Crossing the Circle - Ushuaia to Ushuaia Expedition

Overview
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Ships
Optional Extras

We chart a course through the Drake Passage and along the Antarctic Peninsula with the ambition of crossing the Antarctic Circle. The farther south we go, the more sea ice we are likely to encounter, along with incredible wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery. Should we arrive at 66°33’S, we’ll join the small band of explorers that can claim they have made it this far south.

Highlights

• Visits to some of the most stunning bays and channels of the Peninsula

• A valiant effort and anticipated success in reaching 66°33’S

• Magnificent wildlife encounters with penguins, whales, seals and seabirds

• Zodiac cruising amongst colossal glaciers and massive icebergs

• Potential stops at active scientific bases and historical sites

Day 1: Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia

After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.

Our evening briefing at the Arakur is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
Day 2: Embarkation

Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!
Day 3-4: Drake Passage

Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program, or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely-seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.
Day 5: South Shetland Islands

Over time, the volcanic activity of the South Shetland Islands has created a geology unlike any other. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins; and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals. Whales are often spotted as well. So, we’ll settle into our Zodiacs and kayaks, and spend most of our day exploring. Whether on land or sea, in zodiac or kayak, be prepared for a fully immersive introduction to this incomparable part of the world.
Day 6-8: Antarctic Circle

Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, we begin to see the breathtaking outline of the Antarctic Peninsula. Wildlife sightings, including penguins, whales, and fur seals, become more frequent, as do dramatic ice sculptures. Should Antarctica’s unpredictable weather and ice permit, you will be among the lucky few to cross the Antarctic Circle, where the sun remains in the sky for 20 hours a day. Following a tradition first established by sailors crossing the equator, we’ll celebrate the occasion by… (Sorry, you just have to be there), before heading onward toward any number of historic and rarely visited British Survey bases, after which we turn back north.
Day 9-11: Antarctic Peninsula

Heading north into warmer climes, we’ll see less sea ice and more open channels, offering access to islands where we can anticipate any number of wildlife sightings, which could include a variety of seal species, as well as penguin rookeries where the locals will be taking advantage of the rocky shore to build their nesting sites. You can anticipate more whale sightings, as well, as Humpbacks feast on the plentiful krill in these warmer waters. As always, we will seek out opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites along the way, as we leave no opportunity unseized-upon in our quest to explore the very best of this magical place.
Day 12-13: Drake Passage

We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again heading across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.
Day 14: Disembarkation

With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
Please Note:

This Itinerary is subject to change.

30.8 sq. m. Including 5.4 sq. m. balcony. Suites with sitting area and private balcony.

Seaventure

Seaventure

Vessel Type: 1-A Super Ice Class Small Ship

Length: 111,5 m

Passenger Capacity: 164

Built in: 1990 / Renovated: 2019/2021

A WORLD-CLASS SMALL SHIP EXPERIENCE

The SEAVENTURE was specifically designed for extraordinary moments. The small ship is incredibly agile and manoeuvrable making a change of course effortless for a rare wildlife sighting.

In addition, the SEAVENTURE has been assigned the highest ice class for passenger ships. A greater density of steel plates in the hull and a massive stem are just two of the elements that allow the expedition ship to glide safely through the waters.

• Maximum of 164 passengers

• All cabins/suites offer private facilities and exterior views

• Theatre-style auditorium with presentations by local experts

• Exterior views

• Facilities en suite

• Flat-screen TVs

• Chef-prepared meals (all meals and daily snack included)

• Bar staffed by a professional bartender

• Presentations by local experts

• Pool and Sauna, gym with sea view

• Library with a collection of books

• Internet access (limited)