Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Antarctic Peninsula south of 66 degrees South, South Shetland Islands.

Length of Travel: 13 Days

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Ushuaia
  • Day 2: Embarkation
  • Days 3-4: At sea
  • Days 5-10: Antarctic Peninsula, crossing the Antarctic Circle
  • Days 11-12: At sea
  • Day 13: Ushuaia disembarkation

* Special Notes

This trip can be up to 15 days, which adds additional days in Antarctica with each extra day. Due to the nature of this expedition, weather, ice, or other conditions may require changes be made to the itinerary and/or cancellation of certain shore excursions. Every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary, within the limits of safety and time constraints.

Itinerary Map

Detailed Itinerary

|

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Today is the first day of your adventure in the world’s southernmost city at the tip of Argentina. Embark in the afternoon. Start to become familiar with the expedition staff and ship. In the early evening, set sail and begin the voyage leaving behind Ushuaia and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.


Day 2-3: Drake Passage

Crossing the Drake Passage, there is so much excitement in the air as you get ever closer to the white continent. Guests eagerly soak up the friendly atmosphere on board as our numerous Polar experts prepare you for your adventures with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, cross the Antarctic Convergence where you will notice a distinct drop in temperature as you enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Along the way, witness many spectacular sights from icebergs to an array of seabirds and even several whale species some of which are known on occasion to fully breach from the sea.


Days 4-8: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, the goal is to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. The first goal will be to sail south of the Antarctic Circle and into Matha Strait or Marguerite Bay. Given favorable ice conditions, the captain will push our exploration even further southward, looking for historic and wildlife sites. From the most southerly point (south of the Antarctic Circle), we will make our way north along the Antarctic Peninsula, cruising through the narrow waterways and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula. Spectacular waterways such as Crystal Sound, the Lemaire Channel, the Neumeyer Channel and the Gerlache Strait will all feature in the itinerary. Landing sites might include Neko Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay, Petermann Island and the Yalours, where you will observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as an abundance of penguins including some very large colonies of the comical Adelie penguin.

At Half Moon Island you will visit a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags. The team also hopes to see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill in its feeding grounds and possibly have an opportunity to spot orcas and Minke whales as the trip goes. The expedition staff plan on walking ashore on the continent of Antarctica at Paradise Harbour or Neko Harbour. Although it will not be your first glimpse of the Antarctic, a walk ashore on the Continent will evoke emotions to carry with you for the rest of your life. The scenery here is amazing. In particular the oddly shaped icebergs looking like sculptures, as well as the colossal ‘tabular’ icebergs that break away from the continent’s ice shelf. Expect to feel transformed as you experience twilight from the very bottom of the planet.


Days 9-10: Crossing the Antarctic Circle

By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur or Weddell seal. Terms like bergy bits and pancake ice will seem normal, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will fill your days, and your Expedition Team will continue offering presentations while giving you time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced.


Days 11-12: Drake Passage

As you leave this magical place and make your way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn, time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days. Sailing down the Beagle Channel, celebrate the conclusion of the Polar expedition at a special dinner.


Day 13: Ushuaia

In the early morning, arrive back in Ushuaia. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.



Upcoming Trips with this Itinerary:

Jan 16, 2025 – Jan 28, 2025 (13days)
Price
$14,995.00 – $36,195.00
Adventure Options
Includes 2 pre - nights hotel
Jan 25, 2025 – Feb 8, 2025 (15days)
Price
$15,175.00 – $31,475.00
Adventure Options
Pre-voyage hotel night in Buenos Aires!
Feb 4, 2025 – Feb 17, 2025 (14days)
Price
$19,995.00 – $35,995.00
Adventure Options
Pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia!
Mar 4, 2025 – Mar 17, 2025 (14days)
Price
$19,995.00 – $32,495.00
Adventure Options
Mar 10, 2025 – Mar 21, 2025 (12days)
Price
$7,700.00 – $11,200.00
Adventure Options
Mar 23, 2025 – Apr 3, 2025 (12days)
Price
$7,700.00 – $11,200.00
Adventure Options

Length of Travel: 13 Days

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Embarkation
  • Days 2-3: At sea
  • Days 4-10: Antarctic Peninsula, crossing the Antarctic Circle
  • Days 11-12: At sea
  • Day 13: Ushuaia disembarkation

* Special Notes

This trip can be one day longer (14 days), which adds an additional day in Antarctica. Due to the nature of this expedition, weather, ice, or other conditions may require changes be made to the itinerary and/or cancellation of certain shore excursions. Every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary, within the limits of safety and time constraints.

Itinerary Map

Detailed Itinerary

|

Day 1: Embarkation in Ushuaia

Arriving at the ship in the afternoon, you will be greeted by Expedition Team and ships’ officers at a safety and orientation briefing followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the mountainous scenery on our early evening sail down the Beagle Channel past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.


Day 2-3: Drake Passage

Crossing the Drake Passage, there is so much excitement in the air as you get ever closer to the white continent. Guests eagerly soak up the friendly atmosphere on board as our numerous Polar experts prepare you for your adventures with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, cross the Antarctic Convergence where you will notice a distinct drop in temperature as you enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Along the way, witness many spectacular sights from icebergs to an array of seabirds and even several whale species some of which are known on occasion to fully breach from the sea.


Days 4-10: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, the goal is to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. The first goal will be to sail south of the Antarctic Circle and into Matha Strait or Marguerite Bay. Given favorable ice conditions, the captain will push our exploration even further southward, looking for historic and wildlife sites. From the most southerly point (south of the Antarctic Circle), we will make our way north along the Antarctic Peninsula, cruising through the narrow waterways and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula. Spectacular waterways such as Crystal Sound, the Lemaire Channel, the Neumeyer Channel and the Gerlache Strait will all feature in the itinerary. Landing sites might include Neko Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay, Petermann Island and the Yalours, where you will observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as an abundance of penguins including some very large colonies of the comical Adelie penguin.

At Half Moon Island you will visit a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags. The team also hopes to see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill in its feeding grounds and possibly have an opportunity to spot orcas and Minke whales as the trip goes. The expedition staff plan on walking ashore on the continent of Antarctica at Paradise Harbour or Neko Harbour. Although it will not be your first glimpse of the Antarctic, a walk ashore on the Continent will evoke emotions to carry with you for the rest of your life. The scenery here is amazing. In particular the oddly shaped icebergs looking like sculptures, as well as the colossal ‘tabular’ icebergs that break away from the continent’s ice shelf. Expect to feel transformed as you experience twilight from the very bottom of the planet.


Days 11-12: Drake Passage

As you leave this magical place and make your way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn, time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days. Sailing down the Beagle Channel, celebrate the conclusion of the Polar expedition at a special dinner.


Day 13: Ushuaia

In the early morning, arrive back in Ushuaia. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.



Upcoming Trips with this Itinerary:

Nov 8, 2024 – Nov 19, 2024 (12days)
Price
$10,195.00 – $30,095.00
Adventure Options
Dec 15, 2024 – Dec 26, 2024 (12days)
Price
$10,995.00 – $33,595.00
Adventure Options
Dec 21, 2024 – Jan 3, 2025 (14days)
Price
$17,995.00 – $36,995.00
Adventure Options
Dec 21, 2024 – Jan 3, 2025 (14days)
Price
$12,199.00 – $19,799.00
Adventure Options
Jan 16, 2025 – Jan 28, 2025 (13days)
Price
$14,995.00 – $36,195.00
Adventure Options
Jan 24, 2025 – Feb 7, 2025 (15days)
Price
$12,795.00 – $28,195.00
Adventure Options
Includes 2 pre - nights hotel
Jan 25, 2025 – Feb 8, 2025 (15days)
Price
$15,175.00 – $31,475.00
Adventure Options
Feb 4, 2025 – Feb 17, 2025 (14days)
Price
$15,995.00 – $32,495.00
Adventure Options
Pre-voyage hotel night in Buenos Aires!
Feb 4, 2025 – Feb 17, 2025 (14days)
Price
$19,995.00 – $35,995.00
Adventure Options
Feb 4, 2025 – Feb 17, 2025 (14days)
Price
$11,899.00 – $19,249.00
Adventure Options

Length of Travel: 14 days

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Buenos Aires & Flight to Ushuaia
  • Day 2: Embarkation
  • Days 3-4: At sea
  • Day 5: South Shetland Islands
  • Day 6-8: Crossing the Antarctic Circle
  • Day 9-11: Antarctic Peninsula
  • Day 12-13: Drake Passage
  • Day 14: Disembarkation & Flight to Buenos Aires

Itinerary Map

Detailed Itinerary

|

Day 1: Buenos Aires

You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its soaring architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to the group hotel (pre-night hotel included).


Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia

After breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Upon arrival, you will have a little time to explore this quaint port town before heading to the pier.

Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you’ll see land you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!


Days 3-4: At sea

Crossing the Drake Passage, there is so much excitement in the air as you get ever closer to the white continent. Guests eagerly soak up the friendly atmosphere on board as our numerous Polar experts prepare you for your adventures with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, cross the Antarctic Convergence where you will notice a distinct drop in temperature as you enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Along the way, witness many spectacular sights from icebergs to an array of seabirds and even several whale species some of which are known on occasion to fully breach from the sea.


Day 5: South Shetland Islands

At Half Moon Island you will visit a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags. The team also hopes to see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill in its feeding grounds and possibly have an opportunity to spot orcas and Minke whales as the trip goes. The expedition staff plan on walking ashore on the continent of Antarctica at Paradise Harbour or Neko Harbour. Although it will not be your first glimpse of the Antarctic, a walk ashore on the Continent will evoke emotions to carry with you for the rest of your life. The scenery here is amazing. In particular the oddly shaped icebergs looking like sculptures, as well as the colossal ‘tabular’ icebergs that break away from the continent’s ice shelf. Expect to feel transformed as you experience twilight from the very bottom of the planet.


Day 6-8: Crossing the Antarctic Circle

By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur or Weddell seal. Terms like bergy bits and pancake ice will seem normal, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will fill your days, and your Expedition Team will continue offering presentations while giving you time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced.


Day 9-11: Antarctic Peninsula

In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, the goal is to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. The first goal will be to sail south of the Antarctic Circle and into Matha Strait or Marguerite Bay. Given favorable ice conditions, the captain will push our exploration even further southward, looking for historic and wildlife sites. From the most southerly point (south of the Antarctic Circle), we will make our way north along the Antarctic Peninsula, cruising through the narrow waterways and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula. Spectacular waterways such as Crystal Sound, the Lemaire Channel, the Neumeyer Channel and the Gerlache Strait will all feature in the itinerary. Landing sites might include Neko Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay, Petermann Island and the Yalours, where you will observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as an abundance of penguins including some very large colonies of the comical Adelie penguin.


Day 12-13: Drake Passage

We will continue our lecture series and wildlife spotting as we sail back to Ushuaia and reflect on beautiful Antarctica and its fragile future.


Day 14: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, after breakfast. After disembarking, you will get a little taste of Patagonia, touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.



Upcoming Trips with this Itinerary:

Round trip charter flights BA-USH + a free pre-night hotel in Buenos Aires.
Nov 7, 2024 – Nov 19, 2024 (13days)
Price
$18,999.00 – $29,999.00
Adventure Options
Round trip charter flights BA-USH + a free pre-night hotel in Buenos Aires.
Nov 21, 2024 – Dec 5, 2024 (13days)
Price
$23,499.00 – $36,299.00
Adventure Options
Round trip charter flights BA-USH + a free pre-night hotel in Buenos Aires.
Nov 27, 2024 – Dec 9, 2024 (13days)
Price
$20,299.00 – $31,299.00
Adventure Options
Round trip charter flights BA-USH + a free pre-night hotel in Buenos Aires.
Dec 8, 2024 – Dec 20, 2024 (13days)
Price
$20,299.00 – $31,299.00
Adventure Options
Round trip charter flights BA-USH + a free pre-night hotel in Buenos Aires.
Dec 8, 2024 – Dec 20, 2024 (12days)
Price
$20,299.00 – $31,299.00
Adventure Options
Round trip charter flights BA-USH + a free pre-night hotel in Buenos Aires.
Dec 15, 2024 – Dec 28, 2024 (13days)
Price
$23,499.00 – $33,799.00
Adventure Options
Round trip charter flights BA-USH + a free pre-night hotel in Buenos Aires.
Dec 28, 2024 – Jan 9, 2025 (13days)
Price
$21,997.00 – $33,599.00
Adventure Options
Round trip charter flights BA-USH + a free pre-night hotel in Buenos Aires.
Jan 4, 2025 – Jan 16, 2025 (13days)
Price
$9,249.00 – $31,299.00
Adventure Options
Starts and ends in BUE
Jan 6, 2025 – Jan 19, 2025 (14days)
Price
$21,490.00 – $48,990.00
Adventure Options
Round trip charter flights BA-USH + a free pre-night hotel in Buenos Aires.
Jan 8, 2025 – Jan 20, 2025 (13days)
Price
$20,399.00 – $31,299.00
Adventure Options

Length of Travel: 14 Days

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
  • Days 2-3: At Sea – Towards Antarctica
  • Days 4-7: Antarctic Circle Crossing and Lower Antarctic Peninsula
  • Days 8-10: Gerlache Strait and Antarctic Peninsula Exploration
  • Day 11: South Shetland Islands
  • Days 12-13: Drake Passage – Return to South America
  • Day 14: Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina – Voyage Concludes

Itinerary Map

Detailed Itinerary

|

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Our journey to Antarctica commences this afternoon in Ushuaia, in southern Argentina. We gather at our central meeting point and transfer to the pier and embark our expedition ship. After settling in to our cabins and exploring the ship, we meet our expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as we enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner and cast off, bound for Antarctica and the adventure of a lifetime.


Days 2-3: At Sea – Towards Antarctica

We chart a southerly course for Antarctica. The Drake Passage is rich in bio-diversity and showcases a great abundance of wildlife. We will be joined by hundreds of seabirds including the wandering albatross. Giant petrels and smaller Cape petrels are also constant companions as make our way south. Photographing these magnificent birds takes patience and skill and our photography expert will be on hand to show you the best techniques. Join the ship’s Captain on the bridge and learn about the operations of our modern expedition vessel. Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with a series of presentations about the environment, the wildlife and history and the locations we hope to visit in the coming days. As we approach the coastline of Antarctica, we encounter more icebergs and anticipate our first whale sightings.


Days 4-7: Antarctic Circle Crossing and Lower Antarctic Peninsula

Seeing the continent for the first time will take your breath away. Given favorable ice conditions, our first goal will be to sail south
of the Antarctic Circle and into Crystal Sound. A favored landing site here is Detaille Island, home to an abandoned British science hut. ‘Base W’ was established in the 1950’s and is in a remarkable state of preservation. For the history buffs this is a fascinating place, providing a glimpse into the harsh life of early Antarctic visitors. Further exploration this far south is highly dependent on optimal weather and ice conditions. If conditions allow, we may push even further to the south.


Days 8-10: Gerlache Strait and Antarctic Peninsula Exploration

We aim to transit the Lemaire Channel on our way north towards Paradise Harbour. This may be the first opportunity to step foot on the continent of Antarctica itself. Nearby Neko Harbour offers another continental landing. Both locations offer terrific hiking opportunities up to panoramic view points. For the sea kayakers, the paddling opportunities here are endless. Expect to be in full sensory overload by this time of the voyage. The good news is, our adventure is not over and we still have several days of exciting exploration ahead. Orne Harbour is another celebrated location we hope to visit and the hike up to a rocky knoll provides excellent access to a chinstrap penguin rookery. At Cuverville Island, there is a large Gentoo penguin colony which we observe at close quarters. Leopard seals are often sighted cruising the shallows along the landing site.

For the kayakers, a full circumnavigation of the island is a real thrill. It is in this vicinity we hope to spend a night ashore camping for those interested, if weather conditions permit. We have all the gear and an expert team of guides to make this unique experience happen.

We are now at our most northern point on the Peninsula. Visits to Mikkelson Harbour and nearby Cierva Cove round out what has been a comprehensive exploration of the Gerlache coastline. Tonight, leaving the continent in the soft twilight, we reflect on an incredible week of exploration.


Day 11: South Shetland Islands

Having crossed the Bransfield Straight overnight, we arrive in the South Shetland Islands. The adventure is not over and if the weather conditions allow, we sail the ship into the flooded volcanic caldera at Deception Island. This is a very dramatic place and history is all around us as we explore the old whaling station, with the rusted old boilers and dilapidated wooden huts. At the far end of the beach is an old aircraft hangar. This is where Australian, Sir Hubert Wilkins made the very first flight in Antarctica in 1928. There is also an outstanding hike here, high up onto the rim of the crater.

On a sunny day, cruising along the coast of Livingston Island is a memorable experience. There are several other landing sites in the vicinity including Half Moon Island, or the broad pebbly beach at Yankee Harbour, where we sometimes encounter Weddell seals sunning themselves. This is another great spot for a hike or a zodiac cruise.


Days 12-13: Drake Passage – Return to South America

As we make our way back to South America, the educational presentations continue and we enjoy an entertaining and memorable voyage recap by our Expedition Leader. Join our photography experts in the multimedia room and download and back up your precious images. If weather conditions allow, we hope to make a rounding of Cape Horn. This fabled stretch of water is home to legendary tales of exploration and early navigation. It’s a fitting place to reflect on a wonderful expedition. Approaching the entrance to the Beagle Channel in early evening light, we enjoy a special dinner attended by the
Captain of the ship.


Day 14: Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina – Voyage Concludes 

In the early morning, we arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travellers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home. It will be possible to connect to flights through to Buenos Aires or other destinations in South America. Otherwise enjoy a night in town or venture further afield to explore the highlights of Patagonia.



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