Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Quest for the Antarctic Circle 11 days
Quest for the Antarctic Circle 11 days
Aboard: Akademik Ioffe
This unique expedition provides a modern twist on a much loved classic. Utilizing our decades of experience, this innovative itinerary allows us to reach our objective of the Antarctic Circle in just 11 days. From Punta Arenas in Chile we fly to the embarkation point of Stanley in the Falkland Islands. Crossing south to Antarctica we witness the magnificent pelagic seabirds of the southern ocean, including the Wandering albatross. This ocean habitat is a fascinating ecosystem in its own right. Navigating our way towards the Circle, we enjoy seven days of off-ship exploration along the Antarctic Peninsula, visiting a large number of landing sites and cruising among the ice floes in our Zodiac boats.
We hope to reach the Antarctic Circle in the vicinity of Detaille Island. Over the course of the voyage, we plan to visit several classic locations such as Petermann Island, and the iceberg ‘graveyard’ at Pleneau Island. We transit the Lemaire Channel if ice conditions permit and make continental landings at Paradise Harbour or nearby Neko Harbour. Each day we explore on shore by foot, observing wildlife colonies, visiting historic huts and science bases, photographing icebergs and soaking up the incredible landscapes. We complete our voyage with visits to several locations in the South Shetland Islands, including Deception Island. From King George Island we fly back to South America in just two hours. For a relatively short voyage, this trip packs a serious punch and offers fantastic diversity of scenery, wildlife, historic and scientific interest.
In depth, pre-expedition tours of the Falkland Islands can be added to this itinerary. This tour can also be combined with a Weddell Sea & Falklands cruise aboard the same ship to create one epic Antarctic voyage. Please ask for details.
Highlights
- Cross the Antarctic Circle
- Spectacular scenery
- Amazing marine wildlife
- Myriad birdlife
- Fly the Drake
What's Included
- Flights from Punta Arenas to Stanley & King George Island to Punta Arenas
- Full board accommodation on board ship
- 1 night hotel stay in Punta Arenas post-expedition
- Loan of waterproof boots
- All zodiac excursions and landings
- Programme of expert lectures
So much to experience














Too much to choose from? This is where we come in
Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Antarctica adventure for you.

As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.

Mike lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.

With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Zoe knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.
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Our popularitinerary Suggestions
All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable
Punta Arenas, Chile to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
At Sea towards Antarctica
King George Island and Antarctic Peninsula
Towards the Antarctic Circle and Gerlache Coastline
Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
King George Island to Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas
A view from Above
All Aboard

Akademik Ioffe
Built in Finland in 1989 as a Russian polar research vessel, the Akademik Ioffe, was operating as One Ocean Navigator until recently, is a comfortable, stable, ice-strengthened ship with all the facilities for modern expedition cruising. There is a mixture of suites and cabins, all with windows or portholes and some with private facilities. Public areas include dining room, lounge, bar, library with forward facing windows, multi-media room with Apple Mac computers and photo management software, presentation room, mud room, passenger lift and gift shop. There is also a wellness centre, sauna, spa, salt-water plunge pool, fitness room and infirmary. Along with plenty of open deck space, there is a top deck with 360degrees views and a small observatory with spotting scope. The ship has an open-bridge policy.
we work hard to earn passionate reviews from our clients.

Now that I am back from my odyssey voyage, I thought I would let you know that after all that planning it really did exceed my expectations – we managed landings everywhere even on Tristan da Cuhna and had great bird sightings. The guides all knew what they were talking about too and made sure I got some great photos – still sorting them all out! Thanks for everything and see you at Birdfair!
Dave MartinOverall I think that it was an excellent trip that was well worth the price paid and I would have no hesitation recommending your company to others.
Steve Sutton
Just a quick note to express my sincere thanks to you and all your staff for making this an epic adventure of immense proportions. Everything went smoothly, pickups, hotels and most of all the expedition itself. Truly a mind blowing experience unlike any I have ever taken.
Mr J Borg, MaltaReady to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?
Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?
Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us - 0800 195 3385
Chat Now
Request a
callback
Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book a
Consultation