Antarctic Circle - Expedition
Experience Overview
From Ushuaia we navigate the Beagle Channel, heading south across the infamous Drake Passage. Ice-capped mountains, crevassed glaciers and endless white expanses herald our arrival in Antarctica. Possible landings include Paradise Harbour, Neko Harbour or Wilhelmina Bay and cruising Lemaire Channel, Errera Channel or Neumayer Channel. Scientific research stations and abandoned whaling stations will also be of interest. Conditions permitting, we'll attempt two excursions per day to explore the rich diversity of wildlife such as gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguin, fur, leopard, weddell and crabeater seal and Minke, humpback and possibly even Orca whale. We continue southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguin. After attempting to cross the Polar Circle at 66°33'S, we will head back through the inside passage, pending ice conditions, to continue our exploration of the Antarctic peninsula before heading back to Ushuaia.
Cross the Polar Circle - a true expedition a little deeper into Antarctica
Be encircled by rookeries of penguins - chinstrap, Adelie and gentoo penguins
Be dwarfed by colossal glaciers - experience icebergs towering high above you
Highlights
Cross the Polar Circle - a true expedition a little deeper into Antarctica|Travel on a small ship - allowing access to inhospitable areas|Be encircled by rookeries of penguins - chinstrap, Adelie and gentoo penguins|Be dwarfed by colossal glaciers - experience icebergs towering high above you|Explore on shore - aiming for two landings each day
Trip Details
Product Code: 20355
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: ExpeditionZodiac
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Explore Worldwide
Supplier Code: APC
Starts: Antarctica
Finishes: Antarctica
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
- Expedition Crew
- Naturalist(s)
Accommodation
- Hotel in Ushuaia to be confirmed
- Expedition
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $17,250 ($1,232 /day)
Itinerary
Arrive in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The city has 40,000 inhabitants and is a major ski resort area for both alpine and cross-country skiers. You can arrive at any time and an arrival transfer is included if arriving in on day one of the itinerary. Upon arrival into Ushuaia City Airport (USH) please collect your luggage and look for a representative in the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name on it. If you have booked your flights independently, please make sure that you have advised us of your arrival flight details into Ushuaia, so that a transfer is booked for you. Be sure to keep all of your important documents - i.e. passport and travel insurance, and also your medication in your hand luggage, as your main luggage will be transferred separately to the hotel. From our experience we have found that there are significant delays, especially in high season on flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. We highly recommend booking your travel arrangements to arrive into Ushuaia earlier in the day. There are no activities planned today. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to explore the city, visit the Maritime Museum or join a tour to Tierra del Fuego National Park, which offers magnificent hiking opportunities.
Group embarkation is set for 4:00 pm. The morning is free to do any last minute shopping or an optional excursion to the Terra Del Fuego National park or a good hike up to the Marshall Glacier. The evening is spent on board the ship watching the sunset over the Beagle Channel. Please note while it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day on board, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview.
Our adventure begins with a 400 mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. At some point on the second day we cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer equatorial water moving in the opposite direction. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species. As we make the passage you have time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship's crew and expedition staff. We also begin the lecture and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
As we make the passage you will have time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall - where we meet our guides, ship's crew and expedition staff. We also begin the lecture and information sessions, to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the following days, we will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day, while we navigate through the area, but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.
The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Penguins gather with their fast-growing chicks, whales are seen in great numbers, seals haul out onto ice floes and beaches, and numerous albatross and other seabirds trail in our wake. There is plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains. The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Keeping a lookout from the Bridge or the deck of the ship, as we thread our way along the continent, you'll feel the same sense of excitement as many of those early Explorers. The continent itself is roughly circular with a spindly arm, called the Antarctic Peninsula, reaching northwards towards Tierra del Fuego. South America is the nearest landmass, some 600 miles away. Antarctica is a continent of superlatives. It is the coldest, windiest, iciest and highest of all the major landmasses in the world. It is the continent with the longest nights and the longest days and it is home to the world's greatest concentration of wildlife. It is also one of the last true wilderness areas left on earth - largely unchanged since the early Explorers and Whalers first landed on its inhospitable shores, less than two centuries ago.
With a close eye on weather conditions, we set off southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins we push on with our goal in mind - crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle.
Few travellers have ventured this far south, but with our fully equipped ice-strengthened vessel and favourable sea conditions, we can access many remote locations other ships just can't reach.
We will continue our exploration of the peninsula and then into the South Shetland, as we move north again. Keeping a close eye out for wildlife we might have the opportunity to do some whale watching or even go for a polar plunge in the Southern waters.
We will stop at various landing sights along the peninsula to visit penguin rookeries, where you will enjoy spotting a variety of breeds;- Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo - all very playful at this time of year ! We also hope to make a Continental landing and to include a visit to one of the Scientific research stations, giving you further insight into 'Life in Antarctica' for those who live here year-round.
Our final day in the White Continent will be spent in the South Shetland Islands, where you may be able to visit the volcanic landing sites of Half Moon Island and Deception Island. Here you will find black sandy beaches surrounded by dramatic, craggy rock faces. There is an abundance of chinstrap penguins in this area, easily identifiable by the thin black band that runs under their chin.
Today we head back north and begin our journey back to our home port of Ushuaia.
Our final day at sea is a perfect time to reflect on our memorable adventure. Our guides and lecturers will be on hand to review the highlights of our sensational Antarctic experience.
The trip ends after breakfast on board the ship. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time after 9am. You will receive a complimentary transfer at the end of your trip. For those on morning flights, a transfer will take you directly to Ushuaia City Airport (USH). For those on later flights, you will be transferred to the luggage storage point and given time to explore the city. You will need to return later to retrieve your luggage and board a second transfer to Ushuaia City Airport in the afternoon, depending on flight times.
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Tour Operator
Explore Worldwide
A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.
In Business Since 1981
Reviews
Judy - Traveled, February 2025
We spent most of out explorations under the Antartica circle. We were very lucky to have all the good weather.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2025
Brian - Traveled, December 2024
A remarkable trip to the Antarctica, it was wonderful from beautiful scenery to incredible wildlife. Explore and G Adventures were both excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/17/2025
Owen - Traveled, May 2024
A fantastic trip all round. Some of the finer details at the start of the trip were a little confused, and some of the admin was not that smooth, but this was down to G Adventures rather than Explore. In the same vein the initial hotel (Las Lengas on my trip) was not that good, there were better hotels available in Ushuaia. However once the trip on board Expedition started nothing could be faulted. The ship is one of the smaller vessels sailing the Antarctic, but was not lacking in any way. The entire crew was just fantastic. The expedition staff were so passionate and knowledgeable about the Antarctic, and it really showed throughout the trip. Nothing was too much trouble for the hotel staff on board. The food was amazing throughout, and we never went hungry. Our captain, on several occasions, manoeuvred the ship to stay with Whales that had been spotted to give us fantastic views (from a respectful distance) rather than just shooting on by. The itinerary was very much a rough guide as the captain and crew worked hard to get us into the best locations every day as the sea, weather and wildlife conditions allowed. Some of the zodiac landings were scrubbed as there were issues preventing a safe landing (e.g. too much wildlife to maintain required distances), however when this occurred zodiac cruises were run instead. Extended zodiac cruises were also offered at some of the landing sites if people didn't want to land for any reason. This is a trip I would dearly love to do again, and I cannot recommend it and the Expedition highly enough. Do note, this is not a cruise, this is an expedition, you won't find all the creature comforts you might on a massive luxury cruise ship, but you will get a stunning, unforgettable, and unique experience. I would recommend taking a couple of extra days in Ushuaia before or after the trip as there is a lot to do in the local area, hiking to glaciers, the southern most railway in the world, a handful of museums, and more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2020
I enjoyed seeing the wild life but the zodiac landing became a nightmare for me.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/01/2020
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2019
A most enjoyable cruise on a comfortable and well run ship . The crew performed admirably , and provided a smooth passage along the Antarctic Peninsula , under some occasionally trying conditions , usually steering a clever course to avoid discomfort during meal times , a fine example of considerate seamanship . The two crossings of the Drake Passage were accomplished under brisk conditions , which certainly added to the authenticity of the experience , without causing mayhem among the passengers . We did get an idea of how much the sea state can change , and some appreciation of how much worse it could get . Plenty of Zodiac excursions , both ashore and exploration , all handled with competence , courtesy and good humour by the Expedition staff/guides . The staff delivered a number of interesting and informative talks on a wide variety of Antarctic related topics . The overnight camp ashore was an experience to be savoured , and a further example of the capacity of the guides to herd cats in a safe and enjoyable manner . I particularly enjoyed the view from the "facilties" , and felt no need to take some reading matter with me as is my wont at more refined locations . To participate in the furthest Southing by the MS Expedition was a noteworthy highlight . The atmosphere generated on board was a tribute to the Staff/guides , and genuinely enthusiastic , with none of the contrived and fatuous synthetic drama which occurs on some other cruises via grossly over amplified loudspeakers . Every day brought new highlights , from the ubiquitous penguins to numerous seals , sealions , leopard seals , and assorted whales . The floating ice , bergs and endlessly changing coast line were all a source of wonder and enjoyment . The crew of the expedition emphasised the need to conserve this continent and took great pains to limit the damage caused by people . I hope their efforts will be rewarded by time , so my grandchildren will be able to see this area in another 20 years and wonder at it and enjoy it as much as I did .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2019
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2019
The tour was amazing. All the staff were extremely efficient, knowledgeable and friendly. I always felt they did everything they possibly could to ensure the holiday was as good as it could possibly be. As to highlights, every day was a highlight and the memories will remain with me forever. Tips, make sure your over trousers are totally waterproof as these are probably the most important item of clothing you'll take with you. The parka provided on the tour is excellent. Otherwise concentrate on layers as the weather can change significantly over the course of the day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2019
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2018
Unbelievable trip. Never felt like a tourist on this - always felt like an explorer, and this was down to the fantastic crew on MS Expedition. The sites and experiences top all other trips for a well seasoned traveler. An ex-astronaut on the trip likened it to the closet thing to leaving the planet he had experienced and we know what he means. Never felt cold as we were so well wrapped up. Drake Passage made me ill but I would happily be ill for twice as long to get the same reward. Often a camera can not capture a scene and do it justice ... but in this instance your eyes and brain could simply not take it all in and process it into suitable words. Mesmerising!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/14/2018
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2018
Everything went according to plan. All the transfers in Buenos Aires were fine. The hotel supplied at Buenos Aires was in a good area to sightsee attractions. Hotel rooms were a bit jaded but everything worked. Quest for the Antarctic Circle cruise was awesome which culminated with us sailing below the Antarctic Circle to 68*11*, and a landing on the Antarctic continent. The only glitch was the flight from Ushuaia back to Buenos Aires should have been an afternoon flight as my 2000 flight got into Buenos Aires too late and not arriving at hotel till well after midnight leaving me with only one clear day out of a two night stopover. The British Airways flights were better than i expected after other BA flights that i had been on over the years. The hotel had noisy Air Con units outside my room 504 that kept me awake in the small hours.Room802 patio doors could not be secured.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2018
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2018
A trip of a lifetime! All the staff (both ship crew and expedition team) were fabulous, helpful and knowledgeable. Seeing animals and amazing scenery and ice sculptures. I want to go back!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2018
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2018
Excellent trio overall. No complaints other than at times you felt you were over supervised but understandable given the location. Of concern was the excessive amount of food available encouraging over eating & obesity. The inevitable massive amount of food waste generated has a major negative environmental impact. Please do something about this Explore!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/17/2018
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2017
Actual trip in Antarctica was overseen by GAdventures and this could not be faulted. Accommodation, food etc. on board ship was great. Daily itinerary was dependent on conditions but opportunities were perfectly taken by the GAdventure staff. All excellent. Web site data which was made available on return was also really good Flights to/from Buenas Ares were booked by Explore and these were disappointing. Air Europa are probably the worst airline I have traveled with and there was no record of vegetarian request for my travelling companion.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/16/2017
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2017
This trip exceeded my expectations in virtually every way. The whole trip was the perfect combination of comfort (top-notch expedition leaders and crew, fantastic food, comfortable and clean accommodation all in good repair) and activity (two amazing expeditions ashore per day, hiking, interacting respectfully with wildlife, learning about the environment). The trip length was great and the I couldn't have designed a better itinerary if I'd done it myself. I'd easily/quickly recommend this trip to anyone -- no regrets!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2017
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