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Antarctic Explorer: Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez

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 Trip Length
13 Days
 Trip Starts
Buenos Aires
 Trip Finishes
Buenos Aires
13 Day Antarctic Explorer: Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez Itinerary (Exodus)
Countries Explored: Argentina, Chile, Antarctica
Trip Style
Discovery
Pace
Easy
Trip Code
PUE
Cruise Line
Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions
No Reviews
Ship
Ultramarine
Passengers
199
Crew
140
Launched
2021

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Exodus 13 Day Antarctic Explorer: Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez. Antarctica is an incredible destination with the power to transform those who are fortunate enough to experience it. This voyage has been designed to give you the very best of the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, and 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...read more and other wildlife; and enjoy talks on history, biology and glaciology by our onboard Polar experts.

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. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable adventure!

Itinerary

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.

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 (B/L/D).

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, the most isolated place in the Americas, 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 metre) -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.

Our 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 multiple species of albatross (these islands are the southernmost albatross breeding ground in the world), including Black-browed albatross, Shy albatross and Grey-headed albatross. 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 (B/L/D).

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 (B/L/D).

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 travellers 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—such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles—become indelible memories. Each day will be different, carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world (B/L/D).

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 (B/L/D).

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 (B).

Trip Inclusions

  • Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Enjoy helicopter flightseeing from Ultramarine for a unique perspective of the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Enjoy talks about the environment and wildlife from our onboard Polar experts
  • Experience abundant wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales
  • Visit Cape Horn National Park, UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and Diego Ramírez Islands, nesting grounds for many species of albatross
  • Travel on a small expedition vessel
  • Accompanied by extremely qualified Expedition Staff

  • 11 nights on the ship, 1 night hotel in Buenos Aires
  • Expedition cruising in comfortable conditions 
  • All meals while on the ship
  • Beer and wine at dinner
  • All transport and listed activities
  • Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff
  • Mandatory transfer package (including return flights Buenos Aires to Ushuaia)

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Exodus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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