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See the beautiful wildlife in Antarctica.

Polar Circle Quest

Roundtrip Ushuaia - Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Terra Nova Adventurer
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This 12-day Antarctica Cruise: Polar Circle Quest aboard Terra Nova Adventurer journeys through the Beagle Channel and Mackinlay Pass. Cross the Drake Passage with expert-led lectures and chances to spot seabirds and whales. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands with Zodiac landings, kayaking, and snowshoeing. Sail past icebergs in the Gerlache Strait and Lemaire Channel, visit penguin colonies, and see seals and whales in the wild.
Venture south of the Antarctic Circle for a rare achievement. With over 500 potential landing sites selected by conditions, each day is unique. Return via the Drake Passage to Ushuaia with time to reflect and unforgettable memories from Earth’s most remote continent.
Close-up experience with seals.Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands with daily activities including snowshoe hikes.Paddle through tranquil waters, drifting past seals and penguins diving.Spot incredible Antarctic wildlife, including penguins in their natural habitat.Navigate this icy maze by Zodiac.See the beautiful wildlife in Antarctica.
Highlights
  • Cross the Drake Passage and spot seabirds and whales
  • Visit Gentoo, Adélie, and Chinstrap penguin colonies ashore
  • Cruise through Gerlache Strait and iceberg-filled Lemaire Channel
  • Reach the Antarctic Circle, fewer than 2% of visitors do
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina | Embarkation

In the afternoon, board your ship and meet your expedition team and lecturers. Once you've settled into your cabin, the vessel departs via the Beagle Channel and Mackinlay Pass. Enjoy stunning views of rugged coastlines and sea cliffs as your Antarctic journey gets underway.

Day 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage (Southbound)

Sail across the legendary Drake Passage, named after explorer Sir Francis Drake. This nutrient-rich zone, where polar and warmer waters converge, supports an abundance of wildlife, drawing seabirds like albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters.

Make the most of your ship’s open bridge policy—join the crew to learn about navigation, watch for whales, or simply take in the endless seascape. Onboard experts offer talks on Antarctica’s unique history, geology, and wildlife.

By Day 3, weather permitting, you’ll glimpse the South Shetland Islands—first sighted in 1819 by Captain William Smith—and may step ashore for your first close-up experience with seals and penguins.

Day 4-9: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and venturing below the Antarctica Circle

The core of the journey unfolds as you explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, with each day offering a blend of landings, zodiac cruises, and optional adventure activities.

Kayaking Among Icebergs: Paddle through tranquil waters, drifting past seals resting on ice floes and penguins diving in for a swim.
Snowshoeing Adventures: Explore pristine trails and reach panoramic viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas of glaciers and peaks.
Penguin Colonies: Visit expansive rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie Penguins, watching their amusing behaviors as they care for their chicks.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals on ice, with Minke and humpback whales often seen feeding nearby.

With over 500 diverse landing sites along the Antarctic Peninsula, no two voyages are ever the same. The expert team crafts each expedition based on conditions, weather, and opportunities for the most remarkable encounters.

Guided by the experienced crew, you'll navigate breathtaking ice-choked channels, witness towering glaciers, and encounter extraordinary wildlife in one of the most remote places on Earth. This is not just a cruise — it's a genuine expedition where spontaneity and discovery define every day.

Day 10: Farewell Landings

As the expedition heads back north, there's an opportunity for a final landing or zodiac cruise. Weather and ice conditions permitting, explore destinations like Brown Bluff, where towering cliffs and an Adélie penguin colony await, or Paulet Island, home to historic sites and abundant wildlife.

Day 11: Crossing the Drake Passage (Northbound)

Relive the journey north — final lectures, seabird spotting, and a celebratory dinner.

Day 12: Ushuaia, Argentina | Disembarkation

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive back in Ushuaia — disembark with stories to last a lifetime.

Please note: The above itinerary is a general guideline. The precise route and activities are adjusted to optimize wildlife viewing and adapt to prevailing weather and ice conditions. The Captain and/or Expedition Leader make necessary changes to ensure the best possible experience. A daily program are provided onboard. Flexibility is essential for a successful expedition.

Ship/Hotel

Terra Nova Adventurer

Terra Nova Adventurer
Terra Nova Adventurer
Terra Nova Adventurer

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$10,940 2-3 travelers
Discovery Quad CabinDiscovery Quad Cabin
Discovery Quad Cabin
Cabins 206, 208, 210, 212 Decks 2 Approx. 14 m²/150 ft² Four single beds, including two bunk-style berths, plus a desk area and en-suite bathroom. Each cabin features a porthole.
Discovery Triple CabinDiscovery Triple Cabin
Discovery Triple Cabin
Cabins 209, 211, 215, 217, 219, 221 Deck 2 Approx. 14 m²/150 ft² Three single beds, including one bunk/Pullman-style berth, plus a desk area and en-suite bathrooms. Each cabin features a porthole.
Superior CabinSuperior Cabin
Superior Cabin
Cabins 306-338, 307-341 Deck 3 Approx. 14 m²/150 ft² Two twin beds, a desk area, and an en-suite bathroom. Each cabin features a window.
Odyssey Single CabinOdyssey Single Cabin
Superior Single Cabin
Cabins 304, 305, 214, 216, 218, 222, 225 Decks 2 & 3 Approx. 14 m²/150 ft² Two single beds, a desk area and an en-suite bathroom. Deck 3 cabins feature a window, while Deck 2 cabins feature a porthole.
Deluxe CabinDeluxe Cabin
Deluxe Cabin
Cabins 402, 403, 404. 405. 406, 407, 409, 411 Deck 4 Approx. 17 m²/185 ft² Double bed or two twin beds, with a desk area and en-suite bathroom. Spacious layout with large windows.
Premium SuitePremium Suite
Premium Suite
Cabins 400, 401, 410, 415 Deck 4 Approx. 30 m²/325 ft² Double bed or two single beds, with a separate lounge/seating area, desk and en-suite bathroom with jet shower. Large windows provide natural light and views.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Shore Excursions: Guided walks, daily shore excursions, and Zodiac cruises.
  • Adventure Activities: Kayaking, Snowshoeing, Camping, Yoga (Subject to weather and operational conditions).
  • Expedition Team: Led by experienced guides.
  • Lectures: Educational talks and expert guiding services.
  • Pre-departure Info: Comprehensive materials and an Antarctic booklet.
  • Port Fees: Includes port surcharges, permits, and landing fees.
  • Wi-fi: Basic Wi-fi complimentary; upgrade available for a fee.
  • Crew Tips/Gratuities
  • Daily Meals, snacks, tea, coffee, and house beer, soda, and wine during lunch and dinner.
  • Expedition Equipment: Loaned muck boots, a waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket, and access to the onboard doctor and medical clinic.
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Beverages: Alcoholic drinks and sodas outside of happy hour / dinner time.
  • All passengers travelling with Terra Nova Expeditions on Antarctic Expeditions are required to carry travel insurance that includes emergency evacuation and repatriation from Antarctica, with a minimum coverage of $250,000 USD.

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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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