Crossing the Circle - Southern Expedition
14 Days - Ocean Adventurer
This expedition offers you the most in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula. Extended time in the region allows you to go beyond the Antarctic Peninsula and venture south of the Antarctic Circle, home to fantastic ice formations and wildlife including the Weddell seal. You'll enjoy more time for communing with penguins and visits to less-frequented landing sites.
from USD $13995pp
Home » 14 Day Ocean Adventurer: Crossing the Circle – Southern Expedition
Itinerary Highlights
- Be one of the few travellers to venture to 66 degrees 33.7 minutes South;
- Visit historic research stations in Marguerite Bay;
- Witness the abundant Antarctic wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales and more;
- Experience the Western Peninsula highlights and visit iconic landing sites; and
- Learn about Antarctica’s geology and wildlife from on-board lecturers and specialists.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
- Day 2: Embarkation
- Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
- Day 5-7: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
- Day 8-9: Antarctic Circle
- Day 10-11: Northbound Along the Peninsula
- Day 12-13: Crossing the Drake Passage
- Day 14: Disembark in Ushuaia
![map](../../images/image_local/56778/web_standard_OA_antarctic-crossingthecircle.png)
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town. Overnight in Ushuaia in a hotel.
Day 2: Embarkation Day
As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, you will begin your Antarctic journey, passing through the Beagle Channel. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities of landscapes and seabirds. Eventually the channel opens up to the Southern Ocean, and onwards to Antarctica.
Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
The waters of the Drake Passage are unpredictable, so hope for clear skies and a calm ocean. You'll have plenty of time to gaze out at the sea, get to know your fellow shipmates and chat with your Expedition Team.
Time over these two days will be spent preparing for the exciting days ahead, with numerous educational and informative lectures from your Expedition Team. You'll learn about everything from safety procedures to the history of whaling in Antarctica.
Day 5-7: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
With the Drake Passage left in our wake, we make our approach to Antarctica. Get your cameras ready as the continent's coastline will make its first appearance, signaling the start of your adventure in the realm of the Antarctic.
You'll see plentiful icebergs floating by and be fixated on the surface of the ocean as curious whales spout and breach before your eyes. As exciting as it can be from onboard the ship, your true exploration occurs when you disembark and set foot on the great continent. There are several potential landing sites we may visit, including Neko Harbour, Orne Harbour or Paradise Harbour.
Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the beauty of Antarctica. Watching penguins waddling on the beach and listening to the crackling and crumbling sounds of icebergs and glaciers will become your daily entertainment, while kayaking with whales and camping in Antarctica are a couple of optional activities available on selected voyages (at an extra cost).
Day 8-9: Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach this far south, which is officially noted at 66° 33' S. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne!
Make a toast and take pride in knowing you've made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people.
Day 10-11: Northbound Along the Peninsula
By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur or Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits' and pancake ice will seem normal too, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will continue to fill your days, while the Expedition team will continue to offer presentations, while giving you time to reflect on everything you've experienced.
Day 12-13: Crossing the Drake Passage
As you recross the Drake, Antarctica fades away, leaving you with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up its series of lectures as well, perhaps with a slideshow of the great landing sites and wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage.
Day 14: Disembark in Ushuaia
Today, you’ll arrive in Ushuaia and say goodbye to your Expedition Team and fellow travelers. After breakfast you will disembark and take a transfer to the airport or to a central location in town.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
15 Jan 2023 - 28 Jan 2023 | USD $13995pp | Save 20%, Save 25% | |
Triple | USD $13995pp | Contact us | |
Lower Deck Twin Porthole | USD $14636pp | Save 20% | |
Main Deck Twin Porthole | USD $15036pp | Save 20% | |
Main Deck Twin Window | USD $16716pp | Save 20% | |
Deluxe Cabin | USD $16497pp | Save 25% | |
Superior Cabin | USD $16497pp | Save 25% | |
Suite | USD $21747pp | Save 25% | |
Owner's Suite | USD $23322pp | Save 25% |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Triple
12m², two lower berths, one upper berth, on main deck, private facilities, porthole, porthole with exterior views.
Lower Deck Twin Porthole
12m², two lower berths, on lower deck, private facilities, porthole with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Porthole
11m², has two lower berths, on main deck, private facilities, porthole with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Window
13m², two lower berths, on main deck, private facilities, twin windows, exterior views
Superior Cabin
12.5m², two lower berths, private facilities, windows, exterior views.
Deluxe Cabin
15m², two lower berths, on captain's deck, private facilities, windows, exterior views
Suite
20m², double bed, located on captain's deck, private facilities, windows, exterior views, (cabin 403 has a bathtub other suites have showers)
Owner's Suite
22m², double bed, on bridge deck, private sitting room, private facilities, large panoramic window, exterior view of aft, port and starboard.
Ocean Adventurer Deckplan
Specifications
- Staff and Crew: 87
- Guests: 132
- Length: 101.1 meters
- Breadth: 16.2 meters
- Draft: 4.5 meters
- Propulsion: Diesel Twin Engines - 5,400 horsepower
- Ice Class: 1A
- Cruising Speed: 12 knots, in open water
- Registration: Bahamas
- Lifeboats: 4 partially-enclosed
Whats included?
- Transfer from Ushuaia Airport to Hotel (if arriving on first day)
- 1 night hotel in Ushuaia
- Shipboard accommodation
- All meals, coffee and tea during the voyage
- Group Airport Transfer in Ushuaia upon disembarkation
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- Free use of waterproof boots for shore landings
- Educational programs and expedition leaders
- An expedition parka for you to keep
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
- Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person
What’s not included?
- Air transportation
- Passport, visa and immigration fees
- Airport arrival/departure taxes
- Travel protection plan
- Waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry service
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Possible fuel surcharges
- Gratuities
- Any items not listed as included
- Optional activities*
Notes
*Optional Activities
- Kayaking: US$995 per person
- Paddling: US$295 per person