Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Quest for the Antarctic Circle 13 Days

Prices From £11,263pp
December to February | 12 nights

Up To 15% Discount!

Single Cabins Available

Quest for the Antarctic Circle 13 Days

Aboard: Ocean Albatros Ocean Victory

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic adventure, where the rhythms of the sea, ice, and wildlife guide your exploration. With no set itinerary, this expedition offers a true sense of discovery as we travel through some of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes. Starting from Ushuaia, Argentina, we will cross the famous Drake Passage and navigate towards the Antarctic Peninsula, where the stunning beauty of towering glaciers, dramatic icebergs, and snow-covered peaks await. This journey allows you to experience Antarctica in its purest form, with daily Zodiac landings and excursions to penguin rookeries, research stations, and scenic bays teeming with marine life.

As we venture deeper into Antarctica, we will head towards the Antarctic Circle, a feat many explorers have strived to achieve. The vast, untouched wilderness will unfold before you, with the opportunity to witness humpback whales, seals, and penguins in their natural habitat. With no fixed route, the journey adapts to the conditions of the sea and weather, allowing you to fully embrace the unpredictable nature of this majestic continent. This expedition offers extra time to immerse yourself in the landscape, providing a more in-depth experience of one of the most pristine places on Earth.

For experienced photographers, an immersive photography program is also available on this trip, pairing you with a small group and an award-winning photography instructor. Daily outings under the watchful eye of your instructor will help you make the most of every photographic opportunity, while onboard workshops and reviews will cover shot selection, artistic refinement, and image processing. The cost for the photography program on this trip is $495 USD and pre-booking is recommended.

Various departures available. Some departures may spend longer in the South Shetland Islands.

Highlights

  • Enjoy true expedition exploration, with no set itinerary, and a route shaped by the rhythms of the sea, ice, and wildlife
  • Optional immersive photography program available for experienced photographers, led by an award-winning photography instructor (fees apply)
  • Explore penguin rookeries, historical sites, and research stations on thrilling Zodiac landings and land visits
  • Journey south to reach the Antarctic Circle, an unforgettable feat
  • Glide past towering glaciers, massive icebergs, and snow-covered peaks
  • Encounter humpback whales, seals, and penguins in their natural habitats
  • Learn from an experienced Expedition Team through specially crafted lectures and guided explorations
  • Kayaking options available (select departures – fees apply)

What's Included

  • Overnight pre-expedition hotel accommodation 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% Discount!

Book select departures now and receive up to 15% discount off select cabins! Price shown reflects discount.

Offer applicable when booked before 6th July 2026

Full terms & conditions apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. / 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.

Ushuaia - Embark
2Day

Ushuaia - Embark

In the morning you will have further 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.

At Sea - Drake Passage
3 - 4Days

At Sea - Drake Passage

The next 2 days will be spent at sea sailing across the legendary Drake Passage. The Drake Passage is notoriously changeable, but your exceptional purpose-built vessel is more than equipped to deal with any crossing with ease. Whilst on board you can make the most of the ship’s fantastic facilities, attend some of the informative lectures and presentations on offer, spend time on deck looking out for seabirds and whales following the ship, or simply relax and prepare for your time in Antarctica.

As we get closer to the South Shetland Islands and the first of many icebergs start to appear on the horizon, the sea temperature drops and the abundance of wildlife increases in these biologically rich waters, known to be some of the most productive on Earth. Keep an eye out for petrels, albatrosses, and possibly penguins, seals, and whales. Weather permitting, we may explore the South Shetland Islands, a stunning archipelago to the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, on the afternoon of our second day in the Drake Passage, marking the beginning of our exploration of the Last Continent.

Antarctica Adventure
5 - 10Days

Antarctica Adventure

Welcome to the heart of Antarctica! This unique Antarctic expedition offers the opportunity to experience the continent in its raw, uncharted form, with no fixed itinerary, allowing us to adapt to the conditions and embrace whatever nature offers. Departing during the peak of the Antarctic summer when sea ice is at its maximum, we will navigate the ice-filled wilderness with flexibility, guided by the Expedition Leader and Captain. Our route will focus on showcasing the incredible landscapes, wildlife, and history of the region, including majestic glaciers, vast icebergs, and lively penguin colonies.

During the voyage, we’ll likely explore places like Paradise Bay, where we’ll glide through icebergs by Zodiac, and Cuverville Island to see the resident penguins fiercely protecting their eggs. We’ll hope to visit Neko Harbour’s active glaciers, where ice cascades into the sea, and explore historic huts at Damoy Point. Zodiac safaris in Wilhelmina Bay may offer the chance to see humpback whales up close, while cruising the Lemaire Channel or Antarctic Sound provides breathtaking views of towering tabular icebergs. We’ll also hope to push far south across the Antarctic Circle and celebrate in style as we cross this invisible boundary. Throughout the journey, expect to witness a thriving array of wildlife, including penguins caring for their chicks, fur seals, and the increasing presence of humpback whales as they return from migration. This flexible itinerary ensures a truly immersive Antarctic experience, where nature guides the adventure every step of the way.

At Sea - Drake Passage
11 - 12Days

At Sea - Drake Passage

As our extraordinary Antarctic adventure draws to a close, we begin our journey back across the Drake Passage to Ushuaia. This is a perfect time to relax and reflect on the experience, whether by enjoying a drink with fellow travellers, revisiting the photos you’ve taken, or taking part in special activities to celebrate your voyage. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy final lectures and presentations, helping you process the incredible sights and memories of the trip.

On the final evening, join the Captain and Officers for a Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a special photo and video presentation curated by the onboard photographer. This is a wonderful way to relive the highlights of your Antarctic journey and share the memories of this unforgettable expedition.

Ushuaia - Disembark
13Day

Ushuaia - Disembark

After an overnight journey through the Beagle Channel, we will arrive back in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark following breakfast. A transfer to the airport or downtown Ushuaia will be provided for your convenience. If you're interested in extending your stay, there are several exciting options to explore more of Argentina or even venture into Brazil. Please don't hesitate to ask for further details if you'd like to learn more about these opportunities.

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.

Ocean Victory
Luxury  first class vessel

Ocean Victory

The luxury, brand-new (November 2021) Ocean Victory expedition vessel is one of the most modern and stylish small ship vessels on the market. With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, this sturdy vessel features 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 Victory 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 vessel also features a Solas 2012 classification which facilitates a safe return to port.

The 93 very comfortable and stylishly furnished staterooms and suites, which are split into 9 different categories with varying features, all offer unobstructed sea views and the majority of these also offer a private balcony. Dedicated solo travel cabins are also available without a single supplement. The communal areas on board this high-end vessel include several restaurants, a Nordic Bar, a BBQ deck, open-air swimming pool with lounging deck and jacuzzi, wellness area with gym and Polar spa, an observation lounge, library, boutique giftshop and a modern lecture theatre.

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

I want to thank you for all you did to make my recent Falklands trip run so smoothly and comfortably. Thank you for all your help over the diet too.

Dr Lorna Mairs

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.

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.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

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.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Sheena 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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Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
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+ 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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