Antarctica - Crossing the Circle
South Shetlands Islands, Antarctica and Crossing the Circle 11 Days
Single Cabins Available
South Shetlands Islands, Antarctica and Crossing the Circle 11 Days
Aboard: Ocean Albatros Ocean Victory
On this 11-day inspiring cruise, we explore the Great White Continent's magnificent landscapes, glacial mountains, and incredible wildlife before reaching 66°33′ – the Antarctic Circle.
As our voyage begins, we pilot through the calm, gunmetal grey waters and sloping glaciers of Beagle Channel. Turning southward, our journey begins in earnest, and we enter Drake Passage. A body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard your expedition vessel, Ocean Victory/Albatros, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines, and the patented reclining bow, which ensures stability and comfort in rough sea as well as having very low fuel consumption. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!
In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. These nutrient rich waters lure a wealth of seabirds, albatrosses, and several species of whales. Weather permitting, we catch our first sight of seals and penguins!
With widen eyes, we will weave through the South Shetland Islands, a pearly necklace of glistering, ice-covered islands and dormant volcanoes. Numerous Zodiac excursions are landfalls are likely. We are constantly on the lookout for whales, sea lions, elephant seals and an unbelievable amount of sea birds and penguins.
Continuing onward, we enjoy the calming silence and alluring beauty of the Antarctic mainland during hikes and Zodiac excursions. Spread in isolation along the coast, we also see a number of manned and unmanned research stations, which we aim to visit before accomplishing our goal – crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ south. Here, the sun is up for 24-hours a day during the austral summer. Our expedition may include visits to sites such as Pleneau and Petermann Islands, Crystal Sound and Fish Island.
Dense pack ice forbids many ordinary vessels from reach this far south, but with a high ice-class rating, Ocean Victory/Albatros moves swiftly carrying us on an adventure for life.
Various departures available aboard 2 different vessels. Please enquire for full dates & rates.
Highlights
- Cross the famed Drake Passage - the intersection of the Antarctic with Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
- Spot sea birds, albatross and several species of whale
- Admire the unique Antarctic wildlife
- Landings at penguin rookeries
- Explore the captivating landscapes of South Shetland Islands
- Discover the dramatic Lemaire Channel
- Shoeshoeing, Camping on Ice and Kayaking available (select departures - fees apply)
What's Included
- 11-days/10 nights cruise on a full board basis with breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon snacks
- Shuttle transfer from city centre to ship/from ship to city centre or airport (Ushuaia)
- All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
- Expedition parka
- Rubber boot rentals
- Special Photo Workshop
- English-speaking expedition team
- Free tea and coffee daily
- Guiding and lectures by our experienced expedition leader and team
- Special photo workshop
- Welcome and farewell cocktails
- Port and authority fees and taxes
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!
So much to experience
Our popularitinerary Suggestions
All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable
ARRIVAL USHUAIA
AT SEA - CROSS DRAKE PASSAGE
SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
DEPART ANTARCTICA - AT SEA
BACK TO USHUAIA AND DISEMBARKATION
A view from Above
All Aboard
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
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.
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
Chat Now
Request a
callback
Fill in our
Enquiry form
Book a
Consultation
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