Penguin with a cruise ship in the background

Antarctic Circle Cruise

Penetrate the true Antarctic at the bottom of the world
Starting at:
Per Person
CAD$ 12,394

Highlights

  • Travel in the footsteps of famous explorers and navigators such as Captain James Cook in a quest for the Antarctic Circle
  • Visit the less-visited central and southern portions of the Antarctic Peninsula such as Lallemand Fjord and Marguerite Bay
  • Journey to amazing locations off the main tourist circuit in Antarctica
  • Join the jubilant celebrations of the “crossing the Antarctic Circle ceremony”
  • Enjoy 24 hours of daylight for maximum sightseeing and photography

Enticing history and geography buffs alike, Antarctic Circle tours traverse the southernmost of the globe’s great lines of latitude, the thrilling invisible threshold of the Antarctic Circle marking the northern limit of the Antarctic zone. Set at roughly 66 degrees, it encompasses the near entirety of the continent of Antarctica, and delineates the realm to the south where, at least once a day each year, the Sun remains above the horizon—and, on the opposite end of the calendar, below the horizon—for 24 hours.

Inaccessibly shrouded in ice until late December each season when Antarctic Circle cruises can begin, it’s a select share of the White Continent’s annual visitors who get to embark upon Antarctic cruises below the Antarctic Circle and join the likes of Captain James Cook of the British Royal Navy who first accomplished the incredible feat in January 1773, and Russian admiral Thaddeus von Bellingshausen whose Antarctic Circle expedition reached it nearly half a century later.

Penguins on the ice shelf Icebergs in the water in Copper Bay

Antarctic Circle Cruises

Embark on an extraordinary voyage to the southernmost reaches of the planet beyond 66.5 degrees south, where surreal landscapes and untouched beauty unfold.

Antarctic Circle Expedition (18D)

Length: 18 Days
Ships: MS Roald Amundsen
CAD$ 16,140 - CAD$ 30,915
Per Person
Up to 14% savings

Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle & the Peninsula

Length: 14 Days
Ships: Ultramarine
CAD$ 23,617 - CAD$ 56,249
Per Person

Journey To The Antarctic Circle

Length: 14 Days
Ships: Ocean Nova
CAD$ 14,583 - CAD$ 32,091
Per Person

Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Length: 14 Days
Ships: MS Expedition
CAD$ 15,922 - CAD$ 30,053
Per Person

Polar Circle Quest (12D)

Length: 12 Days
Ships: St. Helena
CAD$ 15,137 - CAD$ 26,360
Per Person

Antarctica – Uncharted Islands of the Deep South

Length: 15 Days
Ships: Ortelius
CAD$ 16,682 - CAD$ 24,747
Per Person

Antarctic Circle Micro Fly Cruise

Length: 10 Days
Ships: MV Polar Athena
CAD$ 24,809 - CAD$ 33,770
Per Person

Polar Circle Quest

Length: 12 Days
Ships: MV Ushuaia
CAD$ 12,394 - CAD$ 23,106
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Quest For The Circle

Length: 12 Days
Ships: Ocean Albatros
CAD$ 14,086 - CAD$ 25,280
Per Person
Up to 14% savings

Polar Circle Air-Cruise

Length: 10 Days
Ships: Magellan Explorer, Ocean Nova, Magellan Discoverer
CAD$ 22,051 - CAD$ 59,275
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Across the Antarctic Circle (13D)

Length: 13 Days
Ships: Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
CAD$ 20,619 - CAD$ 56,793
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Antarctica Complete

Length: 23 Days
Ships: Douglas Mawson, Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
CAD$ 37,845 - CAD$ 79,680
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Length: 13 Days
Ships: Ocean Albatros, Ocean Victory
CAD$ 19,708 - CAD$ 40,775
Per Person
Up to 10% savings

Crossing the Circle (14D)

Length: 14 Days
Ships: Seaventure
CAD$ 24,872
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Antarctic Express: Crossing The Circle

Length: 11 Days
Ships: Ocean Explorer, World Voyager
CAD$ 27,596 - CAD$ 62,529
Per Person

Antarctic Circle Map

FAQ About Crossing the Antarctic Circle

What are Antarctic Circle cruises?

Antarctic Circle cruises are expeditions that take you south of the Antarctic Circle, which is located at approximately 66.5 degrees south latitude. These cruises offer a unique opportunity to venture into the realm of the Antarctic wilderness and witness pristine landscapes and wildlife.

What can I expect during an Antarctic Circle cruise?

During an Antarctic Circle cruise, you can expect breathtaking scenery, encounters with penguins, seals, and whales, and the chance to witness mesmerizing ice formations. You’ll sail through icy channels, visit remote islands, and experience the sense of awe and achievement that comes with reaching the Antarct...

When is the best time to go on an Antarctic Circle cruise?

The best time for Antarctic Circle cruises is during the Antarctic summer months from November to March. This period offers longer daylight hours, optimal weather conditions, and a higher chance of crossing the Antarctic Circle, as ice conditions permit.

How long do Antarctic Circle cruises typically last?

Antarctic Circle cruises typically last around 10-14 days, although the duration can vary. These longer expeditions allow for more extensive exploration and greater chances of reaching the Antarctic Circle while also offering opportunities for wildlife encounters and immersive experiences.

Is reaching the Antarctic Circle guaranteed on these cruises?

Reaching the Antarctic Circle on cruises is subject to ice and weather conditions. While cruise itineraries are designed to maximize the chances of crossing the circle, reaching it cannot be guaranteed. However, even if the circle is not reached, the overall Antarctic experience remains incredible.

Ships Crossing The Antarctic Circle

Join our intrepid ships crossing the mythical Antarctic Circle, and experience the thrill of exploration beyond this elusive boundary, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Up to 20% savings

Ultramarine

11-23 Days, 13 Itineraries
199 Guests, Luxury
CAD$ 17,537 - CAD$ 109,354
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Ocean Explorer

8-20 Days, 13 Itineraries
138 Guests, Mid-Range
CAD$ 16,048 - CAD$ 61,026
Per Person

MS Roald Amundsen

12-18 Days, 7 Itineraries
532 Guests, Luxury
CAD$ 13,673 - CAD$ 30,915
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Douglas Mawson

8-25 Days, 13 Itineraries
154 Guests, Mid-Range
CAD$ 17,310 - CAD$ 79,680
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Sylvia Earle

10-23 Days, 20 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
CAD$ 16,745 - CAD$ 78,742
Per Person
Up to 21% savings

Magellan Explorer

6-20 Days, 9 Itineraries
96 Guests, Mid-Range
CAD$ 9,368 - CAD$ 53,760
Per Person

Sea Spirit

11-23 Days, 12 Itineraries
114 Guests, Mid-Range
CAD$ 16,261 - CAD$ 65,479
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Ocean Albatros

8-23 Days, 21 Itineraries
175 Guests, Mid-Range
CAD$ 10,997 - CAD$ 73,469
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Seaventure

10-20 Days, 13 Itineraries
150 Guests, Mid-Range
CAD$ 9,300 - CAD$ 41,195
Per Person

Heritage Adventurer

8-28 Days, 5 Itineraries
184 Guests, Mid-Range
CAD$ 7,278 - CAD$ 73,111
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Greg Mortimer

8-29 Days, 16 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
CAD$ 20,067 - CAD$ 78,742
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Ocean Victory

9-20 Days, 12 Itineraries
189 Guests, Mid-Range
CAD$ 11,383 - CAD$ 54,954
Per Person

MS Expedition

11-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
128 Guests, Mid-Range
CAD$ 10,028 - CAD$ 50,181
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Hondius

8-23 Days, 13 Itineraries
170 Guests, Authentic
CAD$ 10,202 - CAD$ 43,427
Per Person

MV Ushuaia

10-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
90 Guests, Authentic
CAD$ 8,810 - CAD$ 28,110
Per Person

Ocean Nova

8-24 Days, 9 Itineraries
72 Guests, Authentic
CAD$ 10,438 - CAD$ 61,094
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Plancius

8-24 Days, 14 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
CAD$ 9,719 - CAD$ 33,639
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Ortelius

11-28 Days, 8 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
CAD$ 10,753 - CAD$ 36,534
Per Person
Up to 18% savings

Magellan Discoverer

6-18 Days, 6 Itineraries
96 Guests, Luxury
CAD$ 11,712 - CAD$ 59,275
Per Person

MV Polar Athena

9-16 Days, 12 Itineraries
42 Guests, Authentic
CAD$ 19,983 - CAD$ 44,110
Per Person

St. Helena

10-13 Days, 4 Itineraries
98 Guests, Mid-Range
CAD$ 11,015 - CAD$ 26,360
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

World Voyager

8-18 Days, 7 Itineraries
168 Guests, Luxury
CAD$ 16,200 - CAD$ 62,529
Per Person

National Geographic Endurance

10-22 Days, 7 Itineraries
126 Guests, Mid-Range
CAD$ 21,603 - CAD$ 130,694
Per Person