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Crossing the Antarctic Circle

from £9400 excluding flights

  • 11 - 17 nights
  • Jan-Mar, Dec
Home Destinations Polar Antarctica Antarctic Peninsula Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Highlights

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Spot adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins

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Explore stunning waterways including the Lemaire Channel

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Choose from a range of adventure options

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Raise a glass of champagne as you reach 66° 33’S

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Encounter a wealth of wildlife including seals, seabirds and whales

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Enjoy shore landings and Zodiac cruises past glistening icebergs

Why this trip...

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Choice of vessels

We offer a wide choice of small ships from simple budget-conscious options to purpose-built luxury vessels

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Expertly guided

In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip

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Immersive exploration

Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas

Overview

Combine unforgettable wildlife encounters and scenic exploring with the rare opportunity to reach 66° 33’S. This extended Polar cruise offers all the highlights of a classic Antarctic expedition, with additional days to allow the chance to push further south and cross the elusive Antarctic Circle.

The Antarctic Peninsula is home to a wealth of wildlife and this voyage offers some truly memorable encounters. Enjoy sightings of Weddell and elephant seals, abundant seabirds as well as gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguins. Cruise past towering icebergs and remote glaciers as you journey south towards the extreme latitudes of the very bottom of the world.

Zodiac cruises and shore landings provide the chance to fully immerse yourself in this extraordinary continent. Take time to watch penguins go about their daily routines, listen to seals grunt at one another while hauled out on beaches and simply marvel at the exquisite beauty and silence of this partially frozen world.

Itinerary

Begin your journey with an overnight stay in the busy little port town of Ushuaia on the southern tip of Argentina in Tierra del Fuego. Overnight at a hotel in Ushuaia.

After embarkation in the late afternoon, you will sail down the Beagle Channel towards the vast Southern Ocean.

The Drake is legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, but you may be lucky and get calm weather. Enjoy presentations from your Expedition Team along the way.

All shore landings and Zodiac cruises are subject to weather and sea conditions, but during the voyage you may discover enormous rookeries of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins. You may also encounter Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, as well as orcas, humpback, and minke whales. Ice permitting, the ship will navigate some of the most beautiful waterways in the world, such as the Neumayer and Lemaire Channels – impressive narrow passages between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers. Perhaps visit Petermann Island, where Adélie and gentoo penguins, skuas and blue-eyed shags nest close to the landing sites.

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Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66° 33’S. Celebrate with a well-earned glass of champagne and raise a toast to the intrepid explorers who have gone before.

Your journey north will include further shore landings or zodiac cruises, conditions permitting. Presentations from the Expedition Team will give you a deeper understanding of everything you see and experience during your voyage.

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As you cross the Drake once again, you’ll have time to reflect on your polar experiences and prepare for your return to civilisation.

Arrive back in Ushuaia this morning and disembark, ready for your onward adventure.

  • All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions.
  • The above sample itinerary is based on the 14-day voyage on the G Expedition. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, i.e. alternative embarkation or disembarkation ports, or do not include the pre-voyage hotel night. Please contact us for specific details.

Vessel Finder

There are a choice of vessels available for this voyage. Compare the facilities of up to three ships at a glance then talk to our Travel Specialists who will be happy to advise which one is right for you.

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G Expedition

The ever-popular G Expedition offers spacious and comfortable accommodation at an affordable price.

  • Passengers: 134
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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Sea Spirit

This all-suite vessel couples adventure with spacious accommodation and a friendly atmosphere.

  • Passengers: 114
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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Ocean Endeavour

The Ocean Endeavour is a bright and spacious purpose-built expedition ship, with excellent facilities, a range of optional activities and a focus…

  • Passengers: 199
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of boots
  • Optional Activities
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M/V Ortelius

A former scientific-research vessel, the Ortelius offers the classic small ship experience.

  • Passengers: 116
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Helicopter: on selected dates
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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M/V Plancius

The M/V Plancius is a traditional ex-research vessel, with proven experience in icy waters.

  • Passengers: 116
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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M/V Hondius

The M/V Hondius is one of the strongest vessels of its category in the polar regions.

  • Passengers: 174
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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Greg Mortimer

A custom-built expedition ship featuring cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

  • Passengers: 120
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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Ultramarine

The spacious Ultramarine is a purpose-built expedition ship, offering a choice of adventure activities as well as the chance to explore by…

  • Passengers: 199
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Sauna
  • Helicopter: on board
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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Sylvia Earle

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

  • Passengers: 126
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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Seaventure

A classic and strong Polar expedition ship, the MS Seaventure immerses passengers in their surroundings with opportunities to participate in important scientific…

  • Passengers: 139
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Load of Rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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Ocean Explorer

A purpose-built expedition ship offering ample deck space and generously sized cabins, the Ocean Explorer’s innovative design has been meticulously crafted specifically…

  • Passengers: 138
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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Ocean Albatros

Part of a brand new generation of low-energy small ships, custom built for Polar expedition cruising, the Ocean Albatros boasts cutting edge…

  • Passengers: 189
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities

Select 2-3 items to compare.

Prices and Departures

Price from £9400 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

  • Shipboard accommodation
  • All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
  • Tea & coffee available around the clock
  • All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
  • Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
  • Loan of rubber boots during voyage
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

2023/24 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. Prices shown in the table below are the standard voyage fare and do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage.

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Prices from (pp)
25 Feb 2024 12 days Plancius £8,000
25 Feb 2024 14 days Sylvia Earle £13,913
26 Feb 2024 14 days Ocean Endeavour £10,170
29 Feb 2024 15 days MS Seaventure £12,646
01 Mar 2024 14 days Ultramarine £21,150
08 Mar 2024 18 days Sylvia Earle £17,746
13 Mar 2024 16 days Hondius £9,696
16 Mar 2024 14 days Ortelius £8,391
21 Mar 2024 12 days Plancius £7,087

2024/25 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. Prices shown in the table below are the standard voyage fare and do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage.

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Prices from (pp) Special Interest
15 Dec 2024 12 days Ocean Albatros £11,996
21 Dec 2024 14 days G Expedition £11,399
21 Dec 2024 14 days Sylvia Earle £16,329
06 Jan 2025 14 days Ultramarine £20,800
16 Jan 2025 13 days Greg Mortimer £15,079
24 Jan 2025 15 days Sea Spirit £14,795
25 Jan 2025 15 days MS Seaventure £14,546 Citizen Science
04 Feb 2025 14 days Ocean Endeavour
£10,040
04 Feb 2025 14 days Ocean Explorer £16,200
07 Feb 2025 14 days Ultramarine £20,000
08 Feb 2025 14 days G Expedition £10,399
20 Feb 2025 14 days G Expedition £10,199
23 Feb 2025 13 days Greg Mortimer £13,913
25 Feb 2025 14 days Ocean Endeavour £9,400
26 Feb 2025 15 days MS Seaventure £12,746 Citizen Science
01 Mar 2025 14 days Ultramarine £19,600
04 Mar 2025 14 days Ocean Explorer £14,600

Activity Icon Key

  • Camping
  • Diving
  • Kayak taster session
  • Kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Photography
  • Snorkelling
  • Snow-shoeing

NOTES

  • Two pre-voyage nights in a hotel in Ushuaia are included on voyages aboard the Seaventure
  • One pre-voyage night in a hotel in Ushuaia is included with all other ships, except for the Plancius, Ortelius and Hondius
  • The inclusions for this cruise are dependent on the vessel chosen, though those shown are applicable to all

Tailor made trips

As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.

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Travelling sustainably

We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.