SEATTLE, April 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Quark Expeditions,
the global leader in polar adventures, has blazed a new trail in
expedition travel with its inaugural helicopter-supported voyage
through Chilean Patagonia. The polar operator also confirms
that 90 of the 165 passengers (55%) who joined the maiden voyage of
"Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine" in March 2024 were repeat guests of Quark
Expeditions.
"Once again we credit our expedition team—recognized as the best
in the polar industry—and our longstanding commitment to innovation
for this highly successful maiden voyage," says Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions.
"Working closely with local partners, our team created off-ship
experiences unheard of in Patagonia adventure travel. Thanks
to our technologically-advanced ship, Ultramarine, and its
two twin-engine helicopters and fleet of 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs,
we made it possible for our guests to see more, do more and explore
more deeply in Patagonia than they could with a traditional
land-based operator."
The 15-day itinerary, which ran March 13
to 27, 2024, departed Buenos
Aires with embarkation from Ushuaia, and included Cape Horn,
a transit through the Beagle Channel, then into Chile's spectacular network of fjords and
channels, featuring helicopter flightseeing and Zodiac cruises
along an enchanting stretch of coastline that's known for some of
the most remote and picturesque landscapes on Earth.
Highlights included:
- Heli flightseeing: Our two H145 helicopters provided
unmatched views of Patagonia's mountain-top glaciers and ice
caps—which are not visible from sea level.
- Heli landing: Ultramarine's helicopters
transported guests to the peaks of Canal de las Montanas (Channel
of the Mountains) where they enjoyed unsurpassable views of the
surrounding fjords.
- Immersive cultural experiences: Guests visited an
85,000-hectare estancia (South American ranch) and explored the
cultural heritage of the town of Puerto Natales.
- Unrivalled wildlife: Guests observed a staggering array
of wildlife, including guanacos, the elusive puma, South American
sea lions, Andean foxes and whales.
- Phenomenal bird-watching: Species included Andean
condors, Magellanic penguins, Chilean flamingos, oystercatchers,
kingfishers and three types of Caracaras.
- Hiking and photography tours: Guests choose from guided
photographic adventures and various levels of hikes in Torres del
Paine National Park.
- Paddling and kayaking excursions: Guests observed a
variety of marine life up close, such as mussels, kelp, snails,
starfish and krill.
- Journey down Iceberg Alley: From the deck of
Ultramarine, guests witnessed a series of epic ice
formations, most notably in the region of Tierra del Fuego.
"It's a true testament to our expedition team that 55% of our
guests had previously traveled with Quark Expeditions," says White.
"While this was a first-time voyage for us in a new territory,
guests implicitly trusted our team to deliver the same calibre
of expedition that they experienced on their earlier voyages with
us."
Quark Expeditions' next departure of Essential Patagonia:
Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine
embarks March 13 to 27, 2025, and
March 12 to 26, 2026.
For media
inquiries: media@quarkexpeditions.com
About Quark Expeditions: The global leader in polar
adventures for more than 30 years. The most passionate and seasoned
team in the industry, taking explorers to the ends of the earth.
Going where few ever dream, and setting foot where few ever will.
Delivering extraordinary experiences and enriching lives through
travel, Quark Expeditions is a Travelopia specialist
company.
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