The Antarctic Circle stands as one of the most challenging polar exploration routes which people can attempt during their lifetime. The journey begins in Ushuaia which serves as the main entry point to Antarctica before heading through the Drake Passage to reach the stunning Antarctic Peninsula region.
The route allows visitors to view glacier-filled waterways while they visit historical exploration locations and distant penguin nesting areas. The main event of the journey occurs when you reach latitude 66°33′ South which marks the official entry into the Antarctic Circle. The exploration lets you discover Antarctic territories which remain inaccessible to most travelers because the area contains massive ice formations and marine mammals and pristine polar landscapes.
13 Day Antarctica Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and the gateway to Antarctica. Ushuaia sits along the Beagle Channel waterfront while Tierra del Fuego presents its wild natural beauty and the city maintains its deep connection to maritime traditions. Visitors can explore the town's beautiful waterfront and its historical museums and nearby natural areas after they arrive. This lively Patagonian location serves as the ideal starting point for travelers who want to start their Antarctic adventure. The evening brings an expedition briefing which shows what lies ahead for the journey while sharing details about Antarctic wildlife and its exploration history and its unique natural environments.
Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Embarkation and Departure
The expedition starts its official operations after the travelers enjoy a peaceful morning in Ushuaia before they board the vessel for departure. The ship exits the harbor to sail through Beagle Channel while Tierra del Fuego mountains disappear into the distance. The polar expedition team receives briefings on their vessel which introduce their team members and explain the upcoming adventure activities. Our ship moves southward through the Southern Ocean toward Antarctica's frozen wilderness.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3: Crossing the Drake Passage
The Drake Passage serves as a famous sea passage which links South America to Antarctica through its waters. The journey allows visitors to learn from polar specialists who teach about Antarctic animals and environmental conditions and the exploration of the region. The ship sails through waters where albatrosses and petrels fly above the ocean surface during their flight. The ship reaches Antarctic waters when the Antarctic Convergence nears its path because the temperature decreases while icebergs start to show up at the horizon.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Crossing the Drake Passage
The Drake Passage serves as a famous sea passage which links South America to Antarctica through its waters. The journey allows visitors to learn from polar specialists who teach about Antarctic animals and environmental conditions and the exploration of the region. The ship sails through waters where albatrosses and petrels fly above the ocean surface during their flight. The ship reaches Antarctic waters when the Antarctic Convergence nears its path because the temperature decreases while icebergs start to show up at the horizon.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: Antarctic Peninsula Exploration
The expedition reaches the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula, where towering glaciers, rugged mountains, and icy channels create some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet. The route plan includes Gerlache Strait exploration together with visits to Paradise Bay and Cuverville Island which hosts active penguin colonies. The historical value of Damoy Point allows visitors to understand how Antarctic explorers operated during their first expeditions to the continent.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6: Antarctic Peninsula Exploration
Wildlife encounters are common in the Antarctic Peninsula region. Travelers may observe humpback whales feeding in Wilhelmina Bay and seals resting on floating ice. The surrounding mountains and glaciers create a spectacular polar landscape while the expedition team guides guests through zodiac cruises and landings.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7: Antarctic Peninsula Exploration
The expedition continues through the dramatic waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula. Visitors explore icy channels and observe wildlife colonies along the coast. The landscape offers remarkable views of towering glaciers and drifting icebergs which create unforgettable polar scenery.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8: Approaching the Antarctic Circle
The ship navigates southward through spectacular channels such as the famous Lemaire Channel. The goal of the expedition is to reach latitude 66°33′ South, the Antarctic Circle. Crossing this historic line represents a milestone achieved by relatively few travelers visiting Antarctica.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 9: Crossing the Antarctic Circle
Weather and ice conditions permitting, the expedition celebrates the crossing of the Antarctic Circle. Guests experience one of the most remote environments on Earth where towering ice formations and pristine landscapes dominate the horizon.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 10: South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands create the northern entrance to Antarctica through their volcanic terrain which supports various animal species. The rocky coastlines support big groups of Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins while seabirds fly above the cliff edges. If conditions permit, the expedition may visit Deception Island, a volcanic caldera with a fascinating exploration history.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 11: Return Across the Drake Passage
The ship starts its northward voyage through the Drake Passage after spending several days exploring Antarctica. Guests enjoy final lectures from the expedition team while sharing photographs and reflecting on their experiences in the polar wilderness.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 12: Return Across the Drake Passage
The journey continues toward South America while travelers relax and enjoy the final moments of the expedition. Seabirds once again accompany the ship as it sails through the Southern Ocean.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 13: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
The expedition concludes back in Ushuaia. Travelers return with unforgettable memories of crossing the Antarctic Circle and exploring one of the most remote environments on Earth.
Meals Included: Breakfast
+12
13 Day Antarctica Itinerary Includes
- Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
- Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport
- All Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team
- Expedition parka
- Rubber boots loan scheme
- Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
- English-speaking Expedition Team
- Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
- Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
- Free tea and coffee available 24 hours
- Taxes and landing fees
- Special photo workshops
- Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties
13 Day Antarctica Itinerary Does not Include
- Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
- Meals not on board the ship
- Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
- Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
- Personal expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique purchases)
13 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights
- Cross the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33′ South
- Explore the dramatic channels of the Antarctic Peninsula
- Visit penguin colonies and historic exploration sites
- Navigate through the stunning Lemaire Channel
- Observe whales, seals, and seabirds in their natural habitat
Itinerary Map
13 Day Antarctica cruise activities
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.
Animals you might see on this itinerary
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Crossing the Antarctic Circle
From USD 12595,00
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