Imagine sitting in a Zodiac or kayak in the waters off the Antarctic Peninsula in the company of marine mammal scientists, listening to whale sounds—sometimes haunting, sometimes melodic—from deep beneath the ocean surface. You, the guest, aren’t merely an observer; you’re a participant in citizen science. With the deployment of portable hydrophone units—just one aspect of the 11-day hands-on Antarctic Marine Mammals: The World of Whales & Seals—you’ll have access to an audio portal into the underwater world of the Antarctic Peninsula. In that moment, as you assist experts who are collecting data on various aspects of whale behavior, you are helping to protect one of the most majestic marine mammals to grace the Antarctic.

Throughout this unique expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, guests will explore alongside Ari Friedlaender, founder of the Friedlaender Lab, a highly respected marine mammal research group at the University of California. Friedlaender co-developed this 11-day itinerary that will maximize migratory whale sightings, primarily minke, humpback and fin whales. Throughout the voyage, guests will learn from Friedlaender and his team, who focus on new biotelemetry technology to better understand the underwater behavior and ecology of whales. You will also have access to a research associate from Happywhale, the educational platform that engages citizen scientists to identify individual whale species for research and conservation purposes.

A special component of this trip is the Science Hub, where you can engage with whale experts, contribute to citizen science projects, and ultimately play a vital role in conserving this pristine polar habitat for all marine mammals.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.”

• 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.

• Please note:

  Itineraries are subject to change. 

05 March, 2027 to 15 March, 2027

Infinity Suite

$24,928 NZD pp

* indicative rate.

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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.

Veranda Suite

$26,192 NZD pp

* indicative rate.

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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.

Superior Suite

$34,120 NZD pp

* indicative rate.

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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.

Deluxe Suite

$36,648 NZD pp

* indicative rate.

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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.

Owner's Suite

$39,405 NZD pp

* indicative rate.

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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.

• World Voyager

  World Voyager

  Vessel Type: Yacht

  Length: 129 m

  Passenger Capacity: 198

  Built: 2022

  Experience extraordinary Antarctica to the fullest and in the shortest amount of time aboard our newest yacht. Spend more time exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by flying over the Drake Passage one way and still lay claim to the iconic experience of sailing the other direction with our options. Or, if you’re an intrepid explorer, you can still conquer the famed Drake Passage both ways with all Ushuaia Roundtrip expeditions.

  YOUR SANCTUARY AT SEA After a day of roaming, venturing and exploring, indulge in the comfort of a balcony accommodation or modern suite — plus accommodations exclusively for solo travelers. Every room features a spacious bathroom outfitted with L’OCCITANE amenities, plush bedding designed for dreaming, flat-screen TVs with state-of-the-art infotainment systems for downtime and sitting or living areas to unwind. Gaze at the horizon as you replay the adventures of the day.

  TASTE PERFECTION When dining goes beyond simply being a meal and becomes an experience you look forward to every day, both your appetite and your soul are satiated. Our onboard dining options offer extraordinary culinary adventures with globally inspired gourmet cuisine artfully crafted to awaken your senses one delectable morsel at a time. From Portuguese soul food alfresco with an ocean view to breakfast in bed before embarking on your next endeavors, every detail is taken into careful consideration to deliver an upscale experience with simple elegance.

  ONBOARD LIFE At Atlas Ocean Voyages, we encourage a holistic approach to life that incorporates mind, body and spirit. Connect with like-spirited explorers during Après Sea and satisfy your curiosity with exceptional guest lecturers to relish every aspect of a stimulating journey. From appreciating the dining experience to keeping up an exercise routine while on holiday to taking time for self-care, we cultivate an atmosphere of overall well-being in every space on board World Voyager.

  MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME Aboard our intimate, yacht World Voyager you will find everything you want and need. Including three decks of spacious and elevated accommodations, various onboard dining options, spa and sauna amenities, social spaces for gathering with your fellow travelers and more, World Voyager has been designed to always deliver relaxed luxury and highly personalized service.

  CONSCIOUS NAVIGATION An innovative hydro-jet propulsion system allows the purpose-built World Voyager to bring you closer to the environment and wildlife. The system gives the ship a quieter sound that’s less disruptive to the ecosystem, making for up-close and personal encounters that leave you in awe.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

Paddling Excursion

Sea Kayaking

Stand-up Paddleboarding