CROSSING THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE

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15 DAYS

ITINERARY SUMMARY
DayPlaceHighlights
Days 1-2Ushuaia, ArgentinaTransfer from airport, two nights in hotel
Day 3Embarkation UshuaiaBeagle Channel
Days 4-5At SeaCrossing the Drake Passage
Days 6South Shetland Islands Penguins, seals, albatross, whales
Days 7-9Antarctic CircleDramatic Antarctic Scenery
Days 10-12Antarctic PeninsulaBays and famed harbors, stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites, spot penguins, seals, and whales
Days 13-14Drake PassageOn your way back to Ushuaia
Day 15UshuaiaFarewell your fellow expeditioners

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Seaventure
Seaventure Owners Suite

The MS Seaventure features a 1-A Super ice class rating which is the highest ice class awarded to passenger vessels. She can explore places that other vessels simply cannot. The Seaventure will take up to 139 guests and has enough Zodiacs to ensure all guests can leave the vessel and make landings or explore by Zodiac at the same time. With creature comforts in the well appointed staterooms and suites the ship also offers spacious common areas for socialising and attending information sessions when not out exploring. This ship has a beautiful dining area with picture windows to take in the views as well as an al fresco dining area when weather permits for outdoor dining.

Days 1 & 2 Ushuaia, Argentina

Ushuaia

No need to stress about missed connections or flight delays as you arrive with plenty of time to unwind and enjoy your hotel accommodation set up high on the mountains or head out and discover this southernmost city in the world of Ushuaia. Located at the end of southern Patagonia the southern tip of Argentina and surrounded by sea and mountains, enjoy exploring the museums and Argentinean leather markets. Attend the optional evening briefing for the opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 3 Embarkation in Ushuaia

Ushuaia Port, Argentina

After a final morning exploring Ushuaia or unwinding at the resort, our mid-afternoon transfer will take you to the beautiful MS Seaventure. Your expedition team and ship staff will greet you on board, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner. You’re on your way to Antarctica.

Days 4 & 5 Drake Passage

Crossing the Drake

Join our Polar Experts in the lounge to immerse yourself in all things Antarctic, from its fascinating wildlife to its adventurous history; choose to participate in our renowned Citizen Science program; or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching your first glimpses of wildlife. Grab your binoculars to identify the many seabirds that follow the ship.  As we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctic waters, you’ll start to notice the cooler temperatures, your cue to get ready for that first iceberg sighting, an unforgettable moment on every journey.

Days 6 South Shetland Islands

In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, you will spend as much time as possible exploring by inflatable Zodiac boats. Cruise along the pristine shorelines and past icebergs. The Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. You may visit scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest. Your first sighting of land will likely be that of the volcanic South Shetland Islands.  Here you may visit Half Moon Island nestled inside Livingston’s eastern shore, or conditions permitting, visit historic Deception Island. Here you are likely to see sub-Antarctic species including Chinstrap penguins and Southern Elephant seals.

Days 7-9 Antarctic Circle

Floating Iceberg Antarctica

Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, we sail towards the Antarctic Circle. From our most southern point (south of the Antarctic Circle), we’ll start making our way back north, cruising through the narrow channels of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Days 10-12 Antarctic Peninsula

Gentoo Penguins at Orne Island

Heading north, we’ll explore any number of picturesque bays and famed harbors, maneuvering through majestic channels as we travel the wildlife-rich waters. There are great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites as we spot numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea.

Days 13 & 14 Drake Passage

Drake Sunset

We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

Day 15 Ushuaia

Ushuaia

With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

To book this voyage call 1300 784 794 or email contact@antarcticatravelcentre.com.au

We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.

Extend your trip to Patagonia

To make the most of your time in South America we can tailor a holiday to Patagonia to suit your voyage dates. If you have a bit more time we can create a tailor-made itinerary to some of the highlights of South America. Take a look at the Patagonia sample itineraries below and contact us to begin creating your perfect holiday.