Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition 17% Discount

Immerse yourself in the adventure of a lifetime as you explore the majestic Antarctica with the Southern Expedition. This extraordinary journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, and takes you across the legendary Drake Passage to the southern polar circle. On board the luxurious ships Ocean Explorer or Ultramarine, you will experience the untouched beauty of Antarctica with its impressive glaciers and unique wildlife. Observe penguins, seals, and whales in their natural habitat and visit historical research stations. Enjoy exciting lectures by polar experts and be enchanted by the stunning landscape. This journey promises remarkable experiences and the opportunity to experience the wonders of Antarctica up close.
 

Itinerary: Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

 
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
Your journey will begin in Ushuaia, a small yet vibrant port city located at the southern tip of South America. This charming Argentine town serves as the ideal gateway for you to explore the southern expanse of Patagonia as you prepare for the exciting adventure that awaits you. In Ushuaia, you will have the opportunity to enjoy active outings in the mountains, where the fresh air and stunning landscapes invite you to discover the natural beauty of the region. Additionally, you can delight in the taste of artisanal chocolate at one of the town's cozy cafes, where each bite is an experience reflecting the rich local culinary tradition.
 
Day 2: Embark
As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, you will begin your Antarctic journey, passing through the historic Beagle Channel. This channel, named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin traveled, offers a unique opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the surrounding landscapes and the diverse seabirds that inhabit the area. As you glide through the waters, the scenery unfolds with a sense of timeless beauty, providing a perfect backdrop for your adventure. Eventually, the channel opens up to the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean, marking the beginning of your voyage towards the icy wonders of Antarctica. The transition from the channel to the open ocean is a moment of anticipation and excitement, as you set your sights on the remote and pristine continent that lies ahead.
 
Day 3 & 4: Crossing the Drake Passage
During your days at sea, your expedition team will entertain you with exciting presentations on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. These lectures offer you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and learn more about the fascinating aspects of the region you are traveling through. If you need a break from the presentations, you can enjoy the fresh sea air on deck and look out for passing wildlife. You might spot some of the impressive marine creatures or birds native to this region. Alternatively, you can retreat to the cozy atmosphere of the ship's bar to engage in conversation with your fellow travelers over a refreshing drink. These social moments offer a wonderful opportunity to share experiences and make new friendships as you cross the Drake Passage together.
 
Day 5 to 7: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the Antarctic Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the elusive leopard seal. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are exploring the Antarctic terrain, visiting a historic research base or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with five different species of seals. Zodiac and ship cruising can offer opportunities to view some of the larger local marine mammals more intimately, such as Antarctic minke and humpback whales. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy. Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the astounding beauty of Antarctica. Listening to the crackling and crumbling of icebergs and glaciers and watching penguins waddling on the beach will become your daily entertainment, while sea kayaking, paddle excursions, or camping are optional activities available on select voyages (at an extra cost).
 
Day 8 & 9: Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and an impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. This journey takes you to a realm that is not only geographically significant but also steeped in the history of exploration. If conditions allow us to cross this famed latitude of 66°33 ́ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, celebrating their courage and spirit of adventure. You can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people, a place where the natural world remains largely untouched by human hands. This is raw Antarctica, a land of stark beauty and extreme conditions, home of the midnight sun, where daylight lingers long into the night, casting a magical glow over the icy landscape. Here, you may encounter Weddell seals lounging on the ice, their sleek bodies perfectly adapted to the frigid environment. This region also offers your best chances of encountering sea ice—the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem, a vital component that supports a diverse array of wildlife. As you stand on the deck, surrounded by the vast expanse of ice and sea, you’ll feel a profound connection to this remote and pristine part of the planet.
 
Day 10 & 11: Northbound Along the Peninsula
By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins will be as pronounced as your ability to distinguish between a leopard, crabeater, and Weddell seal. Terms like "bergy bits" and "pancake ice" will have become part of your vocabulary, yet there are still many stories to tell. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will fill your days, and your expedition team will continue to look out for seabirds, seals, and whales that you may have missed on your journey south.
 
Day 12 & 13: Crossing the Drake Passage
As you cross the Drake Passage once more, Antarctica gradually fades on the horizon, leaving behind a collection of memories that will last a lifetime. The excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your expedition team will also conclude their series of presentations with a slideshow of the adventures you have shared and the wildlife you have observed during your journey. Be sure to take some time to reflect on everything you have experienced so far.
 
Day 14: Disembark in Ushuaia
Today, you bid farewell to your expedition team and fellow travelers. In the morning, disembarkation takes place, and you prepare to embark on your flights home or continue your journey on your own. It is the moment when the memories of the past days come alive as you take the last glimpses of the impressive landscape of Ushuaia. The experiences and impressions you have gathered during your expedition will accompany you on your further path. Whether you return home or embark on new adventures, this day marks the end of a remarkable chapter and the beginning of a new one.
 
 
Further Information: The expedition includes various departures between January and March 2026, with the duration of the journey varying from 14 days.
 
Discover the untouched beauty of Antarctica on a unique expedition that combines adventure and education. Spots for our departures in January to March are quickly filled, so we recommend that you inquire now without obligation and secure your remarkable experience!
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