Antarctica
Antarctic Polar Circle
Antarctica
Antarctica
The ultimate 13-day explorer's journey to the Southernmost part of the world. Chart a course along the Antarctic Peninsula with the ambition of crossing the Antarctic Circle (66°33’S).
Duration: 13 days / 11 nights on board
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage
The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. The Captain and/or Expedition Leader will make necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience. The voyage attempts to cross the Antarctic Circle (66°33’S).
The trip includes a 1-Night Pre-Voyage Hotel stay at the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (or similar).
Ship Cruise More info about this activity
Not only we travel from one point to another and find our shelter on board the ship we chose. We also enjoy from incredible scenery, landscapes and interactions that only our noble vessel can provide.
Everyday the Bridge Team navigates the ship to position ourselves on the best posible spots, looking for unique opportunities.
Many times, this includes sainig through narrow passages, on the vicinity of glaciers or entering bays and fjords only approachable from the ship.
Enjoy this incredible places from the comfort of the common areas on board, open decks or your own private balcony!
Shore Excursion More info about this activity
Shore excursions are the backbone of almost all itineraries, with most ships making landfall at least once every day once they reach their destination. The weather plays a huge role in your daily itinerary, although given the sheer array of fantastic landing sites all over there are plenty of options your Captain and Expedition Leader can choose from. On-shore excursions allow you to visit scientific research stations, communities, prominent wildlife colonies and take hikes to elevated viewing points for fantastic photography.
Zodiac cruising More info about this activity
On board the Zodiac you will discover a world of possibilities; accessing the most exclusive landing sites, cruising the coast in search of wildlife or simply enjoying a tour in the calm of the polar regions in search of marine wildlife or bird colonies.
The blue ice an its intimate presence is experienced at its best on zodiac tours.
It is not uncommon to meet curious seals, or humpback whales feeding.
Enrichment Program More info about this activity
Expedition cruising must be one of the most incredible ways of travelling. Not only for the amazing places you visit and the unforgetable wildlife but for the wildlife, the sensory overload and the unimaginable memories.
But all of this needs a context in order to understand where you are and what you are experiencing.
On board your expedition vessell you will find a group of experts, naturalists, zodiac drivers and guides that that will translate the language of nature for you, telling you the stories of the places you are visiting, reviewing the historical, biological, ecological and geological aspects of your trips.
You will experience first hand what surrounds you and arrive back home wiser and loaded with new knowledge.
Citizen Science More info about this activity
There’s important work being done every day, at some of the most renowned climate research facilities around the world, to record and study the incredible changes happening in remote places like Antarctica and th Arctic. As you might imagine, gathering critical on-site data on a regular basis would be a virtually impossible task for these groups. So we do it for them, in partnership with different research facilities.
If you’d like to get a first-hand look at how climate change is impacting our birds, sea life, glaciers, oceans, and weather patterns, and help scientists better understand our evolving planet, you’re welcome to join our Citizen Science program. And don’t let the word “science” scare you. We make it informative, interactive, and fun.
Photo Workshop More info about this activity
The photography workshops are composed of onboard lectures and practical activities led by dedicated expedition guide. Each session is meant to give you additional skills you can put into immediate practice out in nature.
You'll become more familiar with your own camera equipment while also learning best practices for taking pictures of moving wildlife and wide-open terrain in typical polar conditions, such as dim lighting and falling snow.
Hiking More info about this activity
Hiking options include very easy beach hikes (good for photographers who need time for photography), easier short hikes, medium-difficulty extended hikes, and more challenging long hikes.
Kayaking More info about this activity
The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul.
Sea kayaking is one of the highlights for any Polar Traveller, providing ice and weather conditions are assessed as safe by your Expedition Team.
This activity requires previous kayaking experience.
Snow Shoeing More info about this activity
This popular alpine activity is easy to learn. No experience is necessary – all you need is a willingness to try. All training is provided and our team of guides will have you trained and ready to go in no more than half an hour.
Participants should be confident in their footing and have an average level of fitness – outings may be up to three hours in duration. Those who enjoy hiking trails or taking long walks at home will possess enough fitness to enjoy this activity. As with any other activity, you will get more enjoyment out of it with some preparation in advance, such as long walks with uphill sections or bike riding.
In Antarctica, the longest hike can be 2-3 hours long, while in the Arctic it can be a full day tour.
Camping More info about this activity
Camp ashore in Antarctica!
After dinner, you’ll leave your cruise ship and zip ashore via a Zodiac. An experienced guide will choose the campsite spot and instruct everybody in how to set up their tents and sleeping bags. The next morning everybody will help to break down the camp, making sure that no gear or garbage gets left behind, and clean the camping gear. The location for camps and the number of camp nights offered depends on the operator, weather and location of the ship.
Photo Workshop More info about this activity
The photography workshops are composed of onboard lectures and practical activities led by dedicated expedition guide. Each session is meant to give you additional skills you can put into immediate practice out in nature.
You'll become more familiar with your own camera equipment while also learning best practices for taking pictures of moving wildlife and wide-open terrain in typical polar conditions, such as dim lighting and falling snow.
This 13-day journey is the ultimate explorer’s expedition, charting a course along the Antarctic Peninsula with the ambition of being among the very few to cross the Antarctic Circle (66°33’S). Along the way, you’ll likely encounter some of Antarctica’s most engaging full-time residents: Humpback and Orca whales, seals, and a variety of always-entertaining penguins. The farther south you go, the more dramatic sea ice and incredible wildlife you are likely to encounter.
The expedition includes five full days of exploration, including twice-daily outings. You will venture along the Gerlache Strait and aim to enter the jaw-dropping Lemaire Channel. Highlights include exploring historic huts at Damoy Point and navigating the South Shetland Islands, where you may explore the eerie landscape of Deception Island. Should you arrive at 66°33’S, a celebration ensues, putting you in the small band of Antarctic explorers who can claim they have made it this far south.
Highlights:
Attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle (66°33’S), the ultimate achievement for polar explorers.
Navigate the jaw-dropping Lemaire Channel and explore the Gerlache Strait region.
Encounter Humpback and Orca whales, seals, and a variety of penguins.
Explore historic huts at Damoy Point and the eerie volcanic crater of Deception Island.
Benefit from optional adventure activities including Camping, Kayaking, and Snowshoeing.
Day 1: Arrive and explore in Ushuaia
Relaxation and optional evening briefing
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
Day 2: All Aboard!
Embarkation, safety briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!
Days 3–4: Drake Passage
Polar experts, citizen science, and wildlife spotting
Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship.
Days 5–9: Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic Circle
Crossing 66°33’S, Lemaire Channel, and historic sites
We venture west along the Antarctic Peninsula into the Gerlache Strait region, exploring a variety of sites highlighting the area’s staggering natural beauty. We’ll explore historic huts at Damoy Point, keep an eye out for humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay, and continue south until we reach the crown jewel of this expedition, hoping to enter the jaw-dropping Lemaire Channel by New Year’s Eve. Weather permitting, we’ll cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S.
Day 10: South Shetland Islands
Volcanic landscapes and historical anchorage
The ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich, and King George Islands offer a stunning backdrop to explore. Weather permitting, we’ll explore the eerie landscape of Deception Island, an active volcanic crater, and immerse ourselves in the history of Yankee Harbour, once a vital anchorage for sealers.
Days 11–12: Drake Passage
The journey north and conclusion celebration
We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.
Day 13: Ushuaia Disembarkation
Departure
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
Day 1: Arrive and explore in Ushuaia
Relaxation and optional evening briefing
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
Day 2: All Aboard!
Embarkation, safety briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!
Days 3–4: Drake Passage
Polar experts, citizen science, and wildlife spotting
Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship.
Days 5–9: Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic Circle
Crossing 66°33’S, Lemaire Channel, and historic sites
We venture west along the Antarctic Peninsula into the Gerlache Strait region, exploring a variety of sites highlighting the area’s staggering natural beauty. We’ll explore historic huts at Damoy Point, keep an eye out for humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay, and continue south until we reach the crown jewel of this expedition, hoping to enter the jaw-dropping Lemaire Channel by New Year’s Eve. Weather permitting, we’ll cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S.
Day 10: South Shetland Islands
Volcanic landscapes and historical anchorage
The ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich, and King George Islands offer a stunning backdrop to explore. Weather permitting, we’ll explore the eerie landscape of Deception Island, an active volcanic crater, and immerse ourselves in the history of Yankee Harbour, once a vital anchorage for sealers.
Days 11–12: Drake Passage
The journey north and conclusion celebration
We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.
Day 13: Ushuaia Disembarkation
Departure
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.