Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries. And this expedition offers you the chance to discover why, with an unforgettable journey through the spectacular wilderness of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll encounter a world where nature creates the rules, her unpredictable temperament making each trip unique, exciting and personal. Imagine cruising in a Zodiac through crackling sea ice like shattered glass, witnessing penguins building their nests, or navigating through a maze of icebergs, each one uniquely shaped by its journey through the sea. You’ll enjoy iconic Antarctic highlights, exhilarating adventures and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.

  • Discover why this trip is perfect for first-time visitors to Antarctica
  • Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Travel safely and comfortably aboard any of Quark Expeditions’ three small, ice-strengthened expedition vessels
  • Learn about the environment and wildlife from on-board lecturers and specialists
  • Experience abundant wildlife: penguins, seals, whales and more!

Ocean Explorer

Vessel Type: Polar Expedition
Length: 342 ft (104.4 m)
Passenger Capacity: 138
Built: 2021
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... Read More

ship image

Pricing

Depart: 4 November, 2025 Return: 14 November, 2025

Depart: 6 November, 2025 Return: 16 November, 2025

Depart: 15 November, 2025 Return: 25 November, 2025

Depart: 24 November, 2025 Return: 4 December, 2025

Depart: 1 December, 2025 Return: 11 December, 2025

Depart: 10 December, 2025 Return: 20 December, 2025

Depart: 17 December, 2025 Return: 27 December, 2025

Depart: 19 December, 2025 Return: 29 December, 2025

Depart: 27 December, 2025 Return: 7 January, 2026

Depart: 27 December, 2025 Return: 6 January, 2026

Depart: 5 January, 2026 Return: 15 January, 2026

Depart: 14 January, 2026 Return: 24 January, 2026

Depart: 23 January, 2026 Return: 2 February, 2026

Depart: 8 February, 2026 Return: 18 February, 2026

Depart: 17 February, 2026 Return: 27 February, 2026

Depart: 18 February, 2026 Return: 28 February, 2026

Depart: 26 February, 2026 Return: 8 March, 2026

Depart: 7 March, 2026 Return: 17 March, 2026

Depart: 6 November, 2026 Return: 16 November, 2026

Depart: 12 November, 2026 Return: 22 November, 2026

Depart: 15 November, 2026 Return: 25 November, 2026

Depart: 21 November, 2026 Return: 1 December, 2026

Depart: 30 November, 2026 Return: 10 December, 2026

Depart: 9 December, 2026 Return: 19 December, 2026

Depart: 17 December, 2026 Return: 28 December, 2026

Depart: 18 December, 2026 Return: 28 December, 2026

Depart: 18 December, 2026 Return: 28 December, 2026

Depart: 27 December, 2026 Return: 7 January, 2027

Depart: 27 December, 2026 Return: 6 January, 2027

Depart: 27 December, 2026 Return: 6 January, 2027

Depart: 5 January, 2027 Return: 15 January, 2027

Depart: 5 January, 2027 Return: 15 January, 2027

Depart: 6 January, 2027 Return: 17 January, 2027

Depart: 26 January, 2027 Return: 5 February, 2027

Depart: 6 February, 2027 Return: 17 February, 2027

Depart: 28 February, 2027 Return: 10 March, 2027

Depart: 28 February, 2027 Return: 11 March, 2027

Depart: 9 March, 2027 Return: 19 March, 2027

Depart: 10 March, 2027 Return: 21 March, 2027