Check off a travel milestone by crossing the Antarctic Circle. Fly over the notorious Drake Passage by charter plane to land at King George Island before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by ship. Then, explore the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula by sea, and continue further to reach 66⁰33´ south.
ANTARCTIC 2023.24 ANTARCTIC EXPRESS
Crossing the Circle
Contents
Overview Itinerary Arrival and Departure Details Your Ship Options Included Activities Adventure Options Dates and Rates Inclusions and Exclusions Your Expedition Team
1 2 5 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 21
Extend Your Trip Meals on Board Possible Excursions Packing Checklist
Overview Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle
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. Check off a travel milestone by crossing the Antarctic Circle. Fly over the notorious Drake Passage by charter plane to land at King George Island before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by ship. Simply combine our exciting Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition itinerary with a direct round-trip flight from Chile to your polar- ready ship, to get our Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle voyage. Then, explore the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula by sea, and continue further to reach 66⁰33´ south. Check other achievements off your bucket list as well, such as sea kayaking through channels dotted with icebergs. 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.
EXPEDITION IN BRIEF Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica
Witness iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales Marvel at Antarctic Peninsula highlights, including crossing the Antarctic Circle Celebrate crossing the Antarctic Circle with a toast Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts
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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.
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, make your way to the shore, before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula! DAYS 3–5 | ANTARCTIC PENINSULA & SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. The White Continent is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes.
Buenos Aires
Santiago
ARGENTINA
Atlantic Ocean
CHILE
Ushuaia
Punta Arenas
South Shetland Islands
Drake Passage
King George Island
Lemaire Channel
DAY 2 | FLY TO KING GEORGE ISLAND & EMBARK
Weddell Sea
Antarctic Peninsula
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.
ANTARCTIC EXPRESS Crossing the Circle On board the Ocean Adventurer Flights to/from Punta Arenas
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Even more exciting are your land 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 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 this unrivaled travel experience.
Your Expedition Team will accompany you along the way, ensuring safety and providing insights into the places you visit. Our expert education team will also provide in-depth explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region. DAYS 6 & 7 | ANTARCTIC CIRCLE Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. If conditions allow us to cross this famed latitude of 66°33´ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.
DAYS 8 & 9 | NORTHBOUND ALONG THE PENINSULA
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to King George Island. You will continue to explore by Zodiac or on land as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
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DAY 10 | 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 11 | 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. 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, part of our commitment to protecting the sensitive Antarctic environment. 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.
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.
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KING GEORGE ISLAND AND EMBARKATION
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 com- prehensive 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.
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
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.
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
Included Hotel Accommodations
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.
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.
Ship disembarkation will generally occur in the late morning, on King George Island. After you disembark, you will take a short one-mile walk (1.6 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.
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
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.
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Ocean Adventurer
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.
Owner’s Suite Suite Deluxe Superior
Funnel
Main Deck Twin Window Main Deck Twin Porthole Lower Deck Twin Triple
Observation Deck
Bridge
Bridge Deck
Clinic
Captain’s Deck
SHIP SPECIFICATIONS: Staff & Crew: 87 Guests: 128 Lifeboats: 4, partially enclosed Ice Class: 1A Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details. Ocean Adventurer
Clipper Club
Main Lounge
Dining Room
EL Oce
WC
Reception
Upper Deck
Polar Boutique
Owner’s Suite Suite Deluxe Superior
Zodiac Embarkation
Main Deck
Main Deck Twin Window Main Deck Twin Porthole Lower Deck Twin Triple
tion Deck
Stern
Bow
Lower Deck eck
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eck
Included Activities
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. 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.
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 guide 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.
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—rugged inflatable watercraft— 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
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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 paddlers will be taken out on calm days, with our expert guides always present to provide instruction and help you connect with the polar sea. Pre-book into one of two priority groups. Any subsequent excursions can be booked on board, and groups will be assigned via a lottery.
PLEASE NOTE Pre-booking is required for all paid activities. 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: Crossing the Circle
OCEAN ADVENTURER
Adventure Options
Lower Deck Twin
Main Deck Porthole
Main Deck Window
Owner’s Suite
Days
Start / End
Triple
Superior
Deluxe
Suite
Dates
ANTARCTIC 2023.24 JAN 25 – FEB 4, 2024 11
Punta Arenas $15,495 $18,995 $19,995 $21,495 $22,995 $22,995 $29,995 $31,995 $995 $295 –
MAR 3 - 13, 2024
11 Punta Arenas $14,995 $18,495 $19,495 $20,995 $22,495 $22,495 $29,495 $31,495 $995 $295 –
ANTARCTIC 2022.23 FEB 23 – MAR 5, 2023 11
Punta Arenas $14,295 $18,395 $19,395 $20,995 $21,995 $21,995 $29,595 $31,695 $995 $295 –
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Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions RATES INCLUDE:
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
• 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
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Team, 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
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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.
FROM TOP: Santiago; Casillero del Diablo winery; Chilean seafood
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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. 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 our chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top-quality meals during the course of 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 ANTARCTIC CIRCLE Although not a shore landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle is a moment to remember for life. The event will happen while at sea, so be sure to head out on deck to toast the achievement. CIERVA COVE Cierva Cove boasts jaw dropping icebergs and a glaciated backdrop. 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 and excellent Zodiac cruising opportunities.
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DETAILLE ISLAND Detaille Island lies in Lallemand Fjord, just south of the Antarctic Circle. The hut at this site is the British Antarctic Survey’s Station W, which was evacuated in 1959 when sea ice and weather made relief by ship impossible, and base personnel were forced to close the station and transfer to Station Y at Horseshoe Island. Research undertaken at Detaille Island site focused on surveying, geology and meteorology. The hut was cleaned up by the British Antarctic Survey in 1996-97, and more recently restored by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. 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.
LEMAIRE CHANNEL One of the most scenic locations on the peninsula’s west coast, this dramatic strait runs between the towering cliffs of 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.
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.
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STONINGTON ISLAND Two abandoned research stations can be found on this island south of the Antarctic Circle. The first women to overwinter in Antarctica were housed at East Base. The British built Base E is about 656 feet (200 m) away from East Base, which was built by the United States Antarctic Service Expedition. WATERBOAT POINT A surveyor and a geologist lived in a makeshift shelter utilizing an up-turned 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.
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.
YALOUR ISLANDS These islands were named for an Argentine Navy lieutenant who rescued the shipwrecked members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition in 1903. Approximately 8,000 pairs of Adélie penguins nest in the islands, sometimes parading for visitors. Yellow lichens and grass give color to the landscape, and icebergs are easy to spot from your Zodiac cruise. 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.
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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.
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 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.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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What to pack on your polar expedition WHAT TO BRING! Packing for the Polar Regions doesn’t have to be daunting, and to make it easier for you, all Quark Expeditions voyages include a Quark parka to keep, and a loan of insulated waterproof boots. Additional suggested items include:
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.
TO WEAR ON LANDINGS Base-layer wool or synthetic top
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Swimsuit (for the Polar Plunge! Some vessels may also have a pool, hot tub, sauna and/or steam room. See your ship book for details.)
Base-layer wool or synthetic bottom
Mid-layer warm or fleece top
Light warm jacket to wear during travel to the ship
Mid-layer warm or fleece bottom
Workout attire (for the fitness center!)
Warm wool or synthetic socks (keep a dry pair in your bag, and bring extras for layering)
Binoculars
Hand and feet warmers
Glove liners
Camera with charger and extra batteries
Waterproof gloves or mitts (bring an extra pair)
Extra memory or laptop with spare storage (for saving photos)
Scarf, buff, or other face protection
Warm hat that covers ears (bring an extra)
Waterproof cell phone case or rain sleeve for camera
Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac ride)
Lens cloth for camera
Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack
Earplugs and eye masks for sleeping
Polarized sunglasses with UV protection (bring an extra pair)
Voltage converters and plug adapters (see ship book for details)
Ski goggles (offers extra protection for adventure options or Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days)
Personal alarm such as mobile phone, watch, or alarm clock
Sunscreen
Moisturizer for face and hands (polar air can be dry)
Lip Balm
Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses
Reusable waterproof bags or plastic bags with zippers (to keep small items organized and cameras dry)
TO WEAR ONBOARD Complimentary Quark 3-in-1 Parka provided on board (wear the waterproof shell out on deck, and the removable liner indoors to stay comfortable) Comfortable casual clothing like lighter shirts, pants or jeans, etc. (in case the ship gets warm) Comfortable non-slip closed-toed unheeled shoes (flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be worn on board due to safety concerns)
Seasickness, indigestion, headache, or other medications
Hand sanitizer
Passport, visas, immunization and vaccination records, travel documents, etc. (as required)
Small amount of local currency (see pre-departure book for more details)
Water bottle (a collapsible reusable water bottle will be provided onboard)
Scan this QR code to watch our video on what to pack before you go!
For more packing and gear-related info, visit the Quark Expeditions® online Polar Boutique at Shop.QuarkExpeditions.com
21 Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE Contact your Travel Professional
or a Quark Expeditions® Polar Travel Adviser
TOLL FREE AND LOCAL NUMBERS:
QuarkExpeditions.com
PHOTO CREDITS (over all Expedition Brochures for the Antarctic 23.24 season) : Acacia Johnson; David Merron; Michelle Sole; Nicky Souness; Samantha Crimmin; Hugo Perrin; Taylor Cranney; Sam Edmonds; Abbey Weisbrot; Hans Lagerweij; Rogelio Espinosa; Cindy Miller Hopkins; Grange Productions; Adobe Stock
February 2022 EXPEDITION BROCHURE
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