Beyond the Polar Circle
This voyage explores a number of historically significant Antarctic areas, such as the very rarely visited Bellingshausen Sea, Marguerite Bay, and Alexander Island.
Beyond the Polar Circle - Wilkins Ice Shelf 16 Days
Beyond the Polar Circle - Wilkins Ice Shelf 16 Days
Aboard: M/V Hondius
This voyage is a true expedition, exploring the rarely visited region of the Bellingshausen Sea, Marguerite Bay, and Alexander Island. We explore many of the places discovered by Adrien de Gerlache on his Belgian Antarctic Expedition (1897 – 1899) aboard the Belgica. This voyage leaves Ushuaia and heads straight beyond Antarctic Circle, where we aim to spend the rest of the trip. The variety of landings and wilderness in this region are rivalled by few other places on Earth.
We will see Antarctic ice shelves, land on islands where few people have set foot, and enjoy this awe-inspiring area far from the beaten track of regular Antarctic cruises. We may also see a range of exotic wildlife, including humpback and minke whales, orcas, and a variety of seals: leopard, elephant, crabeater, Weddell, Antarctic fur, and maybe even a Ross seal. Gentoo and Adélie penguins, skuas, terns, and giant petrels are just some of the bird species we may see as well.
Highlights
- Focus on places discovered by Adrien De Gerlache on his Belgian Antarctic Expedition
- See Antarctic ice shelves and land on islands where few people have set foot
- See a range of exotic wildlife, including humpback and minke whales, orcas, and a variety of seals.
- Visit Horseshoe Island, an Antarctic island off western Graham Land, at the entrance to Square Bay
- Gentoo and Adélie penguins, skuas, terns, and giant petrels are just some of the bird species you may see
- Kayaking available (select departures - fees apply)
What's Included
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
So much to experience
Our popularitinerary Suggestions
All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable
Ushuaia, Argentina
At Sea - Drake Passage
Through the Pendleton Strait
Detaille Island & The Gullet
Porquoi Pas and Horseshoe Islands
George IV and Wilkins Ice Shelf
Jenny and Leonie Islands
Lagoon and Mikkelsen Islands
At Sea - Drake Passage
Disembark in Ushuaia
A view from Above
All Aboard
M/V Hondius
A brand-new (2019) deluxe vessel that has been built to the very highest Polar Class for ice-strengthened vessels. The first civilian vessel in the world to receive a Polar Class 6 notation and designed to fully comply with the mandatory requirements of the Polar code, the M/V Hondius leads the way for both safe ship operation and protection of the Polar environment.
Providing deluxe accommodation for up to 170 passengers, the M/V Hondius offers one of the highest comfort experiences of all vessels which operate in the Polar Regions. The accommodation onboard is provided in numerous suites of varying sizes, from the Hondius Suite to quadruple porthole cabins, with all cabins having either a balcony, large windows or portholes. Each cabin has been custom-designed and impeccably outfitted in a stylish décor.
The M/V Hondius has been designed to offer a deluxe feel whilst still maintaining a sense of cosy camaraderie, with welcoming communal, observation and dining areas. An entire deck has been dedicated to space for lectures and presentations, and every element of the vessel has been thoroughly thought-out to provide the very best passenger experience.
The vessel features a sheltered Zodiac boarding zone making joining and returning from land-based excursions fast and easy, and has been built to exceed the latest Green requirements imposed by the International Maritime Organisation to ensure that your trip causes as little impact as possible on the areas you will visit.
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 SuttonJust 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, MaltaToo 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.
Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Amy’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.
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.
Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.
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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Book a
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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