Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

4.9Based on

Carbon neutral

14 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

138 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Ushuaia, Argentina

Ends

Ushuaia, Argentina

Highlights

Visit the stunning Antarctic Peninsula

Cross the Antarctic Circle at 66° 33’ S

Witness abundant Antarctic wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales and more

Travel on a small expedition vessel

Accompanied by extremely qualified Expedition Staff

Itinerary

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.

day 1 - Start Ushuaia, Argentina

Begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.

day 2 - Board ship and sail along the Beagle Channel

The morning is free to explore Ushuaia and the surrounding area, to do some last minute shopping, stroll around Ushuaia and down to the port or maybe go for a walk in the nearby National Park. The transfer to the ship takes place in the afternoon. Once on board there is a get together for introductions to the expedition team, to learn about the ship and its layout, talk about the itinerary for the next 13 days and participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill. Departure from Ushuaia is normally around 6:00 p.m, and we set sail through the Beagle Channel in the early evening. The long days mean plenty of evening light in which to experience the beauty of the channel, and to perhaps enjoy your first wildlife sightings.

Meals:Dinner

day 3 - 4 - Cross the Drake Passage

Sea conditions in the Drake Passage can vary from dead calm (known as 'Drake Lake'), to rough and stormy (known as 'Drake Shake'). As you cross the Drake Passage our team of experts is out on deck to help you spot whales and identify seabirds. There is also a programme of talks, covering the wildlife, the ice, and polar history to prepare you for your adventure to the 'White Continent'. The excitement intensifies as you cross the Antarctic Convergence, where the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean meet the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. You feel the change as the air gets cooler. Huge icebergs loom up against the horizon in increasing numbers, and Wandering albatrosses, petrels and other birds which thrive in this cold, remote ocean are frequently seen.