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Zodiac trip to see Antarctica.

Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia

Example 23 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Diamond
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Learn about Antarctica´s unique geology, history, and wildlife on this 23-day diverse expedition aboard the Ocean Diamond. See the incredible wildlife of South Georgia - more than 30 species of breeding birds, including four species of penguins - and explore by Zodiac the shores of the Antarctic Peninsula, filled with penguins and seals. Sail south and cross the Antarctic Circle, home of the midnight sun and the most fantastic iceberg sightings.
Pair of King penguins on an Antarctica cruiseKayaking in antarcticaA humpback whale dives beneath the Antarctic watersAn ocean of icebergs.Zodiac trip to see Antarctica.
Highlights
  • Meet the Falkland´s three species of penguins and two endemic bird species
  • Visit Sir Shackleton´s gravesite, also home to an old whaling station
  • Zodiac cruise in search for minke whales, penguins, and leopard seals
  • Cross the Antarctic Circle, home of the midnight sun and fantastic icebergs
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina

Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia has a small-town feel yet boasts many shops, museums, cafés and restaurants that you can enjoy before your voyage. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking.

Day 2: Embarkation Day

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
As you embark, the anticipation and excitement grows for what lies ahead. As every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, embarkation day is just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you. They’re onboard to ensure your comfort and safety, as well as help make your wildlife dreams come true.

Day 3: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
There are many activities to keep you engaged while you are at sea. You could learn to identify the seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend the illustrated presentations by the Expedition Team who prepare you for the shore landings and Zodiac cruising that is to come.

Day 4-5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
The Falkland archipelago contains two main islands - East and West, which you have the opportunity to explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings. These rugged islands have a frontier-type feel to them, especially at Port Stanley - the largest settlement on the islands. It’s an interesting British outpost type place, where you may just as easily wander into a pub, a church, or a museum.

With your camera at hand, your wildlife sightings in the Falklands should include at least three species of penguins and two endemic bird species - Cobb’s wren and the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck. Your team of lecturers and specialists are ready to educate you on the local flora and fauna so that you get the most out of a memorable time in the Falklands.

Day 6-7: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
En-route to South Georgia cross the invisible biological boundary unique to Antarctica – the Antarctic Convergence. This meeting of oceans is what creates the abundance of krill and marine life that attracts large cetaceans, such as humpback whales.

Day 8-11: South Georgia

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Evidence of the old whaling and sealing heydays is still found throughout the island. Be surprised to learn that the whale and seal populations were once decimated here, as today their populations are strong, with massive rookeries to be seen.

One significant and historic site of interest is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. His grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station and a research station, is a day for reflecting on what it must’ve been like to be one of the first explorers to this unforgiving, yet beautiful environment.

While South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife on South Georgia that you and your shipmates find the most captivating. Often referred to as the ‘Galapagos of the Poles,’ South Georgia contains an exceptional quantity of wildlife. Each landing you make on South Georgia opens your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife. One day you may see rookeries with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach. The next day you may visit another beach with thousands of fur or elephant seals.

The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different bird and animal species. Your Expedition Team are happy to share their knowledge of how these vulnerable relationships all play out on the island.

Day 12-13: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Antarctica awaits, along with its own penguin and seal species. While you’re at sea, you can enjoy some quiet time or take in presentations by the Expedition Team covering everything from the history and geology of Antarctica to tips on identifying different species and what makes them each unique.

Day 14-16: South Shetland Islands | Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
The most common reaction to arriving at the white continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words. Discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes; at one moment you are overcomed with a feeling of complete silence and loneliness, then the next you are lauging at the comical antics of a curious penguin.

Glacier hikes, visits to research bases and, of course, communing with the seals and penguins are sure to keep you smiling each and every day. Perhaps you can catch sight of the fearless penguin-eater, the leopard seal, or come eye to eye with a curious minke whale while out on a Zodiac ride. Each day and each landing presents a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera shutter busy.

If you find yourself wanting more, then perhaps you can treat yourself by booking the kayaking adventure option (reserve in advance when booking your trip) or if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, a little shock therapy courtesy of a polar plunge might be what you need!

Day 17-18: The Antarctic Circle

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not come close to reaching this far south. With a toast to the first explorers who ventured here, you can raise a glass of champagne and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, with potential for some fantastic iceberg sightings.

Day 19-20: Northbound Along the Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you surely are satisfied by the time you return to the Drake Passage. Continue to journey onto land by Zodiac twice daily as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula.

Your Expedition Team always stays alert on the lookout for species of penguins, seals, and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.

Day 21-22: Crossing the Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
After more than twenty days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of approval on your Antarctic adventure.

Day 23: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your Expedition Team and fellow travelers. Transfer to the airport for your homeward flights.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Diamond

Albatross cruising the Drake Passage to Antarctica
A young seal rests on the shore
A huge colony of king penguins.

Ushuaia - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$22,995
Ocean Diamond's Triple Cabin.
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Triple
Lower Deck, 200 sq feet. Two twin beds and an upper bed, two portholes, and private bath with shower.
Ocean Diamond's Twin Cabin.
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Twin Obstructed View
Captains & Upper Decks, 200 sq feet, one double bed or two twin beds, picture window with a partially obstructed view, and private bathroom with shower.
Ocean Diamond's Twin Cabin.
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Twin Window
Upper, Main & Captain´s Decks, 183-200 sq feet. One double bed or two twin beds, picture window, and private bathroom with shower.
Ocean Diamond's Single Porthole Cabin.
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Single with Porthole
Lower Deck, 200 sq feet, one double bed, two portholes, and private bathroom with shower.
Ocean Diamond's Single Cabin.
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Single Obstructed View
Captain's Deck, 200 sq feet, one double bed, picture window with obstructed view, and private bathroom with shower.
Ocean Diamond's Suite.
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Suite
Main Deck, 400 sq feet, one double bed or two twin beds, two picture windows and separate sitting area with sofas, two easy chairs, small table and two private bathrooms with shower.
Ocean Diamond's Balcony Suite.
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Balcony Suite
Observation Deck, 325 sq feet, one double bed or two twin beds, window and sliding glass door, private 96 sq ft deck, and private bathroom with shower.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.

- Standard Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a Premium Cabin is 2 times the shared rate.

Insurance: Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person is included. Travelers should have a minimum US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation. Contact us for details.
 
Included
  • 22 Breakfasts, 21 Lunches, 21 Dinners
  • 22 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Available Around the Clock
  • Leadership throughout the expedition by our experienced Expedition Leader
  • Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
  • Official Expedition Parka to Keep
  • Select Beer and Wine During Dinner
  • Photographic Journal Documenting the Expedition
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes
  • Internet & Phone Charges
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Mandatory Waterproof Pants for Zodiac Cruising & Any Other Gear Not Specifically Mentioned
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf

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