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Days
23
Price from
327555
Map of Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia including Antarctica, Argentina and Falkland Islands (malvinas)

Venture where few have been but many dream of going

If you desire to ‘do it all’ on your Antarctic adventure, then this is the voyage for you. Not only will you cross the Antarctic Circle and travel further south than traditional Antarctic cruises, you’ll also visit the remote Falkland Islands and fjords of South Georgia. This 23-day journey is for anyone who appreciates a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife-viewing opportunities and historic landing sites. Travelling with a team of polar experts, you’ll return having gained remarkable knowledge about these regions.

Start
Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish
Ushuaia, Argentina
Destinations
Antarctica, Argentina, Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Polar
Code
PPCGF
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 189

Why you'll love this trip

  • South Georgia Island is incredibly rich in rare wildlife and history. See over 30 species of birds, including four penguin species, and visit the grave of the Sir Ernest Shackleton

  • Search for whales, seals and penguins on regular Zodiac excursions along the dramatic coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula on both north and southbound explorations.

  • Onboard lectures from a team of polar experts provide great insight into the unique history, geology and wildlife of the region.

  • Explore the well-known but little-seen Falkland Islands, hiking over rugged cliffs to seabird nesting spots and visiting the tiny capital of Stanley.

  • This all-encompassing includes return flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, pre-expedition hotel accommodation and emergency evacuation insurance.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Some people may experience seasickness during the voyage. Please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for details on how to prepare.

  • 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 please see the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information for further important details on what to bring.

  • While this trip is not physically demanding, you will need to be mobile enough to walk up and down stairs between decks, make wet and dry landings by Zodiac and walk over sometimes rough terrain. 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.

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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

Itinerary
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Welcome to Ushuaia, a small but bustling gateway town at the tip of South America. If you are flying into Malvinas Argentinas Ushuaia International Airport (AKA Ushuaia Airport) today, you will be met by a Quark representative at the airport and transferred to your pre-expedition accommodation. There will be an information package at reception for you with details of your embarkation tomorrow. There are no activities planned for today, so perhaps head out and grab a steak with chimichurri (an Argentinian garlic salsa).
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
A complimentary airport transfer is only available to those who are flying into Ushuaia on Day 1. In order to organise this, please advise a Peregrine representative of your flight details no later than 15 days before your trip begins.

You will be transferred to port for embarkation in the afternoon. Begin your Antarctic journey by passing through the Beagle Channel. You can get started spotting wildlife along the channel’s shores with seals, sea lions and plenty of birdlife making their homes here. Settle into your cabin and get to know your crew and onboard expert team.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

There are many activities to keep you engaged while en route to the Falkland Islands. Take advantage of the library of books available on the ship, become acquainted with your fellow travellers at the bar and enjoy spectacular views from the deck. Thick parkas will be provided to keep you warm so you can stay warm while you’re on the open sea. The expedition team will conduct a series of presentations on polar wildlife and history and to prepare you for the Zodiac cruises and shore landings ahead.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Spend two days exploring the Falkland’s two main islands, East and West. While our itinerary will be based on weather and animal-spotting opportunities, you can expect daily Zodiac excursions and shore landings. Wildlife sightings around the Falkland Islands should include at least three species of penguin and two endemic bird species – Cobb’s wren and the flightless steamer duck. The expedition team are on hand to educate you on the local flora and fauna so you will know what you’re looking for. Potential landing sites include Port Stanley, West Point Island, Saunder’s Island, Sea Lion Island and Bleaker Island. You also have the chance to partake in adventure options like camping and kayaking, but these must be booked in advance and are not included in the trip price.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)
Special Information
The exact destinations you visit (and when you visit them) are dependant 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.

Please see the ‘Important Notes’ section for information on optional adventure activities. These must be booked in advance.

Head to South Georgia, crossing the invisible biological boundary of the Antarctic Convergence en route. Unique to Antarctica, this meeting of oceans creates an abundance of krill and marine life. With the help of the expedition team, keep an eye out for large cetaceans, including humpback whales. Learn more about Antarctic conservation as well as the fascinating history of the area, as your onboard presentations continue.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

South Georgia is a polar wildlife paradise that you will explore at length over the next four days. As with all polar destinations, our exact itinerary can’t be confirmed in advance, but you should expect to visit rookeries teeming with hundreds of thousands of penguins, encounter huge elephant seals and spot plenty of shags, prions and albatrosses. We will also endeavour to make a landing at Grytviken to visit the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (4)
  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (4)
Special Information
The exact destinations you visit (and when you visit them) are dependant 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.

Spend your days at sea enjoying the view from the deck and attending educational presentations made by onboard experts about the history, geology and wildlife of the region. Hot drinks are available around the clock, so relax with a cup of tea or coffee. If weather conditions are good, a visit to the South Orkney Islands may mark your official landing on Antarctica.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Spend three days in this otherwordly environment, perhaps watching whales feed in the waters of the South Shetland Islands, enjoying the comical antics of penguins playing among the ice floes or cruising around icebergs by Zodiac. Some landings may be as simple as sitting on a beach and taking photographs of curious gentoo penguins, while others may include hiking up a hill to enjoy panoramic views of the Peninsula. You may also like to awaken your senses with a polar plunge into the sea, or take part in the sea kayaking adventure option (reserve in advance when booking your trip).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (3)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (3)
Special Information
The exact destinations you visit (and when you visit them) are dependant 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.

Please see the ‘Important Notes’ section for information on optional adventure activities. These must be booked in advance.

Few people can say they’ve crossed the Antarctic Circle. Toast to your adventure and the first explorers to venture this far south with a glass of champagne. This region has the densest concentration of wildlife in Antarctica, and is home to the midnight sun and incredible ice-sculptures. While not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle is a moment to remember. The event will usually happen while at sea, so be sure to head up to the bridge and snap your photo of the GPS reading 66° 33’ S.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula and continue to journey onto land by Zodiac twice a day, weather depending. By now you should have gained enough knowledge to be able to tell the difference between various species of penguins, seabirds, whales and seals. Your expedition team will always be on the lookout for new species of wildlife.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

The journey homeward begins as you cross the famous Drake Passage. Keep on the look out for any wildlife in the water or in the air and enjoy the last of the lectures from your expert team. 
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Disembark in Ushuaia in the morning after breakfast. If you are flying out of Malvinas Argentinas Ushuaia International Airport (AKA Ushuaia Airport) today, you will enjoy a complimentary transfer. 
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please ensure any onward flights are booked to depart after 12 pm today. A group transfer will be provided to the airport. If you are staying on in Ushuaia or leaving later in the day, a transfer will be provided to a luggage storage facility. From there, you will need to make your own way to the airport or to your hotel.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

22 breakfasts, 20 lunches, 21 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, Zodiac

Accommodation

Expedition Voyage, Hotel

Dates & availability - 2021 season

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
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Important notes

BOOKING CONDITIONS
Arctic and Antarctic bookings have an increased deposit requirement of 20 per cent of the full voyage cost (before any discount). The balance is due 120 days before departure.

If a booking is cancelled 120 days or more before departure – the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.

If a booking is cancelled between 119 days and departure – the cancellation fee is 100 per cent of the total price of the voyage.

Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a polar voyage.

QUARK
Your voyage is operated by our partner, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.

LUGGAGE
Strict luggage limits apply. Please see the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information for details.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Kayaking is available to book on all Antarctic voyages. Some voyages also offer other activities such as those listed below. All of these activities must be booked prior to departure and incur an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking.

KAYAKING
Taken in small groups of a maximum of 16 people, multiple times per voyage, kayaking adventures are only conducted during calm weather conditions. Kayaking in the polar waters is not suitable for novice kayakers. Beginners interested in kayaking should first take an introductory course prior to the voyage which includes how to do a wet exit. We recommend you take part in some kayaking practice prior to the voyage to ensure that you are comfortable on the water in the icy conditions.

MOUNTAINEERING
To take part in mountaineering, you must have a good level of fitness as excursions can last up to 5 hours. A fitness waiver form must be completed before taking part.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Cross-country skiing is one of the most efficient ways to travel over ground that is covered in snow and ice, enabling you to travel in Antarctica the same way that pioneering explorers like Amundsen and Shackleton did. With journeys taking a few hours, it is imperative to be in good physical shape for this optional excursion. Ideally, you’ll have cross-country skiing experience to partake in this activity, however, exceptions may be made for those deemed physically capable. Quark provides essential gear.

POLAR CAMPING
Spend the night under the Antarctic sky on a unique camping adventure. The crew will determine the best location and conditions for your overnight adventure. Dress warmly and eat a hearty meal before you head out as no meals are permitted on shore.

STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING
Combining surfing with kayaking or canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding will give you a very personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. This activity is taken in small groups in good weather conditions on calm bays and harbours, with a Zodiac following for your safety.

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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