Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains & Remote Lands
From 199-guest Ultramarine and its two twin-engine helicopters, soar beyond the ordinary to the rarely-visited east coastline of Antarctica. Learn what it's like to step out of a helicopter onto Antarctica and gaze upon polar landscapes, some of which resemble the planet Mars!
Soar beyond the ordinary to the rarely-visited east coastline of Antarctica. Learn what it’s like to step out of a helicopter onto Antarctica and gaze upon polar landscapes, some of which resemble the planet Mars!
From modern expedition ship Ultramarine and its two twin-engine helicopters, maximize your opportunities to explore the interior of the magical 7th Continent, as well as Erebus and Terror Gulf, Antarctic Sound and the great Weddell Sea. Anticipate unrivalled views by air, including sculpted icebergs rising from the depths of the sea and snow-capped peaks. Enjoy two heli flightseeing adventures and one heli landing—all included in the price of your voyage—while exploring in total comfort.
Voyage aboard the 199-guest Ultramarine. Enjoy cruising knowing carbon offsets have been purchased. A passenger elevator makes accessing all decks easy, and each ship’s photography program includes the services of a resident photography instructor. Adventurous add-on activity options include kayaking, one-time paddling excursions and stand-up paddleboarding. Ultramarine’s special helicopter excursions set her apart and make her an ideal ship for luxury Antarctica cruises.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica.
Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains & Remote Lands Itinerary
Cruise round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with bookend charter flights to start and end in Buenos Aires. Soar above the rarely-visited east coastline of Antarctica, with two heli flightseeing adventures and one heli excursion included.
Upon arriving in this cosmopolitan city, much celebrated for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).
After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer with the group to the airport and board a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier.
After a late afternoon embarkation, sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation while departing—the next time you see land, you’ll be in the remote Antarctic wilderness.
Crossing the legendary roughly 500-mile (800km) stretch of water is a must-do for many travelers. Prepare yourself for dramatic seascapes as you stand on the deck and gaze at the water stretching beyond the distant horizon. Be on the lookout for dolphins, whales and seabirds, especially albatrosses, petrels and skuas as they glide over the sometimes rough waters. As the ship approaches the Antarctic Peninsula, keep your eyes peeled for your first glimpse of towering, multi-shaped icebergs.
Today, cross the Antarctic Convergence, moving into the biological Antarctic, where the warmer waters of the sub-Antarctic meet the cold Antarctic. Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your expedition team on photography, wildlife, glaciology and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
Helicopter operations in Antarctica are acutely weather-dependent. This itinerary is designed so you can spend time each day in stunning locations that allow you to enjoy helicopter opportunities if the weather allows and, alternately, to maximize your experience of Antarctic wildlife, ice and landscapes when flying conditions are not favorable. Each day on the Antarctic Peninsula will showcase the flexibility and technical prowess of your industry-leading expedition team, pilots and crew. As the ship gains access to the Antarctic Peninsula, your team will look for opportunities to experience Antarctica beyond the coast and over the expansive glacial terrain of the last great wilderness. Together, Antarctic Sound, Erebus and Terror Gulf, northwestern Weddell Sea are the theater of this venture.
Initially, plan to sail into Antarctic Sound where you will visit two towering geological features: Madder Cliffs on Joinville Island and Brown Bluff on the most northerly tip of the Antarctic Continent. The goal is to visit large Adélie penguin colonies in this area by Zodiac. Gentoo penguins and seals also frequently roam this coast. There will be time to marvel at the impressive topography, namely the 2,225- foot (678m) volcanic rock cliffs at Brown Bluff—though, if weather allows, you may pivot from marine operations and embark on your first flightseeing experience of the voyage. What you will have just seen from sea, you will now experience from the sky as you gaze over the vastness of Antarctica with the perspective of a snow petrel.
Continuing through Antarctic Sound and into Erebus and Terror Gulf, located on the tip of the southeast side of the Antarctic Peninsula, the ship will be positioned to maximize both helicopter and Zodiac excursions. The James Ross Island group, which comprises several Islands, offers myriad opportunities to explore historically relevant sites that were discovered by the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04. Upon landing, plan to hike to a summit to view an Adélie penguin colony, as well as the northern Weddell Sea. If the tide is low, there may be grounded bergs in the shallow waters—a surreal sight you’re unlikely to encounter on many polar expeditions.
These islands, highly valued for their geological significance, 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 goal is to provide opportunities for you to see ventifacts up close, to better appreciate the significance of wind erosion—by sand or ice particles—over long periods of time. These ventifacts provide valuable information about the climatic history and prevailing wind patterns of the region.
Atmospheric conditions influence when and where you’ll fly. When not flying, you’ll shift your focus from geology to wildlife. For instance, you could Zodiac cruise to Devil Island and head out on a hike to appreciate the twin towering cones of ash and hardened lava that rises from a bay on the north shore of Vega Island. Alternatively, you may aim for 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 of 1901-04. A cross marks the grave site of Ole Wennersgaard, a member of the crew.
Another potential destination for helicopter operations includes the dramatic headland on the northeastern tip of Joinville island. One of the first features you’ll see upon approaching the island by air is, of course, the distinct rocky headland sticking out of the rugged, icy landscape. This prominent landmark has proven useful for navigation and exploration over the years.
Expect a dramatic finale to the helicopter-focused segment of the expedition as you prepare to return back across the Drake Passage. While your team has devised multiple back-up plans—crucial on any polar expedition—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 you’ll see from air are the Tangra Mountains (stretching roughly 20mi/32km long, by 5mi/8.5km wide), Mount Friesland (rising to 5,578ft/1,700m), Bowles Ridge and Pliska Ridge (2,188ft/667m).
Another landing option is Deception Island. Along with waddling penguins and lounging seals, you can also see the rusting remnants of long-ago whaling operations on the beach. The landscape of Deception Island often 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.
Take some time, as you journey back across the 500-mile (800km) Drake Passage, to relax after your off-ship adventures. Consider booking a soothing facial treatment or massage. Additionally, you can also relax in the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows that keep you connected to the polar seas while you rejuvenate indoors.
Your polar learning isn’t over. Join your on-board experts as they continue to share their vast polar expertise through scheduled presentations in the theater. The state-of-the-art, high-resolution LED screen wall in the main theater ensures high-definition viewing of presentations from your expedition team from any angle. This is an excellent opportunity to ask any lingering questions you have about any aspect of your Antarctic experiences.
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park for a taste of Patagonia, after which you’ll transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Included
One heli landing; two 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursions (weather and logistics permitting); Charter Flight & Hotel Package (approximate package price is $1,295 for the 2026-27 & 2027-28 season and includes one night’s pre-expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires with breakfast on Day 2, group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires, charter flight from Buenos Aires (AEP) to Ushuaia, arrival and departure transfers in Ushuaia, charter flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires (EZE); shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board; complimentary select beer, wine and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner; complimentary basic WiFi; all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leaders; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by expedition team and special guests as scheduled; a photographic journal documenting the expedition; waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; an official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; a hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard the ship.
Exclusions
International airfare; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption, evacuation and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended); excess-baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, and any other gear not mentioned above; laundry, bar, massage services, premium WiFi and other personal charges unless specified; phone and premium WiFi package charges; additional overnight accommodation; optional adventure activities; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated.
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 150 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 120 days – 25% of total trip cost
119 to 90 days – 75% of total trip cost
89 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 Antarctica by Helicopter cruise begins and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE), with charter group flights to and from Ushuaia. 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 Buenos Aires ahead of the 12:00-8:00pm window for luggage weighing and tagging on Day 1. Arrange your own independent transfer to the included Buenos Aires hotel on Day 1. Plan flights to depart Buenos Aires no earlier than 9:00pm (EZE) or 10:00pm (AEP) on disembarkation day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Internal Flights
Group charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia are required on this trip’s itinerary; see the Charter Flight & Hotel Package information listed above under Inclusions. The flight to Ushuaia is expected to depart early on Day 2 of the itinerary. There is a strict luggage limit on the flights to and from Ushuaia (and allowance for only one checked bag and one carry-on bag), which will be detailed in your final documents as flights are confirmed close to departure. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Buenos Aires; there is no option to pay for additional luggage. On the final day of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00 and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast before transferring to the airport for the return charter flight to Buenos Aires (note: This tour may happen prior to embarkation).
Activities
Included are optional hiking, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations, photography guides, the polar plunge, and both two 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursions and a heli-landing experience (weather- and logistics-dependent). There are no added-cost, optional activities available on your Antarctica by Helicopter cruise.
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:
Ultramarine: Deluxe Balcony Suite, Terrace Suite, Penthouse Suite, Owner’s Suite & Ultra Suite
Families & Children
At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 9 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
It is a condition of your participation in this expedition that you shall have comprehensive medical insurance in place which is sufficient to cover all medical risks and exposure, including emergency medical and evacuation coverage. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. 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.
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The new Ultramarine 199-passenger polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration. The vessel boasts specialized exploration tools, cutting-edge safety measures and an incredible 40-day cruising range to focus on hard-to-reach places, while at the same time providing a high-end onboard experience. Ultramarine was built in 2021 by Croatia’s award-winning Brodosplit, the largest shipyard in the country, and is designed by LMG Marin, Europe’s leading naval architect. Her first sailings were in the Arctic in early 2022.
Ultramarine - In Detail:
Ultramarine Ship Review
Helicopter Program
Design Features
Crew & Guides
Dining & Cuisine
Common Areas
Cabins, Suites, Amenities & Deck Plan
Why Sail Aboard Ultramarine
Choose this ship for her excellent balance of personal, operational and public spaces, creating a high-end experience to go farther, faster and more safely in the dynamic conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic. Exploration is prioritized with Ultramarine's twin helicopter and helipads for heli-skiing, flightseeing and expeditions to otherwise inaccessible places as well as an innovative, internal hangar and launching system for Zodiacs.
These exploration tools, the ship’s specialized, cutting-edge safety features, and the provisioning and waste handling systems (enabling a 40-day operational range) all ensure the ability to go farther into the polar regions, more safely and more easily than before. For these, and many other reasons, the Ultramarine is among our top choices for passengers seeking Antarctica luxury cruises and exploring in the most active way worldwide.
AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard the Ultramarine firsthand. Read our dedicated Ultramarine Ship Review, written by our expert who sailed aboard the ship in the Arctic. Or consult this page further for a detailed description of the Ultramarine, including ship specs, deck plan, cabin images, photo gallery and current links to all the trips she sails. We can help compare the Ultramarine with other Antarctica ships and ice-class expedition ships offering Arctic cruises, Iceland cruises, Greenland cruises, Patagonia cruises and Antarctica cruises.
Design, Sustainability & Accessibility
Designed in collaboration with active expedition leaders, this ship offers innovative features to increase guests’ on- and off-ship experiences.
Helicopters, Zodiacs & Activity Gear
This polar ship has two twin-engine H145 helicopters launched from two simultaneously operable helidecks for heli-skiing, heli-hiking, flightseeing and exploration of air-only accessible destinations. These helicopters are the most fuel-efficient in their class, celebrated for their small footprint and reduced noise pollution. They enable polar travelers to explore deeper in the remote areas in which Ultramarine sails (except for South Georgia in Antarctica and Spitsbergen in the Arctic). Helicopter operations require roughly 20 expedition team members and pilots to run successfully, and operate in tandem with paddling and Zodiac activities.
Days are packed with multiple landings by Zodiac, enabled by the ship's rapid Zodiac deployment tools. Ultramarine's internal Zodiac hanger provides safe and quick deployment of 20 Zodiacs with four embarkation points easily accessible from two ready rooms, enabling all passengers to offload the ship at the same time. When possible, the Expedition team uses a rear dock that lowers to water level for efficient Zodiac loading.
Ultramarine additionally offers the largest selection of classic adventure options, including sea kayaking (hard plastic boat), paddling (inflatable kayak), camping, mountaineering and stand-up paddleboarding (inflatable board). All activities are led by highly trained guides and expedition leaders, and all paddling activities include a drysuit and gloves.
Safety Features
The groundbreaking safety features of Ultramarine include 13 fully redundant critical systems, twin propellers powered by four diesel-electric engines in two separate engine rooms for consistent backup and engine reliability, stabilizers, as well as a fully operational emergency bridge. This expedition vessel also has an ice strengthened hull and dynamic positioning capabilities. The dynamic positioning technology also means no need to anchor, avoiding damage to sensitive seabed ecosystems.
Responsible Travel Features
Ultramarine's sophisticated and environmentally friendly waste handling systems allow for treatment of waste to be managed safely in far-off distances. Her numerous innovations are designed to minimize her environmental footprint to an extent previously unseen for a vessel of comparable size, including a sophisticated water treatment system, state-of-the-art waste handling (Micro Auto Gasification System incinerates waste that then creates stored energy for use on board), a leading-edge heat recovery system that recycles excess energy back into the ship, LED lighting, and the use of entirely recyclable materials to construct it.
Other Facilities
Digital wristbands enable both keyless cabin entry and computer-logged tracking of entry and exit from the ship. An elevator services all decks. Finally, an onboard, English-speaking doctor is available 24 hours a day. The ship's physician manages a medical clinic stocked with a supply of common prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment.
Crew, Guides & Expedition Leaders
The 140 crew members of Ultramarine work together to create a seamless guest experience. This premiere ship within the Quark Expeditions fleet attracts top guides, many with over 10 years of experience with the company. The expedition team features guides with advanced degrees, including doctorates, in areas such as glaciology, geology and ornithology. Guides are omnipresent on board and make every effort to interact with travelers throughout the voyage. Special guests may include a cultural interpreter. A large portion of the expedition staff are required for helicopter operations, and the near 1:1 guest-to-guide ratio helps with smooth operations.
Onboard Facilities
With a modern and high-end feel, guests aboard the Ultramarine polar expedition ship can feel right at home while traveling to these extreme locations. A modern spa and fitness facilities offer guests the ability to relax and rejuvenate in between the active off-ship explorations. A polar boutique is stocked with basic toiletries, sunscreen, Ultramarine logo gear, base layer clothing, gloves, hats, jackets, waterproof pants and gifts. Satellite WiFi is available in public spaces and some cabins, however service may be intermittent due to the remote locations in which the ship sails.
Dining, Bar & Lounge
The gourmet Balena Restaurant services two dining rooms with tables from 2-10 guests each. The indoor/outdoor Bistro 487 on the upper deck, and four bars, provide additional food and beverage options (including self-serve espresso) while aboard. The bistro offers an alternative menu and various healthy options, plus any early riser breakfasts, afternoon tea and late-night snacks.
Food on board is healthy and varied, with options including meat, fish, vegetables, pasta, grains, soups, cheeses, desserts and fruit. Most special diets (vegetarian, dairy free, sugar free, gluten free, nut free, shellfish free) are easily accommodated with advance notice. Breakfasts and lunches are typically buffet style, while a la carte dinners are made to order and plated.
The Panorama Lounge & Bar is a space for special events; when this space is not in use for a function, guests can enjoy its far-reaching views with complimentary binoculars and spotting scopes, plus coffee, espresso and tea. The bar offers complimentary soft drinks, juices and water. Beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails are complimentary with dinner and during bar service hours. A selection of premium liquors, spirits, beer, wine and champagne is available for a fee.
Observation Decks
Deck 5 of Ultramarine features a wraparound promenade that's ideal for walking and al fresco wildlife viewing, including a large forward-facing viewing area. Deck 7 has a large exterior deck space with forward and side facing views, and quiet outdoor spaces can be found at the back of the ship. The Bridge, open in calm weather and open seas, is spacious and offers 180-degree views and binoculars to enjoy them with. This heart of the ship is where guests will find the expedition leader, captain and crew continuously evolving the expedition's course.
Spa, Sauna, Steam Room & Gym
The Tundra Spa offers treatments and massages bookable on board. The steam room is a great place to relax after an off-ship excursion. The sauna features commanding views of the icy landscapes outside. The gym is equipped with a variety of machines and weights, including exercise bikes, treadmills, a rowing machine, weight machines, free weights, yoga and stretching mats. Floor-to-ceiling windows and mirrors blend with wooden accents and a polar theme.
Library & Lecture Theater
The library features a collection of field guides, picture books and reference materials relevant to the polar regions. Find materials in various languages, covering a selection of topics such as wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology and geology. A selection of games further provides entertainment while the ship is underway. The Ambassador Theater seats all passengers and acts as the main lecture hall. Enjoy a variety of comfortable seating arrangements including chairs, tall tables and bench seating near the bar, bar stools, booths with bench seating and chairs. Visit this auditorium for briefings, recaps, presentations and movies.
Ready Rooms & Studio
The thoughtfully designed mudroom Ready Rooms (A & B) are equipped with an open storage locker assigned to each guest, plus ample space and benches. Travelers can keep their parka, boots and life jacket here, between excursions. Located near to the helideck, the Studio is a preparation room for helicopter excursions, where travelers are weighed for balancing the aircraft, and arranged into flight groups.
Cabins, Amenities & Deck Plan Aboard Ultramarine
Passengers benefit from 11 different cabin styles, each are spacious and designed for superior comfort. Amenities include key-less entry via wristbands, Egyptian cotton bedding, non-allergenic pillows, bedside USB charging stations, 220-volt electrical outlets (standard European two round pin plugs), reusable water bottle, refrigerator and a safe. The heated-floor private bathrooms are equipped with bathrobes, slippers, a hair dryer, and their feel is high-end, with a rain shower and in-shower bench. TVs in-room offer movies and the ability to tune into live presentations going on in the Ambassador Lounge.
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Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
The new Ultramarine polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Dual helicopter pads and an incredible 40-day cruising range allow access to the hardest-to-reach places.
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