Antarctic adventure - a journey to the Polar Circle

This journey along the Antarctic Peninsula to the Polar Circle takes you through waters inhabited by humpback, minke, and fin whales. At various points during the expedition, there are numerous opportunities for activities, including hikes on land and even dives in the iceberg-filled waters.

Antarctic adventure - a journey to the Polar Circle: The itinerary

Day 1: The beginning of your journey to the end of the world
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, also known as “the End of the World.” In the afternoon, you will board your ship and sail through the picturesque, mountain-lined Beagle Channel.

Day 2 and 3: On the paths of the polar explorers
Over the next two days, you will cross the Drake Passage, experiencing the conditions that challenged the first polar explorers: cool sea breezes, rough waters, and possibly fin whales breaking the waves. Upon reaching the Antarctic Convergence, you will enter the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone, where cold northward-flowing water meets warmer sub-Antarctic waters. This affects not only marine life but also the bird populations. Birds you may observe include wandering albatrosses, gray-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, sooty albatrosses, Cape petrels, southern fulmars, blue petrels, Antarctic petrels, and many more.

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Day 4 - 9: Antarctica in late summer
Along the Antarctic Peninsula, many humpback whales are active, feeding on krill before moving north, while fledgling penguin chicks roam the beaches, with leopard seals waiting for their chance. On Livingston Island at Hannah Point, you can see a variety of gentoo and chinstrap penguins, as well as southern giant petrels and resting elephant seals. Deception Island, a submerged crater opening to the sea, offers a natural harbor; here you can visit an abandoned whaling station and observe Cape petrels, Dominican gulls, brown and south polar skuas, and Antarctic terns, while black-legged storm petrels and black-bellied sandpipers nest among the ruins. Cuverville Island is home to a large gentoo penguin colony and several breeding pairs of brown skuas. Neko Harbour presents huge glaciers and wind-sculpted snowfields; a short Zodiac cruise allows you to get closer to the mountains and even set foot on the Antarctic continent. Zodiac cruises in Paradise Bay offer chances to spot humpback and minke whales. Pléneau and Petermann Islands provide the opportunity, in suitable ice conditions, to navigate the Lemaire Channel and search for Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags, as well as leopard seals, humpback whales, and minke whales. Your journey continues to Crystal Sound, passing the Argentine Islands and crossing the Polar Circle. Detaille Island offers a shore landing near an abandoned British research station, surrounded by high mountains and glaciers. At the Fish Islands, you can observe one of the southernmost Adelie penguin and blue-eyed shag colonies. Finally, the Melchior Islands feature many icebergs, with leopard seals, crab-eating seals, and whales frequently present; kayaking and diving are also possible for those interested. The conditions in the Drake Passage determine the exact departure time.
Day 10 and 11: Familiar sea with familiar friends
On the return journey across the Drake Passage, you will once again be accompanied by a multitude of seabirds. Take time to review all the experiences of the previous days while observing the vast ocean, and watch for the last whales as you approach the end of your expedition.

Day 12: There and back again
On the last day of your journey, you will disembark in Ushuaia. Reflect on the extraordinary experiences of the past days as you pack your belongings. A transfer will take you to the airport. When you leave Ushuaia, you take not only your personal items but also a wealth of new memories with you.
 

Included in Antarctic adventure - a journey to the Polar Circle

 
- Voyage and overnight accommodations on board the booked ship according to the published itinerary
- All meals during the entire voyage on board the ship, including snacks, coffee and tea
- All land excursions and activities throughout the voyage, including Zodiac cruises
- Program of lectures by renowned naturalists and guidance by experienced expedition team
- Free use of waterproof neoprene expedition boots and snowshoes
- Luggage transfer to the ship on the day of embarkation in Ushuaia
- Group transfer from the ship to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation)
- All other service charges and port fees during the program
- Comprehensive preparation material before departure
- Complimentary Wi-Fi: each guest receives 1.5 GB of data per day, renewed every 24 hours
- Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition
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