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Polar Circle Antarctica Expedition: Beyond the Antarctic Circle Cruise

Polar Circle Antarctica Expedition: Beyond the Antarctic Circle Cruise

Antartica
12 Days
From USD 9,390

Overview

The Polar Circle Antarctica Cruise aboard the M/V Ushuaia covers the same Antarctic Peninsula as the Classic expedition, but adds two additional Drake Passage days to reach beyond the 66°S parallel — the geographic boundary of the Antarctic Circle and a threshold that fewer than 5% of Antarctic visitors ever cross. That additional distance delivers wilder, less-visited ice: the Lemaire Channel narrows to less than 1.6 km between mountains and glaciers, Vernadsky Station (where the ozone hole was first detected in 1985) becomes accessible, and the density of icebergs and silence increases measurably south of the Peninsula's main tourist concentration. The cruise is operated by Antarpply Expeditions aboard the M/V Ushuaia with a bilingual expedition team. Southwind coordinates the land sequence: private transfers from Ushuaia Airport to the port, pre-cruise accommodation, and any Patagonia extension before or after disembarkation.

  • What the 66°S Parallel Adds: Crossing the Antarctic Circle delivers access to more remote ice shelves, quieter landing sites, and a higher probability of encountering pack ice than the standard Peninsula circuit — at the cost of two additional Drake Passage days. For travelers who've already done the Classic Peninsula, the Polar Circle is the natural progression; for first-time visitors who want maximum time in Antarctica rather than on the Drake, the Classic may be a better match.

  • Ushuaia Gateway Logistics: Private transfer from Ushuaia Airport (USH) to the M/V Ushuaia terminal, pre-cruise hotel coordination, and real-time monitoring of any weather-related departure changes — managed by our local team in the same time zone.

  • Patagonia Extension Before or After: Ushuaia connects naturally to El Calafate, Torres del Paine, or El Chaltén for travelers combining the Polar Circle with a Patagonia land itinerary — we coordinate both legs as a single seamless route so cruise dates and lodge availability are aligned from the start.

  • Advance Booking: Peak departures fill 12 to 18 months ahead for the Polar Circle, even faster than the Classic, because available berths are fewer and the crossing of the Antarctic Circle is a specific goal that limits which departures are acceptable substitutes.

Trip Highlights

The signature moments that make this journey unforgettable.

  • Cross the legendary Drake Passage

  • Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

  • Spot penguins, whales, and seals in their natural habitat

  • Sail through ice-filled fjords and breathtaking channels

  • Attend onboard lectures by expert naturalists

  • Enjoy daily landings via Zodiac boats for close wildlife encounters

Itinerary

Day 1

Embark the Polar Circle Antarctica Cruise, in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. After you have settled into your cabins we sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass.

Day 2

Named after the explorer Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage marks the Antarctic Convergence, where cold polar waters meet warmer northern seas, creating nutrient-rich currents that sustain abundant marine life. As we cross the passage, Antarpply Expeditions’ lecturers will help identify seabirds, including majestic albatrosses. Thanks to the USHUAIA’s open bridge policy, you can join the officers to learn about navigation, spot whales, and admire the scenery. Lectures will also be offered on board. The first glimpses of icebergs and snow-capped peaks signal our arrival at the South Shetland Islands. With good conditions, naturalists will accompany you ashore for your first encounter with penguins and seals.

Day 4

Exquisite beauty and pristine landscapes await you on the Polar Circle Antarctica Cruise. Countless icebergs in varied shapes and hues drift through the icy waterways, creating an unforgettable scene. The Antarctic Peninsula’s fascinating history evokes the spirit of early explorers, while its dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife offer endless wonder. You’ll likely encounter Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins, along with Weddell, crabeater, fur, and leopard seals. Minke whales and orcas are often seen nearby, and during this season, larger cetaceans such as humpback, fin, and sei whales may also appear. This journey promises a unique blend of exploration, discovery, and close encounters with Antarctica’s extraordinary marine life.

Day 9

On the Polar Circle Antarctica Cruise, we’ll navigate some of the region’s most stunning waterways, including the Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel, Neumayer Channel, and the narrow Lemaire Channel. Possible landings include Paradise Bay, famous for its majestic glaciers; Cuverville Island, home to the largest Gentoo penguin colony on the Peninsula; and Port Lockroy, the British museum and post office. Further south, toward the Polar Circle, we may visit Vernadsky Station—where the ozone hole was first detected—along with the Yalour and Detaille Islands. On our return north, we’ll explore the South Shetland Islands, rich in wildlife. Highlights include Deception Island’s flooded volcanic caldera and Half Moon Island, home to Chinstrap penguins amid breathtaking scenery.

Day 10

The 10th day of the Polar Circle Antarctica Cruise we leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.

We arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the USHUAIA after breakfast.

Southwind Experience

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  • 12-day expedition cruise aboard the M/V Ushuaia (selected cabin category)

  • All meals on board

  • Daily briefings and lectures by expert Antarctic guides

  • Zodiac excursions and shore landings as scheduled

  • Access to observation decks, conference room, and onboard library

  • Port taxes

  • International and domestic flights

  • Visa and passport expenses

  • Travel and luggage insurance

  • Government embarkation/disembarkation taxes

  • Personal expenses (bar, internet, phone calls, tips)

  • Services before or after the cruise

To start this journey, travelers will need to fly into Ushuaia Airport (USH), located just outside Ushuaia City. This airport receives domestic flights from Buenos Aires (Aeroparque Jorge Newbery – AEP) and international connections via Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE).

  • Arrival Flight: Traveler flies from origin city to Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) or Aeroparque (AEP), then connects with a domestic flight to Ushuaia (USH).

  • Departure Flight: At the end of the itinerary, travelers will take a domestic flight from Ushuaia (USH) back to Buenos Aires (EZE/AEP) for onward international connections.

What our travelers say

S

Simon Phillips

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Southwind from the planning stages to delivery of the trip in Patagonia were faultless and I really love the little reminders sent for each separate stage and really appreciated the added bits around passport checking and border crossing paperwork. The whole team was super friendly, and for our trip with Fernando he was great company and knew where to stop for refreshments and a view! We would strongly recommend southwind, they go the extra mile on service and have a permanent smile. Thank you guys you were faultless.

S

Sameer Phanse

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had a great experience with Southwind. They organized a tour for us to visit Monte Leon from El Calafate. Fernando & Laura organized the logistics and were very helpful. Martin accompanied us on the tour and doubled up as driver and tour guide, which was beyond our expectations. We saw a lot of wildlife en route, as well as in the park with Martin’s help. I highly recommend Southwind for your Patagonia experience.

F

Franco Peverelli

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The agency proved to be extremely professional. During the long transfer, in an impeccably clean and perfectly maintained vehicle, Mr. Fernando was very attentive to ensure that everything went smoothly. I highly recommend this agency for organizing your trips to South America. Only 5 stars because I can't give more!

J

Joanna Green

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Maria and her team looked after us so well. I would recommend them in a flash. It was 20 years since I had been to El Calafate so I didn't know what to expect. It had changed so much! Maria was helpful, honest, well priced and a pleasure to work with. You could not ask for more. We had the best time thanks to Maria and her organisation. Fernando was our driver to a tour and a delight. Punctual, knowledgeable and all round wonderful. Gracias!!

R

Rosa Puech

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A fabulous company to travel with: the sequencing of the trip, the guides proposed, the suggestions for the area. We highly recommend this travel agency for Patagonia. Fernando is top+top.

M

Martin Bride

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★

Gerardo drove us on a bespoke 8- day trip from Salta up into the wilderness where the 🦩 come to get pink. We had a great time in this spectacular region.

E

Esteban Riminucci

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Exelente asesoramiento de Maria Laura , muy buen servicio y cordialidad de los coordinadores , muy recomendables !!

P

Paulo Fanti

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Muy buena la atención tanto por WhatsApp como en las excursiones. Puntuales en las búsquedas en el hotel... De las excursiones que llevo hechas (todas excelentes) la atención, la coordinación y el conocimiento de los guías es muy bueno. Un excelente servicio, lo recomiendo!

A

Ana Zugarramurdi

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Amazing company and experience. We did the Todo Glaciares boat tour in the Premium Lounge and it was beyond expectations! Great staff, great cruise and food! Highly recommended!

Google

Average rating

4.9 ★

How to Customize This Itinerary

Make your Antarctica adventure even more special by combining it with destinations in Southern Patagonia before or after your cruise.

  • Add a few nights in El Calafate to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier.

  • Explore El Chaltén and enjoy world-class trekking to Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

  • Stay in Torres del Paine National Park (Chile) to experience its breathtaking granite peaks and Patagonian wildlife.

  • Spend time at a traditional Patagonian estancia, learning about gaucho culture and savoring an authentic lamb barbecue.

  • All Southwind itineraries are 100% customizable — we adapt travel dates, activities, and accommodations to your preferences.

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