Antarctic Peninsula & Crossing the Circle

On this 11-day inspiring cruise, we explore the Great White Continent’s magnificent landscapes, glacial mountains, and incredible wildlife before reaching 66°33′ – the Antarctic Circle.

As our voyage to Antarctica begins, we pilot through the calm, gunmetal grey waters and sloping glaciers of Beagle Channel. Turning southward, our journey begins in earnest, and we enter Drake Passage. A body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, Ocean Victory/Albatros, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines, and the patented reclining bow, which ensures stability and comfort in rough sea as well as having very low fuel consumption. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice! 

In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. These nutrient rich waters lure a wealth of seabirds, albatrosses, and several species of whales. Weather permitting, we catch our first sight of seals and penguins!

With widen eyes, we will weave through the South Shetland Islands, a pearly necklace of glistering, ice-covered islands and dormant volcanoes. Numerous Zodiac excursions are landfalls are likely. We are constantly on the lookout for whales, sea lions, elephant seals and an unbelievable amount of sea birds and penguins. 

Continuing onward, we enjoy the calming silence and alluring beauty of the Antarctic mainland during hikes and Zodiac excursions. Spread in isolation along the coast, we also see a number of manned and unmanned research stations, which we aim to visit before accomplishing our goal – crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ south. Here, the sun is up for 24-hours a day during the austral summer. Our expedition may include visits to sites such as Pleneau and Petermann Islands, Crystal Sound and Fish Island.

Dense pack ice forbids many ordinary vessels from reach this far south, but with a high ice-class rating, Ocean Victory/Albatros moves swiftly carrying us on an adventure for life.

Inclusions

• Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
• Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport
• All Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team
• Expedition parka
• Rubber boots loan scheme
• Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
• English-speaking Expedition Team
• Full board on the ship – breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
• Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
• Free tea and coffee available 24 hours
• Taxes and landing fees
• Special photo workshops
• Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties
• Digital visual journal link distributed after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!