Quest for the Antarctic Circle

From Ushuaia to Ushuaia

Tour Overview

Join a voyage of discovery on this 14 day expedition cruise to our planet's last frontier - Antarctica - and attempt to cross the Antarctic circle!

Take an expedition cruise to 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, explore the bays and coves, 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, exploring via zodiac, making shore landings- plus go further south than most - cross the Antarctica circle!

Plenty of time to walk ashore, opt to camp, kayak, polar plunge, 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

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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.

Day 3-4
Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands

The adventure begins with an 1000 km (600 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.

Day 5-6
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

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.

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.

Day 9-11
Antarctic Circle Drake Passage

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

Day 12
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.

Day 13
Drake Passage Ushuaia

Begin your journey to your 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 last-minute whale sightings.

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.

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What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 12 nights onboard the G Expedition
  • Included Copy 20 1 night hotel in Ushuaia on a twin share basis
  • 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 USA sizes 4 - 16
  • Included Copy 20 Expedition parka to keep
  • Included Copy 31 Camping in Antarctica (additional costs apply)
  • 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)
Transportation

G Expedition

128 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Zodiac exploration along the shores and bays of Antarctica
  • Included Options to camp or kayak in Antarctica
  • Included Hiking and Walking in Antarctica & South Shetland Islands
  • Included Aim to 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
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Save up to 25% (selected dates and cabins only). Book by 31st of May, unless sold out prior. Ask us for details!
Duration

14 days

Price from

$13,499 USD

Per person, sharing

Quad cabin, 21 Dec 2025

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