Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

Best price guaranteed

No booking fees

E-ticket/Mobile-voucher

Carbon neutral

14 daysDuration

Cruise TourExperience this tour on a cruise

20 peopleMaximum group size

8 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Strenuous

Highly demanding activities designed for individuals with excellent physical fitness.

Starts

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ends

Ushuaia, Argentina

Highlights

Be one of the few travelers to venture to 66°33'S

Visit Antarctic research stations

Witness abundant Antarctic wildlife, including penguins, seals and whales

Experience western Antarctic Peninsula highlights and visit iconic landing sites

Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts

Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic, with an optional paddling excursion

Itinerary

Ever wondered what it feels like to cross the Antarctic Circle? The "Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition" cruise offers just that—a 14-day journey from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, taking you deep into the rarely-visited southernmost reaches of Antarctica. Witness dramatic ice formations, spot whales and penguins, and revel in the exhilaration of navigating south of 66°33' S. With the innovative Ultramarine vessel, enjoy flightseeing tours and a range of adventure activities unmatched in the region. The trip’s unique selling point is the chance to accomplish a rare polar milestone, all while experiencing the most advanced expedition ship in Antarctic waters.

day 1 - Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Upon arriving in this cosmopolitan city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

day 2 - Fly to Ushuaia and Embark

After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location for free time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier.As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, you will begin your Antarctic journey, passing through the historic Beagle Channel. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities of landscapes and seabirds. Eventually the channel opens up to the Southern Ocean, and onwards to Antarctica.

Meals:Breakfast

days 3 and 4 - Crossing the Drake Passage

Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. You can also spend time on deck looking for wildlife, or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.

days 5 to 7 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

The most common reaction upon reaching the Antarctic Peninsula is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the elusive leopard seal.Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are exploring the Antarctic terrain, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with five different species of seals. Zodiac cruising can offer opportunities to view some of the larger local marine mammals more intimately, such as Antarctic minke and humpback whales. Days 5 to 7 are also ideal times to experience Ultramarine's portfolio of helicopter- supported adventures exclusive to Quark Expeditions.Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the astounding beauty of Antarctica. Listening to the crackling and crumbling of icebergs andglaciers and watching penguins waddling on the beach will become your daily entertainment, while heli flightseeing, sea kayaking or paddle excursions are optional activities available on select voyages (at an extra cost).

days 8 and 9 - Antarctic Circle

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. If conditions allow us to cross this famed latitude of 66°33 ́ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice—the very foundations of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

days 10 and 11 - Northbound Along the Peninsula

By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, crabeater and Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ will become part of your vocabulary, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will fill your days, and your Expedition Team will continue looking out for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.

days 12 and 13 - Crossing the Drake Passage

As you recross the Drake, Antarctica fades away, leaving you with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up its series of presentations as well, with a slideshow of the adventures you've shared and wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage. Be sure to take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far.

day 14 - Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a little taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Meals:Breakfast

Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeepingAll shore landings per the daily program

Meals

2 BreakfastsBeer and house wine during dinnerCoffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock

Guide

Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader

Others

All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily programFormal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as scheduledPhotographic journal documenting the expeditionWaterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landingsOfficial Quark Expeditions® parka to keepComplimentary reusable water bottleHair dryer and bathrobe in every cabinComprehensive onboard materials, including a map and an informative Arctic/Antarctic ReaderAll miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programAll luggage handling aboard the shipEmergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500, 000 per personMandatory price included

What's Excluded

Ship Details

Ultramarine

Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards. With all this and more, Ultramarine is set to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.

View Ship Details

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 22 reviews for other tours with an average 5.0rating.

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 350+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 809 customer reviews from

Anonymous

I had an easy experience booking a tour with bookmundi. The website is very intuitive and easy.

4 days ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition that you might like.

Antarctic Explorer via Buenos Aires

5.0(7 reviews)

Can you imagine setting foot on the world’s most remote continent, with penguins as your neighbors and icebergs as your backdrop? The 'Antarctic Explorer via Buenos Aires' tour is your chance to make that dream a reality. This 11-day polar expedition begins and ends in lively Buenos Aires before whisking you across the notorious Drake Passage to the majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula. From the moment you board the pioneering Ultramarine vessel—purpose-built for polar exploration—you’re in for an adventure unlike any other. Marvel at colossal ice formations from a Zodiac, trek across pristine snowfields, and get up close to whales, seals, and colonies of chattering penguins. Knowledgeable Polar experts enrich your journey with talks on Antarctic history, glaciology, and wildlife. Tailor each day to your interests, whether that means taking a guided hike, enjoying a breathtaking flightseeing excursion, or simply soaking up the otherworldly landscapes. With a range of activity options and the comforts of a state-of-the-art ship, this trip is as customizable as it is exhilarating. The USP? You’ll have access to adventure opportunities more varied than any other vessel in its class, ensuring your Antarctic experience is truly one-of-a-kind. For experienced travelers dreaming of a bucket-list getaway, this tour package offers a rare chance to witness Earth’s final frontier in style and comfort.

12 days

Discovering the Best of Argentina

5.0(16 reviews)

Argentina's vast diversity is yours to explore on the "Discovering the Best of Argentina" tour. Over 15 memorable days, young adults will journey from the icy glaciers of Patagonia to the thunderous Iguazu Falls, stroll the Parisian boulevards of Buenos Aires, witness the end of the world in Ushuaia, and sip wine in Mendoza’s sunlit vineyards. This trip expertly combines scenic wonders with immersive cultural experiences—think tango performances and outdoor adventures. The stand-out feature? A thoughtfully curated itinerary that showcases Argentina’s most spectacular contrasts, all in one unforgettable tour package.

15 days

Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

4.9(15 reviews)

Imagine gliding through the narrow Lemaire Channel, glacial cliffs towering beside you, on the ultimate Antarctic expedition. The "Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition" trip offers 14 days of guided polar exploration, starting and ending in Ushuaia. Designed for experienced adventurers, this easy-paced cruise traverses the Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, and South Shetland Islands. Your small ship navigates a maze of jewel-like islands, home to vast penguin colonies, elephant seals, and countless seabirds. Whale encounters are a highlight—picture humpbacks rising against turquoise ice-walls, just meters from your Zodiac. Each day provides new opportunities for shore excursions and wildlife sightings, all set against Antarctica’s breathtaking, pristine backdrop. This tour package’s standout feature is its intimate navigation of Antarctica’s dramatic landscapes, maximizing wildlife encounters and unique photo opportunities. With all logistics, meals, and accommodation included, this journey is perfect for those who want a comprehensive, immersive Antarctic experience.

14 days

Crossing the Circle via Buenos Aires

5.0(3 reviews)

Set sail from Buenos Aires for an epic Antarctic adventure with the "Crossing the Circle via Buenos Aires" tour. This 14-day journey blends the excitement of polar expeditions with the cosmopolitan charm of Argentina’s capital, offering an easy-paced yet immersive exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula and Beagle Channel. Your small vessel is nimble enough to maneuver through the spectacular Lemaire Channel, surrounded by glacial walls and dotted with islands teeming with penguins, elephant seals, and seabirds. Each day brings awe-inspiring wildlife encounters—imagine humpback whales breaching near your Zodiac, or gazing at the multicolored icebergs of Iceberg Alley. Shore excursions reveal even more of Antarctica’s raw beauty and natural wonders. The unique selling point of this trip is its seamless blend of city and wilderness, allowing you to start and end in vibrant Buenos Aires while experiencing the full spectrum of Antarctica’s marvels. Accommodation, transport, and meals are thoughtfully included, ensuring a smooth, unforgettable polar tour package.

14 days

Wild Patagonia for Hikers

5.0(5 reviews)

Ready to lace up your boots for the ultimate hiking adventure? The "Wild Patagonia for Hikers" trip delivers a thrilling 16-day exploration of Argentina’s and Chile’s most dramatic landscapes, perfectly suited to energetic young adults. Discover the legendary trails of El Chaltén, known as Argentina’s trekking capital, where the mighty Fitz Roy Mountain towers over a wonderland of glaciers, lakes, and forests. Immerse yourself in the wild grandeur of Torres del Paine National Park, famed for its blue icebergs, towering cliffs, and wildlife-rich pampas. Witness the awesome Perito Moreno Glacier—one of the world’s few advancing glaciers—fed by the vast Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Push further south, crossing the storied Strait of Magellan to reach Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. This adventure isn’t just about epic hikes and jaw-dropping vistas—it’s a rare opportunity to experience the full spectrum of Patagonia’s untamed beauty, from its unique flora and fauna to its staggering mountain scenery. The USP? An immersive trek through the heart of Patagonia, featuring iconic national parks and legendary trails, all tailored for passionate hikers seeking a true test of endurance and wonder.

16 days

Antarctic Peninsula: An Immersive Odyssey

Experience awe-inspiring scenery and untamed wildlife on a 13-day voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula. This expedition introduces you to the wonders and highlights of the White Continent, with additional days to better explore the Antarctica Peninsula. Encounter Weddell seals lazing on ice floes, whales breaching the frigid waters and several species of penguins shuffling across the frozen shores. You’ll cruise around the ice-filled waters by Zodiac, landing on the Antarctic Continent itself for onshore excursions that will afford jaw-dropping views. The onboard Expedition Team will offer priceless knowledge and insight, bringing the world’s most incredible landscapes to life.

13 days

Extended Antarctic Circle Crossing

Set sail for an adventure like no other. Spend 14 days following in the wake of Captain Cook as you cross the Antarctic Circle, home to the midnight sun and towering icebergs. On board the well-appointed Ocean Nova, leave Ushuaia and civilisation behind and journey towards the hauntingly beautiful icy wilderness of the Antarctic Continent. Experience the thrill of witnessing seals lie on ice floes, whales breaching the frigid waters and penguins patrolling the rocky shoreline in vast numbers. Enjoy jaw-dropping views witnessed by seldom few as you explore ice-filled bays by Zodiac, landing on Antarctica itself for onshore excursions.

14 days

Keep Exploring Argentina

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights

Itinerary