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Ocean Explorer, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula Penguin Safari ex Ushuaia Return

17 Night Cruise Only


Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
24 Jan 2026 Ushuaia, Argentina Hotel
25 Jan 2026 Ushuaia, Argentina Embark
26 Jan 2026 At Sea    
27 Jan 2026 At Sea    
28 Jan 2026 At Sea    
29 Jan 2026 At Sea    
30 Jan 2026 South Georgia, South Atlantic Ocean
31 Jan 2026 South Georgia, South Atlantic Ocean
1 Feb 2026 Grytviken, South Georgia
2 Feb 2026 At Sea    
3 Feb 2026 At Sea    
4 Feb 2026 Antarctic Peninsula
5 Feb 2026 Antarctic Peninsula
6 Feb 2026 Antarctic Peninsula
7 Feb 2026 Antarctic Peninsula
8 Feb 2026 Drake Passage
9 Feb 2026 Drake Passage
10 Feb 2026 Ushuaia, Argentina Disembark
16 Night Cruise sailing from Ushuaia roundtrip aboard Ocean Explorer. Hotel stay pre-cruise in Ushuaia.

Day 1 Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port at the tip of South America. It’s the ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.

Day 2 Embark
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down 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!

Days 3 to 6 At Sea
There are many activities to keep you engaged while you are at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team. You will be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings, and also be given instructions for getting the most out of your optional sea kayaking adventures (extra cost), a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica.

If conditions are right, the first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sight of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have your binoculars and cameras ready to capture these rocky spires rising out of the icy ocean waters. Shags and prions often rest here, and due to nutrient rich upwellings around the rocks it can be a good place to keep a lookout for whales.

Days 7 to 9 South Georgia
After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, we’ll head toward its numerous beaches to find a bay for your first excursion. Landing sites are varied, largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. The sites you visit will provide you with wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere else on Earth.

South Georgia is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins and seals. It won’t take you long to realize that you are in a birder’s paradise, as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance. You’ll find that South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Your Expedition Team will help bring those days to life while you visit old whaling stations and enjoy presentations on the South Georgia of then and now.

One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is Grytviken. This settlement is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Grytviken possesses a special appeal largely because it’s the site of the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers.

Days 10 and 11 At Sea
Say goodbye to the king penguins as you leave for your next destination: Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations and workshops led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife and landscapes that will surround you upon your arrival on the 7th Continent.

Days 12 to 15 Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching Antarctica is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places are as untouched and enduring
as Antarctica.

You will discover a land of extremes. One moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and the next moment you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a curious penguin waddles by to observe you.

Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each excursion, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or observing penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Keep a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Eachday and each excursion will present a new array of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.

As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an extra-special Antarctic experience by booking an optional paddling excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason aside and jump into Antarctic waters for the Polar Plunge!

Days 16 and 17 Crossing the Drake Passage
After more than a dozen days of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

Day 18 Disembark in Ushuaia
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows you to continue your adventure onward or catch your flights home.

Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.

Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.

Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines.


Ship Profile & Stats
  • Maiden voyage: 2021
  • Length: 104.4 m
  • Draft: 5.3 m
  • Speed: 16.5 knots
  • Ship registration: Portugal
  • Passenger capacity (dbl): 138
Ship Amenities
  • Desk and Chair
  • TV
  • Infotainment System
Ship Facilities
  • Two Story Library
  • Observation Lounge
  • Sauna
  • 2 Outdoor Jacuzzis
  • 15 Zodiacs
  • Main Dining Room
  • Private Dining Room
  • Latitude Bar
  • Fitness Centre
  • Polar Boutique
  • Explorer Lecture Lounge
  • Observation Bistro
  • Sun Deck
Quark Expeditions has been one of the leading innovators and operators of expedition cruises, especially in polar regions, since 1991. The company has pioneered and developed a concept of fantastically adventurous journeys in first class comfort on powerful, polar icebreakers. This concept is unique and many "First Ever" passenger voyages have been successfully operated: the first North Pole voyage, the first transpolar voyage through the North Pole, the first Circumnavigation of Antarctica, the first "Far Side" of Antarctica voyage, the first Weddell Sea voyage, the first Northeast Passage and the first Circumnavigation of the Arctic are all part of this tradition.

Names such as Amundsen, Scott, Shackleton, Franklin, Peary and Nansen are synonymous with the Golden Age of Exploration and, thanks to the polar climates, elements of the past have been well preserved. Viewing these historical sights is a great experience and worthy of care and respect. Quark Expeditions understands this and ensures that all our passengers are fully briefed before any visits take place.

Deck 3

Deck 4

Deck 5

Deck 6

Deck 7

Deck 8

Owners Suite
This palatial, airy apartment offers stunning views from its large private veranda on the highest cabin level. The luxurious suite features a large master bedroom, living room and dining area and two large master bathrooms, among other amenities. 443 sqf.

This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. f (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom.and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.

Junior Suite
The decor and layout of this stately suite will amaze. The private veranda, convenient Deck 6 location, plus proximity to the lounge and downstairs dining room are equally impressive. 296-299 sqf.

Royal Veranda Stateroom
This spacious, classic stateroom allows you to stretch freely. Centrally located on Decks 4 and 6. 189-272 sqf.

Grand Veranda Stateroom
Near the center of the ship on Deck 6, this stateroom offers easy access to the lounge, dining room and a private veranda. 195-205 sqf.

These classic staterooms ensure guests have easy access to all amenities the ship has to offer. 203-272 sqf.

Revel in superior comfort of this stateroom on Deck 4 while taking in the panoramic ocean views from your private veranda. 200-205 sqf.

Enjoy privacy and elegance at the front of the ship where guests are treated to sweeping views from their private veranda. 168-195 sqf.

Studio Veranda Stateroom
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 173 sq. f. (16.1 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. f. (15.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

Enjoy the calm ambience of this stateroom which features a porthole window and every amenity essential for your polar voyage. 175-186 sqf.

Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 177 sq. ft. (16.5 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor..
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*All prices are per person twin share unless stated as solo, triple or quad share.
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