ULTIMATE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE CROSSING
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ULTIMATE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE CROSSING
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 - 2 | Ushuaia, Argentina | Transfer from airport, spend the night in a hotel before embarking the following day |
| Days 3 - 4 | At Sea | Crossing the Drake Passage |
| Days 5 | South Shetland Islands | Spectacular display of mountains, glaciers and wildlife |
| Days 6 - 9 | Antarctic Circle | Should the weather and ice permit, cross the Antarctic Circle |
| Days 10 - 12 | Antarctic Peninsula | Bays and famed harbours, stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites, spot penguins, seals, and whales |
| Days 13 - 14 | At Sea | Re-cross the Drake Passage, reflect on your journey |
| Day 15 | Ushuaia | Farewell your fellow expeditioners and disembark |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Seaventure
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
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Resort & Spa (or another of Ushuaia’s top luxury hotels), take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Attend the evening briefing to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
Spend your following morning relaxing at the hotel, or visit a museum or the Argentinean leather markets in Ushuaia, before or just relaxing at the hotel until your mid-afternoon escort to the ship. The Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner. You’re on your way to Antarctica!
Days 3 – 4 Drake Passage
Join the Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in the pioneering Citizen Science program, or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely-seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort the ship as you cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.
Days 5 South Shetland Islands
Over time, the volcanic activity of the South Shetland Islands has created a geology unlike any other. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins; and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals. Whales are often spotted as well. So, settle into Zodiacs and kayaks, and spend most of your day exploring. Whether on land or sea, in Zodiac or kayak, be prepared for a fully immersive introduction to this incomparable part of the world.
Days 6 – 9 Antarctic Circle
Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, you’ll begin to see the breathtaking outline of the Antarctic Peninsula. Wildlife sightings, including penguins, whales, and fur seals, become more frequent, as do dramatic ice sculptures. Should Antarctica’s unpredictable weather and ice permit, you will be among the lucky few to cross the Antarctic Circle, where the sun remains in the sky for 20 hours a day. Following a tradition first established by sailors crossing the equator, you’ll celebrate the occasion by… (Sorry, you just have to be there), before heading onward toward any number of historic and rarely visited British survey bases, after which you’ll turn back north.
Days 10 – 12 Antarctic Peninsula
Heading north, explore all the Antarctic Peninnsula has to offer, including any number of spectacular bays and famed harbors, maneuvering through dramatic channels as you traverse the wildlife-rich waters, encountering a wide variety of lively penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea. There are always great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites along the way, as you leave no opportunity unseized-upon in your quest to explore the very best of this magical place.
Days 13 – 14 Drake Passage
Leave this magical place and make your way north, once again heading across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. Have one last hurrah as you celebrate the conclusion of your expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.
Day 15 Ushuaia
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, disembark in the morning, and catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
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.
