Quark Expeditions offers the spectacular opportunity to explore the last great wilderness on Earth - Antarctica - in an exciting and unforgettable fashion. Its 12-day ‘Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands’ is a new itinerary that goes into the interior of the magical 7th Continent, as well as Erebus and Terror Gulf, Antarctic Sound and the great Weddell Sea.
One of the unique ways of exploring Antarctica, this remarkable voyage allows guests to experience the remote parts of Antarctica that few others get to see. The itinerary includes at least two heli-flightseeing excursions and one heli-landing amid Antarctica’s vast mountain ranges - all included in the cost of the trip. Along with Zodiac excursions, all food and drink onboard, free WiFi, and a free Quark parka to keep.
This is a journey in which unrivalled views of sculpted icebergs arising from the sea and dramatic snow-capped peaks amaze, expert-led onboard presentations educate on the wonders of Antarctica, and thrilling off-ship excursions get guests up close to the magnificent natural beauty of the frozen continent. A memorable, never to be forgotten adventure in Antarctica.
Quark Expeditions aims to have every guest leave Antarctica with stories to last a lifetime, and it has 30 years of experience in polar travel. Its highly skilled and knowledgeable team, innovative itineraries and deep passion for this magnificent region of the world help guests enjoy unique ways of exploring Antarctica.
Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands
The 12-day Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands voyage begins with arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s famous capital city much celebrated for its architecture and rich European heritage. After an overnight stay there’s a private charter flight to the quaint port town of Ushuaia. Here there is time to explore, before heading to the pier for a late afternoon embarkation onto the Ultramarine - the technologically-advanced ship that takes guests on their polar adventure.
Ultramarine is designed to offer guests an immersive Antarctic experience, and boasts spacious guest suites, welcoming public spaces, and plenty of outdoor wildlife viewing spaces. Its facilities include the Ambassador Theater, Balena Restaurant, Bistro 487, Panorama Lounge and Bar, Tundra Spa and Sauna, a fitness centre, boutique, ready rooms, wraparound deck, water-level Zodiac hangar and twin engine helicopters.
As the Ultramarine sets sail along the historic Beagle Channel that transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, there’s an exciting air of anticipation - the next time land is spotted it will be in the remote Antarctic wilderness.
Crossing the Drake Passage - the legendary 800 km body of water between South America and Antarctica - is a polar right of passage for any Antarctic explorer and a must-do for many travellers. The crossing serves up dramatic seascapes that can be enjoyed from the deck of the Ultramarine, while also keeping an eye out for dolphins, whales and seabirds particularly albatrosses, petrels and skuas. Approaching the Antarctic Peninsula, all eyes will be peeled for the first glimpse of towering, multi-shaped icebergs.
The journey continues, crossing the Antarctic Convergence and moving into the biological Antarctic, where the warmer waters of the sub-Antarctic meet the cold Antarctic. During these days at sea, there are presentations led by the Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology and history. In between the presentations there’s time to spend on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with shipmates over a drink at the bar.
Days five to nine of this spectacular journey are given to exploring the Weddell Sea by water, land and air. As helicopter operations in Antarctica are acutely weather-dependent, the itinerary has been designed so that time is spent each day in stunning locations that allow for helicopter opportunities if the weather suits and, alternately, to maximize the experience of Antarctic wildlife, ice and landscapes when flying conditions are not favourable. Each day on the Antarctic Peninsula showcases the flexibility and technical prowess of Quark Expedition’s industry-leading team, pilots and crew.
As the Ultramarine gains access to the Antarctica Peninsula, the team looks for opportunities to experience Antarctica beyond the coast and over the expansive glacial terrain of this last great wilderness.
Together, the Antarctic Sound, Erebus and Terror Gulf in the northwestern Weddell Sea are the theatre of the journey. The plan is to sail into Antarctic Sound to visit two towering geological features - Madder Cliffs on Joinville Island and Brown Bluff on the most northerly tip of the Antarctic Continent.
A goal is to visit large Adélie penguin colonies in this area by Zodiac. Gentoo penguins and seals also frequently roam the coast here. While there’s time to marvel at the impressive topography - namely the 678 m volcanic rock cliffs at Brown Bluff - if weather allows this is where the first flightseeing experience of the voyage can be enjoyed. From high above, this offers a completely different perspective from the sea level vantage point, and a stunning appreciation for the vastness of Antarctica.
Continuing through Antarctic Sound and into Erebus and Terror Gulf, on the tip of the southeast side of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Ultramarine will be positioned to maximise both helicopter and Zodiac excursions.
The James Ross Island group offers a myriad opportunities to explore historically relevant sites that were discovered by the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-4.
Upon landing, there is a planned hike to a summit to view an Adélie penguin colony and also the northern Weddell Sea. Should the tide be low there may be grounded bergs in the shallow waters - a surreal sight unlikely to be encountered on many polar expeditions. These islands are highly valued for their geological significance and are home to fossil finds, ventifacts (ancient rocks polished smooth over time by wind and grains of sand) and the remains of the KT Boundary, which marks the transition between the Cretaceous Period (dinosaurs and reptiles) and the Tertiary Period (mammals). The aim here is to see ventifacts up close, to better appreciate the significance of wind erosion - by sand or ice particles - over long periods of time.
When not flying, the focus of the journey shifts from geology to wildlife. This may entail, for instance, a Zodiac cruise to Devil Island for a hike to appreciate the twin towering cones of ash and hardened lava that rise from a bay on the north shore of Vega Island. Or to renowned Paulet Island, home to one of the largest Adélie penguin rookeries in the area, as well as the historic hut built by members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition. A cross here marks the grave site of Ole Wennersgaard, a member of that crew.
Another potential destination for helicopter operations includes the dramatic headland on the northeastern tip of Joinville Island. One of the first features to be seen on approach to the island by air is the distinct rocky headland sticking out of the rugged, icy landscape. It’s a prominent landmark that has been used for navigation and exploration over the years.
There’s a dramatic finale to the helicopter-focused segment of the expedition, as the voyage prepares to return back across the Drake Passage. While there are multiple back-up plans in place, the ultimate goal at this point is a heli-flightseeing excursion to Livingston Island, home of the most spectacular mountains of the South Shetland Islands. Among the towering peaks to be seen from the air are the Tangra Mountains (stretching 32 km long by 8.5 km wide), Mount Friesland (rising to 1,700 m), Bowles Ridge and Pliska Ridge (667 m).
Another landing option is Deception Island, where can be seen waddling penguins and lounging seals, as well as the rustic remnants of long-ago whaling operations on the beach. The landscape here presents opportunities for longer walks to striking vistas. The stark contrast between snow and dark volcanic sand, and the geothermic steam along the shoreline, gives this location an atmospheric feel.
As the voyage makes its way back across the Drake Passage, there’s time to relax and think over the amazing off-ship adventures just experienced. For those who so desire, a soothing facial treatment or massage awaits in Tundra Spa. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the sauna offer another opportunity to stay connected to the polar seas while rejuvenating indoors.
A last full day at sea sees the onboard experts continue to share their polar knowledge through presentations that are also a great chance to ask any lingering questions about any aspect of the Antarctic experiences enjoyed throughout the voyage.
On day 12 arrival in Ushuaia is in the morning, and after breakfast is a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park for a taste of Patagonia before heading to the airport for the return charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Find out more about the amazing exploration of Antarctica that awaits you with Quark Expeditions! Visit the Quark Expeditions’ website now for contact details of the Polar Travel Advisor team nearest to you.
