Cross the Antarctic Circle

TAILOR-MADE

Duration

13 Days

Prices Start from

£7,550 (ex. flights)

Suitable for

Couples Romantic/Honeymoon Adventure Traveller Solo Traveller Photographers

In what is one of the longer Antarctica sailing voyages, traverse the Drake Passage, cross the Antarctic Circle, embark on zodiac explorations and see lesser-visited sites such as a renowned abandoned research station.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Expeditionary Vessels

Sail on an ice-strengthened vessel, renowned for their superb guiding and expeditionary feel.

Remote Base W

Visit an abandoned British station on Detaille Island, a time capsule from the 1950’s.

Cross the Circle

Count yourself among the small handful of people who cross the Antarctic Circle each season.

Navigate Pack Ice

Sail some of the most pristine waterways on Earth through impressive narrow passageways.

Why we like it

In joining a navigation set to cross the Antarctic Circle, adventurous voyagers sign up for a longer sea journey that brings with it more opportunities for memorable wildlife-spotting and unique disembarkations. Travelling further south down the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula, where very few boats have the time to venture, this journey is ideally suited to those who are keen to really maximise their time on the White Continent and travel where few others go. At the height of the season, when ice conditions are such that the vessels can sail further south, the indescribable feeling of being utterly off the beaten track is quite overwhelming.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Day 1
Ushuaia
Day 2 - 3
At Sea
Day 4 - 6
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Days 7 - 8
Antarctic Circle
Day 9 - 10
Antarctic Peninsula
Day 11 - 12
Drake Passage
Day 13
Ushuaia

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we recommend you stay on your journey.

Ortelius £££££

Spitsbergen

Originally built in Poland in 1989 as an ice-strengthened passenger vessel, the 298-foot-long Ortelius spent many years plying the frozen waters of the Arctic and Northern Pacific before being totally refurbished in 2005. Sleeping a total of 108 passengers, the vessel provides comfortable (but not luxurious) cabins that range from quads to suites, each with a private bathroom. She carries a fleet of zodiacs for landings, and on some Antarctic departures helicopters are even used.

View Boat

Spirit of Enderby £££££

Originally built in 1984, the 236-foot-long Spirit of Enderby was fully refurbished as an ice-strengthened vessel in 2004 and now provides comfortable accommodation for just 50 passengers. One of the last of the former Russian small research vessels which still service polar waters, she is still run by a Russian crew and boasts a fine reputation for polar expeditionary cruising due to her strength and manoeuvrability. The 24 cabins are simple and vary both in size and amenities (only half have private bathrooms), and there is a bar, a library and lounge, a dedicated lecture room and a fleet of zodiacs for shore excursions.

View Boat

Ocean Endeavour £££££

Spitsbergen

Launched in 1982 as a purpose-built vessel for remote environments, Ocean Endeavour boasts a 1B ice-class that enables her to navigate freely throughout the Arctic summer. At 453-foot-long, she is a stable and spacious vessel with a shallow draft and impressive manoeuvrability that allows her to access isolated fjords, bays and secluded communities. Accommodating up to 199 passengers, Ocean Endeavour has cabins arranged over multiple decks and offers outdoor dining spaces, a swimming pool, a sauna, a hot tub and three lounges.

View Boat

Ocean Adventurer £££££

Russian Arctic

Originally built in 1976 in Yugoslavia, Ocean Adventurer underwent extensive upgrades as part of a multi-million pound renovation in 2017. On this nimble, ice-strengthened vessel, facilities include a well-stocked library, a lounge area, a gym and observation decks. With major technical enhancements, including two new Rolls Royce engines, to increase fuel efficiency and minimise carbon footprint, Ocean Adventurer has the capacity to carry 128 passengers across 63 cabins. Ship-to-shore satellite communications allow for email and wireless internet access, and a stocked library houses a large collection of polar books.

View Boat

Greg Mortimer £££££

Russian Arctic

Launched in October 2019, the Greg Mortimer is a purpose-built expedition vessel that features a revolutionary X-Bow design. One of the most dynamic and state of the art ships on the seas, it is designed to slice through the water rather than riding over the waves making for comfortable and fast travels through the polar seas.

View Boat

Adelie Penguins on an Iceberg, Antarctica

66° 33' 44" South

Arrive at 66.5 degrees south latitude, marking the start of the Antarctic, an impressive achievement that is reached by few vessels. After crossing the famed line, celebrate in style by sipping a bubbling glass of champagne. If crossing the Antarctic Circle was not quite enough, perhaps try snorkelling or diving in crystal clear waters to see the secret world of ice below the surface and an array of marine life.

Spend a Night on the Ice

Weather permitting, spend a night in a bivvy bag or tent on the continent. Aside from the bragging rights of having camped on the 7th continent, this is a truly remarkable adventure to take your Antarctic voyage to the next level. Limited spots make this an exclusive and intimate experience, and presents incomparable opportunities for marvelling at the polar night sky.

Kayak a Flooded Caldera

Volcanic, mountainous and mostly glaciated, the South Shetland Islands are renowned for their dense wildlife population. With vast penguin rookeries, lounging Antarctic fur seals and wallowing southern elephant seals dotting the landscape, the islands are inhabited only by a skeleton crew of scientists and offer up awe-inspiring scenery. Land at Deception Island and consider hiking the steep peak on the eastern side to a magnificent viewpoint. Alternatively, explore ice floes and icebergs by zodiac or kayak the islands’s flooded caldera for a genuine feeling of solitude.

Abandoned British Base W, Detaille Island, Antarctica

Abandoned Base W

Aside from the small rookery of Adelie penguins that inhabit Detaille Island, the real draw is Base W. Visit this abandoned British research station, which was occupied by a team of scientists in the 1950’s, was hurriedly evacuated when unstable ice around the island blocked the access of its supply ships. A curious time capsule of sorts, the scientific outpost was once the base of everything from meteorological studies to mapping projects.

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01285 601 784

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Sue’s extensive first-hand knowledge of Antarctica was so apparent from our first phone call. She was able to help us select the ideal route and vessel for our needs, and with her guidance we were able to see the emperor penguins!