Credit Acacia Johnson
Credit Sam Crimmin
Credit Acacia Johnson
Credit Nicky Souness
Credit David Merron
Credit David Merron
Credit Acacia Johnson

Epic Antarctica Crossing the Circle via Falklands and South Georgia

From

A$53,115 per person

  • Dates

    Jan

  • Duration

    23 Days

  • Embark

    Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina

  • Disembark

    Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina

Routes

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  • Depart

Route Information

Embark: Ushuaia, Argentina

Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina

Destinations: The Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Lemaire Channel, Antarctica Circle

Ships: Ultramarine

Duration: 23 days

Additional Information: 1 night in Buenos Aires and return flights Buenos Aires to Ushuaia included.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Upon arriving in this splendid city, renowned for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, you will be met and transferred to your group hotel.

Day 2 Fly to Ushuaia and Embark

Following an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will head to the airport and catch the private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Once you arrive, you’ll be transported from the airport to a central downtown location, where you can explore this charming port town independently before heading to the designated meeting point at the pier.

In the late afternoon, you’ll embark and begin sailing along the historic Beagle Channel, which cuts through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the far south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart as the next time you see land, you will be in remote Antarctic wilderness!

Day 3 At Sea

Your days at sea will be enriched with presentations led by the Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. Between these sessions, spend time on deck searching for wildlife or enjoy a drink at the bar whilst getting to know your fellow travellers.

Days 4 - 5 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Upon arriving in the Falklands (Malvinas), your camera will get its first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged landscapes of this sub-Antarctic region. The archipelago consists of two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, which you will explore through daily Zodiac excursions and landings.

Port Stanley, is a favourite landing spot, offering a unique British outpost vibe with its eclectic charm. You’ll have the freedom to explore, enjoy a pint at the local pub, or visit the numerous churches and museums.

The archipelago is teeming with wildlife, particularly birds, and is home to magellanic, gentoo, and southern rockhopper penguins. If you’re fortunate, you might even spot king penguins! You’re likely to see black-browed albatrosses, along with two endemic bird species—the flightless Falkland steamer duck and possibly the elusive Cobb’s wren.

The team of polar experts will enhance your understanding of the local flora and fauna, ensuring you make the most of your time in the Falklands.

Days 6 - 7 At Sea

Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you’ll officially enter Antarctic waters upon crossing the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible biological boundary that encircles the continent. This junction, where cold Antarctic waters blend with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans, fosters the abundance of krill that attracts whales, seals, and birdlife to the region. The Expedition Team will alert you when you cross this significant yet unseen line and assist you in spotting the seabirds and marine life that thrive in this nutrient-rich area.

Days 8 - 11 South Georgia

This remote, mountainous island was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a centre for whale and seal hunting. Today, the island’s wildlife populations are rebounding, though remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts can still be seen.

One of the most significant and moving sites on South Georgia is the burial place of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which also features an old whaling station, a museum, a gift shop, a church, and a small research station.

While South Georgia’s history is a key attraction, it is the island’s incredible abundance of wildlife that will captivate you and your fellow travellers. Each landing on South Georgia, often called the Galapagos of the Poles, provides opportunities to witness massive wildlife populations.

One day, you might see rookeries with hundreds of thousands of king penguins waddling on shore, and the next, visit a beach dominated by hundreds of fur or elephant seals. The grasses, mountains, and beaches of South Georgia play a crucial role in the breeding and survival of various species. The Expedition Leaders will help you understand and appreciate the delicate balance among these fragile and interconnected relationships.

Days 12 - 13 At Sea

Farewell the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations, workshops, and social activities led by your Expedition Team.

Day 14 - 16 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

The experience is challenging to describe, but the most common reaction upon reaching the Antarctic Continent is a profound sense of reverence and awe. You’ll find that Antarctica is a land of extremes: one moment, you’ll be enveloped in complete silence and solitude; the next, you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.

Your days will be filled with Zodiac cruising, visits to historical sites, and close encounters with seals and penguins. You might even catch sight of the fearless leopard seal or come face to face with an Antarctic minke whale while cruising in a Zodiac. Each day and each excursion will introduce you to a new array of captivating creatures, keeping your camera busy.

If you’re craving more adventure, treat yourself to an optional paddling excursion (reserve in advance when booking your trip) or take the plunge with the Polar Plunge—an unforgettable experience!

Days 17 - 18 Antarctica Circle

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an unforgettable experience and a remarkable achievement, as few travellers venture this far south. If conditions permit crossing the renowned latitude of 66°33′ South, a toast will be raised to the pioneering explorers who first journeyed here. You can take pride in knowing you’ve reached a part of the world visited by only a select few. This is untamed Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best opportunities to encounter sea ice—the cornerstone of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

Days 19 - 20 Northbound Along the Peninsula

If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to the Drake Passage. You will continue to make excursions by Zodiac as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula.

Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.

Days 21 - 22 Crossing the Drake Passage

After more than three weeks of incredible wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes, your journey home commences. The unpredictable and thrilling Drake Passage offers an adventure all its own. With expert onboard staff ensuring your comfort, you will have ample time to gaze out at the ocean, photograph seabirds swooping around the ship, and reflect on your extraordinary Antarctic expedition.

Day 23 Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Enjoy a taste of Patagonia with a tour to Tierra del Fuego National Park. You will then make your way to the airport for your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Activities

    Credit David Merron

    Hiking

    Hiking in polar regions offers unique, immersive experiences across tundra, snow, and beaches, with organized hikes ranging from short wildlife visits to longer excursions, guided by experts.

    Credit Quark:Michelle Sole

    Paddling Excursion

    The Paddle Excursion Program offers sit-on-top, two-person inflatable kayaks for a unique, intimate experience exploring unforgettable Antarctic locations from a different perspective

    Credit Acacia Johnson

    Sea Kayaking

    Kayaking offers adventurous travellers a unique, intimate connection to the Antarctic wilderness, allowing exploration of the mazes sea ice and glaciers while forging bonds with fellow explorers at water level.

    Credit David Merron

    Polar Plunge

    This rite of passage, scheduled once per voyage, offers you the chance to jump safely into the bracing polar waters under the watchful eye of our trained staff.

    Credit David Merron

    Zodiac Cruising

    Zodiacs take you places that ships can’t access, allowing you to reach remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets and search for unique wildlife.

    Credit Quark:Michelle Sole

    Alpine Heli-Trekking

    The helicopter flight alone rewards guests with unforgettable views. On land, during an invigorating walk, hike or snowshoe trek (depending on conditions), you’ll be rewarded with equally stunning views of remote ridgelines, glaciated terrain, and snow-topped peaks.

    Heli-Landing

    Experience the Antarctic's stunning beauty from the sky. Travel in small groups by helicopter, enjoying stunning views and unique access to remote glacial sites and more.

    Dates & rates

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    • Dates

      Jan 18 – Feb 9, 2026

    • Embark

      Ushuaia / Ushuaia

    • Ship

      Ocean Explorer

    • Price range (per person)
      A$53,115 - $122,560 was A$65,395 - $151,395

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    Special Offers

    What's included

    Inclusions

    Flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia return
    One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)An official expedition parka to keep.
    Leadership throughout the voyage by an experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings, presentations and other activities.
    Shipboard accommodation in your chosen room with private facilities.
    All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. Beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails also included during bar service hours and dinner.
    Waterproof expedition boots to borrow for landings and Zodiac cruising. Snowshoes and walking poles are also provided.
    Complimentary Wi-Fi on one device
    Group transfers mentioned through the itinerary.

    Exclusions

    International airfare to join the cruise
    Passport and applicable visa expenses.
    Meals unless otherwise specified.
    Waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned.
    Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified.
    Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew.
    Additional overnight accommodation.
    Adventure options not listed in included activities.