Antarctica Crossing the Antarctic Circle Adventure Cruising Tour
An Epic Voyage from The Drake Passage to Kodak Gap
- Available: January
- Activity: Level 1
- Accommodations: Luxury Ship
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Group Size:
164 Guests
Min Age: 8
Highlights
- Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica from the comfort of your luxury expedition ship
- Set sail through legendary sights from Drake Passage to the Kodak Gap
- Explore the up-close thrill of polar icebergs, glaciers, whales, penguins, and other wildlife
Itinerary
Arrive in "The End of the World"
Day 1
Arrive in Ushuaia, or "The End of the World," on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago and check-in to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa inside the Reserva Natural Cerro Alarkén. Bring your bathing suit to take a dip in the hotel's 17-meter lap pool, visit the spa, or simply take a bath. Get over jet lag with good night's sleep.
Accommodation: Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa
Transportation: 30-minute airport transfer
Explore the Town of Ushuaia
Day 2
Today is all yours to explore Ushuaia's many city sights. At the extreme southern tip of South America, from famous leather markets to its maritime museum. Nestled underneath the Martial mountain range, this explorers' hub is the gateway to Antarctica. Continue to indulge at the lovely Arakur, and attend an optional evening briefing on the days ahead—adventure awaits.
Accommodation: Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast
Set Sail for Antarctica
Day 3
Embark on a mid-afternoon transfer to the Island Sky, and board the ship for your Polar expedition, meeting our team of regional experts and the ship's commanding officers onboard. View a concise safety and orientation briefing, and take part in the Captain's welcome dinner. After dinner, take in the scenery on our early evening sail through the Beagle Channel, past Magellanic penguins, rock shags and the large black-browed albatross.
Accommodation: Seaventure
Transportation: 30-minute van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross the Drake Passage
Day 4
Approach the iconic waterway that is the Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet. Cross 600 miles over two days, inching closer towards the white continent. Learn about Antarctica's history and its native flora and fauna from our Polar experts. Partake in SeaBird sighting surveys or collecting salinity samples and weather data while enroute, scanning the horizon for icebergs and whale species.
Accommodation: Seaventure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dive into Antarctica's History
Day 5
Continue onwards through the Drake Passage, named after 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. Feel temperatures plummet once past the Antarctic Convergence, spotting wildlife or delving deeper into the history of this uncharted territory.
Accommodation: Seaventure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Antarctica for the First Time
Day 6
Arrive to the highly volcanic South Shetland Islands in the Antarctic Peninsula and board a Zodiac boat to marvel up close at nature's glory in a custom itinerary created by our expedition leader and captain based on weather, ice and opportunity. Visit the most scenic bays and channels, with stops to penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas.
Accommodation: Seaventure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the South Shetland Islands
Day 7
Spend another day discovering the incredibly diverse and rich terrain of the South Shetland Islands with a custom itinerary. Visit Half Moon Island nestled inside Livingston's eastern shore, or the historic Deception Island, weather permitting. Spot sub-Antarctic species along the way, including chinstrap penguins and southern elephant seals.
Accommodation: Seaventure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head South towards the Antarctic Circle
Day 8
For three days, adventure across the Bransfield Strait, whose undersea trough was formed by rifting which began 4 million years ago. Sail south through ice-filled channels towards the Antarctic Circle before heading back north, enjoying sightings of spectacular icebergs and enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales.
Accommodation: Seaventure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Survey the Crystal Sound & Beyond
Day 9
Discover the best possible overview of the Antarctic environment-from spectacular waterways such as the Crystal Sound, the living museums of Detaille Island in Lallemand Fjord, or Horseshoe Island along the west coast of Graham Land-with a flexible itinerary created to maximize opportunities to explore.
Accommodation: Seaventure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Further Explore the Antarctic Circle
Day 10
Embrace the pioneering spirit of famous explorers from time past, including James Cook, Sir Ernest Shackleton and beyond, spending another day venturing into the Antarctic Circle. See what surprises are in store in this beautiful, rugged world.
Accommodation: Seaventure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head Southwest for the Antarctic Peninsula
Day 11
Journey southwest for the next three days, entering Gerlache Strait, which separates the Palmer Archipelago from the Arctic Peninsula, and Trinity Coast. The expedition team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing climate, ensuring an extraordinary experience every time. Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins abound, while Weddell and crabeater seals are often found resting alongside predatory leopard seals and the assertive Antarctic fur Seal. Minke and humpback whales are also frequent visitors in the late season, as are orcas.
Accommodation: Seaventure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross the Legendary "Kodak Gap"
Day 12
Continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, whether Neko Harbor on Andvord Bay, named for a Scottish whaling boat, the Neko, sheltered Paradise Harbor behind Lemaire and Bryde Islands, home to huge whales and porpoising penguins, or Wilhelmina Bay. Visit the renowned Lemaire Channel or "Kodak Gap," with its steep cliffs and iceberg-laden passage, 11-kilometers long.
Accommodation: Seaventure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit an Active Research Base
Day 13
Discover the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel between Anvers Island and Wiencke and Doumer Islands. Stop at an active research base, whether Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station Arctowksi, the Ukranian Vernadsky Research Base, or the U.K.'s Port Lockroy or Wordie House on Winter Island.
Accommodation: Seaventure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pass the Antarctic Convergence
Day 14
As we begin to leave this magical place and make our way north across the Antarctic Convergence and Drake Passage, share and swap stories of tales with your fellow expeditioners, as we continue our presentation series and wildlife spotting.
Accommodation: Seaventure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Recross Drake Passage
Day 15
Cross Drake Passage for one last time, sailing back to Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, where it all began. Celebrate the conclusion of our epic expedition with a special slideshow.
Accommodation: Seaventure
Ushuaia Disembarkation
Day 16
Set foot on land, disembarking the Island Sky in the morning upon arriving to Ushuaia. Catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more adventure and sights.
Transportation: 20-minute airport transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dates & Prices
- 2024
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $17,005 price per person dbl occAvailableConfirmed
- $17,005 price per person dbl occAvailableConfirmed
- $17,005 price per person dbl occAvailableConfirmed
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
- Pricing based on double occupancy in a Port Hole suite
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Jeff Reynolds
As a child, Jeff was stung by a jellyfish at summer camp, an event that would inspire his entire future. In that moment, he realized how mysterious the oceans were and couldn't wait to unravel those mysteries. His career as a marine biologist has ranged from classifying the biodiversity of glass sponge reefs off the coast of Canada to conducting fish and marine mammal surveys for Alaska's shoreline. An avid sailor, scuba diver, and photographer, Jeff has worked in and on the ocean for over a decade and, no matter what the temperature or weather brings, you'll always see him smiling with camera in hand.
Ruth Peacy
Ruth studied Zoology and Science Communication in college. As a wildlife filmmaker, Ruth has spent more than a decade working on documentaries for BBC, PBS, National Geographic, and Discovery, including spending five months in Port Lockroy to film Penguin Post Office and the award winning Planet Earth II. Her most recent project has her sailing around the South Sandwich Islands filming a wildlife documentary called Expedition Penguin. She looks forward to sharing her penguin tales onboard this season!
Marty Garwood
Born in Sydney, Australia, Marty's love of the ocean led him to a degree in Marine Science, extensive SCUBA qualifications, and a very hands-on job as Head Penguin Keeper at the Sydney Aquarium. While he did have some very unique experiences (try being a foster parent to penguin chicks!) seeing penguins in their natural environment is his ultimate thrill. He will never forget being greeted by a party of King Penguins at the largest colony in the world on the shores of South Georgia Island.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 1. You can expect 1 or 2 half-day excursions for each day in Antarctica depending on weather conditions. During guided shore excursions, guests break up into smaller special interest groups with several options ranging from an easy shoreline walk to a strenuous hike (1-3 hours.) Excursions may include a Zodiac cruise to observe icebergs and wildlife (1-1.5 hours.)
Learn more about activity levels here.
Accommodations
Stylish and well-appointed polar expedition ships offer a luxurious way to explore Antarctica. The Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa awaits in Ushuaia.
Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa
Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, surrounded by nature inside the Reserva Natural Cerro Alarkén, is a luxurious property set above the city, yet minutes from downtown Ushuaia. Designed with sustainable architecture in mind, each room and suite uses local Argentine materials and décor for a contemporary and warm feel. Geothermal air conditioning, humidity control and acousting insulation systems also add to the guest room experience. Facilities include fine dining restaurants and bars, swimming pools, hot tubs, a fitness center and more.
Seaventure
The stylish Seaventure is one of the finest small expedition vessels in the world, crafted in an Italian shipyard with spaciously appointed suites and modern public areas. Each suite includes a sitting area, private bathroom, picture windows, and twin beds that may be joined to form queen-size beds. Some suites boast private balconies with tinted doors, while triples include a sofa bed. Public areas include a bar lounge, library with computers, dining room, exercise room and a panoramic observation deck.
Weather
There may be days of warm sunshine, but be prepared for wind, rain, and possible snow. Daytime temperatures are usually 20°- 40°F.
Know Before You Book
Pricing
Please call for an exact quote. Pricing varies by cabin category.
This cruise is not privately chartered for MT Sobek travelers. In order to offer the widest selection of travel dates and flexibility for our guests, MT Sobek works directly with the ship owner to book MT Sobek travelers on scheduled departures throughout the year, and we are pleased to offer our in-house expertise and services to assist you every step of the way.
FAQs
Is insurance required?
Yes, all passengers must carry an insurance policy to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, and pre-existing medical conditions. Additionally, passengers are strongly advised to carry a plan which includes coverage for cancellation, curtailment, trip interruption, and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to or otherwise involving a passenger. As any potential evacuation from Antarctica can cost up to $150,000 we recommend that no policy carry less than this amount of coverage. Our operator will require information from you as to the carrier, policy number, and a 24-hour contact number.
What kind of experience does the Expedition Team have?
Our Antarctica ship operators know your voyage is more than the ship or even the destination, it is the people who bring that experience to life. Staff come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some are professional adventure guides, some expert academics, others passionate educators. All apply their specific skills in a way to complement each other and collectively deliver truly life-changing trips.
When should I travel to Antarctica?
While there is an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty throughout the seasons, changes in the weather and currents affect the landscape as well as the wildlife.
From October to November the pack ice begins to break up and the landscape is spectacularly pristine with fresh snow all around, epic sunsets and ever changing cloud formations. Keep an eye out for penguin courtship displays and nest building.
December to January mark the peak travel season and the height of the Austral Summer with 18 to 20 hours of daylight a day. Penguin chicks begin to hatch and whale watching is phenomenal along the Antarctic Peninsula.
The late season falls over February and March, and whale watching is at its best! As ice recedes further, ships can travel further south. At this time of year penguin colonies are very active, the chicks begin to molt, the parents begin to abandon the chicks, and most penguins will returned to the sea by the end of March.
Do I need my own waterproof gear?
A waterproof expedition jacket, yours to keep, is included in the cost of your voyage, and will be given to you on board. This jacket is a fully wind- and waterproof outer layer, with a protective collar to help keep body warmth from escaping on windy days. Please note, as this is not an insulated ski parka, we recommend wearing a heavy fleece and/or thermal layers under the jacket for additional warmth in Antarctica.
You will also be loaned a pair of insulated rubber boots for you to use during the voyage. They are great for getting in and out of Zodiacs and are plenty warm with a good pair of thermal or wool socks.
You will need to bring a pair of waterproof pants, as these are not provided.
Are we guaranteed to cross into the Antarctic Circle?
Trips to Antarctica embody the expedition experience. All activities are dependent on the weather, sea conditions, and ice pack. The farther south we go, the more sea ice we are likely to encounter. The ultimate aim of this expedition is to cross the Circle before getting stopped by this ice. Should we arrive at 66°33'S, we will become members of very small band of explorers and adventurous travelers who have made it this far south.
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