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Crossing The Circle: Southern Expedition

Journey beyond the Antarctic Circle into iceberg-choked seas where penguins, whales, and explorers’ legends define a raw frontier.
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Per Person
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Length
14 Days
Embark
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia
Disembark
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia
Starting at:
Per Person
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Highlights

  • Encounter vast colonies of Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins alongside breaching whales and elusive seals in pristine waters.
  • Sail deep into iceberg-laden channels and soaring glacial landscapes that once challenged history’s boldest Antarctic explorers.
  • Cross the legendary Antarctic Circle and explore rarely visited shores by Zodiac, feeling the thrill of true expedition travel.

This expedition ventures deep into the Antarctic realm, tracing a course through the wildlife-rich Antarctic Peninsula, the remote South Shetland Islands, and onward to the storied latitude of the Antarctic Circle. These regions are celebrated for their extraordinary concentration of penguins, seals, and whales, as well as for landscapes sculpted by ice, wind, and time. Towering glaciers, sculptural icebergs, and silent channels create a setting that feels both primeval and profoundly alive, while the route itself echoes the ambitions of history’s great polar explorers.

Traveling at a time when Antarctica is most accessible reveals the continent at its most dynamic. Expansive daylight enhances wildlife viewing and illuminates the dramatic scenery, while productive polar waters attract feeding whales and bustling penguin colonies. Sea ice, when encountered, offers a vivid glimpse into the foundations of the Antarctic ecosystem, adding texture and context to every landing and cruise.

Days are shaped by immersive exploration. From the ship, guests attend expert-led talks on wildlife, glaciology, photography, and exploration history, then take to the water by Zodiac to weave among icebergs or step ashore on seldom-visited beaches. Guided landings, gentle hikes, and close-range wildlife encounters foster a deep appreciation for the scale and fragility of this environment, while quiet moments on deck invite reflection as the Antarctic unfolds around you.

Crossing the Antarctic Circle stands as a symbolic milestone, a shared achievement reached by few and remembered for a lifetime. This is a voyage for adventurous travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone drawn to meaningful exploration. Guests return with a powerful sense of awe and accomplishment, carryin...

Ships

No departures available at this time

Standard Activities

Crossing The Circle
Crossing The Circle
presentation
Lectures
blindness
Hiking
water aerobics
Polar Plunge
helicopter
Exclusive to Ultramarine
Zodiac Cruises
Zodiac Cruises

Itineraries

This itinerary has multiple variants. Select a different option below to see details.
Fly
Cruise
Day 1

Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina

You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Enjoy active outings in the mountains or sample handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.

Ushuaia
Embarkation Point
Day 2

Embark

Days 3-4

Crossing the Drake Passage

Days 5-7

South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Days 8-9

Antarctic Circle

Days 10-11

Northbound Along the Peninsula

Days 12-13

Crossing the Drake Passage

Day 14

Disembark in Ushuaia

Plus Flights: Flights from and to Buenos Aires are included on embarkation and disembarkation days.

Day 1

Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Upon arriving in this cosmopolitan city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

Buenos Aires
Embarkation Point
Day 2

Fly to Ushuaia and embark

Days 3-4

Crossing the Drake Passage

Days 5-7

South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Days 8-9

Antarctic Circle

Days 10-11

Northbound Along the Peninsula

Days 12-13

Crossing the Drake Passage

Day 14

Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

Departure Dates

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Extra Activities

Explore these 3 add on activities. Please note activities may not be offered on all departures and are subject to availability, weather, and operational conditions. Our Polar Specialists will be happy to confirm which activities are possible on your selected sailing.
From USD$ 395 Per Person

Exclusive Heli-Landing (Ultramarine)

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From USD$ 995 Per Person

Sea Kayaking

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From USD$ 295 Per Person

Paddling Excursion

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What's Included

  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. (Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
  • Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • A photographic journal documenting the expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • A parka to keep
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
  • Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
  • Group departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage storage facility
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data intensive applications.)
  • Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner

What's Excluded

  • Mandatory travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Passport and applicable visa expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
  • Meals unless otherwise specified
  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
  • Excess-baggage fees on international flights
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
  • Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
  • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
  • Additional overnight accommodation
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities