Ultimate Antarctic Circle Crossing

After arrival at the airport, transfer to a partnered hotel in Patagonia. The rest of the day is free to rest or explore Ushuaia.

An optional evening briefing provides an opportunity to ask questions and meet other travelers.

Spend the morning at the hotel, visit a museum, or explore the shops in Ushuaia before the mid-afternoon transfer to the ship.

After embarkation, the Expedition Team and ship staff assist with check-in and cabin orientation. A mandatory safety and orientation briefing follows, along with a welcome dinner hosted by the Captain. The voyage then begins toward Antarctica.

Join the Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in pioneering Citizen Science program, or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely-seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort the ship as it cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures, your cue to get ready for that first iceberg sighting, an unforgettable moment on every journey.

Over time, the volcanic activity of the South Shetland Islands has created a geology unlike any other. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals. Whales are often spotted as well. So, you settle into the Zodiacs and kayaks and spend most of your day exploring. Whether on land or sea, in Zodiac or kayak, be prepared for a fully immersive introduction to this incomparable part of the world.

Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, the outline of the Antarctic Peninsula comes into view. Wildlife sightings, including penguins, whales, and fur seals, become more frequent, as do dramatic sculptural icebergs. With extra time to explore, possibilities abound. Historic sites like the huts at Damoy Point can be visited, while humpback whales may be spotted in Wilhelmina Bay. Twice-daily outings continue until reaching the Lemaire Channel, considered the crown jewel of this expedition. Weather permitting, the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S is crossed, a rare achievement. Following a tradition first established by sailors crossing the equator, the occasion is celebrated before continuing toward historic and rarely visited British Survey bases, then returning north.

Heading north, all the Antarctic Peninsula has to offer can be explored, including any number of bays and famed landing sites, maneuvering through dramatic channels while traversing the wildlife-rich waters and encountering a wide variety of lively penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea. There are always opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites along the way, leaving no opportunity unseized to explore the very best of this magical place.

Leave this magical place and head north, once again heading across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. A final celebration marks the conclusion of the expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

With huge smiles on weary, content faces, disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.