Once in a Lifetime Snow Hill Experience with Quark Expeditions
Experience the expedition of a lifetime, into the heart of Emperor Penguin kingdom.
In 2004, Quark Expeditions made polar history when they conducted the first-ever ground visit to a remote emperor penguin colony near Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. Today, it is one of the most exclusive wildlife viewing experiences on the planet. You have about 10,000 reasons to visit remote Snow Hill Island, home to a rarely visited Emperor penguin colony. Reaching Snow Hill Island is a challenge only a handful of travelers have achieved. But the reward is well worth it. Quark Expeditions invites you—almost two decades after their milestone visit of 2004—to embrace the thrill of the search as they once again set out to visit the emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island.
EXCLUSIVE BONUS: Receive $250 USD per person onboard ship credit
Experience a true polar adventure aboard the all-new Ultramarine. This ship is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters that will fly guests to the vicinity of this rarely-visited rookery. You will trek across the ice to witness this magnificent colony up close and personal. You will feel as if you were in scenes from "March of the Penguins" and BBC's "Frozen Planet."
Daily activities will include Zodiac cruising among the icebergs, adventuring, and learning while atop the ice, paddle-on-top kayaking, or working with Quark Expedition's team to observe the weather forecasting and ship operations up close. Off the ice, you'll get to enjoy a little pampering. Choose from Ultramarine’s excellent onboard amenities, including the spa, sauna, and fitness room.
Daily activities will include Zodiac cruising among the icebergs, adventuring, and learning while atop the ice, paddle-on-top kayaking, or working with Quark Expedition's team to observe the weather forecasting and ship operations up close. Off the ice, you'll get to enjoy a little pampering. Choose from Ultramarine’s excellent onboard amenities, including the spa, sauna, and fitness room.
The preferred time to visit is November when it’s still possible to observe the newly-hatched baby penguins before they disperse. Ice conditions are also more ideal at this time.
This truly is an experience you'll remember for a lifetime.
Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill14 days
Roundtrip Buenos AiresUltramarine | Explorer Suite
USD $33,995 Per Person Incl taxes
ONLY TWO DEPARTURES AVAILABLENovember 12, 20223 and November 24, 2023
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arriving in this fascinating 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 and Embark
After an early breakfast at the hotel, your group will transfer to the airport and board Quark's 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 quaint Ushuaia—the world’s southernmost city—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. Enjoy the air of anticipation as you depart—the next land you see will be the Antarctic!
Days 3 and 4: Crossing the Drake Passage
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage, which lies at the confluence of the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Southern oceans, is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by Quark's expert onboard staff and expedition team, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the expansive ocean waters, photograph seabirds as they swoop around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers.
Day 5: Navigating into the Weddell Sea
Onboard presentations by world-respected experts will enrich your polar quest, conveying what it was like a century ago for the brave polar heroes who embraced the unknown. You’ll also learn more about the ice-dwelling emperor penguins.
Days 6 to 10: Weddell Sea and the Quest to Land at Snow Hill
The goal of the expedition is to get every guest to the remote rookery once. The Expedition Team and special experts will be close by to answer your questions and ensure you take in everything there is to see. You’ll observe close up how the emperor penguins behave. The emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill is the goal of this expedition. However, if weather or ice conditions prevent the group from visiting the colony or shorten the duration of your visit, you may explore some of these other sites. Your possible landings in Antarctica will take place on the eastern side of the Peninsula, which is an extension of the Transantarctic Mountains and is the most northern stretch of Antarctic land. Brown Bluff Devil Island Hope Bay Paulet Island Seymour Island
Days 11 to 13: Cruising
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Southern Ocean 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 getting off the beaten track in the remarkable world of Antarctica.
Day 14: 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 tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park for a taste of Patagonia, after which you’ll transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Quark Expeditions has spent the last three decades taking travelers on polar expeditions to remote parts of the Arctic and Antarctic where few other humans have ever set foot. The vessels in Quark Expeditions’ fleet accommodate anywhere from 128 to 199 passengers. Smaller ships can take you to remote areas that large ships simply can’t reach. We know we can give guests the best polar experience on a smaller ship. The perfect polar expedition doesn't just happen. It takes a team of talented, knowledgeable and experienced professionals to bring it all together. Our Expedition Team is comprised of seasoned veterans with rich backgrounds in marine biology, history, glaciology, geology, and more. With the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the industry, our Expedition Teams safely deliver your trip-of-a-lifetime to maximize your polar adventure every step of the way.
The newest ship among Quark Expeditions' fleet, made to go beyond the familiar of polar exploration.
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Quark Expeditions is waiving the single supplement on select departures to the Arctic and Antarctica!
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Terms & Conditions
All fares are quoted in the currency indicated. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability at the time of booking. Fares include taxes and fees. International airfare rates are additional. Rates for Expeditions, including flights, transfers or mandatory transfer packages, as well as optional pre-Expedition and post-Expedition extensions are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change prior to departure.