The Antarctic Circle

The Antarctic Circle 15 days

Prices From £11,752pp
January to March | 14 nights

Up To 15% Off!

Single Cabins Available

The Antarctic Circle 15 days

Aboard: Ocean Albatros The Discoverer

Join us on this exciting expedition experience down to the Antarctic Circle, via the South Shetland Islands. Sailing in ultimate comfort, we begin this fantastic expedition at the southernmost tip of South America and sail into the formidable Drake Passage towards the South Shetland Islands. Here you will enjoy an initial exploration before we chart a course deep south towards the Antarctic Circle! After some exciting ice navigation, we will reach the remote and wild lands below the Circle and celebrate in style before sailing back north to discover more of the Peninsula. This once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica cruise will allow you the opportunity to become one of only a few people to have ever ventured this far south! What's more, with an overnight stay in a beautiful hotel in Ushuaia before your voyage included, you will also have some time to discover the wonders of this city at the bottom of the world.

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

Highlights

  • Spectacular scenery
  • Crossing the Antarctic Circle!
  • Amazing avian and marine wildlife
  • Historical associations
  • Sail in ultimate comfort
  • Exciting camping on ice and kayaking options (fees apply)
  • Onboard photography coach
  • Citizen Science programme
  • Enjoy an included luxury overnight stay in Ushuaia before your voyage

What's Included

  • One night pre-expedition stay at the Arakur Resort and Spa in Ushuaia
  • Transfers to and from ship
  • Full Board accommodation on board ship including world class cuisine and beer/wine/soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Complimentary expedition parka
  • Use of rubber boots
  • Zodiac excursions and shore landings
  • Programme of expert lectures
  • Onboard photography coach
  • Citizen Science programme

Up To 15% Off!

Book select departures and receive up to 15% discount off select cabins!

Offer applicable when booked before 4th June 2026

Applies to new bookings on select departure dates. Discount may fluctuate depending on cabin chosen. Offers may be discontinued at any time. Full terms and conditions apply. / Available on selected dates/vessels.

Single Cabins Available

This vessel offers single occupancy cabins, which is a perfect option for solo travellers. Travelling alone is often the best way to see the world. No responsibilities, no difficult choices and no trying to please anyone else…just you, your itinerary and your adventurous spirit!

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Ushuaia
1Day

Ushuaia

Arrive independently to Ushuaia, Argentina’s southernmost city, and spend some time enjoying the sights of the city. Ushuaia is the gateway to Tierra del Fuego National Park and is famed for its Argentinean leather markets.

An overnight stay in the beautiful Arakur Resort and Spa in Ushuaia is included in the price of your package. On the evening of day 1 you can attend an optional briefing to meet your fellow travellers and ask any questions you may have about the adventures ahead.

Embarkation
2Day

Embarkation

In the morning you will have time to explore more of this unique Argentinean city before embarkation begins in the afternoon. Your expedition team and ship's officers will welcome you on board and after a safety and orientation briefing you can enjoy the Captain's welcome dinner with your new shipmates. As you settle into your comfortable cabin, in the early evening your ship will sail through the Beagle Channel, past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.

Drake Passage
3 - 4Days

Drake Passage

As your ship sails through the famous Drake Passage towards the white continent you can enjoy entertaining presentations and talks from your onboard Polar experts who will give you some fascinating insights into the wildlife, history and geology of Antarctica, as well as safety and bi-environmental briefings for your time on the Peninsula. During these days at sea you will want to have your camera ready for some spectacular sights, from the first spottings of icebergs to an array of seabirds and whale species that may follow the ship. For those interested in Citizen Science projects you can take part in Sea Bird sighting surveys, or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the way.

As your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence you will notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean and prepare to fully explore this magnificent region.

South Shetland Islands
5Day

South Shetland Islands

Welcome to Antarctica, where towering icebergs and spectacular scenery combines with a flurry of wildlife activity to create one of nature’s most impressive spectacles. Your time in Antarctica will include a relaxed itinerary, with your Captain and Expedition Leaders choosing each day the best places to visit and explore dependent on ice, weather and opportunity. Exploring by Zodiac you will visit some of the most scenic bays and channels, making stops at penguin colonies, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.

Your first land visits in Antarctica are likely to be in the South Shetland Islands where you will find an abundance of breathtaking scenery and beauty, as well as numerous Chinstrap penguins and Southern Elephant seals. Places we may visit here include historic Deception Island and Half Moon Island.

Antarctic Circle
6 - 9Days

Antarctic Circle

Sailing further south across the Bransfield Strait we will begin our quest to reach the Antarctic Circle. As these waters are significantly further south we can expect more pack ice, and as such your Captain will decide the best course to take to get the best opportunity of reaching the circle and landings sites that are of the most interest.

You can expect to sail through the spectacular waterways of the Crystal Sound as well as exploring seldom-visited areas like Detaille and Horseshoe Island. After reaching as far south as possible below the Circle and celebrating our achievement, your ship will return northwards to cruise through the narrow waterways and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Antarctica
10 - 12Days

Antarctica

Heading back north your ship will enter the Trinity Coast and Gerlache Strait. Your days will be spent exploring by Zodiac in search of unique scenic experiences and wildlife encounters. You can expect to witness an abundance of penguins including Adelies, Chinstraps and Gentoos, as well as Weddell, Crabeater, Antarctic Fur and predatory Leopard seals. In the waterways you are likely to see Minke and Humpback whales, and if lucky you may even catch sight of the elusive Orcas that frequent the region in the late season.

Your itinerary here will be flexible but places you may explore include the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel, picturesque Neko Harbour, the Humpback whale favoured Wilhelmina Bay, the stunning Lemaire Channel and sheltered Paradise Harbour. There may also be opportunity to stop at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as an historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.

For the more adventurous there will be ample opportunities for optional kayaking excursions and thrilling camping on ice experiences. These activities are subject to availability and must be booked in advance.

Drake Passage
13 - 14Days

Drake Passage

As you leave the magic of Antarctica behind it’s time to head back towards Ushuaia as your ship sails back through the Drake Passage, followed by an abundance of seabirds. Take the time to reflect on what will have been an unforgettable journey and join your fellow shipmates at a special slideshow presentation to commemorate the expedition.

Ushuaia
15Day

Ushuaia

After sailing through the scenic Beagle Channel your ship will reach Ushuaia in the early hours of the morning, allowing for disembarkation in time to catch onward or homeward flights. If you wish to spend more time in Ushuaia there are numerous options for excursions including trips to the beautiful Tierra del Fuego National Park.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Ocean Albatros
Luxury  first class vessel

Ocean Albatros

The brand-new (November 2022) Ocean Albatros has been built to the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A and is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to its sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves. Designed to surpass environmentally friendly standards, the Ocean Albatros is part of the Green Initiative Program and is a low-energy vessel with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel consumption. The ship will have more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels. The vessel also features a Solas 2012 classification which facilitates a safe return to port.

There are 95 very comfortable and stylishly furnished staterooms and suites, which are split into 9 different categories with varying features, with many offering unobstructed sea views and many which also offer a private balcony. 12 dedicated solo travel cabins are also available without a single supplement. The communal areas on board this high-end vessel include 2 restaurants, an Albatros Nordic Bar, a fantastic panorama sauna, open-air swimming pool with lounging deck and jacuzzis, an open deck dining area, wellness area with gym and Polar spa, an observation lounge, boutique giftshop and a modern lecture theatre.

The Discoverer
Mid range vessel

The Discoverer

Blending true expedition capability with contemporary comfort, the Discoverer is a refined small ship designed for immersive exploration in the polar regions. Carrying a limited number of guests, it maintains an intimate, boutique atmosphere while offering the strength and agility needed to navigate remote, ice-filled waters. With an ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs, and expansive outer decks for wildlife viewing and photography, Discoverer ensures guests can experience dramatic landscapes and wildlife encounters up close, rather than from a distance.

On board, a recent refurbishment has introduced bright, modern interiors and enhanced public spaces that feel both welcoming and stylish. Guests can relax in the panoramic Observation Lounge, attend expert-led talks in the lecture theatre, or unwind in the wellness centre with its sauna and spa facilities. The restaurant offers a relaxed setting for international cuisine, while outdoor jacuzzis provide a memorable way to take in the scenery. Accommodation ranges from comfortable staterooms with ocean views to spacious suites with private balconies, creating a restful retreat between each day’s unforgettable adventures.

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

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

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

Sheena’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

Ready 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

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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