Quest for the Antarctic Circle

14 Days
From $12,739 Was $18,199
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(21 reviews)

Experience Overview

A massive rookery of penguins shuffles across a frozen shore; a pod of whales glides through frigid waters; dramatic landscapes float off in the distance — welcome to Antarctica. Join us on a voyage of discovery to our planet’s last frontier — a mysterious and virtually pristine paradise. Our ice-strengthened expedition ship is ideally suited to cruising this icy wilderness, and her expert staff are on hand to ensure you’ll fully appreciate all the majesty you encounter. Sail the Drake Passage past the South Shetland Islands, then really explore the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Prepare yourself for an adventure like no other — more like a private expedition than a traditional cruise.

Highlights

  • Spend seven full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Go farther south than most have ever gone
  • Spend time on deck searching for whales and watching soaring albatross
  • Get up close and personal with a variety of penguin species
  • Discover the intricacies of the Antarctic region through our on-board lecture program

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 3095

Tour TypeTour Type:

AccommodationAccommodation: Unknown

TransportTransport: G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: Budget

Tour OperatorTour Operator: G Adventures

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: XVQCSX

StartStarts: Ushuaia, Argentina

FinishFinishes: Ushuaia, Argentina

DurationDuration: 14 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical Rating: Light

Includes

Activities

  • 12 nts aboard the G Expedition
  • 1 nt hotel in Ushuaia, on a twin share basis
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
  • Lectures and educational programs
  • Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
  • Expedition parka

Accommodation

  • Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 12 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.
  • 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners

Transport

  • G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.

Group Leader

  • One expedition team member per 10 guests.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $12,739 ($910 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.

2

Day 2: Ushuaia/Drake Passage

Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.
Opt to visit the magnificent Tierra del Fuego National Park today before boarding the ship.

3

Day 3-4: Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands

The adventure begins with an 1000 km (600 mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Enjoy daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the G Expedition's wake.
The G Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic.

As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be 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.

Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

4

Day 5-6: South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula

Encounter some of the region's unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters.
This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next four days the Expedition 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 navigating through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions.

The peninsula also has a remarkable human history; during the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

5

Day 7-8: Antarctic Peninsula/Antarctic Circle

With a close eye on weather conditions, continue southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins, push on with the goal in mind - crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle. Few travelers have ventured this far south, but with our fully equipped ice-strengthened vessel and favourable sea conditions, the Expedition can access many remote locations other ships just can't reach.

6

Day 9-11: Antarctic Circle/Drake Passage

Turn north for the first time to continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
Continue our exploration of the peninsula and the then into the South Shetland while moving North again. Keeping a close eye out for wildlife there might be opportunities to do some whale watching or even go for a polar plunge in the Southern waters.

7

Day 12: Drake Passage

Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.
Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions and Whales!

8

Day 13: Drake Passage/Ushuaia

Begin your journey to your home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of your Antarctic experience with our lecturers and staff, and keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings.

9

Day 14: Ushuaia

Disembark the G Expedition after breakfast.

Tour Operator

G Adventures

G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.

In Business Since 1990

Reviews

 

Julia F.   -  Traveled, February 2024

Small boat means a more personal, more adventurous tour. No 500 people waiting for their chance in a zodiac, with G it was constant activity and opportunity all the time, every day.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/16/2024

 

Sheryl E.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

The trip was fantastic! The staff and crew on the boat were all so amazing. I didn't really think of this trip as a cruise, but an exploration of Antarctica. I think the crew gave us the best tip possible

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/16/2024

 

Jennifer Y.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

The Antarctic was so incredibly beautiful. The staff on G Expedition were extremely attentive, friendly, polite, and happy.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/01/2024

 

Catherine L.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

Through the entire process from assessing. Trips on the website, booking and actually going on the trip I had no serious issues or problems. The expedition staff were well above par and the travel surpassed every imagined expectation.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/22/2024

 

Teresa G.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

The trip was perfect. Staff did everything to make the experience the best. The size of the ship made easy the twice daily excursions from the ship.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/13/2024

 

Charles G.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

Well done cruise. Execution was excellent.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/16/2024

 

Mark B.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

My expectations, although quite high, were virtually ALL exceeded!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/18/2024

 

Ann P.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

This is our first G Adventures. The trip was flawless. Daily excursions were well planned, very interesting. Staff on board had a great depth of knowledge and gave very interesting talks. Crew was amazing. Really made us feel welcome. Evening entertainment was just right. Something for everyone. Accommodations were very comfortable. Room was very comfortable. Enough room in the lounge and dining room so that you never felt crowded

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/07/2024

 

Judith B.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

Epic journey, phenomenal expedition agents, knowledgeable and caring staff.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/25/2024

 

Gregory S.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

Antartica was a trip of a lifetime for us. We understood the risks and planning required for such a remote changeable environment and we must say the captain and staff were absolutely fantastic to provide such a wonderful experience in such a fluid environment. We would certainly recommend G Adventures to family and friends

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/15/2024

 

Aaron M.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

I did back to back G Adventures tours (Hike Patagonia in depth and then Quest for the Antarctic Circle) and had a trip of a lifetime. I didn't want to go home. The organization, coordination, quality and personality of the CEO's...everything just exceeded my expectations!!!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/27/2024

 

Kerstin G.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

I really appreciate the way your tours are organized, it is with a certain simplicity and directness which is how I like it, no fuss! There is always so much to learn from the knowledgeable guides. and your support of the local community and the effort to sustainable travel is remarkable.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/19/2024

 

Bronwyn R.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

The team. Brilliant team culture. Incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. Hard-working.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/29/2024

 

Pamela S.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

the size of the vessel and the educational aspect of the trip

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/05/2024

 

Charles C.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

I cannot say enough good things about this trip, especially the crew and staff of the Expedition.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/02/2024

 

Patricia C.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

Excellent quality provided by presenters, staff and Captain.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/07/2024

 

Catherine W.   -  Traveled, February 2024

I do not have any negative comments about my travel with G Expeditions. The staff and expedition team were all incredibly kind, respectful, knowledgeable, and welcoming. The trip itself exceeded all expectations and was spectacular, from wildlife sightings, land and water explorations, lectures and entertainment, etc.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/19/2024

 

Ann W.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

In the whole twelve days we were organised by G Adventures there was not a hitch, or problem of any sort and both staff and crew looked after us 100%. Your experience took us to places that were breathtaking and where there was a safety aspect then another venue was found of equal worth.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/02/2024

 

Joy P.,   -  Traveled, February 2024

We had a marvellous experience.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/26/2024

 

Kenneth B.   -  Traveled, January 2024

Ship team was incredible. Worked very hard to give us the best Antarctica experience possible given the environmental challenges.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/03/2024

 

Sarah R.,   -  Traveled, January 2024

Taken five trips with G Adventures and had a great time on all of them.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/16/2024

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