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Our South Georgia and Antarctica: Penguin Safari itinerary is the fastest way to get to the seldom visited South Georgia Island while also setting foot on the 7th continent. As we set sail, photograph massive albatross and beautiful pintado petrels as they swoop and soar around the ship, guiding us toward South Georgia. Beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals greet us on this fabled island, where we’ll pay our respects to famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Antarctica awaits, with its soaring peaks and staggering expanse. Go further into the Antarctic sea on a Zodiac, experience the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak, undertake an exhilarating hike up a sparkling glacier, or share an endearingly comical moment with an inquisitive gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguin. In these ways and countless others, Antarctica will amaze, surprise and delight.
Combining surfing with kayaking or canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding will give you a very personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. Taken in small groups in good weather conditions in Antarctica.
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.
This slightly crescent-shaped, mountainous island lies some 1,300 km (800 miles) east-south-east of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). It has not only an astonishing concentration of wildlife, but also glaciers, fjords and low-lying grassland. It is at Grytviken, a once-active whaling station where Ernest Shackleton is buried. Often referred to as the “Galapagos of the Poles,” you’ll likely be greeted by a massive king penguin colony at Salisbury Plain, and a beach with thousands of fur seals or elephant seals at Gold Harbour.
This energetic port is the gateway to Argentina. Buenos Aires is often called the “Paris of South America” for its classic architecture and rich European heritage. The city has wide boulevards and cobblestone alleys, quaint cafés and markets.
Punta Arenas, Chile, is your gateway to Antarctica for all of Quark’s fly-cruise voyages. It lies 3,090 km to the South of Santiago de Chile and is the most important urban center in the Magallanes Region.
Due to its geographic location, the climate in this region can be warm in spring and summer, with average temperatures ranging between 14ºC and 20ºC.
Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. It is now a major tourist town, complete with casinos and a variety of restaurants. Ushuaia is commonly used as a base for hiking, and of course, cruises to Antarctica. If you arrive early, you can spend some time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, Martial Glacier or at the trailhead of Laguna Esmeralda. Quark is the only Antarctic tour operator to have a local office in Ushuaia, so if our passengers need any support, they are welcome to call or visit the office before they depart on their voyage.
The South Sandwich Islands are located about 800 km (460 miles) south-east of South Georgia. The islands form a chain some 390 km (240 miles) long, comprising 11 major and several smaller islands. The islands are volcanic in origin and some remain active. There is at least one extraordinary wildlife spectacle within the South Sandwich Islands: Zavodoski Island is home to approximately 1,000,000 pairs of breeding chinstrap penguins on its volcanic slopes, making it one of the largest penguin colonies in the world. Those who have seen this massive penguin colony speak of it with awe.
These are a group of rather barren islands 1,360 km (850 miles) north east of the Antarctic Peninsula. The climate is rather harsh, with strong winds, frequent rain and snow. Snow falls about 280 days each year. The bird life of the South Orkneys is plentiful, and Coronation Island is an important breeding site for the beautiful, but rather elusive pure white snow petrel. There are some large penguin rookeries, and a host of other seabirds also breed here.
Your first step on the 7th continent will take place in the most readily accessible part of the Antarctic Peninsula, the most northern stretch of Antarctic land. Stepping foot on the 7th continent is a moment of pleasure and excitement that affects each traveler differently.
On land you’ll encounter wildlife in abundance, and have the chance to stand amongst enormous penguin rookeries, and from the deck of the ship see Minke and humpback whales at close range.