Antarctic Explorer, Cape Horn, Diego Ramirez: Ultramarine

Name: Antarctic Explorer: Ocean Endeavour
Brand: Expeditions Online
SKU: 121
Rating: 100 (4 reviews)

Antarctic Peninsula

If this is your first visit, this take on our classic Antarctic Explorer voyage gives you the best of the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, and on this special departure, the chance to land at the historical landmark of Cape Horn, and potentially visit albatross nesting grounds at Diego Ramírez Islands as well. Conquer the famed Drake Passage; explore majestic natural environments by Zodiac and on foot; get up close and personal with penguins, whales and other wildlife; and enjoy talks on history, biology and glaciology by our onboard polar experts

Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica.

Landings at seldom-visited islands of Cape Horn and Diego Ramirez with nesting albatross

Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula

Be aboard a specially designed ice strengthened vessel

Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists

Witness the abundant wildlife - penguins, elephant seals, whales and more!

Special Offers

Early Booking Savings 2022/23:

Nov 9 – 21, 2022: Standard and Premium cabins save 15% - use Promocode EBB15
Jan 18 – 30, 2023: Standard and Premium cabins save 10% - use Promocode EBB10

Early Booking Savings 2023/24:

Dec 6 – 18, 2023: Standard cabins save 20%, Premium cabins save 25% - use Promocode EBB20 or EBB25

Save an extra 10% if full payment is received no later than 30 days after the booking is confirmed. Contact us for details!

Terms and Conditions: Offer valid for new bookings on specified departure dates. Excludes triple cabins. Must quote promo code(s) and provide passengers’ full names at time of booking. The right is reserved to limit, change or discontinue promotion at any time without notice. No cash value. Brochure Terms & Conditions apply.
ULTRAMARINE: Standard Cabins: Explorer Suite; Balcony Suite Premium Cabins: Deluxe Suite, Terrace Suite, Penthouse Suite, Owner's Suite and Ultra Suite

READ THE CUSTOMER REVIEWS

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Jan 12 2020

One of the most amazing experiences I have ever had!

Jan 07 2020

Preis - Leistungs Verhaeltnis ist hervorragend!

Feb 10 2019

The expedition was executed with perfection... kudos to the Expedition team with Solon at the helm; and we had an awesome trip. We were lucky with the weather also. Safety issues were also addressed . The captain and crew and the entire staff (house-keeping, attendents, catering etc.) all were great

Jan 11 2019

Tudo ocorreu como programado, com excelente atenção da equipe de expedição.

Stewart's Take

Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries—now it’s your turn. Be among the first guests on our pioneering new vessel, Ultramarine. This purpose-built vessel is designed to extend the boundaries of polar exploration and offer an unmatched Antarctic experience, including a flightseeing tour you’ll never forget and a range of adventure options more extensive than any other ship in its class.

Overview

If this is your first visit, this take on our classic Antarctic Explorer voyage gives you the best of the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, and on this special departure, the chance to land at the historical landmark of Cape Horn, and potentially visit albatross nesting grounds at Diego Ramírez Islands as well. Conquer the famed Drake Passage; explore majestic natural environments by Zodiac and on foot; get up close and personal with penguins, whales and other wildlife; and enjoy talks on history, biology and glaciology by our onboard polar experts.

Day 1 Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package). Day 2 Fly to Ushuaia & Embark After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Day 3 Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez Depending on conditions, we aim to start our journey to the “edge of the earth” with a visit to historic Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). At the southernmost point of the Tierra del Fuego (“Land of Fire”) archipelago, this steep, rocky headland on Hornos Island marks the northern boundary of the famous Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. From the 1700s to the early 1900s, prior to the opening of the Panama Canal, this cape was part of a major global trade route. If sea and weather conditions allow, you may go ashore for a hike out to the lighthouse, the tiny Stella Maris (“Star of the Sea”) Chapel, and the albatross-shaped monument honoring the many mariners who lost their lives attempting to “round the Horn.” Atop the 1,394-foot (425 meter)- high windswept promontory pause for a moment to take in the panoramic view and to enjoy the peaceful solitude that can only be found at one of the most southern stretches of land in the world. Your ship will then continue cruising farther south, to the Diego Ramírez Islands, the most southern point of South America and one of the least explored places on the planet. This small archipelago was actually thought to be the southernmost land mass in the world when it was discovered in 1619 by the Spanish Garcia de Nodal expedition. Named after the expedition’s cosmographer, the archipelago held this distinction for 156 years, until Captain James Cook’s discovery of the South Sandwich Islands in 1775. Weather permitting, we’ll Zodiac cruise around these tussock grass-covered islands to admire the abundant birdlife. A designated Important Bird Area, and part of the recently-designated Diego Ramirez Islands and Drake Passage Marine Park, the archipelago is home to millions of breeding seabirds, and an exceptional place for birdwatching. Binoculars in hand, birders will marvel at the sight of nesting black-browed albatross and grey-headed albatross. These islands are the southernmost mollymawk albatross breeding ground in the world. Sightings of dolphins, South American fur seals, and rockhopper, macaroni and Magellanic penguins are also possible here. If conditions look more promising toward the end of your expedition, this itinerary day may take place after your Antarctic Peninsula exploration. Days 4 and 5 Crossing the Drake Passage The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and leaders, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travellers. Days 6 to 10 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula Once the Drake Passage is left in our wake and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. On every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means your expedition will be unlike any other—a unique, personal experience. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal. The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views of your surroundings. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and the next you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles. Each day will be different, carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world. Days 11 and 12 Crossing the Drake Passage The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team and celebrate the experiences you’ve shared exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica. Day 13 Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a little taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

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Luxury Expedition Vessel: Ultramarine

The newest ship in Quark's fleet, Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters for extraordinary sightseeing, this outstanding vessel offers the widest range of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards. With all this and more, Ultramarine is set to give you the ultimate polar expedition experience!

For full information about this vessel click here:

Included

Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage.
All shore landings per the daily program. Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader.
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program. Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage. A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings. An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep. Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock.
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin. Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader.
A group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
All luggage handling aboard ship.
Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per person.

Excluded

Buenos Aires Flight and Transfer Package ($995 per person) BUENOS AIRES FLIGHT AND TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: Pre expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires, with breakfast, Group transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires, Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (return), Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship (return).

Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes.
Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation
Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
Excess baggage charges.
Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified.
Telecommunications charges.
The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.

Rates and Share Bookings Prices shown are per person in US Dollars on a shared basis. We can on request also quote for you in Euros, British Pounds, Australian Dollars or Swedish Crowns. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, we can match you with someone of the same gender at share rate. If desired, Single occupancy is available at 1.7 times the twin share rate for standard cabins (or twice the share rate for premium cabins or suites). Deposits Reservations require a deposit of 20% (minimum $1000 per person) at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 90 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments Balances are due 90 days prior to departure and may be paid by bank transfer. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 365 days or more prior to departure, are refundable less an administrative fee of US$300/€250/AUD400/GBP250/SEK2750 per person - or a US$400/€350/AUD550/GBP350/SEK3750 per person for future travel credit within the next twelve (12) months of date of cancelled voyage. If cancellation is received between 364 days and 91 days, the deposit is forfeited. If cancellation occurs 90 days or less prior to departure, all payments are forfeited. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply, and any unpaid balance is due immediately. To protect your investment, we highly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Booking Terms Please read carefully the Terms and Conditions for Expeditions Online (link at the bottom of this page). This voyage is operated by Quark Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.