Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Quest for the Antarctic Circle 14 days

Prices From £7,999pp
December to February | 13 nights

Up to 25% Discount!

Quest for the Antarctic Circle 14 days

Aboard: MS Expedition

This special Antarctic expedition not only introduces you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, with daily opportunities for exploration and wildlife encounters, but also heads far south seeking to cross the polar circle itself!

See leopard seals lazing on ice floes, immense rookeries of penguins surrounded by towering glaciers and majestic icebergs and become one of the very few people to have ever achieved the feat of crossing the Antarctic Circle. Try optional kayaking for an even more exhilarating ice experience. The Expedition’s expert guides and lecturers offer knowledge and insight that really bring the nature and history of the region to life, creating the adventure of a lifetime.

Various departures available. Please enquire for full rates and dates.

Highlights

  • Amazing avian and marine wildlife
  • Cross the Antarctic Circle!
  • Spectacular land and icescape scenery
  • Follow in the footsteps of great explorers
  • Photo workshop and shore visits accompanied by expert photographers
  • Kayaking and Camping on Ice options available

What's Included

  • One night's hotel accommodation in Ushuaia pre-cruise
  • Full board accommodation on board ship
  • Photo workshops with photography expert
  • Shore and Zodiac excursions
  • Programme of expert lectures
  • Expedition parka and loan of waterproof boots
  • Transfers to and from ship

Up to 25% Discount!

Book select departures by 31st October and receive up to 25% discount off the rates for select cabins!

Offer applicable when booked before 1st November 2024

Applies to new bookings and is subject to availability. Discount will fluctuate depending on departure date and cabin selected. Full terms & conditions apply. / Available on selected dates/vessels.

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Ushuaia, Argentina
1Day

Ushuaia, Argentina

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.



Ushuaia - Embarkation
2Day

Ushuaia - Embarkation

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 Drake Passage
3 - 4Days

The Drake Passage

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.

Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands
5 - 6Days

Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands

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!

The Polar Circle Crossing
7 - 8Days

The Polar Circle Crossing

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!

The Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands
9 - 11Days

The Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands

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.



The Drake Passage
12 - 13Days

The Drake Passage

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.



Ushuaia
14Day

Ushuaia

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.

A view from Above

All Aboard

MS Expedition
Mid range vessel

MS Expedition

The MS Expedition provides an intimate small-ship cruising experience. Completely refurbished in 2009, all cabins have ocean-facing windows or portholes and private en-suite facilities. Common areas include 360 degree observation deck, lounge, dining room, library, bar, gift shop, clinic, computer room, gym, sauna, gift shop and mud room. Passengers also have access to rubber boots. The ship has ice-strengthened hull, forward looking sonar and stabilisers.

we work hard to earn passionate reviews from our clients.

4.9
44 Google reviews

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 Martin

Overall 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, Malta

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.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Sheena’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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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 Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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