Extended Antarctic Circle Crossing is a 14-day / 13-night round-trip expedition from Ushuaia designed to provide additional time for exploring Antarctica and traveling south toward the Antarctic Circle. After crossing the Drake Passage and Antarctic Convergence, guests explore the South Shetland Islands before continuing along the Antarctic Peninsula into the Gerlache Strait region, where twice-daily excursions may include Zodiac cruising in Paradise Bay, penguin colonies on Cuverville Island, the historic huts at Damoy Point and Humpback whale watching in Wilhelmina Bay. The journey then continues through the Lemaire Channel with the goal, weather permitting, of crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′S. On the northbound route, further exploration of the South Shetland Islands may include Deception Island and Yankee Harbour before the expedition crosses the Drake Passage back to Ushuaia.
Arrive in Ushuaia and receive a welcome at the airport before transferring to one of Polar Latitudes’ partnered premium hotel resorts in Patagonia. The remainder of the day is free for guests to relax at the hotel or spend time exploring Ushuaia independently. An optional evening briefing is also available, giving travelers an opportunity to ask questions about the upcoming voyage and meet fellow expedition guests. This first day provides time to settle in and prepare for the journey before embarkation takes place the following afternoon and the ship begins its route south toward Antarctica.
Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Embarkation and Departure
Spend the morning at leisure before boarding the expedition vessel. Guests may choose to relax at the hotel, visit a museum or browse the shops of Ushuaia. During the mid-afternoon, travelers are escorted to the ship, where the Expedition Team and ship staff provide a welcome aboard. Safety and orientation briefings follow, introducing guests to the voyage and important onboard procedures. As the expedition begins its journey toward Antarctica, the day concludes with the Captain’s welcome dinner, marking the official start of the southbound passage toward the Drake Passage and Antarctic waters.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3-4: Across the Drake Passage
Travel south across the Drake Passage during two days at sea. Polar Experts provide presentations covering Antarctic wildlife and history, offering background on the environments and species guests may encounter later in the voyage. Travelers can also participate in the Citizen Science program or spend time observing wildlife from the ship. Seabirds may accompany the vessel during the crossing. As the journey continues south, the ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence and enters noticeably cooler Antarctic waters, signaling the approach to the South Shetland Islands and the start of active expedition exploration.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: Exploring the South Shetland Islands
Begin Antarctic exploration in the South Shetland Islands, where volcanic activity has shaped a landscape of mountains and glaciers. Wildlife may include Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, Elephant seals, Fur seals and whales. Much of the day is spent exploring by Zodiac and kayak, offering different perspectives on the islands and their wildlife-rich surroundings. This first expedition day introduces guests to the scenery and animals of the South Shetlands before the ship continues west along the Antarctic Peninsula toward the Gerlache Strait region and the route leading farther south.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6-9: Journey Toward the Antarctic Circle
Travel west along the Antarctic Peninsula into the Gerlache Strait region, with twice-daily excursions designed to highlight the surrounding landscapes and wildlife. Potential experiences include Zodiac cruises in Paradise Bay, observing nesting penguins on Cuverville Island, visiting the historic huts at Damoy Point and looking for Humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay. The expedition then continues south through the Lemaire Channel. Weather permitting, the vessel reaches and crosses the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′S, achieving the central objective of the voyage and taking guests to one of the southernmost points described in the itinerary.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 10-11: Return to the South Shetland Islands
Travel north and return to the South Shetland Islands for further exploration. The ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich and King George Islands form the backdrop for these expedition days. Wildlife includes colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins, along with seabirds such as Giant Petrels. Weather permitting, the itinerary may include Deception Island, an active volcanic crater known for black steaming sands and historic ruins. Another possible stop is Yankee Harbour, which was historically used as an anchorage by sealers. These days provide additional Antarctic exploration before the return voyage begins.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 12-13: Northbound Drake Passage
Leave Antarctica behind and begin the return journey north across the Antarctic Convergence and Drake Passage. These final sea days mark the transition from Antarctic exploration back toward Ushuaia after the expedition’s journey through the South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Gerlache Strait region and toward the Antarctic Circle. Before the voyage ends, guests gather for a special slideshow highlighting moments from the expedition. A final meal aboard the ship concludes the onboard experience and provides an opportunity to reflect on the landscapes, wildlife and exploration encountered during the journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 14: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark the expedition vessel, bringing the 14-day / 12-night journey to an end. After leaving the ship, guests can continue to the airport for a flight to Buenos Aires or remain in Ushuaia for additional sightseeing and activities. The final morning concludes a round-trip voyage that crossed the Drake Passage and Antarctic Convergence, explored the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, traveled through the Gerlache Strait region and Lemaire Channel, and attempted to cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′S.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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14 Day Antarctica Itinerary Includes
Certified Emergency MD and onboard Medical Clinic
World-class international cuisine in the ship’s restaurant
Expert expedition lecture program
Fleet of Zodiacs for shore landings and wildlife cruising
Complimentary in-cabin refreshments (soft drinks, juice & sparkling water)
Voyage photographer
Dedicated passenger service manager
Wi-Fi access throughout the ship
14 Day Antarctica Itinerary Does not Include
International and domestic airfare.
Pre- and post-expedition hotel accommodation unless specifically stated in the itinerary.
Passport, visa, and entry-related expenses.
Travel and medical insurance.
Optional activities or excursions not included in the selected expedition package.
Personal expenses such as laundry, spa treatments, and purchases from the onboard shop.
Premium alcoholic beverages and other drinks not included in the voyage package.
Gratuities for the crew and Expedition Team.
Any services or transfers not specifically mentioned as included.
14 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights
14-day / 12-night Antarctic expedition from Ushuaia.
Weather-dependent attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′S.
Exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Exploration of the South Shetland Islands.
Crossing of the Drake Passage.
Crossing of the Antarctic Convergence.
Exploration of the Gerlache Strait region.
Navigation through the Lemaire Channel.
Zodiac cruising in Paradise Bay.
Penguin nesting sites on Cuverville Island.
Historic huts at Damoy Point.
Humpback whale watching opportunities in Wilhelmina Bay.
Potential exploration of Deception Island.
Potential visit to historic Yankee Harbour.
Opportunities to see Humpback and Orca whales, seals and penguins.
Twice-daily excursions while traveling toward the Antarctic Circle.
Citizen Science program.
Photography Coach.
Itinerary Map
14 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.