A grey spotted leopard seal raises its flipper into the air as it lays on a white snowy iceberg in Antarctica.

Brown penguins stand in a group in front of black and white penguins on the emperors and kings cruise to antarctica

A zodiac boat is visible beneath an iceberg that's arching over the ocean, in antarctica

Gentoo penguins crowd on an iceberg with the ocean in the background in antarctica

The view of a beach at the falklands, as seen on the explorers and kings expedition cruise to antarctica

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Explorers & Kings

Photo by: David Merron/Quark Expeditions

Photo by: Nicky Souness/Quark Expeditions

Photo by: Acacia Johnson/Quark Expeditions

Photo by: Quark Expeditions

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$22121^USD

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Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

Explorers & Kings

The 20-day Explorers & Kings cruise is a truly epic adventure through the tussock-covered Falkland Islands, the wildlife paradise of South Georgia and the extraordinary landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Watch an isolated and extreme world come to life as scores of penguins dive for food, herds of elephant seals bathe in the sun and pods of orcas pass by. Wander the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falklands, home to Magellanic, Gentoo, rockhopper and king penguins, as well as blackbrowed albatross and two endemic bird species: Cobb’s wren and the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck. Visit South Georgia’s incredible wildlife, including 30 breeding bird species and 4 penguin species and follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, stepping back in time as you pause a moment at his gravesite. Lastly, explore the Antarctic Peninsula, the northernmost tip of the world’s 7th continent by ship, Zodiac, kayak (optional) and foot. Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife with an expert team of on-board lecturers as you immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic.

One small ship operates the itinerary: the 138-guest Ocean Explorer. Each Explorers & Kings departure includes up-close exploration on guided hikes, shore walks and small craft excursions. Optional activities (additional cost) include kayaking and one-time paddling excursions. Advanced reservations are required as space is limited.

Contact our Antarctica small ship cruise experts for the inside scoop on which route is best for you. AdventureSmith Explorations’ award-winning crew has personal experience voyaging in Antarctica and can recommend the best options to suit your travel interests and timeline.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and South Georgia cruises.

Itinerary

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: Explorers & Kings Itinerary

The Explorers & Kings cruise operates round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with visits to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Route map of Explorers & Kings Antarctica small ship cruise main itinerary, operating roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina with stops at the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Day 1

Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina

Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia has a small-town feel yet also has many shops, museums, cafés and restaurants to enjoy before your voyage. For the adventurous, the nearby national park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking.

Accommodations

Hotel TBD (Hotel Las Lengas, Hotel Los Acebos, Albatros Hotel or similar)

Meals

n/a

Day 2

Embark Ushuaia

As you embark, the anticipation grows. Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet and greet your fellow travelers and get acquainted with the ship. Since every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, embarkation day is just as exciting for the 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.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer

Meals

dinner

Day 3

At Sea

The days at sea are filled with presentations and lectures on photography, wildlife, glaciology and history, led by the expedition team. In between presentations, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 4 - 5

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

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

In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to Magellanic, gentoo and rockhopper penguins. If you’re lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! Expect to see blackbrowed albatross, plus two endemic bird species: the flightless Falkland steamer duck and, possibly, the elusive Cobb’s wren. Your team of lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna, making the most out of your time in the Falklands.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 6 - 7

At Sea

Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you’ll officially enter Antarctic waters by crossing the invisible biological boundary called the Antarctic Convergence. Encircling the continent, cold Antarctic waters mix and mingle with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, creating the abundance of krill and marine life that attracts whales and seals to this part of the world. The expedition team will be sure to keep you posted when the ship crosses this invisible yet important line, and also look out for the seabirds and marine life that frequent this nutrient-rich area.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 8 - 11

South Georgia

This remote outpost was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and elephant and fur seals. Today, island wildlife populations have rebounded, 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, a museum, a gift shop, a church and a 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.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 12 - 13

At Sea

Say goodbye to the king penguins, as the next destination is Antarctica! These days at sea are filled with presentations, workshops and social activities led by the expedition team. If conditions allow, the ship may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, the first official stop in Antarctica.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 14 - 17

South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places are as untouched, unique 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 desolation and silence, and at the next moment you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by.

The expedition team will take care of you at each landing, 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!

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 18 - 19

Crossing the Drake Passage

After more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, the journey home begins. Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage, completing your Antarctic adventure. Enjoy the final moments mingling with your fellow shipmates. The noisy, busy, populated world awaits your return, so savor the silence of the sea as long as you can.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 20

Disembark Ushuaia, Argentina

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

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leader, including shore landings and other activities; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per daily program; shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout voyage; beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails during dinner and bar service hours; complimentary WiFi; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; all shore landings per daily program; formal and informal presentations by expedition team and guest speakers as scheduled; photographic journal documenting the expedition; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; official Quark Expeditions parka to keep; hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard ship; emergency evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person; group transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1; one night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast; group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day; group transfer upon disembarkation to Ushuaia from ship to local airport.

Exclusions

International airfare; passport and applicable visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned; laundry, bar, massage services and other personal charges, unless specified; phone charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; additional overnight accommodation; arrival and departure transfers, except when explicitly stated; adventure options on expeditions (all weather dependent) that are not included in the cost of the voyage (e.g., sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, etc.).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 180 days – $1,250 fee
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 75% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Explorers & Kings cruise begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Ushuaia at any time on Day 1. If arriving on Day 1, a group arrival transfer from the Ushuaia airport to the group hotel is included and a ship representative will be available to answer questions in the lobby during the optional pre-departure briefing on Day 1, at 6:00pm.

Plan flights to depart Ushuaia no earlier than 12:00pm Noon on disembarkation day. A group departure transfer is included from the ship to the airport on the final day of your itinerary. If your flight is later in the day, you may opt to transfer to the luggage storage facility instead and enjoy further activities in Ushuaia on your own. Access to luggage storage is available until 6:00pm on the disembarkation day only. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your Explorers & Kings voyage, for guests aged 16 and older. Per-person prices for the 2024-25 & 2025-26 seasons: camping $295; kayaking $995; photography included; stand-up paddleboarding $295 (2024-25 only). One-time paddling excursions are available for $295 per person, per outing, for those who want something less in-depth than the full sea kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ocean Explorer: Grand & Royal Veranda Stateroom; Studio Veranda Single; Explorer, Junior & Owner’s Suite

Families & Children

At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 8 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times and may not participate in adventure options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of up to $500,000 USD per paying traveler provides coverage between the first and last day of ship-based travel and is included in the cost of this trip. For ship- and land-based trips, additional days of travel pre- and post-expedition are not covered. Travelers are responsible for having adequate international medical coverage prior to embarkation, with a minimum benefit of $50,000 USD. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers also protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

2024 2025

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Nov 04 - Nov 23, 2024

Ocean Explorer • 20 days

From $22121^USD

Per Person

Dec 19 - Jan 07, 2025

Ocean Explorer • 20 days

From $24371^USD

Per Person

Nov 13 - Dec 02, 2025

Ocean Explorer • 20 days

From $25436^USD

Per Person

Kayaking

One-Time Paddling

Camping

Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship

Ocean Explorer

The 138-guest Ocean Explorer offers refined spaces, a relaxed atmosphere, state-of-the-art technology, a design optimized for smooth and efficient cruising, an elevator servicing all decks, and a private balcony in most cabins. Come aboard this polar ship for amenities like Jacuzzis and a sauna, plus tenured guides.

Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Andrew Browning • December 1st, 2020

Expert Review: The South Georgia Expedition Experience

An AdventureSmith expert returns to Antarctica—this time stopping at the wildlife Mecca of South Georgia Island. Learn all about the Island's wildlife, landscape, trip highlights to differences and see if South Georgia should be part of your Antarctica expedition.

Testimonial

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Incredible Experience"

Overall

5 /5

Accommodations

5 /5

Meals

5 /5

Karen M. - Bariboo, WI

"Incredible Experience"

Overall

5 /5

Accommodations

5 /5

Meals

5 /5

We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience.

Accommodations Review

They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night.

Meals Review

We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable.

Crew & Guides Review

Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers.

Itinerary Review

The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about.

Transportation Review

We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency.

Traveler Advice

Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife.

Learn More

Featured in this Traveler Review

Explorers & Kings

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Extend Your Trip

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This 5-, 6- or 7-day lodge-based trip in the center of Torres del Paine National Park offers over 40 unique explorations to choose from, including Base Torres and Grey Glacier. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Paine Massif and Salto Chico waterfall from home base.

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View All Antarctica Travel Guides

Polar Regions • October 20th, 2023

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There are more small ships than ever cruising Antarctica with vessels and itinerary options for every style and budget. This up-to-date guide culls the best tips for a comprehensive look at Antarctica travel today.

Travel Essential • October 12th, 2020

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14 Day Cruise

Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Celebrate the opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle on this 14-day voyage aboard 138-guest Ocean Explorer or 199-guest Ultramarine and enjoy in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula, penguins and icebergs.

Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula in style aboard a selection of premier expedition ships. Antarctica cruises combine wildlife viewing, shore landings, visits to scientific bases, breathtaking waterways, glaciers and icebergs.

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