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Days
14
Price from
455935
Map of Crossing the Antarctic Circle from Ushuaia including Antarctica and Argentina

Cruise more south than ever before, deep in Antarctic waters

This 14-day expedition offers one of the most in-depth explorations of the Antarctic Peninsula, with extended time in the region allows you to go beyond the usual itinerary. Given good ice conditions, travel further south than any most polar expeditions and cruise well below the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S, through the southern icy seas. With an expert polar crew dedicated to charting the best course for wildlife sightings and multiple shore landings, you will encounter a land so remote but so enticing.

Start
Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish
Ushuaia, Argentina
Destinations
Antarctica, Argentina
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Polar
Code
PPCC15
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 132

Peregrine trips are now operated by Intrepid Travel

Why you'll love this trip

  • Few people ever get the opportunity to set foot on the Great White Continent or venture as deep into the Antarctic Circle as of this polar expedition.

  • Follow in the path of explorers past as you cross the mighty Drake Passage. Weather permitting, squeeze through the Lemaire Channel between rugged mountains.

  • Get up close to an incredible range of wildlife that inhabits this region such as minke, humpback and orca whales, gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins, and albatross flying overhead.

  • Learn more about Antarctic history, geology and glaciology on a series of lectures and workshops presented by an onboard team of experts in their field, further enhancing your exploration.

  • So many possible Zodiac landing sites and optional activities allow you to see the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula from multiple perspectives and with the best chance to spot wildlife.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip runs on a number of polar expedition vessels, depending on the departure date. Each ship is equipped with well-appointed and comfortable staterooms, spacious common areas and outdoor viewing decks, but the exact layout and features do vary between ships. When booking a polar expedition, ensure that you note the ship name carefully in the ‘Dates & Availability’ section and consult its individual boat page to learn more about your vessel. For further information, speak to a Peregrine booking agent.

  • Although our ice strengthened ships are big and sturdy, Antarctic waters can be unpredictable and rough. Some people may experience seasickness, especially through the Drake Passage and other open water crossings. Please be prepared with medications to combat this. There is also a doctor on board should you need further assistance.

  • As you’d expect, temperatures in the Antarctic are freezing. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but we recommend reading the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information for details on what to bring.

  • Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships have a lot of stairs, so please hold on to the handrails if seas are rough.

  • The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands; the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to others (which are equally as interesting). We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather. The onboard library and educational lectures are ideal ways of keeping entertained.

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Boats

Ocean Diamond boat in Polar region

Ocean Diamond

Sail aboard the Ocean Diamond, a modern, stable super-yacht and experience Quark's Antarctica.

Boat type
Expedition Ship
Passengers
189
Learn more
Ocean Adventurer boat on adventure cruising tours

Ocean Adventurer

This sturdy expedition ship was built in 1975 and underwent an $8 million refurbishment in 2017 which included new engines and refurbished cabins...

Boat type
Expedition Ship
Passengers
128
Learn more

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 04 Mar 2022 to 17 Mar 2022.
 View the 2022 itinerary

Begin your journey in Ushuaia – a small port town at the southern tip of South America. This Argentinean town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. You are free to arrive at any time and check-in to your pre-expedition accommodation. There are no activities planned until a welcome briefing at around 6 pm this evening. If you do have time spare, perhaps get active in the mountains or enjoy some hand-crafted chocolate at a café in town.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
If you are arriving today, an arrival transfer will be provided to the joining hotel. If arriving earlier, please make your own way to the joining hotel. If you arrive earlier or wish to extend your stay, a Peregrine booking agent can help organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Enjoy a free morning before embarkation later in the day. The Beagle Channel sets you on your way as the ship sails in the late afternoon. The channel opens up to the vastness of the Southern Ocean, where your next land sighting will be along the Antarctic Peninsula. Named after the famed ship in which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents many great photo opportunities to capture seabirds hovering overhead.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

The waters of the Drake Passage are unpredictable, so hope for clear skies and a calm ocean. You’ll have plenty of time to stare out at the sea, get to know your fellow shipmates and chat with your expedition team. Time over these two days will be spent preparing for the exciting days ahead, with several educational and informative lectures from your expedition team. You’ll learn about safety procedures, Antarctica’s history, glaciology and perhaps even some photography tips and techniques!
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

With the Drake Passage left behind, make your final approach to Antarctica. Get your cameras ready, as the continent’s coastline will make its first appearance, signalling the start of your adventure in the Antarctic. You’ll see icebergs floating by and be fixated on the surface of the ocean. Watching penguins waddling on the beach and listening to the crackling and crumbling as curious whales spout and breach before your eyes. As exciting as it can be from onboard the ship, your true exploration occurs when you disembark and set foot on the great continent. There are several potential landing sites you may visit, including Neko Harbour, Orne Harbour or Paradise Bay. While weather dictates which specific landing sites you can visit, each one presents a new collection of wildlife and natural attractions. Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerised by the beauty of Antarctica sounds of icebergs and glaciers will become your daily entertainment, while kayaking with whales and camping in Antarctica are a couple of optional activities available on selected voyages.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (3)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (3)
Special Information
The exact destinations you visit (and when you visit them) are dependent on factors such as weather conditions, sea ice and wildlife movement, but you can see a full list of potential landing sites at peregrineadventures.com/antarctica/landing-sites.

If you would like to participate in optional activities such as kayaking or camping, you must organise this in advance. See the ‘Important Notes’ section for more detail on these options. As space is limited on optional activities, we recommend you speak to a Peregrine booking agent at the time of booking to secure your place.

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula do not reach this far south, which is officially noted at 66°33’S. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne! Make a toast and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people. These days won’t be without things to see off the deck.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Continue northbound along the Antarctic Peninsula. By now, your knowledge of Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur or Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ will seem normal too, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head back towards the Drake Passage, Zodiac excursions will continue to fill your days, while the expedition team will help fill in any blanks that remain in your newly acquired knowledge of the Antarctic.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)
Special Information
The exact destinations you visit (and when you visit them) are dependent on factors such as weather conditions, sea ice and wildlife movement, but you can see a full list of potential landing sites at peregrineadventures.com/antarctica/landing-sites.

If you would like to participate in optional activities such as kayaking or camping, you must organise this in advance. See the ‘Important Notes’ section for more detail on these options. As space is limited on optional activities, we recommend you speak to a Peregrine booking agent at the time of booking to secure your place.

Re-crossing the Drake, Antarctica fades away and you’ll be left with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the time passing the Drake Passage fly by, independent of weather and sea conditions. Your expedition team will round up their series of lectures as well, perhaps with a slideshow of some of the great landing sites and wildlife you’ve visited over the course of your voyage.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Today, bid your expedition team and your fellow travellers farewell. You’ll disembark in the morning so that you may transfer to the airport for any onward flight connections.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
After disembarkation, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight out of Ushuaia. Please book flights leaving after 12 pm. If you are staying on in Ushuaia or flying out later on in the day, you will be transferred to luggage storage facilities. You can leave your luggage there before making your own way to the airport later on in the day or to your own accommodation.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, Zodiac

Accommodation

Expedition Voyage, Hotel

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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