Some travel to Patagonia to hike. Some to cruise its coastlines. But only a handful ever see the most remote corners others can’t reach. Quark Expeditions’ Essential Patagonia voyage redefines what it means to explore the wild beauty of Chile’s fjords and Torres del Paine, by ship, by helicopter, on foot. Discover how the ultimate ship-based journey offers a front-row seat to a Patagonia you never imagined was so accessible.
There’s a stretch of Chile so remote, that most travellers will never lay eyes on it. Too vast to cover on foot. Too untamed for roads. And yet – with the right ship, the right crew, and a helicopter or two – it becomes a journey unlike any other.
Welcome to Patagonia. But not as you know it.
For over 30 years, Quark Expeditions have transformed their polar obsession into unforgettable journeys to the Arctic and Antarctica.
With the largest expedition team in polar travel, it wasn’t a stretch for Quark Expeditions to expand their offering to Patagonia.
Often called the End of the World – a moniker gained for its remoteness and vastness – Patagonia is a fitting addition to a company that prides itself on sailing to places few ever reach.
And they’re inviting you to join them.
Awe-inspiring perspectives
Quark Expeditions Essential Patagonia is anything but ordinary. For 15 incredible days aboard Ultramarine – the first ship built for off-grid, helicopter-enabled exploration – you can explore Chilean Patagonia by air, sea, Zodiac, and on foot.
The towering peaks, glacial fjords, and temperate rainforest are part of the region’s appeal – but also what makes travel here so daunting. Unless you choose Quark Expeditions.
Their flair for innovation and passion for helping guests reach ‘final frontier’ destinations means you can surmount Patagonia’s geographical challenges with a stellar ship-based itinerary.
Of course, others are offering Patagonia by ship, but no other has the support of two twin-engine helicopters to enable you to maximise your time there. This isn’t ‘best of both worlds’, but ‘best of all worlds’!
The geographical and wildlife diversity of Patagonia is not found in one corner, but across Chile’s spectacular network of fjords and channels.
Included helicopter flightseeing and Zodiac cruises provide awe-inspiring perspectives of some of the most remote and picturesque landscapes on Earth. And the best bit? At the end of a day’s exhilarating adventure, you’ll return to the comfort of your Ultramarine suite.
Essential Patagonia
Tap into your inner explorer when you travel with Quark Expeditions. In fact, you can retrace Charles Darwin’s epic voyage to the ‘edge of the world’ on this comprehensive 15-day itinerary!
Essential Patagonia highlights:
- Patagonia’s wildlife is abundant as the scenery is spectacular. Meet llama-like guanacos, get close to Magellanic penguin colonies, and witness South American sea lions and southern elephant seals lolling on the shore.
- See Patagonia from new heights with helicopter flightseeing adventures to places others can’t reach.
- Traverse some of the world’s most remote glacial and fjord systems, the breathtaking Glacier Alley.
- Zodiac cruises afford more meaningful experiences at the region’s fjords, channels, and glaciers.
- Hike Patagonia’s impressive landscapes, including the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Torres del Paine National Park.
- Gain lifelong bragging rights after completing the iconic Polar Plunge.
- Learn about Charles Darwin’s historic route through the Beagle Channel. As you follow in his footsteps, the knowledgeable Expeditions Team share tales that belie belief!
With only one departure in March 2026 and again in March 2027, this is not the kind of expedition you sleep on. Only a maximum 200 people a year will explore Patagonia in this most immersive way!
What’s included?
When you travel to far-flung places, you want to soak it all in without a care in the world. With Quark Expeditions, you can do just that.
Included in your fare:
- A specialist Expedition Team that lives and breathes these regions
- Curated off-ship activities that allow immersion into all Patagonia has to offer*
- Next-level ship facilities, including stylish cabins, spa, sauna, and Panorama Lounge and Bar
- Premium dining for every kind of diet, with complimentary alcohol
- Free Wi-Fi
- Quark Expeditions parka gift
Why Quark?
- Polar is all they do: If it’s not near a pole, you won’t find Quark Expeditions there! Their passion for all things polar gives them an affinity and expertise like no other operator.
- The best Expedition Team: With the most seasoned, passionate, and respected guides at their helm, you’ll be led by the best.
- Faster to shore: Having the largest Expedition Team in polar travel means you get off the Ultramarine faster and into the nature you’ve travelled so far to explore. This, coupled with 200 guests (maximum) on any voyage, makes a world of difference.
- The most ways to explore: Whether you’re on the ship, in a helicopter, Zodiac or kayak, biking, camping, hiking, or immersing in local culture, there are countless ways to explore, allowing you to make the trip your own.
- Technologically advanced vessels: Designed to extend the boundaries of polar exploration, the Ultramarine is purpose-built for polar regions to ensure your comfort.
Discover more
Join Quark Expeditions in the natural splendour of South Patagonia next March on Essential Patagonia.
To find out more, contact their polar advisor team on 1800 959 394, then speak to your trusted travel advisor to book.
*Adventure add-ons also available, including sea kayaking, paddling excursions, and exclusive heli-landings to places few ever set foot.
This article is brought to you by Quark Expeditions.
