
Highlights
- Celebrate the crossing of the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33' South (approximately)
- By Zodiac, explore hidden bays and quiet coves hoping to spot whales, penguins, and ice seals such as Weddell and crabeater seals.
- Visit fascinating historic sites including explorers’ huts and scientific stations.
Venturing below the Antarctic Circle is about more than just earning bragging rights. It is the chance to enter a different world more rarely seen, it feels more isolated and colder than further north, with great swathes of pack-ice and dreamlike icebergs. Thread through pack ice and narrow channels where scenes of ice-clad mountains, feeding whales and lively penguin colonies become lasting memories.
Ships

Greg Mortimer
Standard Activities
About the Across the Antarctic Circle (15D)
Venturing below the Antarctic Circle is about more than just earning bragging rights. It is the chance to enter a different world more rarely seen, it feels more isolated and colder than further north, with great swathes of pack-ice and dreamlike icebergs. Thread through pack ice and narrow channels where scenes of ice-clad mountains, feeding whales and lively penguin colonies become lasting memories.
Itinerary Day to Day
Arrive Ushuaia
Having made your way to Ushuaia, you will be met by a representative and transferred to our group hotel. This evening, enjoy a light refreshment as you meet your fellow expeditioners at a Welcome Reception. Afterwards, dine at your leisure (dinner not included).
Accommodation: Las Hayas Hotel (or similar)
Embarkation
Drake Passage Crossing
Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle
Drake Passage crossing
Disembark Ushuaia
Route Map
Sea kayaking holidays in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica, and some of the world’s most biodiverse regions, are guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, absorbing the majestic scenery as it unfolds before you.
In Antarctica, keep your camera on-hand for unforgettable encounters with penguins, seals and whales, and occasionally leopard seals or orcas.
Led by experienced guides, you and your small group of like-minded adventurers will paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Paddling is one of the best ways to access and intimately explore the beautiful coastlines we visit and therefore make the most of your time in the wild and remote destinations we visit.
What’s involved?
‘Getting out amongst it’ is our philosophy, and that is exactly what we do. Weather permitting, the sea kayaking activity is normally available anytime the other expeditioners go out. Rather than traveling large distances, our aim is to ensure you see as much as possible. We paddle between 5 to 15 kilometres (2 to 4 hours) per outing, often taking a snack and a flask of hot chocolate to enjoy on our excursion.
Each small group of kayakers (up to 10 per guide) will have their own intimate exploration of the small hidden bays and coasts that are inaccessible to Zodiacs. Of course, we also make time for your own shore excursions and wildlife encounters.
The elements play an important role in our sea kayaking program. It is important that you have an adventurous attitude and understand that the weather can impact our kayaking time.
Required Experience
You must be active in the outdoors and have an adventurous spirit. For most temperate and polar you should be an intermediate paddler. In South Georgia however, conditions can be more varied and you require solid paddling experience in ocean swell and wind.
You do not need to be an expert or know how to roll. However, you must be able to swim and you should have experience in a wet exit and assisted re-entry. You should also be proficient at putting on a spray skirt by yourself and be comfortable paddling on seas with up to half a meter swell. It is also important that you gain some practice getting into a kayak from a pier, wharf, or deep shoreline where you can’t step into the kayak from standing position. You can easily practice all of this at home, plus paddling in a variety of weather conditions, before your trip.
What about beginners up to the challenge?
Our guides do not offer instructional classes for beginners. Therefore, the sea kayaking option is unsuitable for complete novices. However, there is often ample time to gain the required experience before you depart. We may be able to recommend a reputable sea kayak operator in your area for some tuition prior to the trip.
Your guide will assess your ability on the initial paddle, and if you have insufficient experience, he or she reserves the right to restrict your participation in rougher conditions
Fitness Requirements
You should be fit enough to paddle for up to three hours and climb between moving Zodiacs on the water. Regular exercise is recommended, because the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the experience. The more paddles you can do before the trip, the better. We recommend at least three outings prior to your voyage.
Climates & Weather Conditions
During summer the air temperature in the Antarctic Peninsula, is generally above freezing but can range from -4°C to +5°C / 24.8°F to 41°F. The water temperature in the polar regions is close to freezing and winds sweep off the glaciers, making paddling a chilling experience. In South Georgia, there are stronger winds and swells than in Antarctica.
Prices
The Sea Kayaking activity is available for an additional surcharge and includes guided excursions and kayaking equipment
Prices are indicative only and are variable. They are calculated based on the days of voyage, ability to carry out the activity and exchange rates.
Snowshoeing makes walking up gentle slopes and across Antarctica’s soft, powdery snow a breeze, allowing you to explore places others struggle to reach in boots alone. Armed with your very own set of snowshoes and ski poles, you’ll be led by our expert guides who will provide all the instruction you need. Snowshoeing is an excellent way to ascend to some of Antarctica’s best vantage points, stretch the legs and take in the most spectacular scenery on the planet. Snowshoeing is the perfect activity for everyone, with no previous experience required. Join in on the fun and discover a different slice of Antarctica!
Required Experience & Fitness
This popular alpine activity is easy to learn. No experience is necessary – all you need is a willingness to try. All training is provided and our team of guides will have you trained and ready to go in no more than half an hour.
Participants should be confident in their footing and have an average level of fitness – outings may be up to three hours in duration. Those who enjoy hiking trails or taking long walks at home will possess enough fitness to enjoy this activity. As with any other activity, you will get more enjoyment out of it with some preparation in advance, such as long walks with uphill sections or bike riding.
The minimum age for this activity is 14.
Our Guides
Our highly-qualified guides have many years of climbing, skiing and snowshoeing experience and all hold relevant mountain instruction and safety certificates . They aim to provide a personalized and unique experience for every customer whilst maintaining safety to the highest standards. We have one snow shoeing guide for every 10 guests.
Our Outings
While we aim to get out as often as possible, the number of outings will be dependent on weather and our itinerary’s landing points. The average number of outings is usually six or more per voyage, lasting up to three hours per outing. Every voyage is different but some of our typical landings spots have been:
- Ronge Island Georges Point
- Neko Harbour
- Almirante Brown Base Paradise Harbour
- Port Lockeroy
- Brown Bluff
- Jougla Point
Equipment and Clothing Requirements
All snowshoes and ski poles will be provided for all participants. As well as the general packing list, we also recommend:
- Breathable fabric outerwear as you will be exercising
- Thick pair of socks and sheep wool inner soles
- Snow gaiters are optional
You should also ensure your insurance policy covers snowshoeing. An additional policy or premium may be required to ensure you have adequate coverage. Travel insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage is mandatory.
How to Book
If you’d like to take part in this snowshoeing option please advise your polar specialist at the time of booking. Participation may be subject to availability, suitability, and experience.
Witness wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth. Through crystal clear waters you’ll discover the amazing mobility and speed of penguins entering and exiting from the ice, marvel at beautiful sculpted icebergs below the water and witness marine life such as crustaceans, isopods, starfish and nudibranchs!
This unique experience will allow passengers to see both destinations in a completely new dimension, witnessing wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth.
This latest innovative activity option is led by our expert polar diving guides, and utilizes state of the art equipment including drysuits, gloves, hood, fins, mask, and snorkel. Passengers will be provided with all of the training and equipment they need to experience Antarctica from this truly unique angle.
Passengers who take part will enjoy the opportunity to snorkel daily (weather dependent), taking delight in sheltered bays, off shore islands and secluded ship wrecks which make for spectacular wildlife viewing.
Our Guides
Our team of experienced guides have over 20 years’ experience and provide snorkelers with detailed briefings and best practice procedures to ensure a safe snorkeling experience.
Group Size
Polar snorkeling requires at least 6 snorkelers for the activity to proceed. Please ask our team for numbers at time of booking.
What's Included
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All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
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One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Ushuaia on Day 1.
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Half-day tour of Ushuaia on Day 2, prior to embarkation.
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Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
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All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
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Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner.
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Captain’s Welcome and Farewell receptions including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
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All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
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Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
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Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
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One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
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Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
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Comprehensive pre-departure information.
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Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
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Gratuities for ship’s crew.
What's Excluded
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International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
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Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
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Airport arrival or departure taxes.
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Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
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Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
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Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
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Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
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All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone charges.