Journey To The Antarctic Circle

The Trip

Day 1: Ushuaia – Arrive
Day 2: Ushuaia – Board the ship to begin navigation
Day 3-4: At Sea – Cross the Drake Passage
Day 5-8: Antarctic – Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
Day 9-10: Antarctic – Cross into the Antarctic Circle
Day 10-11: Antarctic – Northbound along the Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Day 12-13: At sea – Cross the Drake Passage
Day 14: Buenos Aires – Arrive Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires

Day 1

Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica, at the bottom of Argentina, known as Tierra del Fuego – ‘the End of the World’. You’ll meet your fellow travellers at the hotel this afternoon, but if you arrive early there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself. Those with a day or two in hand may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, but if you’ve only got a few hours to kill then why not take a stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel, or perhaps get a taste of Argentina’s famous cuisine at a local restaurant..

Day 2

After you and your shipmates have boarded this afternoon, the ship will make its way through the Beagle Channel towards the infamous Drake Passage. Named after the Charles Darwin’s historic boat, the channel presents many great photo opportunities and be sure to wave goodbye to South America if you’re not too busy snapping away – your next land sighting will be the Antarctic Peninsula.

Day 3-4

The next couple of days will be spent crossing the Drake Passage. There will be a series of on board lectures and presentations by Antarctic experts to help you learn about the geology and wildlife of the white continent. Up on deck you will have the opportunity to see many sea birds that follow the wake of the boat including albatross and giant petrel.

Day 5-8

The next couple of days will be spent exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. As you cruise the waterways you will see many species of seabird and even whales. The expedition team will keep you alerted of sightings so you don’t miss a thing. Make zodiac landings to observe penguins and seals. Each landing will be different depending on weather conditions. You will certainly see Adelie, Gentoo and chinstrap penguins and you will take zodiac trips in search of whales and icebergs in Pleneay Island. Watch ice carve off a glacier on Petermann Island.

There are several potential landing sites including Neko Harbour, Petermann Island and Port Lockroy, and while weather dictates which specific site you’ll land at, each of them presents an opportunity to get up-close with some truly incredible wildlife, watch penguins waddle and seals slide as icebergs and glaciers crackle and crumble.

There are some optional activities for the more active adventurer including snowshoeing, kayaking and overnight camping, and you’ll also have an opportunity to take a polar plunge off the ship.

If the weather conditions make an excursion unsafe, the crew will arrange for alternative, ship-based activities such as wildlife presentations and documentary screenings. Alternatively, you can make the most of the wellness spa, heated pool and sauna, library and gym so you’re feeling fresh for when the weather clears. An average day on board begins with a wakeup call from your expedition leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow passengers for breakfast in the restaurant. You will usually have two excursions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with lunch on the ship in-between excursions.

Day 9-10

Over the next couple of days you will cross over into the Antarctic Circle, something not often done on expeditions cruises, particularly of this length. You can you fellow passengers can celebrate with a glass of champagne at 66°33’ S. This is the Antarctic at its most pristine, home to the midnight sun. Many Weddell seals can be found here as well as some beautiful ice formations. There will be a series of on board lectures and presentations by Polar experts to help you make the most of your time here.

Day 11

Continue northbound along the edge of the Antarctic Peninsula. You will also continue to make zodiac expeditions at least twice a day in search of spectacular scenery and wildlife. More sightings of penguins, whales and seals will be a daily occurrence.

Day 12-13

Leave the Antarctic behind and cross back over the Drake Passage. Spend time with your fellow guests sharing stories of the things you’ve seen. Go back on deck to watch for wildlife and attend lectures and presentations given by Polar experts.

Day 14

Arrive in Ushuaia and disembark and transfer back to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires (flight not included).

Prices in GB Pounds and are per person. Prices in other currencies on request.