Crossing the Antarctic Circle: Southern Expedition

As you sail through the Drake Passage, named after the famous 16th-century British explorer Sir Francis Drake, the spectacular seascape will keep you mesmerized. Onboard, you can attend engaging lectures and presentations from passionate polar naturalists on Antarctica’s fascinating history, flora, and fauna, all of which will prepare you for your experience upon your arrival. Guided by experts, you may even spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica. In between these informative sessions and watching for wildlife, savor gourmet meals with fellow travelers as well as delicious liquor and cocktails at the bar.

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, taking in the immensity and natural beauty of the White Continent. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you speechless and awe-struck! Each day, you will set out by Zodiac boat with passionate experts to explore the local bays, channels, and landing sites. Your expedition team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station, or visiting the colonies of chinstrap, Adélie, and gentoo penguins, all of which are found in this region. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater, and leopard seals, as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, fins, or perhaps orcas, while on your Zodiac excursions. The serene silence is sometimes interrupted by the noise of squabbling penguins, and the boom and crack of a calving glacier - this is your perfect opportunity to take in all the sounds and sights that Antarctica has to offer.

Heading southward, your ship will sail towards the Antarctic Circle, a magical destination for seafarers and explorers. Beyond the latitude at approximately 66°33´ S, reaching the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and an impressive achievement, as few visitors have the opportunity to travel so far south. The further toward the South Pole you go, the more influence the rugged and icy the surroundings have on the expedition. Thick ice fields are a common sight in this region, glaciers dominate the landscape, and the number of drifting icebergs begins to increase. This is Antarctica, raw and wild, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem. Simply magical!

After waving goodbye to Antarctica, spend your time aboard the ship at leisure as you make your way north, back to South America. Enhance your understanding of the Antarctic region with Q&A sessions, share photos with your new friends aboard the ship, count the variety and quantity of the wildlife you have seen, and enjoy the final lectures and presentations as you reflect on your own firsthand experiences. This final leg of the journey takes you through the Beagle Channel between Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island.

Arriving in Ushuaia, your journey ends at the pier upon disembarking from the ship. You can choose to spend the rest of your morning soaking in the sights and sounds of Ushuaia at your own pace, thus continue your adventure, or catch your flight home. You will be transferred to the airport directly if you plan to catch the first flight homeward, or taken to your hotel in town should you have plans to leave at a later time or date.