Quest for the Antarctic Circle

From Ushuaia to Ushuaia
  • All Antarctic Cruises
  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Small Ship Cruising
  • Wildlife and Nature
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Tour Description

Join a voyage of discovery to our planet's last frontier - Antarctica - a fantastic and virtually untouched paradise. This ice-strengthened expedition ship is ideally suited to cruising in this icy wilderness. Taking in all the wonders of Antarctica, this cruise visits the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, before delving where only intrepid explorers get to go - across the Antarctic Circle.

Throughout the Antarctic cruise, opportunities for wildlife viewing are endless. Seals, orcas, minke and humpback whales, extraordinary numbers of penguins; gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie..., as well as many other seabirds dot the shoreline, sea and air. We aim for two daily excursions where there is the chance to meet these animals up close, visit research stations, walk on the continent,  as well as revel in the beauty of the breathtaking landscape of ice, snow, glaciers and waterways.  Ultimately this Antarctic cruise is more like an expedition than a traditional cruise.

Crossing below the legendary 66.5 degrees south, the memory will be like no other, and this will be the trip of a lifetime.

Viva's Best Bits...

Spend seven full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and go further south than most - cross the Antarctica circle

Time to walk, camp, kayak, photograph, take a zodiac cruise, or simply relax and listen to the sounds of nature.

"I knew I would see lots of penguins in Antarctica, but really there are thousands everywhere, and they are so amusing and curious, I could watch them for hours!" Tara, Team Viva

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.

Overnight in a hotel in Ushuaia

Day 2
Depart Ushuaia & set sail towards Antarctica

Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.

Breakfast and Dinner is included today

Day 3-4
Drake Passage

The adventure begins with an 800km (497 mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Enjoy daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the G Expedition's wake.

The G Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic.

As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff.

Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

Day 5-6
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

Encounter some of the region's unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather 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.

This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next four days the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while navigating through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions.

The peninsula also has a remarkable human history; during the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

Hop into one of the Expedition’s 14 Zodiacs and take the quick, safe trip from the ship to the shore to encounter the awe-inspiring wilderness of Antarctica. Thanks to the performance of these boats in remote conditions, quick trips to shore are easily accomplished. Get up close to towering icebergs, glaciers and amazing wildlife. Depending on weather conditions these excursions will hopefully happen daily.

Polar Plunge
You remembered to pack your bathing suit, right? Depending on weather conditions, opt to do the polar plunge and jump into the frigid waters of the Antarctic. Convince some of your fellow passengers to join and you’ll be left with an amazing group experience no one will ever forget!

Day 7-8
Antarctica Circle Crossing

With a close eye on weather conditions, continue southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins, push on with the goal in mind - crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle. Few travelers have ventured this far south, but with our fully equipped ice-strengthened vessel and favourable sea conditions, the Expedition can access many remote locations other ships just can't reach.

All meals included today

Day 9-11
Antarctic Peninsula

Turn north for the first time to continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

Continue our exploration of the peninsula and the then into the South Shetland while moving North again. Keeping a close eye out for wildlife there might be opportunities to do some whale watching or even go for a polar plunge in the Southern waters.

Day 12-13
Drake Passage

Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.

Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions and Whales!

Day 14
Disembark in Ushuaia

This adventure draws to a close. Enjoy your final breakfast on the expedition ship before saying our farewells as we disembark in Ushuaia in the morning.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 12 nights onboard the G Expedition
  • Included Copy 20 1st night hotel pre tour in Ushuaia
  • Included Copy 31 Same sex willing to share cabins available, ideal for solo travellers
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals, tea, coffee and water whilst onboard, breakfast at hotel in Ushuaia
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Arrival and departure transfers
  • Included Copy 20 Lectures and educational program
  • Included Copy 20 Zodiac excursions, landings and shore excursions with our expert expedition team
  • Included Copy 20 Waterproof boots supplied for men's USA sized 8-14 & women's USA sized 3-9
  • Included Copy 20 Expedition parka to keep
  • Included Copy 31 Camping in Antarctica (additional costs apply - advance bookings required)
  • Included Copy 7 International flights, Gratuities, Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges
  • Included Copy 7 Comprehensive Travel/Medical Insurance (Mandatory)
  • Included Copy 31 Kayaking in Antarctica (additional costs apply - advance bookings required)
Transportation
G Expedition | Antarctic & Arctic Cruise Ship

134 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Zodiac exploration along the shores and bays of Antarctica
  • Included Camping (additional costs apply - advance bookings required)
  • Included Hiking and Walking in Antarctica & South Shetland Islands
  • Included Kayaking in Antarctica (additional costs apply)
  • Included Spend seven full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula & set foot on Antarctica
  • Included Cross the Antarctica circle
  • Included Spend time with Antarctic wildlife - meet Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstap penguins
  • Included Lectures on all things Antarctica history, geology and wildlife
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

14 days

Price from

$8,799 USD

Per person, sharing

Based On Lowest Cabin

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