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.
Venturing further south, encounter a diversity of wildlife that thrives in these icy extremes. Orcas slice through the water in pursuit of prey, while minke and fin whales surface among the floes. Leopard, Weddell and crabeater seals haul out on the ice, while Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins gather in bustling colonies. You may even spot the mighty blue whale this far south, a rare and humbling sight in a landscape ruled by ice.
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
-
Day 1:
Embark in Ushuaia
Set sail in the early evening, leaving Ushuaia behind and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.
-
Days 2-3
:
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.
-
Days 4-9
:
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.
-
Days 10-11
:
Drake Passage
Sail back across the infamous Drake Passage, with sightings of whales, dolphins and seabirds.
-
Day 12:
Arrive in Ushuaia & disembark
Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your chosen vessel, departure date and local conditions. Additional adventure activities are not available on every vessel and may incur an additional cost.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
To enhance your Antarctic adventure, why not extend your journey and discover more of South America’s natural and cultural wonders? Soak up the vibrant energy of
Buenos Aires, feel the spray of the mighty
Iguazú Falls, or explore the windswept wilderness of Patagonia. You could search for elusive pumas in
Torres del Paine or embark on a self-drive adventure through jaw-dropping Andean landscapes.
Ask us for ideas or more information on how to make the most of your time in the region.
LUXURY VESSEL
EXPEDITION VESSEL
LUXURY VESSEL
EXPEDITION VESSEL
EXPEDITION VESSEL
EXPEDITION VESSEL
LUXURY VESSEL
