Total Solar Eclipses are rare in Antarctica, and 16 years ago, a group of Quark Expeditions passengers became the first humans ever to witness a Total Solar Eclipse on the 7th continent. In 2021, we will bring back our special guest expert from the epic 2003 voyage, retired NASA scientist Fred Espenak, to join us on one of two special voyages: Solar Eclipse 2021: Totality in Antarctica, with South Georgia and Falkland Islands.

Designed for eclipse chasers, this itinerary offers the rare opportunity to witness the total eclipse of the sun while also setting foot in Antarctica, as well as a chance to explore the rarely visited sub-Antarctic Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia. During your voyage, you will have the opportunity to participate in talks led by Fred Espenak, known as “Mr. Eclipse,” who has participated in 29 eclipse expeditions around the world, while also learn about the region, its wildlife and history, during onboard presentations by our team of polar experts.

On December 4, the day of the Total Solar Eclipse, you will receive a pair of eclipse glasses, and an invitation to a special evening celebration where you can relive your eclipse experience with fellow passengers. The excitement of the voyage continues as your ship then departs for South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, where you will explore regions rich in wildlife and polar history.

There are so many ways one can explore our Polar Regions. There is hiking and snowshoeing over rugged landscapes, or ascending mountains to get that perfect panoramic photograph.  There are trips inland where you can make friends with the local penguin population. Perhaps you’d like to explore the shorelines via kayak or Zodiac. Maybe you’d like to camp out under the Antarctic skies. Or, how about whales? Who wouldn’t want to go out and see some whales up close and personal?

Planning an adventure trip can be a bit tricky if packages limit your options as to how you can experience the Arctic or Antarctic. You want to do it all, and not have to follow someone else’s notions of what will be fun or interesting. That’s why we created our Basecamp adventure cruises.

During your trip you will use one of our self-owned vessels as the centre of all of the activities that we offer as ways to explore your Polar Region of choice. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve as a comfortable hub for a wide range of activities that will enable…

• …mountaineers to climb mountain ranges (soft climbing).
• …hikers to participate in long walks.
• …photographers to explore photo opportunities.
• …campers to enjoy life at shore base camps.
• …kayakers and Zodiac passengers to explore shorelines where the cruise ship cannot go.

This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.

This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.