Across the Antarctic Circle

Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to the Southernmost City in the World, Ushuaia. Beautifully positioned on the northern shore of the Beagle Channel, the town affords magnificent views over to the jagged peaks of Isla Navarino in Chile. This afternoon after you have checked into your accommodation for the night, visit the AE Expeditions hospitality desk in the hotel lobby to re-confirm your departure details on the cruise for tomorrow.

This morning you take breakfast and leave your bags in reception to be taken to your cruise later today, whilst you have the opportunity visit Lake Escondido this morning as a first excursion before heading out to the Antarctic Peninsula. This offers a panoramic drive through big valleys of glacial origin, evergreen and deciduous forests, waterfalls and rivers, in the vastness of the Andes Mountain Range. After appreciating the landscape, you have the chance to enjoy a typical Fuegian Lamb barbecue. Enjoy some free time there before returning to Ushuaia for ship embarkation. Once onboard, you have time to settle into your cabin before there are then the mandatory ship briefings. As the ship pulls away from port, gather on the deck to commence the adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego before dinner at sea.

The next two days are at sea, crossing the Drake Passage as you can make the most of your time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. The expedition team prepare you for your first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures and start the lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment. Over the next two days your wildlife experience begins as you can start to enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following the vessel. On sea days, you can enjoy the facilities on board the vessel including the gym, sauna and Jacuzzis or relax in one of the observation lounges. Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on the afternoon of day seven, the excitement is palpable with everyone converging on one of the observation decks watching for the first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once below the Antarctic Convergence, surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. Time and weather permitting, there may be the chance to attempt a first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.

The next days are in Antarctica. Spot your first iceberg and breathe some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth. Arrive on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands where you first begin to explore, with a host of choices available with approximately 18-24 hours of daylight with the days as busy as you wish. Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. Join Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of the best spots along the peninsula. While ashore there are opportunities to stretch your legs along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, the ship may cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea. On this voyage, conditions permitting, the plan is to cross the Antarctic Circle, an imaginary line located at the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33' South (approximately). Crossing below The Circle is certainly a special highlight for many people, and the moment is celebrated with a toast out on the deck (weather permitting). As you approach and cross the Antarctic Circle, you can notice subtle changes in the landscape, and also in the distribution of wildlife. The waters at this time of year are rich with krill with the opportunity to spot whales - particularly humpbacks and minkes as well as the spectacle of penguins feeding their ravenous chicks.

Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before the ship re-enters the Drake Passage for the return journey to South America. With lectures and film presentations to complete the Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. As you approach the tip of South America, the Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.

During the early morning the ship navigates up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, with disembarkation at around 8.00 am. You have the morning free, before either taking your onward flights after midday back up towards Buenos Aires. If you wish to continue your travels in the south of Argentina, please contact us for extension itinerary options. On arrival into Buenos Aires you have a final evening at leisure in the Argentine capital.

You have the morning free in Buenos Aires before at the agreed time to coincide with your chosen flights back to the UK, you are collected and driven to the airport.