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
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.
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.
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?)
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
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.
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.
Day 13-14 - Re-crossing the Drake Passage
Wind down your Antarctic Circle cruise with another trip across the legendary Drake Passage.
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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All Inclusive Beverage PackageFrom $299 USD
All Inclusive Beverage PackagePrice per person in US dollars from
Make your expedition experience even better by reserving one of our beverage packages before you travel. Quark is pleased to offer both an all-inclusive (all beverages) and a non-alcoholic beverage package on all departures aboard the Ocean Diamond and Clipper Adventurer ships. Choose from alcoholic beverages including a wide selection of domestic and imported beers, spirits, mixed drinks, cocktails and two varieties of red and white wine. Non-alcoholic drinks include unlimited soft drinks, water and juice. Prices start from $99 for our non-alcoholic packages and from $299 for all-inclusive packages.
Note: Beverage packages are only available on Ocean Diamond and Sea Adventurer departures.
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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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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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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.
