Ultimate Antarctic Circle Crossing is a 15-day / 13-night round-trip expedition from Ushuaia created for travelers seeking additional time to explore Antarctica. After crossing the Drake Passage and Antarctic Convergence, the voyage reaches the South Shetland Islands for exploration among volcanic landscapes, glaciers and wildlife-rich waters before continuing south along the Antarctic Peninsula. Zodiac and kayak exploration, wildlife encounters and potential visits to historic sites accompany the journey toward the Antarctic Circle, with possible experiences including the huts at Damoy Point, Humpback whale watching in Wilhelmina Bay and navigation through the Lemaire Channel. Weather permitting, the vessel crosses the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′S and continues toward historic and rarely visited British Survey bases before turning north for additional exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula, including bays, channels, scientific bases and historic landing sites, followed by the return crossing of the Drake Passage to Ushuaia.
Begin the journey in Ushuaia, where guests are welcomed at the airport and transferred to one of Polar Latitudes’ partnered premium hotel resorts in Patagonia. The rest of the day remains available for relaxing at the hotel or spending time exploring Ushuaia before the expedition begins. An optional evening briefing gives travelers an opportunity to ask questions about the upcoming voyage and meet fellow guests. This first day provides time to settle in and prepare for the Antarctic journey before embarkation takes place the following afternoon and the vessel begins its voyage south.
Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Embarkation and Departure for Antarctica
Spend the morning at leisure in Ushuaia before boarding the expedition vessel. Guests may relax at the hotel, visit a museum or explore the city’s shops. During the mid-afternoon, guests are escorted to the ship and welcomed aboard by members of the Expedition Team and ship staff. Safety and orientation briefings provide an introduction to the voyage and onboard procedures. The expedition then gets underway toward Antarctica. The evening concludes with the Captain’s welcome dinner, marking the beginning of a journey that will cross the Drake Passage and continue south toward the Antarctic Circle.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3-4: Drake Passage and Antarctic Convergence
Travel south across the Drake Passage during two days at sea. Polar Experts provide presentations about Antarctic wildlife and history, allowing guests to learn more about the environment and destinations awaiting farther south. Travelers can also participate in the Citizen Science program or spend time observing wildlife from aboard the vessel. Seabirds may be spotted during the passage, and the first icebergs may appear as the journey progresses. The ship eventually crosses the Antarctic Convergence and enters colder Antarctic waters, signaling the approach to the South Shetland Islands and the beginning of expedition exploration.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: South Shetland Islands by Zodiac and Kayak
Explore the South Shetland Islands and their distinctive volcanic landscapes. Mountains and glaciers shape the surroundings, while abundant wildlife provides opportunities for encounters throughout the day. Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins may be observed, along with Elephant seals, Fur seals and potentially whales. Much of the day is devoted to exploration by Zodiac and kayak, providing different perspectives on the islands and their wildlife-rich environment. This first day of Antarctic exploration introduces the landscapes and animals of the South Shetlands before the expedition crosses the Bransfield Strait and begins traveling farther south along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6-9: Journey to the Antarctic Circle
Cross the Bransfield Strait and continue south along the Antarctic Peninsula during four expedition days dedicated to reaching the Antarctic Circle. Penguins, whales and Fur seals may be encountered as sculptural icebergs become increasingly common along the route. The expedition aims to visit historic sites such as the huts at Damoy Point and look for Humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay while maintaining twice-daily outings during the journey south. The route also takes the vessel through the Lemaire Channel. Weather permitting, guests cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′S, an achievement celebrated according to a maritime tradition. After the crossing, the expedition continues toward historic and rarely visited British Survey bases before turning north.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 10-12: Northbound Exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula
Continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula as the vessel begins traveling north. These additional expedition days provide opportunities to navigate spectacular bays, dramatic channels and famous landing sites while continuing to experience Antarctica’s coastal landscapes. Wildlife encounters may include penguins, seals and whales both along the coast and at sea. Depending on expedition operations, there may also be opportunities to stop at active scientific bases and historic landing sites. The extended itinerary allows further exploration of the Peninsula after the attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle before the vessel eventually turns toward the Drake Passage for the return journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 13-14: Return Across the Drake Passage
Leave Antarctica behind and begin the northbound crossing toward Ushuaia. During the return passage, the vessel crosses the Antarctic Convergence once again before continuing through the Drake Passage. These final days at sea mark the conclusion of the expedition experience after the South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula and journey toward the Antarctic Circle. Before arrival in Ushuaia, guests gather aboard the ship for a special slideshow celebrating the voyage. A final meal together provides another opportunity to reflect on the landscapes, wildlife and exploration experienced during the expedition.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 15: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia during the morning and disembark the expedition vessel, completing the 15-day / 13-night Antarctic journey. After saying goodbye to the ship and expedition experience, guests can continue to the airport for a flight to Buenos Aires. Travelers who choose to remain in Ushuaia can instead spend additional time sightseeing and participating in activities before continuing their journey. The morning concludes a round-trip expedition that crossed the Drake Passage and Antarctic Convergence, explored the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, and attempted to reach the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′S.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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15 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
15 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.
15 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights
15-day / 13-night round-trip Antarctic expedition from Ushuaia.
Attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′S, weather permitting.
Extended time dedicated to exploring Antarctica.
Discover the volcanic landscapes and wildlife of the South Shetland Islands.
Explore the bays, channels and landing sites of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Cross the Drake Passage and Antarctic Convergence.
Navigate through the Lemaire Channel.
Potentially visit the historic huts at Damoy Point.
Look for Humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay.
Opportunities to encounter penguins, whales and seals.
Experience mountains, glaciers and sculptural icebergs.
Participate in twice-daily outings while traveling toward the Antarctic Circle.
Potentially visit active scientific bases.
Possible visits to historic and rarely explored British Survey bases.
Explore Antarctic environments by Zodiac and kayak.
Participate in Citizen Science activities.
Benefit from a Professional Photography Coach.
Itinerary Map
15 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.