Ultimate Antarctic Circle Crossing

An epic journey to the deep south

Ultimate Antarctic Circle Crossing is a 15-day itinerary with 13 nights aboard ship, departing from and returning to Ushuaia in southern Argentina. The voyage explores the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, travelling further south towards the Antarctic Circle, with additional time to explore some of the region’s more remote sites.

The itinerary crosses the Drake Passage in both directions, with two days at sea each way. This provides opportunities to learn about Antarctica from the expedition team and spot seabirds and marine wildlife before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula.

Once in Antarctica, the journey is expeditionary in nature, with opportunities to explore by Zodiac, make shore landings and encounter penguins, seals and whales. Optional activities include kayaking and citizen science, while camping may be available on selected departures.

Depending on your departure date, you could be travelling aboard one of two vessels :

MV Discoverer carries up to 140 guests, offering a relatively small-ship experience with a more boutique feel. The vessel has been refurbished, with panoramic observation areas, outdoor jacuzzis, a sauna, spa and gym. Most cabins have balconies or large picture windows.

Ocean Albatros carries up to 175 guests and is a modern expedition vessel. Its X-BOW hull is intended to improve stability in rough seas, while onboard facilities include panoramic observation decks, jacuzzis, a sauna, spa and gym. Most cabins have private balconies.

Day 1 : Arrive in and explore Ushuaia
After a friendly welcome at the airport, we’ll transfer
you to one of our partnered premium hotel resorts
(Arakur Ushuaia Resort) nestled in the breathtaking
Patagonian nature, where you can take some time
to unwind or go explore the southernmost city in
the world, Ushuaia. Our evening briefing is your
opportunity to ask questions and meet fellow explorers.

Day 2 : All aboard!
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, or visit
a museum or the Argentinean leather markets in
Ushuaia, before or just relaxing at the hotel until 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
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 as we cross the Antarctic
Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably
cooler temperatures.

Day 5 : South Shetland Islands
Over time, the volcanic activity of the South Shetland
Islands has created a geology unlike any other. Here,
you can expect a spectacular display of mountains,
glaciers, and wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo
penguins, and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s
edge with Elephant and Fur seals. Whales are often
spotted as well. So, we’ll settle into our Zodiacs and
kayaks and spend most of our day exploring. Whether
on land or sea, in Zodiac or kayak, be prepared for a
fully immersive introduction to this incomparable part of
the world.

Days 6-9 : Achieving the Antarctic Circle
Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, we begin to
see the breathtaking outline of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Wildlife sightings, including penguins, whales, and fur
seals, become more frequent, as do dramatic sculptural
icebergs. With extra time to explore, possibilities
abound. We’ll look to visit historic sites like the huts at
Damoy Point, keep an eye out for humpback whales in
Wilhelmina Bay, and continue our twice-daily outings
until we reach the crown jewel of this expedition, the
jaw-dropping scenery through the Lemaire Channel.
Weather permitting, we’ll cross the Antarctic Circle
at 66°33’S, an achievement that will put you in rare
company. Following a tradition first established by
sailors crossing the equator, we’ll celebrate the occasion
by… (Sorry, you just have to be there), before heading
onward toward any number of historic and rarely visited
British Survey bases, after which we turn back north.

Days 10-12 : Antarctic Peninsula
Heading north, we’ll explore all the Antarctic Peninsula
has to offer, including any number of spectacular bays and famed landing sites, maneuvering through
dramatic channels as we traverse the wildlife-rich waters,
encountering a wide variety of lively penguins, seals,
and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea.
There are always great opportunities to stop at several
active scientific bases and historic landing sites along
the way, as we leave no opportunity unseized upon in
our quest to explore the very best of this magical place.

Days 13-14 : Drake Passage
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, passenger
photo contest, and a final celebratory meal together.
Congratulations, explorers!

Day 15 : Ushuaia disembarkation
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.

An incredible opportunity to witness Antarctica’s unique wildlife