Crossing 66º South Latitude

Crossing the Antarctic Circle


Antarctic Polar Circle
© Margarita de la Cruz

Duration: 15 days
Starts: Ushuaia
Ends: Ushuaia
Language: English Speaking Voyage


Included
Optional


Inside the Antarctic Circle beats the unbridled and capricious heart of wildest Antarctica.

This special voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula departs from Ushuaia, Argentina. Daylight grows longer and the air gets colder as you head south across the Drake Passage, accompanied by soaring albatross. Your first explorations of the White Continent are in the South Shetland Islands, historically important and rich with iconic Antarctic wildlife.

Next you visit the Gerlache Strait where immense glaciers, towering mountains, and blue icebergs form a picture-perfect setting for amazing marine mammal and penguin encounters. You continue south into rarely visited territory, crossing the Antarctic Circle and exploring wherever the wind and ice will allow.

Itinerary

© POS
© POS
© Agustin Ullmann

Day 1 | Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina (hotel night)
Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub.

For an introduction to local history and wildlife, the interesting Museo del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If you have time to spare, a variety of nature activities can be arranged to suit all interests and fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable Fuegian seafood.

Day2 | Welcome Aboard!
After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Ushuaia. Explore the delightful waterfront and savor views of the snowcapped Martial Range, the southernmost peaks of the Andes. Take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. For lunch, the many cafés, parrillas and gelato shops on Avenida San Martín will be sure to satisfy any appetite.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the luxury expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the scenery and gorgeous evening light as we pass through the Beagle Channel.

Day 3-4 | Across the Drake Passage
After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, you turn south to begin your crossing of the Drake Passage. You watch for humpback and fin whales along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. You also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by our lecture staff prepare you for our arrival in Antarctica. It is hoped to arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of our second day at sea.

Day 5-12 | South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
During the next eight days, we undertake an in-depth exploration of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here we also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities, some with gift shops and post offices.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first area of exploration. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife. You will also explore the supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals and bustling penguin colonies. It is planned to pass through the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains.

On this special voyage, you have additional days devoted to pushing even farther south in our attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle. The sublime icescapes in Crystal Sound and beyond are particularly austere, the weather is especially wild, and the waters are full of constantly shifting ice. Very few people have ventured this far south. This is a true expedition.

Throughout the islands and on the mainland, you find nesting colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side. It is a dramatic time at the colonies. While some parents remain at the nest to guard against skua attack, others go fishing in seas patrolled by predatory leopard seals and killer whales. Meanwhile, fluffy chicks are starting to explore away from their nests. Also at this time, humpback and minke whales have arrived in great numbers and the feeding frenzy in is full swing. Crabeater and Weddell seals abound in these highly productive waters.

In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. For sea kayakers, the wildlife-rich waters of Antarctica offer many chances to paddle with seals and penguins in some of the world’s most scenic waterways. To make the most of your time on the White Continent, you can also spend a night camping ashore, surrounded by untamed Antarctic nature.

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. The precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather and ice. Your experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment. With over 17 hours of daylight per day, every opportunity are seized to experience excellent wildlife viewing and amazing scenery on shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.

Day 13-14 | Back across the Drake Passage
It is now time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are your constant companions and there is always the possibility of whale encounters in these wild waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. Finally, as you enter the calm Beagle Channel, you enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.

Day 15 | Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
After yet another delicious breakfast on board, a fond farewell is bidded to you in Ushuaia. A group transfer is provided to the airport or to the city center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next polar adventure!

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina (hotel night)
Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub.

For an introduction to local history and wildlife, the interesting Museo del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If you have time to spare, a variety of nature activities can be arranged to suit all interests and fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable Fuegian seafood.

Day2 | Welcome Aboard!
After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Ushuaia. Explore the delightful waterfront and savor views of the snowcapped Martial Range, the southernmost peaks of the Andes. Take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. For lunch, the many cafés, parrillas and gelato shops on Avenida San Martín will be sure to satisfy any appetite.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the luxury expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the scenery and gorgeous evening light as we pass through the Beagle Channel.

Day 3-4 | Across the Drake Passage
After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, you turn south to begin your crossing of the Drake Passage. You watch for humpback and fin whales along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. You also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by our lecture staff prepare you for our arrival in Antarctica. It is hoped to arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of our second day at sea.

Day 5-12 | South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
During the next eight days, we undertake an in-depth exploration of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here we also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities, some with gift shops and post offices.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first area of exploration. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife. You will also explore the supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals and bustling penguin colonies. It is planned to pass through the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains.

On this special voyage, you have additional days devoted to pushing even farther south in our attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle. The sublime icescapes in Crystal Sound and beyond are particularly austere, the weather is especially wild, and the waters are full of constantly shifting ice. Very few people have ventured this far south. This is a true expedition.

Throughout the islands and on the mainland, you find nesting colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side. It is a dramatic time at the colonies. While some parents remain at the nest to guard against skua attack, others go fishing in seas patrolled by predatory leopard seals and killer whales. Meanwhile, fluffy chicks are starting to explore away from their nests. Also at this time, humpback and minke whales have arrived in great numbers and the feeding frenzy in is full swing. Crabeater and Weddell seals abound in these highly productive waters.

In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. For sea kayakers, the wildlife-rich waters of Antarctica offer many chances to paddle with seals and penguins in some of the world’s most scenic waterways. To make the most of your time on the White Continent, you can also spend a night camping ashore, surrounded by untamed Antarctic nature.

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. The precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather and ice. Your experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment. With over 17 hours of daylight per day, every opportunity are seized to experience excellent wildlife viewing and amazing scenery on shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.

Day 13-14 | Back across the Drake Passage
It is now time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are your constant companions and there is always the possibility of whale encounters in these wild waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. Finally, as you enter the calm Beagle Channel, you enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.

Day 15 | Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
After yet another delicious breakfast on board, a fond farewell is bidded to you in Ushuaia. A group transfer is provided to the airport or to the city center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next polar adventure!


© POS
© POS
© Agustin Ullmann


INCLUSIONS

• 1 pre-voyage night on Day 1 in Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa Hotel
• Group transfer from the airport to the hotel on the day prior to embarkation
• Group transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2
• Shipboard accommodation
• All meals on board throughout the voyage
• Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily
• All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions)
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team
• Branded expedition parka
• Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise
• Welcome and Farewell cocktails
• All port fees
• Group transfer to airport or central location right after disembarkation
• Pre-departure materials
• Digital Voyage Log
• Wi-Fi on board

EXCLUSIONS

• Airfare
• Transfers from the airport to the hotel if arriving prior to Day 1 of the program
• Visa and passport fees (if applicable)
• Luggage and trip cancellation insurance
• Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations
• Personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls
• Fuel surcharge may be applied for all bookings
• Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per person
• Staff gratuities
• Kayaking
• The cost of any applicable medical tests (such as COVID-19) or vaccinations required either by a national government or the expedition company before, during or after the cruise
• Pre- or post-cruise travel expenses


Dates & Rates


Ship: Sea Spirit | Date: 24 Jan 2025 - 07 Feb 2025 (2260)
Triple Classic
$12,795
Main Deck Suite
$16,995
Single Suite
$25,595
Classic Suite
$18,295
Superior Suite
$18,595
Deluxe Suite
$20,695
Premium Suite
$22,295
Owner\'s Suite
$28,195
Ship: Sea Spirit | Date: 25 Jan 2026 - 08 Feb 2026 (2905)
Triple Classic
$13,195
$11,876
Main Deck Suite
$17,495
$15,746
Single Suite
$26,295
$23,666
Classic Suite
$18,795
$16,916
Superior Suite
$19,095
$16,231
Deluxe Suite
$21,295
$18,101
Premium Suite
$22,895
$19,641
Owner\'s Suite
$28,995
$24,646

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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