Setting foot in Antarctica is a polar achievement few people have the privilege to experience. This extraordinary voyage offers the opportunity to cross the Antarctica Circle and venture beyond it, discovering a rarely seen, isolated world.
Humpback whales swim alongside the ship, leopard seals dive beneath Zodiacs and penguins slide off ice floes into crystal clear waters. Discover a world littered with gigantic icebergs, snow-clad mountains and swathes of pack-ice. This small-ship expedition sails beyond the Antarctic Peninsula, with an aim to reach the Antarctic Circle.
As you thread through narrow channels, watch giant petrels soaring above and seals resting on the ice. Feel an added sense of excitement and celebration as you push south and cross the Antarctic Circle.
A typical Polar Circle itinerary is shown below, however we offer a choice of itineraries, expedition vessels and cabin types to suit your requirements.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Embark in Ushuaia
Set sail in the early evening, leaving Ushuaia behind and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.
Days2-3: At sea, start your journey towards the Antarctic Circle
Over the next two days you’ll make your way to the white continent by crossing the Drake Passage.
The crossing will take you to the Antarctic Convergence where there is a distinct drop in temperature as the vessel enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Along the way, you will start to witness icebergs and an array of seabirds, and possibly several species of whale.
Days4-9: Sail south towards the Antarctic Circle
Sailing south, your route takes you towards the fabled Antarctic Circle. You will navigate the waterways and channels and enjoy excursions each day, looking for penguins and other wildlife.
The steep glacial walls of Lemaire Channel tower above, leading to a jigsaw of jewel-like islands that are home to penguin rookeries, various whales and seals including elephant, leopard and crabeater – a paradise for photographers!
As you cross the Polar Circle at 66˚ 33’ south and enter the rarely visited waters beyond, the temperature drops. South of the circle, you'll attempt a landing, and may have the chance to visit a research station. This is a special journey taking in wildlife, scenery and history of the region.
Days10-11: Drake Passage
Sail back across the infamous Drake Passage, with sightings of whales, dolphins and seabirds.
Day12: Arrive in Ushuaia & disembark
Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your chosen vessel, departure date and local conditions.
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 11-15 daysfrom £7,215 ppPlancius: from £7,215 pp
Hondius: from £8,185 pp
Greg Mortimer: from £13,915 pp
Sylvia Earle: from £13,915 pp
Seaventure: from £14,080 pp
Ocean Explorer: from £14,600 pp
Ultramarine: from £18,695 pp
The Antarctic Peninsula is the most accessible part of the great white continent with some of its best wildlife and scenery. Ice-choked waterways, sculpted icebergs, imposing glaciers and rugged mountains provide the backdrop to an area with more whales and dolphins than anywhere else on earth.
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Ideal for viewing: humpback whale, minke whale, orca, South polar skua, Adélie penguin
The Lemaire Channel is an 11 kilometre strait off Antarctica leading to a jigsaw of jewel like islands. Filled with icebergs and hemmed in by steep glacial cliffs, the waters are calm and passing through it makes for an unforgettably scenic journey, upon which orca or humpback whales may be seen.
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The Greg Mortimer introduces an exciting new generation of ship for cruising in the Polar regions. Purpose-built for expedition cruising with a uniquely designed ice-strengthened hull to provide a more comfortable voyage, this small ship can venture into remote areas that larger vessels cannot reach.
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With decades of experience in polar expedition cruising, this vessel is purpose built for enjoying polar wildlife highlights. Every aspect of this innovative ship has been considered to make your polar voyage an incredible experience, from beautiful, comfortable rooms, to the excursions and everything between.
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The Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant, and purpose-built for polar exploration. It features spacious and luxurious cabins, ample outdoor viewing areas, and the latest sustainability technology. The ship offers a luxurious and comfortable sailing experience, allowing you to intimately connect with the polar wilderness.
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The Plancius accommodates a maximum of 108 passengers in cabins ranging from triple to superior, all with outside view and private facilities. She offers a range of itineraries in Antarctica and the Arctic, and the large open deck spaces offer excellent opportunities to watch wildlife.
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MS Seaventure is a spacious cruise ship, which not only meets the highest standards of safety for polar expeditions – 1-A Super Class Ice Vessel - but also offers fine cuisine and comfortable accommodation for its guests, with the option for numerous additional activities during Antarctic voyages.
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Described as ‘a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet’, the brand new, purpose-built Sylvia Earle combines the latest in cutting-edge technology with maximum comfort for polar exploration, and was named after the world-renowned marine biologist and oceanographer.
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Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters plus 20 quick-release Zodiac boats, Ultramarine offers passengers the next level in polar exploration. The opportunity to view frozen landscapes from above and to take impromptu wildlife viewing excursions speedily and efficiently, set it apart from other polar vessels.
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