Head South… Really South!

Here's a trip for those with the heart and soul of a true explorer! Far south beyond the imaginary line of the Antarctic Circle (latitude 66° 33') is a great frozen zone of blue icebergs, gossamer pink light, shifting pack ice, and snowy mountains as far as the eye can see. This extreme southern latitude is truly one of the planet's last frontiers, a place few humans have traveled, and when you cross the Circle, you'll enter the ranks of an elite few—an occasion to be marked by a celebration!

Along the way to and from the circle, you'll travel along the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula, taking time to explore and photograph many of its finest sights. Peninsula visits usually include places like the wildlife colonies at Paradise Bay, King George Island, and the enormously scenic Lemaire Channel, a narrow passage between sheer mountains.

Our ships feature a small fleet of kayaks for paddling options (weather and ice conditions permitting). We also feature an optional night of camping on the ice (weather permitting) on most departures. Great ways to enhance your adventure to Antarctica!

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Activities

Easy ship travel, optional walks and Zodiac rides. (Optional sea kayaking and camping on select departures.)

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Head South - really south - to the Antarctic Circle! (an itinerary few companies offer)
  
• Our longest, most comprehensive trip on the Antarctic Peninsula
  
• An incredible wildlife experience—thousands of penguins (Adélie, chinstrap, gentoo), 5 kinds of seals, whales, and seabirds (including wandering albatross)

Duration: 15 days Start Location: Ushuaia End Location: Ushuaia

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Ushuaia

  Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina.

• Day 2 : Ushuaia – Board ship and set sail

  Board our polar class expedition ship and begin the journey to Antarctica with a scenic sail through the Beagle Channel, then enter the waters of the Drake Passage.

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  Days 3 - 4 : At sea, crossing the Drake Passage / Drake Passage

  Continue to motor across the 620 miles of the Drake Passage, passing over the Antarctic Convergence. Along the way you'll enjoy numerous lectures, movies, and slide show presentations on what you're about to experience.

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  Days 5 - 12 : Antarctic Peninsula & the Circle

  Depending on weather and ice conditions, we head straight to the Antarctic Circle (66° 33'), with a chance to disembark in Zodiacs to explore this otherworldly scenery firsthand (you may even encounter whales!). Then we'll work our way back up the Antarctic Peninsula, cruising among the islands and into the bays and channels, with Zodiac shore landings as part of the experience whenever possible. Peninsula visits usually include places like the wildlife colonies at Paradise Harbor, Deception Island, and (ice conditions permitting) the fantastically scenic Lemaire Channel, a glacier-lined fjord between sheer mountains.

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  Days 13 - 14 : At sea, crossing the Drake Passage

  Homeward-bound on the Drake Passage. Near the end of our journey, we'll sail around Cape Horn on our way to Ushuaia (weather permitting).

• Day 15 : Ushuaia – fly home

  Arrive in Ushuaia in the early morning and depart.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©Christopher Bettencourt