The capital, Port Stanley offers the feel of a British outpost. The local pub is like any provincial British watering hole, and the architecture here is as British as Bognor Regis.

From the Falklands, venture to South Georgia where you’ll enter the home of 300,000 breeding king penguins, 50 million other seabirds and 5 million seals. South Georgia is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton. You can visit the grave of the great explorer at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to a whaling station, plus a museum, gift shop, church and small research station.

Continuing the journey, explore the South Shetland Islands and the stunning Antarctic Peninsula. On Zodiac craft, keep an eye out for leopard seals, humpback whales and penguins. Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and impressive achievement, as few travellers reach so far south. If conditions allow the ship to cross this famed line at 66°33´ S, there’s a chance to raise your glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

Quark Expeditions is uncompromisingly polar, specialising in expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica. Quark Expeditions have been the leading provider of polar adventure travel for over 25 years. With a diverse fleet of specially equipped small expedition vessels and ice breakers, they offer travellers unparalleled access to the most remote places on the planet. The spirit of exploration runs deep, with a talented, knowledgeable, and experienced expedition team aboard all expeditions.

Comprising seasoned veterans with rich backgrounds in marine biology, geology, glaciology, and history, they offer informed commentary. With the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the industry, Quark’s expedition teams will maximise the safety and enjoyment of your polar adventure each day. Prepare to be amazed by an environment different to anything you might have seen before.

Witness towering fjords, giant glaciers, soaring sea stacks and coastal cliffs teeming with seabirds and sprawled pinnipeds of the seal kind. Watch or partake in the Quark Expeditions classic Polar Plunge. This fun activity is scheduled once during each polar voyage.

You’ll experience this new voyage aboard the game-changing polar ship, Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, 20 quick-launching Zodiac inflatable craft, luxurious onboard amenities, and the biggest portfolio of adventure options in the Polar Regions. 

Onboard, enjoy gourmet meals served with selected beers and wines, formal and informal presentations by the resident expedition team and guest speakers and comfortable accommodation with hairdryer and bathrobes in each cabin. You’ll be loaned a pair of waterproof expedition boots for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions, and the official Quark Expeditions® parka issued to you is yours to keep as a lasting souvenir of this incredible travel adventure