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Antarctica

Cross the Antarctic Circle

EXPERT-LED CRUISE

Start date	End date	Days	Prices from ex. flights	Boat
16/01/24	30/01/24	14 days	£13,925	MS Seaventure	Reserve place
07/02/24	21/02/24	14 days	£13,195	MS Seaventure	Reserve place
29/02/24	14/03/24	14 days	£13,095	MS Seaventure	Reserve place

SEE ALL CRUISE DATES BELOW

Travelling further south down the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula, this journey is ideally suited to those who are keen to really maximise their time on the White Continent and travel where few others go.

At the height of the season, when ice conditions are such that vessels can sail further south, the indescribable feeling of being utterly off the beaten track is quite overwhelming. Cruise onboard the 1-A Super ice class rated MS Seaventure accompanied by an experienced and passionate team of adventure guides and experts.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

MS Seaventure, Aerial view of ship ice breaking, Antarctica

Navigate Pack Ice

Travel aboard the comfortable, ice-strengthened MS Seaventure.

Antarctic Wildlife

Explore picturesque bays and sail narrow waterways through wildlife-rich waters.

Cross the Circle

Count yourself among the small handful of people who cross the Antarctic Circle each season.

Remote Base W

Visit an abandoned British station on Detaille Island, a time capsule from the 1950s.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Map View List View

Day 1

Ushuaia
Day 2

Embarkation
Days 3 - 4

Drake Passage
Day 5

South Shetland Islands
Days 6 - 8

Antarctic Circle
Day 9 - 11

Antarctic Peninsula
Day 12 - 13

Drake Passage
Day 14

Ushuaia Disembarkation

Day 1

Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia. Situated on the southern shore of Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia is the most southerly city in the world. Transfer to your accommodation.

Day 2

Embarkation

Spend the morning exploring Ushuaia before transferring to the pier to board your boat, set sail and enjoy your first dinner onboard.

Days 3 - 4

Drake Passage

Head south across the Drake Passage, a true right of passage. Begin to spot wildlife as seabirds including albatross and giant petrels follow the boat. Crossing the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctic waters, temperatures cool and icebergs will begin to appear.

Day 5

South Shetland Islands

Arrive on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the volcanic South Shetland Islands. The team will choose the best activities based on the weather, wildlife and ice conditions. Zodiac excursions will be twice daily, either landing ashore to explore on foot or joining the wildlife on the water.

Days 6 - 8

Antarctic Circle

Heading south across the Bransfield Strait and count yourself among the small handful of people who cross the Antarctic Circle each season. From the southernmost point return north, cruising through the narrow channels of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Day 9 - 11

Antarctic Peninsula

Heading north, explore picturesque bays manoeuvring through wildlife-rich waters offering excellent opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites. Spot numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines.

Day 12 - 13

Drake Passage

Re-cross the legendary Drake Passage.

Day 14

Ushuaia Disembarkation

Arrive back in Ushuaia for onward travel.

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

Speak to our experts

Landscape of Mountain Range, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica — Antarctic Peninsula

CHAMPAGNE TOAST AT THE CIRCLE

66° 33' 44" South

Arrive at 66.5 degrees south latitude, marking the start of the Antarctic, an impressive achievement that is reached by few vessels. After crossing the famed line, celebrate in style by sipping a bubbling glass of champagne. If crossing the Antarctic Circle was not quite enough, perhaps try snorkelling or diving in crystal clear waters to see the secret world of ice below the surface and an array of marine life.

Two red tents on the ice, Antarctica — Camping in Antarctica

Single person in red bivy sack in ice, Antarctica — Camping in a bivy sack in Antarctica

CAMP ON THE CONTINENT

Spend a Night on the Ice

Weather permitting, spend a night in a bivvy bag or tent on the continent. Aside from the bragging rights of having camped on the 7th continent, this is a truly remarkable adventure to take your Antarctic voyage to the next level. Limited spots make this an exclusive and intimate experience, and presents incomparable opportunities for marvelling at the polar night sky.

Crabeater Seal, Iceberg, Icefloe, Antarctic Peninsula — Crabeater Seal

WILDLIFE & WILDERNESS

Daily Life in Antarctica

Volcanic, mountainous and mostly glaciated, the South Shetland Islands are renowned for their dense wildlife population. With vast penguin rookeries, lounging Antarctic fur seals and wallowing southern elephant seals dotting the landscape, the islands are inhabited only by a skeleton crew of scientists and offer up awe-inspiring scenery. Land at Deception Island and consider hiking the steep peak on the eastern side to a magnificent viewpoint. Alternatively, explore ice floes and icebergs by zodiac or kayak the islands’s flooded caldera for a genuine feeling of solitude.

Abandoned British Base W, Detaille Island, Antarctica

ABANDONED RESEARCH STATION

Visit Base W

Aside from the small rookery of Adelie penguins that inhabit Detaille Island, the real draw is Base W. Visit this abandoned British research station, which was occupied by a team of scientists in the 1950s, was hurriedly evacuated when unstable ice around the island blocked the access of its supply ships. A curious time capsule of sorts, the scientific outpost was once the base of everything from meteorological studies to mapping projects.

How does this holiday make a positive impact?

Relevant SDGs

MS Seaventure is equipped with a modern technology fuel optimisation system and all itineraries are created with fuel consumption in mind. All rubbish is sorted and recycled on the mainland and food waste disposed of using the Scanship Foodwaste System.

Travel is a great educator. Get hands on with the Citizen Science Program supporting research facilities and providing invaluable data to the scientific community. This could be anything from counting penguins and taking ocean samples to cloud mapping or taking photo identification images for the whale data bank. An enriching experience offering a new perspective to your travels.

Cruising with our partners at Polar Latitudes in turn supports a host of important Antarctica conservation initiatives. Regular events and activities contribute to the work of organisations including The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust and Scott Polar Research Institute.

Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals

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Sue’s extensive first-hand knowledge of Antarctica was so apparent from our first phone call. She was able to help us select the ideal route and vessel for our needs, and with her guidance we were able to see the emperor penguins!