Over the past month, we’ve looked at all sorts of games coming to Oculus Quest as part of our #QuestCountdown series. So far, we’ve dropped new details on arcade action, single-player experiences, and social games. There’s more gaming on the way, but today we’re pulling back the curtain on a different kind of adventure with National Geographic Explore VR, launching on Quest this spring.

A dramatic trip through Antarctica, National Geographic Explore VR gives virtual explorers of all ages a thrilling mission to complete: find a lost penguin colony hidden in the frozen wilderness. The 30-minute experience kicks off with a kayak ride through icy waters, then continues with a climb up the side of a towering ice sheet. Explorers will even learn what it takes to survive an epic snowstorm.

With Quest, there’s never been a better time to explore what’s out there, even from home. “The level of immersion you get from wireless VR is unparalleled,” says Senior Director of Immersive Experiences at National Geographic Jenna Pirog. “You truly feel as if you’re traveling to a different place, using your instincts to explore and move through the environment.”

Wilderness exploration isn’t for everyone. National Geographic Explore VR is the perfect way to get as close to the real thing as comfort allows. “National Geographic continues to experiment in the immersive storytelling space,” says Pirog. “This latest partnership with Oculus and Force Field is in line with our mission to entertain with a purpose. We’re using the latest visual technology to spark curiosity about our world and enable people to better understand it,” she says.

Using Oculus Touch, would-be adventurers will set up camp, build a wind barricade, and zip up their survival tents—all using their hands. “We’ve built these activities with an option to be physically active or passive, so they’re enjoyable for the entire family,” says Pirog.

National Geographic Explore VR will add new adventures in the coming months, taking thrill-seekers on immersive trips all over the world, like archaeological expeditions packed with cultural heritage.

Stay tuned and keep that survival gear handy!

— The Oculus Team