Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Your itinerary begins in Ushuaia where after having arrived independently you will be transferred to a conveniently located hotel for an included overnight stay. Spend some time exploring the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city and enjoy a good night’s rest in preparation for the adventures that lie ahead.

This morning you will be free to explore the city, with time for some last-minute shopping or an excursion into the beautiful surrounding countryside. In the afternoon you will join the transfer to the port for embarkation and after settling into your cabin and attending some safety briefings, you can make your way out on deck to watch the city lights fade behind as your ship sets sail through the scenic Beagle Channel.

The adventure begins as your ship sails through the famous Drake Passage on the way to Antarctica. Whilst at sea you can enjoy the informative and entertaining lecture and talk programme, taking in everything from the wildlife and geology you will encounter on your expedition to the history of Antarctic exploration. Your expedition team will be comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure. Make sure to spend some time on deck looking out for albatross and whales following in the ship’s wake, and as we approach the South Shetland Islands keep your cameras on hand for your first of many iceberg photographs.

Welcome to the majestic wilderness of Antarctica where we will have ample time to explore the wonders of this magical area with its awe-inspiring scenery and unique wildlife. In true expedition style our exact itinerary here will be dependent on ice and weather conditions, with your captain deciding each day on the best course to take to make the most of our time here and to offer the very best experiences and sights. On arrival we will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. Weather dependent there will be at least 2 Zodiac excursions per day, bringing you up close to Antarctica’s best spectacles, and searching for wildlife including a variety of seal species, whales, and of course numerous penguin rookeries.

Step foot on the white continent with your team of experts who will offer insight into some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to these remote areas, and there should be time to visit an abandoned whaling station or a working scientific research station to gain a new perspective on life at the bottom of the world. For the adventurous there will be ample opportunities for optional kayaking excursions and overnight camping on ice (please enquire for prices and availability) and we highly recommend a polar plunge, an exhilarating experience that is only for the brave!

As one of the most exciting elements of your voyage draws closer, your experienced captain will guide your fully equipped ice-strengthened vessel further south along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula to reach our aim of crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle. With your crew keeping a close on weather conditions, we will venture further south than most travellers will have ever been. On the way you will want to be out on deck as we pass colossal icebergs of all shapes and sizes and keep our eyes peeled for sightings of huge penguin colonies, seabirds and various sea mammals. With favourable sea conditions we will reach our goal and celebrate crossing the Circle in style!

On day 9 your ship will turn to sail northwards for the first time for a further exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Enjoy further Zodiac excursions and keep an eye out for more memorable wildlife encounters, including whales, seals, penguins and birdlife. Keeping a relaxed itinerary there may be more opportunities for a polar plunge or optional kayaking and camping on ice excursions.

As your exhilarating time in Antarctica comes to end it’s time to head back across the Drake Passage on our way back to Ushuaia. Enjoy the last of the informative lecture programme, some more wildlife spotting on deck, and some time to reflect on the wonderful experiences you will have had during your time at the bottom of the world.

Arrival back into the port of Ushuaia signals the end of our exciting Antarctic adventure. Disembarkation will begin after breakfast and a complimentary transfer will be provided either to the airport for onward flights or to a downtown location should you wish to extend your stay here.