Journey to the Antarctic Circle

Intrepid Travel · 14 days

4.8

20 Reviews

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Duration

14 days

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Set sail for an adventure like no other. Spend 14 days following in the wake of Captain Cook as you cross the Antarctic Circle, home to the midnight sun and towering icebergs.

Highlights

Set sail to the Antarctic Circle and experience nearly endless daylight during the high summer as you journey further south, uncovering the remoteness and untouched beauty of this less-visited part of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Soak up the beauty of this wild place and take advantage of the extra days on the Antarctic Peninsula with this extended expedition. Enjoy more landings, visit more locations and have additional opportunities to witness Antarctica’s breathtaking wildlife and landscapes.
Gain insight from onboard polar experts who will cover a range of fascinating topics during their daily lectures, from the diverse wildlife to the unique geology of the region.
Look for gentoo and chinstrap penguins, fur and Weddell seals, albatrosses and more, all set against the backdrop of towering icebergs and glaciated mountains.
Take part in Citizen Science Projects and contribute to meaningful research by photographing whale flukes for Happy Whale, who help to track and identify individual whales across the oceans.

Trip Details

Duration

14 days

Transportation

Expedition cruise ship,zodiac

Tour Type

Group Tour

Guide Language

English

Starts

Ushuaia, Argentina, Antarctica

Finishes

Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina, Antarctica

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Polar

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica. Located at the southern tip of Argentina, these parts are known as Tierra del Fuego, often called ‘The End of the World’, but this is just the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. Those with a day or two may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or if you've only got a few hours to kill, why not stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel. You might also like to sample some handcrafted chocolate at a local cafe in town. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at about 5 pm at your hotel, then you’re free to get ready for an early morning tomorrow!

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia

Enjoy some free time to explore Ushuaia and the surrounding area before boarding the Ocean Nova – your home for the next 12 nights. Today, your ship will make its way through the Beagle Channel towards the infamous Drake Passage. Named after Charles Darwin’s historic ship, 'The Beagle', the deep open water of the channel presents many great photo opportunities. Be sure to wave goodbye to South America if you’re not too busy snapping away at the incredible landscapes – your next land sighting will be the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

Optional Activities:

Welcome Briefing - Free

Accommodation:

Ocean Endeavour (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3-4: At Sea, Drake Passage

The Drake Passage is one of the planet's most famous bodies of water. It can be rough, but if weather conditions are reasonable, you can head out on the outer decks to spot ocean dwellers like whales, dolphins or seabirds, including the wandering albatross, prions and petrels. Over the next two days, you’ll get to know your Expedition Team as your comprehensive lecture program gets underway. Your polar experts will share their knowledge of the Antarctic region so you can understand its wildlife, history and geology and help prepare you for the adventure. Your Expedition Team consists of experts on the marine and bird life that inhabits these parts. They will help you scout for sightings as you join them on the outer decks. Step onto the ship's bridge and take advantage of our open bridge policy, inviting you into Ocean Nova's command centrr. This is your chance to observe the captain and the expedition in progress from an ideal viewpoint for spotting wildlife.

Included Activities:

Citizen Science Program
Onboard Lecture Program
Daily Briefings and Recap

Optional Activities:

Onboard Gym - Free

Accommodation:

Ocean Endeavour (Number of Nights: 2)

Day 5-8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

Over the next few days, you’ll make Zodiac cruises through the icy waters. There are several potential landing sites, and while weather dictates which specific site you’ll land at, each presents an opportunity to get up close with some incredible wildlife. Look out for chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguin colonies as well as crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals. When you are on board the Ocean Nova, your Expedition Team will keep the education going with a range of wildlife and history presentations and documentary screenings. A typical expedition day begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader around 7 am, followed by breakfast. Weather permitting, you can anticipate at least two excursions daily, providing ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking Antarctic landscape. For those who crave even more adventure, treat yourself to an optional paddling excursion that offers a new perspective of this frozen expanse. You’ll also be able to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova. There’s nothing like a quick dip in the Antarctic’s icy depths to wake you up!

Included Activities:

Daily Briefings and Recap
Citizen Science Program
Guided walking Excursions
Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
Onboard Lecture Program

Optional Activities:

Polar Plunge - Free
Day Paddle (349 USD)
Onboard Gym - Free

Accommodation:

Ocean Endeavour (Number of Nights: 4)

Day 9-10: The Antarctic Circle

Weather and ice conditions permitting, you’ll celebrate reaching the latitude of 66°33’S and crossing the fabled Antarctic Circle. Toast to the sheer rawness of the surroundings and take it all in – while not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle leaves a lasting memory. Travel past colossal icebergs to a point on Earth where only a few travellers have sailed. Home to Weddell seals that are specially adapted to this icy environment, they use their canines and incisors to rasp open new ice and maintain holes in the ice through which to breathe. They also have highly accurate powers of navigation, enabling them to seek out breathing holes when their teeth are worn down, and they can no longer maintain or create breathing holes in the ice.

Included Activities:

Daily Briefings and Recap
Citizen Science Program
Onboard Lecture Program
Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
Guided walking Excursions

Optional Activities:

Day Paddle (349 USD)
Onboard Gym - Free

Accommodation:

Ocean Endeavour (Number of Nights: 2)

Day 11: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

As the Ocean Nova begins heading north, you’ll be more familiar with the Antarctic waters. Test your newfound knowledge of penguin species and fine-tune your wildlife spotting skills as you differentiate between fur, leopard and Weddell seals. Zodiac cruises and landings will continue to ensure you make the most of the peninsula’s wildlife opportunities and capture the perfect photographs.

Included Activities:

Daily Briefings and Recap
Citizen Science Program
Onboard Lecture Program
Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
Guided walking Excursions

Optional Activities:

Onboard Gym - Free

Accommodation:

Ocean Endeavour (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12-13: At Sea, Drake Passage

The journey’s final leg offers an opportunity to reflect on the spectacular scenery and prolific encounters. During the final days at sea, join additional onboard lectures and view a slideshow featuring captivating images captured by our Expedition Photographer throughout your journey—yours to keep as a cherished reminder of your incredible Antarctic expedition. By the evening of Day 13, you’ll enter the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel, signalling the start of your return home. That evening, enjoy a final celebration with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team to mark the end of this Antarctic adventure.

Included Activities:

Daily Briefings and Recap
Citizen Science Program
Onboard Lecture Program

Optional Activities:

Onboard Gym - Free

Accommodation:

Ocean Endeavour (Number of Nights: 2)

Day 14: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

After breakfast, disembark the Ocean Nova as your Antarctic expedition ends. A morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included, but if you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $18,415

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 14 days

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Light

Set sail for an adventure like no other. Spend 14 days following in the wake of Captain Cook as you cross the Antarctic Circle, home to the midnight sun and towering icebergs.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 26 Feb 2027

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Tejdeep

Traveled, February 2024

02/16/2024

I had such a great experience going to Antarctic circle and peninsula. Activities are well organized and staff is knowledgeable and educated me about Antarctica ecosystem and wildlife

5.0

Paul

Traveled, February 2024

02/16/2024

Thoroughly enjoyed the Antarctica experience with Intrepid. Saw and did many unique things in the 12 days. Highly recommended as a bucket list item. Thanks.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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