Extended Voyage to the Antarctic Circle 30% Advantage

This 14 day expedition voyage starts in Ushuaia, crosses the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula and, depending on weather and ice, reaches the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′S. The focus is on flexible day to day decisions by the expedition team, Zodiac cruises, and landings at selected bays, islands, and historic sites. The farther south the route runs, the quieter and more pristine the ice, glaciers, and seascape feel. Seabirds regularly accompany you, and with good chances you will see penguins, seals, humpback and orca whales. The exact route is intentionally adapted to conditions.

Extended Voyage to the Antarctic Circle: The Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia
After arrival, you will be welcomed at the airport and taken to a partner hotel in the Patagonian nature. The day is free to settle in, rest, or explore Ushuaia on your own, the southernmost city in the world. In the evening, a briefing will be held to answer questions and get to know your fellow travelers.

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Day 2: Embarkation
The morning is at your disposal for your own activities in Ushuaia, for example a museum visit or a stroll through the markets, alternatively for relaxing in the hotel. In the afternoon, you will take a guided transfer on board. After check in, safety and orientation information will follow, as well as the captain’s welcome dinner, before the journey towards Antarctica begins.

Days 3 to 4: Drake Passage
During the crossing, polar experts share knowledge about the wildlife and the history of the region. You can also take part in the Citizen Science program or follow the passage from the deck. When crossing the Antarctic Convergence, light, sea conditions, and temperature change noticeably, and with binoculars you can often spot seabirds accompanying the ship.

Day 5: South Shetland Islands
Volcanic processes have shaped a distinctive geology on the South Shetland Islands, with mountains, glaciers, and rugged coastlines. In this environment there are good chances to observe Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and along the water’s edge Elephant and Fur seals are not infrequently sighted. Depending on conditions, you head out in Zodiacs, and sometimes also by kayak, to explore the island world from the water and on land, while whales may occasionally appear in the area.

Days 6 to 9: Course Set for the Antarctic Circle
The route heads west along the Antarctic Peninsula into the Gerlache Strait region, where a variety of landing sites and bays showcase the diversity of the landscape. Typically there are two excursions per day, such as Zodiac cruises in Paradise Bay or observing nesting penguins on Cuverville Island. Historical traces may be a focus at the huts of Damoy Point, while in Wilhelmina Bay there are good chances of spotting humpback whales. Further south, the passage through the Lemaire Channel is among the defining moments of this journey. Weather and ice permitting, the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S is reached.

Days 10 to 11: South Shetland Islands
On the way back, the South Shetland Islands, as the northernmost tip of Antarctica, once again offer striking contrasts of ice covered peaks and a rough sea. Against the backdrop of Livingston, Greenwich, and King George Islands, colonies of Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins can often be found, accompanied by seabirds such as Giant Petrels. If weather and local conditions allow, Deception Island, with its active volcanic crater and dark, steaming beaches, can be visited. Yankee Harbour is also considered as a possible stop, as a historic anchorage used by early sealers.

Days 12 to 13: Drake Passage Northbound
The return journey across the Drake Passage offers time to put observations into perspective and to let the impressions of the past days linger. On board, the conclusion of the expedition is marked with a presentation, a guest photo competition, and a shared final meal, before the coast of South America comes closer again.

Day 14: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
In the morning, disembarkation takes place in Ushuaia. Afterwards, you can continue your onward journey or stay in the city for your own activities. After breakfast and a transfer to the city, the tour services end.

Accommodation:
Before embarkation, you will stay overnight in Ushuaia at a partner hotel set in Patagonian nature (only incl. breakfast). During the expedition, you spend the nights on board, where you can choose out of different cabin categories.

Special features:
The itinerary is typical of an expedition and is governed by weather, ice, and local conditions, so planned passages such as the Antarctic Circle cannot be guaranteed. Landings and Zodiac activities take place after safety briefings and under the guidance of the expedition team, wildlife sightings are likely, but naturally variable.
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