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South Shetland Islands, Antarctica & Crossing The Circle

A jaw-dropping journey crossing the legendary Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ South in the wake of the explorers of yesteryear.

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Length

11 Days

Embark

Ushuaia

Disembark

Ushuaia

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Highlights

Reach the legendary Antarctic Circle at 66°33′S, a goal that eluded many explorers of the past.
Witness the sun circling your vessel at this extreme latitude, creating a mesmerizing phenomenon.
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula's pristine icescapes, encounter diverse wildlife, and experience its dramatic beauty.

On this 11-day inspiring cruise, explore the Great White Continent’s magnificent landscapes, glacial mountains, and incredible wildlife before venturing south of the Antarctic Circle—a realm where the normally prohibitively dense pack ice forbids exploration, but your high ice-class rated vessel provides privileged access. Your journey begins in earnest as you enter Drake Passage, known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice! The excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. These nutrient rich waters lure a wealth of seabirds, albatrosses, and several species of whales. Weather permitting, we catch our first sight of seals and penguins!

With wide eyes, weave through the South Shetland Islands, a pearly necklace of glistering, ice-covered islands and dormant volcanoes where numerous Zodiac excursions and landfalls are likely. We are constantly on the lookout for whales, sea lions, elephant seals and an unbelievable amount of sea birds and penguins. Continuing onward, we enjoy the calming silence and alluring beauty of the Antarctic mainland during hikes and Zodiac excursions. Spread in isolation along the coast, we also see a number of manned and unmanned research stations, which we aim to visit before accomplishing our goal—crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ South where, the sun is up for 24-hours a day during the austral summer.

Ships

No departures available at this time

Standard Activities

Bird Watching

Lectures

Photography Workshops

Zodiac Cruises

Itinerary Day to Day

Day 1

Arrival in Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost city. Explore this vibrant Patagonian city, or stretch your legs in the surrounding forests. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path into the raw nature of Tierra del Fuego. The island of Tierra del Fuego is a hiker’s paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and rich boggy wetlands. In the afternoon, we board our vessel, waiting to welcome us in port.

After our mandatory safety drill, our expedition begins as we navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles Darwin’s ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina, and has been the jumping-off point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown. Watch out for whales and dolphins as we sail off the edge of the map into the tempestuous Drake Passage.

Ushuaia

Embarkation Point

Tierra del Fuego

Beagle Channel

Days 2-3

At Sea. Cross Drake Passage Southbound

Day 4

South Shetland Islands

Our Antarctic adventure begins in the South Shetland Islands. This chain of rugged rocks marks the northernmost point of Antarctica, and the most exposed to the fury of the Southern Ocean. Because of this, it is also one of the richest in terms of wildlife, with large Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, and an abundance of large seabirds such as predatory Giant Petrels. The ice-clad mountains of Livingstone, Greenwich and King George Islands give us a glimpse of what is to come as we venture further south.

Landing sites which may be visited in the South Shetland Islands include the black steaming sands and rusting ruins of Deception Island (an active volcanic crater), the bustling penguin colonies of Aitcho and Half Moon Islands, or the old sealers’ anchorage of Yankee Harbour. As the closest part of Antarctica to South America and the rest of the world, the South Shetlands contain the majority of the continent’s human population. Many countries have chosen to build their bases in this relatively accessible region, with stations in the area manned by Chile, Argentina, Spain, South Korea, China, Peru, Uruguay and Poland to name just a few.

South Shetland Islands

King George Island

Deception Island

Half Moon Island

Days 4-7

Antarctic Peninsula

The following days will be spent exploring further south on the Antarctic Peninsula in the Gerlache Strait region. This region is typically icy, so our exact route will be subject to careful planning by the Expedition Leader and Captain – however we will aim to visit a range of sites which showcase the best of this staggeringly beautiful region.

Consisting of the ‘spine’ of the Antarctic Peninsula and a large number of glaciated and mountainous islands, the Gerlache Strait is what comes to mind when most people think of Antarctica. Marvel at the massive icebergs and vast glaciers on a Zodiac cruise in Paradise Bay. Be moved by penguins tenderly caring for their precious eggs, and fiercely defending their nests on Cuverville Island. Watch cataracts of ice tumble into clear blue ocean on a hike over the active glaciers of Neko Harbour. Experience the Antarctica of old at historic huts such as Damoy Point, lovingly restored and open to all. Feel the spray of water from the blow of a humpback whale on a Zodiac safari in Wilhelmina Bay. Wonder at awe-inspiring scenery on a ship cruise through the Lemaire Channel. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalising history and breathtaking natural beauty abound.

While wind, ice and sea conditions will dictate our precise destinations and timings, our plans will be explained to guests during regularly scheduled evening briefings with your Expedition Leader; these nightly sessions are also an excellent opportunity to hear from your knowledgeable Expedition Team, who will explain and expand on our experiences to ensure guests get the most from their voyage.

Crossing the Antarctic Circle requires careful advance planning; your Captain and Expedition Leader will be constantly checking ice charts and weather forecasts to determine the best opportunity to sail south and reach 66°33′ South. A true expedition requires a flexible schedule, and we will take any opportunity provided to us by Mother Nature during these days to cross the Circle. Landing sites in the area include Detaille Island, Andresen Island and the Fish Islands. Access to these islands so far south can be limited by sea ice; Antarctic Circle bragging rights, however, are forever.

Antarctic Peninsula

Gerlache Strait

Paradise Bay

Lemaire Channel

Antarctic Circle

Pléneau Island

Petermann Island

Crystal Sound Channel

Detaille Island

Day 8

South Shetland Islands

As we sail northwards from the Antarctic Peninsular, we will return to the South Shetland Islands. This chain of rugged rocks marks the northernmost point of Antarctica, and the most exposed to the fury of the Southern Ocean. Because of this, it is also one of the richest in terms of wildlife, with large Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, and an abundance of large seabirds such as predatory Giant Petrels. The ice-clad mountains of Livingstone, Greenwich and King George Islands recall the even more vast icescapes of the south.

Many countries have chosen to build their bases in this relatively accessible region, with stations in the area manned by Chile, Argentina, Spain, South Korea, China, Peru, Uruguay and Poland to name just a few.

Drake Passage

Cape Horn

Days 9-10

At Sea - Crossing the Drake Passage Northbound

Day 11

Back to Ushuaia and Disembarkation

Route Map

There are 18 main destinations visited

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Extra Activities

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Snowshoeing

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Kayaking

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What's Included

11-days/10 nights cruise with accommodation in a shared double cabin featuring ensuite facilities
Shuttle transfers to the ship from city centre/From the ship to city centre or airport (Ushuaia)
All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
Expedition parka
Rubber boot rentals
Guiding and lectures by our expedition leader and team
Special Photo Workshop
English-speaking expedition team
Visual Journal link after voyage including voyage log, gallery, maps, species list and more!
Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon snacks
Free tea and coffee 24 hours daily
Welcome and farewell cocktails
Port and authority fees and taxes

What's Excluded

Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Single room supplement and cabin upgrades
Meals not on board the ship
Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
Personal expenses
Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions’

We’ll carefully listen to your aspirations and curate an impartial shortlist of personalized polar cruise recommendations—and pre- and post-cruise extensions—to match your desired experience.

Next we’ll place a free, no obligation, 24-hour cabin hold on your preferred cruise option whilst we discuss the final details. Book and relax safe in the knowledge you’ll be paying the lowest price guaranteed.

Then we’ll provide you with our expert packing advice, insider travel tips, and more to ensure you are fully prepared for—and maximize your enjoyment of—your once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition.

South Shetland Islands, Antarctica & Crossing The Circle

Highlights

Ships

Standard Activities