of projectors, microscopes etc.

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:

  • Determine your budget and desired level of comfort: Are you looking for luxury or more budget-friendly options? On our website you can set the price range.
  • Consider ship size: Large ships offer more amenities and facilities, but they can also feel crowded and impersonal. Smaller ships offer a more personal experience, but may not have as many amenities.
  • Look at the cabins: Although you probably won’t spend much time in your cabin, look at the photos and read the descriptions to make sure you're happy with the one you choose.
  • Consider the activities on board: Are you interested in kayaking, camping, diving or a photography workshop? Or maybe you want to take part in a Citizen Science Program? These activities can enhance your overall experience. See what our ships have to offer.
  • Read customer reviews: Learn about other travelers' experiences by reading reviews.
  • Ask your Polar Specialist: Feel free to contact your Polar Specialist. They are happy to share their knowledge and are always ready to help.

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.

If you are prone to motion sickness then here are a few hints to help you.

Firstly, book a cabin in the middle of the ship. The middle of the ship will move less, both in roll and in pitch. Secondly, chose a larger ship. Bigger vessels typically are more stable, and some of them are even equipped with "stabilizers", fins under water that remove the rolling in the swells. Thirdly, take medical advice on anti-seasickness medication. Some traditional remedies are said to be very effective, such as taking ginger or using commercially-available acupressure wristbands.

Watch this informative video about life onboard an expedition ship and seasickness from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.

Life Onboard & Seasickness
Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

4.9

(12)

Luxury

Price

Upon Request



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