01
NOVEMBER
Early Antarctic Season
The Nov. 6 departure opens the season, with snowy landscapes, sea ice, and penguins beginning courtship and nest building.
Starting From$13,241$9,269/Person
Antarctic Explorer Cruise
11 Days - Quark Expeditions
Tour At A Glance
Expedition Overview
Ushuaia Round-trip. Zodiac Included.
DEPARTURES
Nov · Jan · Feb · Mar sailings
EXPEDITION LENGTH
11 days · 10 nights
GROUP SIZE
Up to 138 guests
SHIP
Ocean Explorer
EXPEDITION TEAM
Polar experts · naturalists · photographers
ACTIVITIES
Zodiac landings · shore walks · kayaking · helicopter excursions
EMBARKATION
Fly to Ushuaia · Board the ship · Sail through the Drake Passage
ONBOARD PROGRAMS
Photography workshops · wildlife briefings · educational programs
DEPARTURES
Nov · Jan · Feb · Mar sailings
EXPEDITION LENGTH
11 days · 10 nights
GROUP SIZE
Up to 138 guests
SHIP
Ocean Explorer
EXPEDITION TEAM
Polar experts · naturalists · photographers
ACTIVITIES
Zodiac landings · shore walks · kayaking · helicopter excursions
EMBARKATION
Fly to Ushuaia · Board the ship · Sail through the Drake Passage
ONBOARD PROGRAMS
Photography workshops · wildlife briefings · educational programs
THE FULL DRAKE PASSAGE CROSSING
Considering the Classic Sailing Route to Antarctica?
The 11-day Antarctic Explorer Cruise crosses the Drake Passage in both directions. Talk with our team about the voyage, what's included, and the available departure options.
Talk to an Antarctica Specialist
Expert guidance · No obligation
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Your 11-day Antarctic Explorer voyage
See the South Shetlands and Antarctic Peninsula itinerary.
Your Antarctic Explorer cruise begins in Ushuaia, the southernmost city and gateway to the Drake Passage. Before boarding, explore the port beneath the Martial Mountains or browse artisan shops and try Argentine chocolate.
Focus - Arrival and orientation
Overnight - Ushuaia
Why The Cruise
Why The Antarctic Explorer Cruise
Unlike a fly-cruise, this voyage crosses the Drake Passage by ship in both directions, with sea days for expedition briefings before the first landing. Aboard Ocean Explorer, the team adjusts landing sites and Zodiac routes to ice and weather, rather than following a fixed daily schedule.
| Highlight | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | More Days Ashore | Up to five days on the Antarctic Peninsula for shore landings and Zodiac excursions. |
| 02 | Two Regions, One Voyage | Visit the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula on one expedition. |
| 03 | No Repositioning Flights | Begin and end in Ushuaia, with no flights between ports before or after the voyage. |
| 04 | Zodiac Excursions | Ocean Explorer’s Zodiac fleet provides access to landing sites and wildlife-viewing areas when conditions allow. |
| 05 | Travelopod Circle Rewards | Earn 1% back on eligible bookings, redeemable toward future travel |
| 06 | Savings up to $2,000 | Save up to $2,000 with the Polar Bonus on select sailings. Terms apply. |
01
More Days Ashore
Up to five days on the Antarctic Peninsula for shore landings and Zodiac excursions.
02
Two Regions, One Voyage
Visit the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula on one expedition.
03
No Repositioning Flights
Begin and end in Ushuaia, with no flights between ports before or after the voyage.
04
Zodiac Excursions
Ocean Explorer’s Zodiac fleet provides access to landing sites and wildlife-viewing areas when conditions allow.
05
Travelopod Circle Rewards
Earn 1% back on eligible bookings, redeemable toward future travel
06
Savings up to $2,000
Save up to $2,000 with the Polar Bonus on select sailings. Terms apply.
Advisor Insight
“If you're prone to motion sickness, start medication before you feel it, not after. Sailing the Drake both ways means two crossings, so pack more than one remedy and consider a mid-ship cabin, where the rocking is less pronounced.”
REWARDS & LOYALTY
Your Travel. Your Rewards.
Travelopod Circle
Rewards & Loyalty
Earn 1% back in rewards on eligible bookings and get rewarded for sharing Travelopod with friends.
1% Back in Rewards on eligible bookings
$25 Cashfor every successful referral
Your friends get $25 Off their first booking
Unlimited Referrals with no earning limits
Join Travelopod Circle→Free to join · No blackout dates
PLAN YOUR ANTARCTIC EXPLORER CRUISE
Expert Guidance Before You Book
Get help choosing your departure date and cabin for this 11-day Ocean Explorer voyage. Understand the Drake Passage crossing, included activities, and optional adventures before booking.
Review available sailing dates and cabin options
Understand the Ushuaia round-trip route and Drake Passage crossing
Know what’s included, from Zodiac cruises to guided shore landings
Ask about optional kayaking and flightseeing on select sailings
Exclusive Benefits with Travelopod
Get more from your Antarctic Explorer booking with available offers and rewards.
Save up to $2,000
with the Polar Bonus on select sailings
Up to $300
onboard credit on select sailings
Receive up to $200
off on international flights
1%
Earn 1% back
in Travelopod Circle rewards on eligible bookings
WHO IS THIS TOUR FOR?
Ideal for a Classic Antarctic Expedition
Prefer sailing the Drake Passage both ways rather than flying over it.
Have 11 days for a ship-based Antarctic expedition.
I want to visit both the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Enjoy hands-on activities such as Zodiac landings, kayaking, and guided shore walks.
Value onboard credit and Travelopod Circle rewards on eligible bookings.
Interested in naturalist-led programs and citizen science activities between landings.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
Your Ship and Departure City
What Your Fare Covers
What Does an Antarctic Explorer Cruise Include?
✓Included in your fare
- ✓10 nights stay
- ✓All onboard meals, snacks, and select beverages during bar and dinner service
- ✓ Free basic Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- ✓ Daily Zodiac cruises and guided shore landings on the Antarctic Peninsula
✕Not included
- ✕ International airfare to and from Ushuaia
- ✕ Personal expenses
- ✕Travel insurance
- ✕ Activities not specifically included in your sailing
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Expedition Essentials You Should Know
The essential details for this expedition
Swipe
for more
for more
The Polar Calendar
When to Sail On the Antarctic Explorer Cruise
Choose your departure by season, wildlife, and daylight.
02
JANUARY
Peak Antarctic Summer
The Jan. 6 departure brings long summer daylight, with penguin chicks hatching and growing across busy colonies.
03
FEBRUARY
Whales & Growing Chicks
The Feb. 28 departure comes late in the Antarctic summer. Whale activity typically increases, while penguin chicks are larger and becoming more independent.
04
MARCH
Late Antarctic Season
The Mar. 10 departures fall near the season’s end, with shorter days, active whales, and more developed penguin chicks.
WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
Hear from those who traveled with us.
4.9/516,000+ verified reviews
Extend Your Trip
More Antarctica Cruises to Choose From
Choose the trip length and route that suit your schedule.
+2 DaysThe Frozen Frontier
Spend five days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, with Zodiac cruises, shore landings, and optional kayaking or flightseeing on select sailings.
+10 DaysIcy Antarctic Underworld
Sail round-trip from Puerto Williams aboard Silver Wind, crossing the Drake Passage both ways to reach the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
+12 DaysVoyage To Antarctica
Begin in Buenos Aires or Santiago before sailing aboard National Geographic Resolution for Antarctic wildlife encounters, Zodiac landings, and kayaking.
Frequently asked
Antarctic Explorer Cruise FAQs
Questions about your Antarctic expedition? Talk to our polar specialist.
Talk to a specialistThe fare includes 10 nights aboard Ocean Explorer, onboard meals and select beverages, basic Wi-Fi, daily Zodiac cruises, guided shore landings, expedition programs, an expedition parka, waterproof boot loan, and the expedition team. Gratuities and service charges are also included. Airfare is not included.
Have Questions About Dates or Cabins?
Antarctic Explorer sailings aboard Ocean Explorer can have limited availability across cabin categories and departure dates. Our Antarctica specialists can check the latest availability, confirm the fare for your preferred sailing, and help you compare your options before you book.
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