Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings - Ocean Explorer

20 days
Nov 2025 - Dec 2025
Ocean Explorer
Included: transfers, hotels
Kayaking
Hikes
Zodiac Landings
2025

From

$26,966

per person

The Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia & Antarctica itinerary is the fastest way to get to the rarely visited Falkland Islands and South Georgia before stepping foot on the 7th Continent. Stroll the quaint English village of Stanley in the Falklands, wander the islands’ sandy dunes, and birdwatch at rugged seabird cliffs. In South Georgia, discover the beaches where king penguins breed – one of the highest densities of animal life on earth – and learn about the rich historical legacy of the places you visit. Both islands are known as meccas for wildlife with epic displays of animals congregating by the thousands. Then, explore the stunning Antarctic Peninsula and enter a world of ice, snow and natural wonders. Pursue your personal passions with a choice of rewarding activities and our extensive educational program.

Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina

Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Located within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia has a small-town feel yet boasts many shops, museums, cafés and restaurants that you can enjoy before your voyage. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking.

Day 2 | Embark

As you embark, the anticipation grows. Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet and greet your fellow travelers and get acquainted with your ship. Since every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, embarkation day is just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you. On board your team will be there both to ensure your comfort and safety as well as help make your wildlife dreams come true.

Day 3 | At Sea

Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.

Day 4-5 | Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Upon your arrival in the Falklands (Malvinas), your camera will get its first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of this sub- Antarctic region. The archipelago contains two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, which you will explore during daily excursions.

Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel, complete with eclectic charm. You’ll be free to explore, grab a pint at the local pub or visit the cathedral and museum.

In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to Magellanic, gentoo and southern rockhopper penguins. If you’re lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! You can expect to see black- browed albatross, plus two endemic bird species—the flightless Falkland steamer duck and, possibly, the elusive Cobb’s wren.

Your expert education team will enrich your understanding of the local flora and fauna, making the most out of your time in the Falklands.

Day 6-7 | At Sea

Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you’ll officially enter Antarctic waters once you cross the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible biological boundary encircling the continent. This meeting of oceans, where the cold Antarctic waters mix and mingle with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, helps nourish the abundance of krill that attracts whales, seals, and birdlife to this part of the world. Your Expedition Team will notify you when you cross this invisible yet important line, and also look out for the seabirds and marine life that frequent this nutrient-rich area.

Day 8-11 | South Georgia

This remote, mountainous island was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once known for whale– and seal–hunting. Today, island wildlife populations are rebounding, but you’ll still see remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts.

One significant and historic site is the grave of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, plus a museum, gift shop, church and small research station.

Although South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the island, its incredible densities of wildlife make it truly memorable. Each landing you make on South Georgia, often referred to as the Galapagos of the Southern Sea, will open your eyes to the wondrous lives of new, enthralling creatures.

One day you may see colonies with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins waddling on shore, and the next, you may visit another beach inhabited by hundreds of fur or elephant seals. The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island. This fragile and interwoven relationship is something your Expedition Team will instill in you during your time here.

Day 12-13 | At Sea

Say goodbye to the king penguins as you leave for your next destination: Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations, workshops, and social activities led by your Expedition Team.

If conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, our first official stop in Antarctica.

Day 14-17 | South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

The most common reaction upon reaching the Antarctic Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica.

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 at 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 the human.

Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each excursion, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or consorting with penguin colonies.

Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. During Zodiac cruises, keep an eye out for Antarctic whales such as minkes, as you may get a chance for an intimate experience with these majestic animals. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to entertain 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 partaking in an optional paddling excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason aside and jump into Antarctic waters for the Polar Plunge!

Day 18-19 | Crossing the Drake Passage

After more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, completing your Antarctic adventure. Enjoy your final moments celebrating with your fellow shipmates and savor the silence of the sea as long as you can.

Day 20 | Disembarkation in Ushuaia

After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your Expedition Team. Airport transfers will be provided for those departing on the first homeward flights. Other guests will be transferred to town.

Ships

Ocean Explorer

Ocean Explorer 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.

Read More

What's included

Inclusions

RATES INCLUDE:

For all voyages:

  • An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings and other activities

  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program

  • All shore landings as per the daily program

  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping

  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage.

  • Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner

  • Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock

  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled

  • A photographic journal documenting your expedition

  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions

  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more dataintensive applications.)

  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program

  • All luggage handling aboard the ship

  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person

  • Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1

  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast. (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)

  • Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day

  • Group departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage

Exclusions

RATES SPECIFICALLY DO NOT INCLUDE:

For all voyages:

  • International airfare

  • Passport and applicable visa expenses

  • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned

  • Meals unless otherwise specified

  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended

  • Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights

  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned

  • Laundry, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified

  • Phone charges may vary by location

  • Our basic complimentary Wi-Fi service does not include Premium packages which enable more data-intensive applications

  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew

  • Additional overnight accommodation

  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated

  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities.

Excursions

Zodiac Cruising in the Antarctic Quark Expeditions

Included

Zodiacs are used for transferring you ashore, transporting your luggage when necessary and for taking you ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac.

These large, heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe and were specially designed for expedition work. Zodiacs are the workhorses of Polar expeditions. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if these sturdy boats are damaged. Their flat bottom design permits the craft to land directly onto the cobble and ice-strewn beaches that you will encounter on your Polar expedition.

Polar Plunge in the Antarctic Quark Expeditions

Included

The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes place onshore or, in many cases, from the gangway or Zodiac. All participants wear a tethered harness and plunge into the polar waters from the side of Zodiac or safety of the gangplank cheered on, of course, by fellow passengers and Expedition Team.

Safety is paramount—the onboard physician always attends the Polar Plunge. Guides in survival gear circle the area in Zodiacs as guests take their turn jumping or cannon-balling into the polar waters.

Paddling Excursion Quark Expeditions

Included

Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a sit-on-top kayak. No experience is required to maneuver these very stable kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you want greater flexibility to try other Adventure options, this shorter excursion is for you.

Paddling in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent and a one-time experience. Your kayak guides will attempt to take you out on the water for 1-1.5 hours of paddling. Offered on most voyages, spaces are limited. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.

Pricing subject to change based on season.

Sea Kayaking in the Antarctic - Quark Expeditions

Included

Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.

Quark Expeditions Sea Kayak Program is a voyage-length program available in Antarctica, in which kayakers (those who have minimal experience as well as seasoned paddlers) will enjoy the polar regions from a unique perspective.

Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.

In addition to the kayak guides, a safety driver in a Zodiac will always stay nearby to offer assistance if required. Excursions typically last one and a half to three hours.

Note: Due to its popularity and limited space, if you want to ensure a space in the Sea Kayak program, please register when you book your expedition. While the program routinely fills up well before the voyage, if there are vacant spaces when you board the vessel you may sign up. Quark Expedition guides attempt to lead guests on as many sea kayak excursions as possible, but the number of excursions will depend on weather and sea conditions as well as logistical factors. Be prepared to paddle in a double or single kayak depending on availability.

Is Kayaking Experience Necessary?

The Sea Kayak program was developed to accommodate kayakers with a range of experience. Please don’t hesitate to consult with our polar travel advisors if you have any questions.

Provided gear

  • Sea kayaks (single or double)

  • Paddle

  • Spray-skirt

  • Drysuit

  • Insulated rubber gloves and pogies*

  • PFD (personal flotation device)

  • Neoprene booties

  • 10L dry bag

  • Water bottle (provided in rooms upon embarkation)

Other recommended gear/clothing

  • Thermal base layer top and bottom (synthetic or wool, no cotton)

  • Thin fleece 200 weight top or wool sweater

  • Fleece pants

  • Liner socks

  • Thick wool socks

  • Neckwarmer

  • Thin fleece or wool liner glove to wear under rubber gloves (if you wish)

  • Warm hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen

  • Camera (either waterproof, in exterior waterproof housing, or stored in a drybag)

  • Waterproof backpack or a drybag

Hiking in the Antarctic Quark Expeditions

Included

Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Arctic and Antarctica. Stepping ashore anywhere in the polar regions means you’re not a distant observer.

Our organized hikes range from short jaunts to the top of lookouts or visits to see wildlife or longer walks of several kilometers over ice and rock and snow. Hiking excursions may last from two to three hours with plenty of time for photographs of wildlife, learning moments from your experienced guides, or just time to stand back and admire the incredible polar surroundings.

No experience is necessary but participants should be able to get in and out of a Zodiac and walk on uneven terrain. Hiking options are tailored to all interests and abilities, from those who want to contemplate the landscape in silence to photographers who want that perfect image to energetic travelers who want to summit a peak in the hopes of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.

Equipment you’ll be provided with for hiking outings

  • Trekking poles are available upon request

  • Bring your Quark Parka and collapsible water bottle provided at embarkation (they’re yours to keep)

  • Muck boots (loaned to you for the duration of your expedition)

Other recommended gear/clothing

  • Base and mid-layer clothing

  • Waterproof breathable pants

  • Wool or synthetic hiking socks

  • Warm hat

  • Brimmed hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Waterproof and sunscreen and lip balm (minimum SPF 30)

  • Backpack, preferably water-resistant (or with a rain cover)

  • Warm gloves

  • Camera and accessories

Explore similar offers

Reykjavik - Reykjavik

Iceland Circumnavigation: Helicopters, Glaciers and Volcanoes

12 days
Jul 2026 - Aug 2026
Ultramarine
from
$12,540

Ushuaia - Ushuaia

South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari - Ocean Explorer

18 days
Jan 2026 - Feb 2026
Ocean Explorer
from
$18,307

Ushuaia - Ushuaia

South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari

18 days
Feb 2026 - Feb 2026
World Explorer
from
$18,307

Ushuaia - Ushuaia

Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica - Ocean Explorer

20 days
Oct 2026 - Mar 2027
Ocean Explorer
from
$23,679

Ushuaia - Ushuaia

Epic Antarctica: The Falklands, South Georgia and Crossing the Circle

23 days
Jan 2026 - Feb 2027
Ultramarine
from
$29,762

Practical information

The Antarctic cruise season runs from November to March, during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer. Each month offers a unique experience:

  • November – Early Season: Pristine landscapes, fresh snowfall, and active penguin courtship.

  • December & January – Peak Season: Warmer temperatures, 24-hour daylight, and hatching penguin chicks.

  • February & March – Late Season: Best whale watching opportunities and more ice-free waters for deeper exploration.

Antarctica is home to incredible wildlife, including:

  • Penguins: Emperor, Adélie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, and more.

  • Whales: Humpback, Minke, Orca (Killer Whales), and Blue Whales.

  • Seals: Weddell, Leopard, Elephant, and Crabeater Seals.

  • Birds: Albatross, Petrels, Skuas, and more.

No visa is required for Antarctica itself, but depending on your nationality, you may need visas for Argentina or Chile, where most cruises depart from. Quark Expeditions will provide all necessary permits for landing in Antarctica as part of the IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) guidelines.

Despite being a frozen continent, temperatures during the cruise season are warmer than many expect, ranging from:

  • Early Season (Nov - Dec): -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)

  • Peak Season (Jan - Feb): 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F)

  • Late Season (Feb - Mar): -2°C to 6°C (28°F to 43°F)
    Wind and weather conditions can change rapidly, so layering is key.

• Your passport and a copy of it!

• Cash in the applicable currency. Please check your travel documents for information about card payments on board

• Regular indoor shoes

• Sun protection

• A good pair of binoculars (ask the Cruise Norway team if they are included in your cabin)

• A small waterproof backpack

• Sunglasses with UV filter lenses

• Lip balm with UV protection

• Moisturizer

• Enough medication and other essentials to last through unforeseen delays

• Extra memory cards

• Extra batteries. Battery life can be reduced in cold climates

• Chargers

• Electrical adapters and converters if needed, please check your travel documents for information

• Sea sickness medication

• Sleeping mask

Clothing:
Layering clothes helps to keep you warm and dry. We recommend layering with wool, silk or synthetic fabrics rather than cotton. Dress code on board is casual (expedition style). Clothing should be comfortable and informal, including shoes. Dressing up for meals is not required.

• Summer clothing to wear in Buenos Aires

• Comfortable shoes for exploring South America

• Warm winter jacket

• Wind and water-resistant trousers or ski pants (some cruises require waterproof pants for landings and zodiac cruises, do not wear jeans or similar)

• Long thermal base layer

• Warm hat or headband

• Scarf or fleece tube

• Warm wool jumper and fleece jacket

• Gloves and mittens, fleece and wool

• Warm socks

Quark Expeditions’ Antarctica cruises offer daily landings and Zodiac excursions, depending on weather conditions. Activities may include:

  • Wildlife Watching: Close encounters with penguins, whales, and seals.

  • Zodiac Cruising: Exploring icebergs, glaciers, and remote shorelines.

  • Guided Hikes: Walks led by expert expedition guides.

  • Photography Workshops: Capture Antarctica’s stunning scenery.

  • Scientific Lectures: Learn from onboard experts about Antarctic history, geology, and wildlife.

Some cruises may offer optional activities such as kayaking and camping (availability varies).

Crossing the Drake Passage (between South America and Antarctica) can be rough or calm, depending on weather conditions. While some travelers experience motion sickness, Quark Expeditions’ advanced stabilized ships and onboard medical assistance help make the journey more comfortable. Those prone to seasickness may consider bringing medication or using natural remedies like ginger or acupressure bands.

Quark Expedition guest are provided limited Wi-Fi access for use on one device, permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Additional data can be purchased on ship.)

Meet your expedition cruise experts

USA and Canada

Gordon

+1 (305) 607 2339 gordon@cruisenorway.com WhatsApp

Daniel

+1 (970) 227 9767 Daniel@cruisenorway.com WhatsApp

Ann

+1 (332)-240-6038‬ Ann@cruisenorway.com WhatsApp

Steve

+1 (352) 448 0083 Steve@cruisenorway.com WhatsApp

Diana

+1 (425) 772 0658 Diana@cruisenorway.com WhatsApp

Europe & Global

Anne

+372 5299832 Anne@cruisenorway.com WhatsApp

Matthew

+372 56506164 Matthew@cruisenorway.com WhatsApp

Sarah

+372 56371351 Sarah@cruiseonorway.com WhatsApp

Mari

+372 5878 7335 Mari@cruisenorway.com WhatsApp

Australia and
Latin America

Danielle

+61 7 5641 4902 Dani@cruisenorway.com WhatsApp

Germany

Ivo

+372 56225369 Ivo@cruisenorway.com WhatsApp

India

John

+91 9830053005 John@cruisenorway.com WhatsApp

DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person, subject to availability and can change at any time

Join our newsletter

We’ll send you a newsletter with our best offers once a week.

Head office

CRUISE NORWAY
373 Broadway, Suite C1

New York, NY 10013, USA

Cruise Norway International

Tallinn, Estonia

info@cruisenorway.com

Contact us

U.S. & Canada Toll Free: +1 (888) 53 8 8652
Europe & Global:+372 56 37 1351/ WhatsApp
Germany: +49 156 7820 3775 / WhatsApp
Australia: +61 7 5641 4902 / WhatsApp
India: +91 98300 53005 / WhatsApp

About Cruise Norway
•
Contact us
•
Home
•
Offers
•
Reviews & Insights
•
Privacy Policy
•
27 years ©2025 Cruisemon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.