South Shetland Islands, Antarctica & Crossing The Circle
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

Ocean Albatros

Ocean Victory
Standard Activities
About the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica & Crossing The Circle
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.
Itinerary Day to Day
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.
At Sea. Cross Drake Passage Southbound
South Shetland Islands
Antarctic Peninsula
South Shetland Islands
At Sea - Crossing the Drake Passage Northbound
Back to Ushuaia and Disembarkation
Route Map
Snowshoeing is an activity that allows you to hike across soft, powdery snow up gentle slopes to reach to unique vantage points without the hassle of sinking into deep snow. Snowshoeing is as basic as hiking and you do not need to have previous experience.
The snowshoe program is not intended to take place during all landing activities, but rather when the weather, terrain and snow conditions are appropriate. The Snowshoe Master will present an introduction to the snowshoe program and the equipment for all guests with interest, on a workshop before introduction of this activity.
This adventure activity will run separate from, though simultaneous to, Zodiac cruising and landing activities. This activity is dependent on suitable snow conditions and appropriate terrain as agreed upon by our expedition team.
The snowshoe program is conducted and supervised by experienced mountain guides who dictate the route based on site guidelines and conditions at the time of each outing.
Snowshoeing is offered on all ships and all trips during the early season departures (Antarctica; November to December) if conditions allow.
Glide through the waters and take in the royal grace of the icebergs, see the varied birds and seals, and maybe even the whales in their natural habitat under the supervision of experienced kayak guides, who will ensure your safety during each outing.
Exercise your body while engaging your mind and heart in an unforgettable outing, safely guided by Kayak masters throughout the journey. Kayaking activities available on both Arctic and Antarctic voyages.
Although kayaking opportunities are possible in most locations during each excursion in the Antarctic region, weather, sea and ice conditions will dictate the when and where to ensure your safety and improve your experience.
In order to sign up for this activity you need to have previous kayaking experience and attend a mandatory safety briefing by the Kayak Master.
Kayaking is offered on all ships and all trips* if conditions allow.
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’