Expedition Itinerary - Crossing the Circle
Even today, few can say they’ve travelled past the Antarctic Circle to the last-explored and least-known realm on earth. Here’s your chance to join the select few who’ve crossed that final border, into a world where the sun never sets, and where drifting icebergs may reach the size of city blocks.
Along you way you’ll likely meet Adelie, Gentoo, Chinstrap and Magellanic Penguins. You may site humpback, minke and orca whales, and see countless seals basking on the rugged Antarctic Peninsula coast. You can also take part in optional kayaking and camping expeditions, bringing you even closer to Antarctica’s remarkable wildlife and spectacular scenery.
Quark’s ships, crew and staff have been navigating and exploring these waters for decades. When you’re ready to cross that “final frontier,” make sure you travel with the best!
30% off select Crossing the Circle departures.
- Feb 12 – 26, 2012 aboard Vavilov Now $7,588 - $10,948
- Feb 13 – 27, 2012 aboard Ocean Nova Now 9,548 - $13,328
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Day 1 - Overnight in Ushuaia, Argentina
Begin your Antarctic Circle cruise with an overnight stay in Ushuaia – capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, and southernmost city in the world.
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Day 2 - Embarkation Day
Today you join your ship and begin heading south immediately. Keep your eye out for penguins, cormorants, petrels and Black-browed Albatross as you pass through the scenic Beagle Channel.
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Day 3-4 - Crossing the Drake Passage
Prepare for rough seas, but don’t be disappointed if you experience smooth sailing across this legendary waterway. When conditions permit, we’ll fill these two days with onboard presentations, preparing you for wildlife viewing, Zodiac boardings, shore landings and – if you dare – polar dips. (Come on – are you really going to come all this way and not take a dip in the Antarctic seas?)
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Day 5-8 - Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
Changing conditions mean each expedition is different, and your Expedition Team will make the most of whatever weather, ice or wildlife conditions present themselves to make sure you have an unforgettable visit. Here are just a few of the things you might find yourself doing:
- Sitting quietly on a pebbled beach, waiting for a curious penguin chick to approach
- Taking a “polar plunge” in the icy waters of Neko Harbour
- Listening to the boom and crack of a calving glacier near Petermann Island
- Kayaking with pods of whales and sleek fur seals
- Camping overnight beneath the midnight sun
- Zodiac-cruising among majestic icebergs in Pleneau Bay
- Scrambling to the top of a craggy hill for an unforgettable view of Port Lockroy
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Day 9-10 - The Antarctic Circle
Celebrate your arrival within Antarctica’s “inner circle” with a well-deserved glass of champagne, toasting the intrepid explorers of yore. Continue exploring the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula, as you sail south as far as Adelaide Island.
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Day 11-12 - Northbound along the Peninsula
As we swing north to begin our homeward journey, you’ll have many more opportunities to enjoy Antarctica’s stunning scenery, and to observe its abundant wildlife. If weather has hampered our ability to go ashore on the southbound journey, we will try to provide alternate landing sights northbound.
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Day 13-14 - Re-crossing the Drake Passage
Wind down your Antarctic Circle cruise with another trip across the legendary Drake Passage.
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Day 15 - Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
After a shipboard breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
Extend your stay
Want to stay longer, or arrive earlier? Contact our Polar Travel Advisors via email, live chat or phone (1-866-961-2961) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions.
Extend your stay
You may like to extend your stay
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Tierra del Fuego National Park Excursion$75 USD
4 HoursPrice Per Person
A combination of motor coach touring and short walks provides a low impact adventure in the magnificent wilderness Park.
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Trekking and Canoeing in Tierra del Fuego National Park$145 USD
7 to 8 HoursPrice Per Person
Lunch, canoeing, and trekking are included in this active adventure.
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Haberton Estancia and Martillo IslandUSD$100
6 HoursPrice Per Person
A scenic coach tour, a cruise to Martillo Island to visit a penguin rookery - this excursion packs a lot into 6 hours.
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Cruise and Coach Adventure to Haberton EstanciaUSD$100
9 HoursPrice per person
The best of the sights and sounds of the Beagle Channel by boat and motorcoach.
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Cruise to Penguin Island$95 USD
6 HoursPrice Per Person
If you can't wait to see penguins, take this cruise.
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Cruise to Sea Lion Island and Bird IslandUSD$62
2.5 HoursPrice Per Person
The perfect wildlife teaser before an Antartic expedition.
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Iguazu FallsFrom USD$460
2 Nights/3 DaysPrice Per Person (Twin Occupancy)
UNESCO has designated Iguazu Falls a World Heritage Site. They are considered one of the natural wonders of the modern world.
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El Calafate - Gateway to Los GlaciaresFrom USD$700
3 Nights/4 DaysPrice Per Person (Twin Occupancy)
El Calafate is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, and Perito Moren Glacier.
Reviews for this expedition
- Very good - we'll be recommending you to our friends!
"The night with the perfect light, cruising through channels; Nesting penguins and the iceberg graveyard."
Srikant Balan, January 2010
- Excellent - the trip of a lifetime!
"It was an extraordinary opportunity to visit places under the polar circle, places seldom seen by human beings. A close experience with Nature in the last virgin place on planet Earth."
Juan Abal, February 2010
- Excellent - the trip of a lifetime!
"Crossing the Drake passage: the feeling to be part of the mariner's world! Crossing the circle: icebergs in the mist, a fairy world Penguins colonies: the strength to be two of us"
Ornella Sizzi, January 2011