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Our 11-day Antarctic Marine Mammals: The World of Whales & Seals itinerary offers guests the rare chance to actively engage in citizen science—while exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Co-developed by Ari Friedlaender, founder of the renowned Friedlaender Lab, this hands-on itinerary is designed to maximize observations of migratory whales, such as minke, humpback, and fin. A research associate from Happywhale will guide guests in identifying individual whales for global conservation projects. At the onboard Science Hub, guests connect with experts, participate in meaningful research, and help protect this pristine polar habitat for whales, seals, and all marine life.
Highlights
• Engage with globally-respected scientists who are actively collecting data on Antarctic marine mammals, especially whales
• Participate in hands-on marine mammal identification workshops
• Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
• Learn about Antarctic wildlife, history, geology and glaciology from onboard polar experts
• In addition observing whales, witness penguins, seals and birds
• Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic with an optional paddling excursion.
• Science & Discovery - In addition to daily presentations by polar experts, this itinerary also features hands-on educational opportunities as part of our new Science & Discovery program.
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Day 1 - Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arriving in this fascinating South American city, known for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe, you will independently transfer to your pre- expedition hotel night, included in the Charter Flight and Hotel Package.
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Day 2 - Fly to Ushuaia and 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 enjoy time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the designated meeting spot near the pier, where you will be transferred to the ship for embarkation. After a late afternoon embarkation, we will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in the remote Antarctic wilderness.
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Day 3 - At Sea: Drake Passage Southbound
Crossing the 800-km Drake is considered a rite of passage for many travelers. Traversing this legendary waterway means you’ll experience the Antarctic Convergence, where the cold, northward- flowing Antarctic waters meet the warmer, southward-flowing water of the sub-Antarctic. The mixing of cold and warm waters creates a nutrient-rich feeding ground, especially for whales and other marine mammals. Guests are encouraged to keep binoculars close at hand—and to be prepared for Expedition Team members to announce any whale sightings. The team of guest scientists will be introduced early in the voyage. Ari Friedlaender, who co-developed this itinerary, and members of his team from the Friedlaender Lab, are global authorities on the underwater behavior and ecology of marine mammals, particularly whales. Guests will also meet a research associate with the Happywhale platform, which enables citizens to upload their whale photos to help identify species and, possibly, individual whales. (See bios, page 13).
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Day 4 - At Sea: Sailing Toward Antarctica
The second day of your Drake Passage crossing is an ideal time to attend scheduled polar presentations that will enhance your Antarctic experience. It’s also an excellent opportunity to visit the Science Hub on Deck 4 (see page 5), an instrumental part of your voyage. Spend time on deck watching for whales, which increase in number as we approach the Peninsula—and remember to upload your whale photos to the Happywhale platform.
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Days 5 to 7 - Antarctic Peninsula
The timing of this voyage maximizes opportunities to observe various whale species along the Antarctic Peninsula. After the ice recedes in October and November, the food chain begins to reestablish itself. Whales, seals and other marine mammals are drawn to these rich feeding grounds—especially for the krill. By February and March, these creatures, which have been intensely feeding, are satiated and relaxed, making them more easier to spot. In addition to the Zodiac and paddling excursions, we plan to spend a lot of time on the outer decks and other vantage points on the ship to spot—and photograph—wildlife. We’ll spend our days in key marine mammal habitats of the Gerlache Strait and remote inner glacial bays. Over the next three days, we aim to explore whale hotspots such as Charlotte Bay, Portal Point, Graham Passage, Errera Channel, Cuverville Island, Andvord Bay, Fournier Bay and Dallmann Bay. Past whale sightings in these areas have included minke, humpback, fin, orca and the elusive, deep-diving Arnoux's beaked whale. Antarctic Marine Mammals: The World of Whales & Seals is our only itinerary during which we’ll deploy hydrophones— underwater microphones that detect and record sound below the surface. You will have opportunities—during Zodiac cruises and paddling programs—to accompany Friedlaender Lab scientists as they deploy hydrophones to monitor and study marine mammal behavior, such as the vocalizations of whales. Four scientists will accompany guests in Zodiacs, with one hydrophone shared between two groups. Speakers will enable participants to listen for and, hopefully, hear whale sounds beneath the ocean surface. Engaging with scientists who are actively collecting and collating data that can be shared in real time on the water, and, through digital visual aids, brings marine biology to life in a way that transcends the water line. This activity is also available to World Voyager guests who join the Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) program. In addition to the citizen science programming, this itinerary will also feature the wonders of Antarctica: penguins, seals, immense glaciers, snowcapped mountains, icebergs, shore landings, and the polar plunge.
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Day 8 - South Shetlands
Rounding out our marine mammal experiences, we hope to witness southern elephant seals in the rugged and fabled South Shetland Islands. We’ll also keep our fingers crossed for sightings of fin whales. We'll explore this geological and historic archipelago while prioritizing shore landings, which offer further opportunities for wildlife sightings. Arriving in March allows us the rare opportunity to potentially explore key excursion sites such as Hannah Point, which is deemed a Restricted Area from early to mid-season. Massive populations of elephant seals and southern giant petrels make for awe-inspiring experiences. As with any expedition, shore landings along the coast are dependent on favorable weather.
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Day 9 - At Sea: Drake Passage Northbound
Today is the start of the journey back across the Drake Passage. This is an excellent opportunity to spend more time engaging with the Friedlaender Lab scientists, or attend one of the scheduled polar presentations.
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Day 10 - At Sea: Last Sailing Day
Today is your last opportunity to visit Quark Expeditions' new Science Hub and contribute to citizen science that will support marine mammal conservation efforts. In the words of Sir David Attenborough: “No one will protect what they don’t care about. And no one will care about what they have never experienced.”
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Day 11 - Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Guests will be transferred to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
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Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
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05 March, 2027 to 15 March, 2027
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a floor-to-ceiling glass Juliet balcony. A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) walk-out balcony. A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, walk-in closet, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
Located on Deck 5, and approximately 345 sq. ft. (32 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, double closets, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 365 sq. ft. (34 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower, dual vanity, and bathtub is also featured in each cabin.
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03 March, 2028 to 13 March, 2028
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a floor-to-ceiling glass Juliet balcony. A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) walk-out balcony. A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, walk-in closet, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
Located on Deck 5, and approximately 345 sq. ft. (32 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, double closets, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 365 sq. ft. (34 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower, dual vanity, and bathtub is also featured in each cabin.
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World Voyager
World Voyager
Vessel Type: Yacht
Length: 129 m
Passenger Capacity: 198
Built: 2022
World Voyager is a modern expedition ship built for discovery and polar exploration, accommodating 168 guests in all-balcony suites with direct views of the surrounding wilderness. The vessel combines luxurious comfort with functional design, offering public spaces such as a glass-domed Observation Lounge, theater-style lecture hall, and the Science Hub, where guests engage with onboard scientists and expedition guides. Wellness and recreation facilities include a spa, sauna, heated outdoor pool with Jacuzzis, a gym, and an outdoor running track, ensuring relaxation and activity throughout the voyage.
Equipped with two Rolls-Royce hybrid-electric engines and the Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) for converting waste into energy, World Voyager emphasises sustainability while navigating Antarctic waters. The ship also features a wraparound deck with heated seating, a Polar Boutique for essential gear, and the Ready Room for seamless Zodiac excursions, providing a comfortable, immersive, and environmentally conscious polar expedition experience.
Paddling Excursion
Glide through the pristine polar waters in a sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayak for an unforgettable experience in the Arctic and Antarctic wilderness. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by an additional safety driver who will stay close by to provide additional support.
Sea Kayaking
The kayak adventure option is open to all levels of experience. However, it is highly recommended that you have some sea kayaking related experience prior to kayaking in the polar regions with Quark Expeditions. Our sea kayaks are the ideal means by which to slow down and connect with the pristine natural environments and surroundings.
Stand-up Paddleboarding
Stand-up Paddleboarding, popularly known as SUPing, originated in Hawaii. Quark Expeditions is the first company to bring this watersport all the way to Antarctica. SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by. Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.
Special Offers
Online prices reflect current special offers and may vary based on demand. This promotion is time limited and subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, please contact us.
