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DestinationsAntarcticaOcean Explorer

Ocean Explorer

Overview of the Ocean Explorer

The Ocean Explorer is a modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration vessel, offering ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The Ocean Explorer has a highly experienced crew and expedition team of 105, and 15 zodiacs are utilized for excursions/shore landings and most expeditions include optional add-ons such as kayaking, paddling, camping and stand-up paddle boarding.

Trip Features
  • 8-20 Days
  • Starting at $16,295 per person
  • PHYSICAL RATING
    Moderate
  • ACTIVITIES
    Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Camping, Hiking, Photography, Zodiac Excursions, Polar Plunge
  • HIGHLIGHTS
    Punta Arenas to Antarctica Flight itineraries, Penguins and Whales, Icebergs & Glaciers, Antarctic Circle, South Georgia Island

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A solitary emperor penguin stands upright on an icy, snow-covered landscape, casting a long shadow to its right. The penguin's black and white plumage contrasts with the surrounding pale terrain.
Two people kayaking in Antarctic waters, with one closer to the camera wearing colorful cold-weather gear and smiling. In the background, a small research station with red buildings is situated on rocky terrain surrounded by snow and ice, showcasing an Ocean Explorer expedition cruise in Antarctica.
Two individuals wearing yellow jackets walk on a rocky shore, carrying cameras and smiling. Penguins are scattered in the background near the water's edge, with a cold, cloudy sky above, setting the scene for an Antarctica expedition cruise with Ocean Explorer.
A seal lying on the snow, looking directly at the camera with its head slightly raised. The background is an indistinct blur of snowy terrain and sky.
A group of people wearing winter gear and life vests paddle on stand-up paddleboards in cold water, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and ice formations. Some have paddles in motion, and all are standing on their boards, facing various directions. This scene captures the spirit of an Ocean Explorer Antarctica expedition cruise.
A lone penguin stands on a snow-covered surface, surrounded by a blurred snowy and icy background. The penguin is looking to the right, with its wings slightly extended from its body. The scene is tranquil and serene, capturing the essence of the Antarctic wilderness.
A leopard seal lounges on a floating ice sheet against a backdrop of icy waters and snow-covered mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The seal has a spotted coat and appears relaxed as it basks in the icy Antarctic environment.
A close-up of a curious seal pup on a wet, sandy beach with snow-capped mountains and a cloudy sky in the background. The seal's whiskers and wet fur are clearly visible, and other seals are visible further along the beach.
A seal lies on an icy surface with a serene arctic backdrop. Its head is lifted, and it appears relaxed. The background features blurred icy cliffs and a tranquil body of water, creating a peaceful scene.
A close-up of a penguin with a bright red beak and striking yellow crest peeking through long, green grass blades. The bird's head and upper body are visible as it looks alertly into the distance.
A King Penguin walks along a rocky shoreline with other penguins and a blurred background of water and greenery. The penguin's black, white, and orange plumage is prominent as it strides forward.
A vast colony of king penguins and their brown, fluffy chicks gather on a rocky shore with snowy mountains and glaciers in the background. The chicks largely outnumber the adults, and a seal can be observed resting on the right side of the image.

Ocean Explorer Itineraries

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Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 2 Ushuaia – Embark
DayS 3-4 Drake Passage
DayS 5-8 South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
DayS 9-10 Drake Passage
Day 11 Ushuaia – Disembark
Day 1 Arrive Punta Arenas, Chile
Day 2 Punta Arenas – King George Island – Embark
DayS 3-6 Antarctic Peninsula – South Shetland Islands
DayS 7-8 DRAKE PASSAGE
Day 9 USHUAIA, ARGENTINA – DISEMBARK
Day 10 depart ushuaia
Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 2 Ushuaia – Embark
DayS 3-4 At Sea
DayS 5-8 ANTARCTIC PENINSULA & SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Day 9 DISEMBark King george island – FLIGHT TO PUNTA ARENAS
Day 10 PUNTA ARENAS – DEPART
Day 1 Arrive Punta Arenas, Chile
Day 2 Punta Arenas – King George Island – Embark
DayS 3-6 Antarctic Peninsula – South Shetland Islands
Day 7 Disembark – King George Island – Punta Arenas, Chile
Day 8 Punta Arenas – DEPART
Day 1 Arrive ushuaia, argentina
Day 2 ushuaia – Embark
DayS 3-4 drake passage & south shetland islands
DayS 5-7 south shetland islands & antarctic peninsula
Days 8-9 antarctic circle
Days 10-11 Antarctica peninsula
Days 12-13 drake passage
Day 14 disembark ushuaia, argentina
Day 1 Arrive Punta Arenas, Chile
Day 2 Punta Arenas – King George Island – Embark
DayS 3-5 Antarctic Peninsula – South Shetland Islands
DayS 6-7 antarctic circle
Days 8-9 antarctic peninsula
Day 10 disembark king george island – punta arenas
Day 11 depart punta arenas
Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 2 Ushuaia – Embark
DayS 3-6 At Sea
DayS 7-9 South Georgia
DayS 10-11 At Sea
DayS 12-15 Antarctica Peninsula
DayS 16-17 Drake Passage
Day 18 Ushuaia – Disembark
Day 1 arrive ushuaia, argentina
Day 2 ushuaia – Embark
Day 3 at sea
DayS 4-5 falkland (malvinas) islands
Days 6-7 at sea
Days 8-11 south georgia island
Days 12-13 at sea
Days 14-17 south shetland islands & antarctic peninsula
Days 18-19 drake passage
Day 20 disembark ushuaia, argentina

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More About the Ocean Explorer

The MV Ocean Explorer has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, an innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Additional enhancements include fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines and the ground-breaking MAGS gasification system that converts waste into energy, eliminating the environmental impact of waste transportation. She has an Ice Class Rating of 1A and travels at a cruising speed of 16.5 knots in open water.  

Aerial view of the bow of an Ocean Explorer ship sailing through icy waters during an Antarctica expedition. The deck is brown with white railings, and the ship's structure features large triangular windows. There is a person in a black jacket and red hat standing on the deck. Ice chunks are visible in the water.
A modern, sleek interior with geometric windows, stylish armchairs, small tables, and a glass railing leading up a staircase. The high ceiling and contemporary design create an open, airy atmosphere with an abundance of natural light — perfect for an Ocean Explorer Antarctica Expedition Ship.
Luxurious lounge area on the Ocean Explorer ship with curved sofas, plush armchairs, and modern decor. A round table with a menu sits in the foreground. Large windows and ambient blue lighting add elegance to the spacious room, with a TV screen displaying a maritime scene from an Antarctica expedition.
A modern restaurant with neatly arranged tables, each set with blue placemats, white napkins folded upright, glassware, and silverware. The decor features blue and beige seating, marble tabletops, and vertical green plant accents on the walls. The vibe evokes a touch of an Ocean Explorer expedition.
A luxurious wooden hot tub with metal railings is on a deck overlooking a calm ocean at sunset. Nearby, a blue lounge chair faces the water. The sky is a gradient of warm orange and yellow hues as the sun descends toward the horizon, evoking images of an Ocean Explorer on an Antarctica Expedition Ship.
A well-lit, modern sauna room with wooden benches and walls. There is a stone heater in the corner, and a bucket with a ladle on the tiled floor. The room has a large window, allowing natural light to enter, reminiscent of an Ocean Explorer Antarctica Expedition Ship's luxury amenities.
Ship Highlights
  • Size/Type
    342 ft.
  • Guest Capacity
    138
  • Features
    Explorer Lecture Lounge & Bar
    Sun Deck
    2 Outdoor Jacuzzis
    Fitness Center, Spa, Sauna
    Observation Lounge
    Two story library
    3 Restaurants
    15 Zodiacs
View Deckplan

Cabin Details

There are 70 spacious and luxurious cabins across 12 categories (almost all featuring a Veranda) ranging from Studio porthole cabins to Veranda suites, which ensure your quiet ambience with no sound disturbance from adjoining cabin.

ocean Explorer

Porthole Studio

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Ocean Explorer

Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom

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ocean Explorer

Veranda Stateroom

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ocean Explorer

Veranda Suite

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ocean Explorer

Junior Suite

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ocean Explorer

Studio Veranda Single

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ocean Explorer

Penthouse Suite

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ocean Explorer

Owner’s Suite

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TRIP FAQs

We have so much to share with you! How does this all work? Start with the frequently asked questions below, and if you want to talk to us directly, simply reach out by phone or form.

Talk to a Travel Expert
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You have the flexibility to choose your own travel dates on most of our trips. Certain trips, such as cruises, have fixed schedules. Availability on these trips is always changing so please contact us with your preferred travel time and we can find the perfect itinerary for you.

The first step is to get in touch with a Southern Explorations travel planner for date availability and information on activities, accommodations and other travel aspirations you may have. Give us a call at 1.877.784.5400, fill out this form or email info@southernexplorations.com.

Yes! All of our posted itineraries can be considered a starting point and were happy to tailor a trip to your exact desires. There may be some elements of a trip, such as a cruise or all-inclusive lodge stay, that cannot be modified but we can always adjust the tours around those components.

We provide full service tours so in general our trips include all guided activities with professional English-speaking guides, accommodations, transportation, airport transfers, entrance fees and permits, select meals, and pre-departure services. You will be responsible for international airfare while we will book all in-country airfare. Contact one of our expert travel planners for even more details on this specific tour.

We have more detailed information about each destination in the Plan Your Trip section of this website. Our team of friendly travel planners is also available to walk you through various options and to work with you on the perfect trip!

Plan Your Trip to Antarctica

Browse our in-depth travel guide of Antarctica to learn more about the destination

Learn More About Antarctica

Testimonials

This trip to Antarctica with the assistance of Southern Exploration was one of the best travel experience I have had so far, very professional friendly, knowledgeable and experienced staff who takes great care of each other, I really praise and appreciate Southern Exploration for choosing Quark for our journey to Antartica.

Cordel J.

Trip Extensions

Set sail with these amazing add-ons

Want to add something special or connect this trip to a larger itinerary? Browse these most-added trip extensions, or contact our travel experts to find the best accommodations, tours and activities to fulfill your dream getaway!

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