Expedition Itinerary - Crossing the Circle

The goal of this 15-day expedition itinerary is to cross the Antarctic Circle. Below 66° 33' 39"S the sun never sets from mid-December to late February. Choose this Antarctica cruise and sailt to where there is no night. 

Crossing the Circle Interactive Map
Lemaire Channel - Steep cliffs hem in the iceberg-filled strait, a calm haven between the mainland and Booth Island.
Gerlache Strait - Named in honor of Lt. Adrien de Gerlache, who explored the iceberg-rich strait in 1898 for Belgium.
South Shetland Islands - The UK, Chile and Argentina hold claim to the islands, where many countries keep research stations.
Marguerite Bay - Discovered by the French in 1909, Jean-Baptiste Charcot named the bay for his wife Margaret.
Antarctic Circle - One of the 5 major parallels of latitude on Earth, crossings are usually a ceremonious affair.
Anvers Island - Named after Belgium city Antwerp, Palmer Station (USA) studies marine ecosystems here year-round.
Adelaide Island - Charcot may have originally named the island after the huge number of Adelie Penguins on its coast.
Ushuaia, Argentina - Capital of island province Tierra del Fuego, commonly regarded as southernmost city in the world.
Beagle Channel - Both Chilean and Argentinean, it’s named after the ship on which Darwin’s journey made him famous.
The Drake Passage - Whether Drake Lake, or the dreaded Drake Shake, the area is good for sighting whales and seabirds.
Lemaire Channel Gerlache Strait South Shetland Islands Marguerite Bay Antarctic Circle Anvers Island Adelaide Island Ushuaia, Argentina Beagle Channel The Drake Passage
  1. Sail south from Ushuaia, at the foot of the Andes.

    Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina

    Arrive early in Ushuaia to enjoy the southern city's frontier feel. Overnight at our host hotel.

     

  2. You'll sail down the Beagle Channel.

    Day 2 - Embarkation Day

    Crossing the Antarctic Circle is the goal of this cruise itinerary. So, on some departures, the ship will push south immediately.

  3. While crossing the Drake Passage, learn to identify seabirds.

    Day 3-4 - The Drake Passage

    The Drake is legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, but you may be lucky and experience calm weather during this expedition itinerary. If so, we'll keep you busy on deck, on the Bridge and in the presentation room. We prepare you for boarding Zodiacs, shore landings and, if you dare, polar dips.

  4. Preparing to camp in the ice of the Antarctic Peninsula.

    Day 5-8 - Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula

    The Expedition Team launches the Zodiacs to go ashore, or drift silently while you watch whales feed or penguins jump aboard ice floes. Kayaking occurs concurrently, while camping is an evening activity. The ship will be at anchor nearby. Every kayaker or camper seeks that one perfect moment that they will relive for the rest of their lives. Perhaps that moment awaits in Antarctica. 

  5. Carefully wading along the Antarctic shoreline.

    Day 9-10 - The Antarctic Circle

    Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most Antarctic cruise itineraries do not cross 66 degrees 33'S. Celebrate with a well-earned glass of champagne. Toast to the intrepid explorers who have gone before.

  6. The bluer the ice the older it is.

    Day 11-12 - Northbound along the Peninsula

    Many of the French names that appear on the map are the legacy of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, physician, yachtsman, and explorer. He, like you, lived for adventure. 

  7. Stay up late...some of the best photos are taken under a midnight sun.

    Day 13-14 - The Drake Passage

    As you cross the Drake once again, adjust to a world where day and night are distinct.

  8. Ushusaia is the San Francisco of the south - minus the cable cars.

    Day 15 - Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina

    Transfer, after breakfast aboard, from the pier to the airport for your homeward flight.

Extend your stay

You may like to extend your stay

  • Tierra del Fuego National Park Excursion$65

    4 hours in durationPrice per person

    A combination of motor coach touring and short walks provides a low impact adventure in the magnificent wilderness Park.

  • Trekking and Canoeing in Tierra del Fuego National Park$130

    7-8 hours in durationPrice per person

    Lunch, canoeing, and trekking are included in this active adventure.

  • Haberton Estancia and Martillo Island$90

    6 hours in durationPrice per person

    A scenic coach tour, a cruise to Martillo Island to visit a penguin rookery - this excursion packs a lot into 6 hours.

  • Cruise and Coach Adventure to Haberton Estancia$100

    9 hours in durationPrice per person

    The best of the sights and sounds of the Beagle Channel by boat and motorcoach.

  • Cruise to Penguin Island$92

    6 hours in durationPrice per person

    If you can't wait to see penguins, take this cruise.

  • Cruise to Sea Lion Island and Bird Island$62

    2.5 hours in durationPrice per person

    The perfect wildlife teaser before an Antartic expedition.

  • Ride the Train at the End of the World$70

    1 hour in durationPrice per person

    Ride the southernmost train in the world

  • Full Day Excursions from Buenos Airesfrom $203

    Price per personThis is a private tour.

    Add a day-long excursion to Uruguay or a visit to an estancia - a working cattle ranch - to your visit to Buenos Aires.

  • Buenos Aires Half-Day Excursionsfrom $77

    Price per personThis is a private tour.

    Add a guided tour by coach or on foot to your Buenos Aires extension.

  • Salta & Calchaquies Valleys with overnight in Cafayatefrom $1050

    Per person priceBased on twin occupancy

    A 3 night, 4 day cultural immersion spiced with the flavors of Argentina and colored by the natural beauty of the country

  • Salta and Humahuaca GorgeFrom $945

    3 nights/4 daysPer person, based on twin occupancy

    Llamas, Malbec and the Andes Mountains are iconic to Argentina. Quaint mountain villages and colonial architecture are also essentials when you extend your stay in northern Argentina. This package delivers it all.

  • Salta & Calchaquies Valleys with Overnight in Cachi$960

    Per person, based on twin occupancy

    This cultural immersion is spiced with the flavors of Argentina. You will trek on foot through Los Cardones National Park.

  • Salta & Calchaquies Valleys & Overnight in El CalafateFrom $1050

    3 nights/4 daysPer person, based on twin occupancy

    This is the package for the traveler who is happy only when using all five senses: taste, smell, sight, touch and hearing!

  • Argentina's Wine Country & Andes Mountain HikeFrom $1505

    3 nights/4 daysPer person, based on twin occupancy

     This is the package to choose if you enjoy physical activity as well as the sensual pleasures of wine tasting.

  • Argentina's Wine Country & Andes MountainsFrom $1315

    3 nights/4 daysCost per person, based on twin occupancy

    During this trip, you visit a winery, where a sommelier leads you through a tasting of the regional wines.

  • Iguazu FallsFrom $460

    2 nights/3 daysPer person, based on twin occupancy

    UNESCO has designated Iguazu Falls a World Heritage Site. They are considered one of the natural wonders of the modern world.

  • Iguazu Falls and Yacutinga LodgeFrom $900

    3 nights/4 daysPer person, based on twin occupancy

    2 nights lodging at the private eco-reserve Yacutinga Lodge with full board, plus 1 night in Puerto Iguazu and admission to Iquazu National Park.

  • El Calafate - Gateway to Los GlaciaresFrom $700

    3 nights/4 daysPer person, based on twin occupancy

    El Calafate is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, and Perito Moren Glacier.

  • El Calafate and Adventure DomesFrom $1060

    3 nights/4 daysPer person, based on twin occupancy

    Minimal Environmental Impact - Major Adventure in El Calafate. Amazing contrast between the desert and the mountains of Los Glaciares National Park.

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