Quest for the Antarctic Circle

From$5299USD
14 days,Ushuaia to Ushuaia
Trip Code: XVQCSX

Spying whales and albatross following the vessel, cruising the South Shetland Islands, discovering the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula, marvelling at immense icebergs.

Departures

All Departures Guarnteed

All departures on this trip are guaranteed to operate as scheduled once you have booked.

A massive rookery of penguins shuffles across a frozen shore, a pod of whales glides through frigid waters, dramatic landscapes float off in the distance—welcome to Antarctica. Join us on a voyage of discovery to our planet’s last frontier—a mysterious and virtually pristine paradise. Our ice-strengthened expedition ship is ideally suited to cruising this icy wilderness and its expert staff are on hand to ensure you’ll fully appreciate all the majesty you encounter. You’ll sail the Drake Passage past the South Shetland Islands and then really explore the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Prepare yourself for an adventure like no other—more like a private expedition than a traditional cruise.

What's Included

  • - 12 nights on board the M/S Expedition
    - 1 night accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia
    - All meals included on board the ship
    - Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
    - Lecture and educational programs
    - Ushuaia airport transfer depending on your departure flight details (read the TRIP DETAILS for more information)
    - Waterproof boots supplied for men's USA sized 8-14 & women's USA sized 3-9
    - Antarctica destination guide book
    - Canada Goose expedition jacket for each guest who PAYS for a Category 5 suite on the February 25, 2012 departure
    - Canada Goose expedition jacket for all guests booked on the December 21, 2011 and March 8, 2012 departure, regardless of the cabin category booked
    - Special themed-holiday sailing for the December 21, 2011 Christmas & New Years departure
  • All meals included on board the ship. Breakfast included at the hotel. (Drinks and tips while on the ship are not included.)
  • Twin Share Hotel (1 night), on board the M/S Expedition in triple, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with ensuite bathrooms and a porthole or window) (12 nts). Please note that cabins consist of twin sized berths and are outside facing. Suites have one queen bed.
  • M/S Expedition, Bus, and Zodiac.
  • One Expedition staff to every 10 guests.

Add to your Experience

A great addition to our Polar Cruises is our Antarctica Pre-Cruise Add-on TXAPRS and Antarctica Post-Cruise Add-on TXAPOS Prefer to do something after your cruise? Then checkout the Iguassu Falls Post-Cruise Extension TXAIFC

Map of the route for Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Places Visited
  • Antarctica
  • Argentina
Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia

Arrive at any time. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.

Day 2 Ushuaia (B,D)

Embarkation on the M/S Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. We enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.

Day 3-4 Ushuaia / Beagle Channel / the Drake Passage (2B,2L,2D)

Our adventure begins with a 400 mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Take in daily lectures from your expedition team, and keep an eye out for the first sightings of icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the ship's wake.

Day 5-6 Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands (2B,2L,2D)

Experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing and inspiring scenery in the world as you set foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather conditions permitting), and encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries, Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, and orca, humpback and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history. During the voyage we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

Day 7-8 The Polar Circle Crossing (2B,2L,2D)

Set off southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins.

Day 9-11 The Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands (3B,3L,3D)

We will turn north for the first time and head back through the 'inside passage' (depending on weather conditions) to continue our exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Day 12-13 The Drake Passage (2B,2L,2D)

Begin your northbound journey to our home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of your Antarctic experience with our lecturers and staff, and keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some final whale sightings.

Day 14 Depart Ushuaia (B)

Disembark in the morning.

Find dates, prices, and more trip options.

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Why G Adventures?

A Different Way to Travel

At G Adventures, we encourage you to step off the beaten path, embrace the unexpected and immerse yourself in the extraordinary. Our award-winning trips embrace authentic accommodation and local transportation to bring you face to face with the world’s most fascinating cultures, customs and awe-inspiring wildlife.

Lifetime Deposits

Our Lifetime Deposit policy is designed to protect you from unexpected or unpredictable events that may cause your trip to be cancelled or delayed. If you need to cancel for any reason, your initial deposit is good for life and will remain securely on file until you’re ready to use it. And because your deposit is completely transferable, you can easily pass it on to anyone of your choosing. Of course, you’re welcome to donate it to our non-profit Planeterra Foundation—and in recognition of your generosity, we’ll match your contribution.

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