Have questions? We're here.
Kayaking in Antarctica.

Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia: Epic Antarctica

Example 23 Day Cruise
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Antarctica trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
If you desire to 'do it all' on your Antarctic adventure, then this is the polar voyage for you. Cross the Antarctic Circle and travel further south than traditional Antarctic cruises, and also visit the wildlife playgrounds of the Falklands (Malvinas) and South Georgia. This journey is for anyone who appreciates a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities, and a healthy mix of historic landing sites.
Curious penguins approach during an Antarctic shore excursionAntarctic SunriseCruising in the ZodiacA pair of nesting albatrossKayaking in Antarctica.
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.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia offers a surprising number of shops, museums, cafes and restaurants. Great Argentinean steak and seafood abound, as does plenty of tasty chocolate to enjoy after you work up an appetite by exploring the nearby mountains or national park.

Day 2: Embarkation Day

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 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

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
There are many activities to keep you engaged while you’re at sea. Take advantage of the library of books available on your ship, hang out at the bar chatting with other travelers, or spend time out on deck, admiring the sea. Your Expedition Team conducts a series of presentations to familiarize you with how to prepare for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.

Day 4-5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The Falkland archipelago contains two main islands - East and West, 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 place, where you may just as easily wander into a pub as you will a church or museum.

With your camera at hand, 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 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

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Evidence of the old whaling and sealing heydays is still found throughout the island. Learn that the whale and seal populations were once decimated here, although 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, provides a day for reflecting on what it must have 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 will likely 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 see rookeries with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach, the next day explore 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 shares their knowledge of how these vulnerable relationships all play out on the island.

Day 12-13: At Sea

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Antarctica awaits, along with its own penguin and seal species. While at sea, enjoy some quiet time or take in presentations by the Expedition Team, which covers everything from the history and geology of Antarctica to tips on identifying different species and what makes them each unique. With good weather conditions, a landing at the South Orkney Islands may mark your official landing on Antarctica.

Day 14-16: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and loneliness, then the next laugh 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 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 will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera shutter busy.

If you find yourself wanting more, then perhaps treat yourself by booking our 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

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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, raise a glass of champagne and take pride in knowing you have 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

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
If you have not had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you will surely be satisfied by the time you return to the Drake Passage. Continue to journey onto land and out by Zodiac twice daily. Your Expedition Team is on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.

Day 21-22: Crossing the Drake Passage

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After more than a dozen 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 included to the airport for your homeward flight.

Accommodations

Port of Ushuaia - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners

Map

Popular Add-ons

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

Antarctica Travel Guide

Favorite Antarctica All Trips

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By