Quest for the Antarctic Circle

G Adventures · 14 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
14 Days
From AUD $20059 Was AUD $23599
Trip Type
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Quest for the Antarctic Circle

G Adventures · 14 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Duration

14 days

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

A massive rookery of penguins shuffles across a frozen shore; a pod of whales glides through frigid waters; dramatic landscapes float off in the distance — welcome to Antarctica.

Includes

Activities

  • 12 nts aboard the Expedition
  • 1 nt hotel in Ushuaia, on a twin share basis
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
  • Lectures and educational programs
  • Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
  • Expedition parka

Accommodation

  • Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 12 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.
  • 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners

Transport

  • Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.

Group Leader

  • One expedition team member per 10 guests.

Highlights

  • Spend seven full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Go farther south than most have ever gone
  • Spend time on deck searching for whales and watching soaring albatross
  • Get up close and personal with a variety of penguin species
  • Discover the intricacies of the Antarctic region through our on-board lecture program
Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Trip Details

Duration

14 days

Transportation

Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Ushuaia, Argentina

Finishes

Ushuaia, Argentina

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

River Cruising, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Included arrival transfer.Accommodation - Albatros Hotel
2

Day 2: Ushuaia/Drake Passage

Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.
Opt to visit the magnificent Tierra del Fuego National Park today before boarding the ship.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Explore the city, do some shopping or take an optional excursion and enjoy lunch ashore. Transport - Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.Transport - Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.Activity - In the afternoon, join your fellow passengers to take your group transfer and begin your journey on the Expedition. Please refer to your welcome letter or the joining instructions posted in the lobby of the start hotel. Make sure you have your passport handy as you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.Activity - In the afternoon, join your fellow passengers to take your group transfer and begin your journey on the Expedition. Please refer to your welcome letter or the joining instructions posted in the lobby of the start hotel. Make sure you have your passport handy as you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
3

Day 3-4: Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands

The adventure begins with an 1000 km (600 mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Enjoy daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the Expedition's wake.
The Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic.

As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship's crew and expedition staff.

Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.Activity - Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history. The Expedition has one of the highest ratios of expedition team members to guests – with one expert for every ten guests there is always someone on hand to answer questions and provide greater insight and appreciation of the world at its extremes. The expedition team is comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure.Free_time - Spend time out on deck keep an eye out for sea birds and whales that live in these fertile waters. Wandering, Black-browed and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Prion's and Cap Petrels are among some of the species of seabirds that may join the Expedition on the journey to Antarctica.
4

Day 5-6: South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula

Encounter some of the region's unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters.
This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next four days the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while navigating through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions.

The peninsula also has a remarkable human history; during the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.Activity - Hop into one of the Expedition’s 14 Zodiacs and take the quick, safe trip from the ship to the shore to encounter the awe-inspiring wilderness of Antarctica. Thanks to the performance of these boats in remote conditions, quick trips to shore are easily accomplished. Get up close to towering icebergs, glaciers and amazing wildlife. Depending on weather conditions these excursions will hopefully happen daily.Activity - Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history. The Expedition has one of the highest ratios of expedition team members to guests – with one expert for every ten guests there is always someone on hand to answer questions and provide greater insight and appreciation of the world at its extremes. The expedition team is comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure.Activity - Learn about the Expedition’s current location, daily announcements, landing site-specific information as well as recaps of the previous day at a quick daily briefing.
5

Day 7-8: Antarctic Peninsula/Antarctic Circle

With a close eye on weather conditions, continue southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins, push on with the goal in mind - crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle. Few travelers have ventured this far south, but with our fully equipped ice-strengthened vessel and favourable sea conditions, the Expedition can access many remote locations other ships just can't reach.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Travel south from Antarctic Peninsula to CircleActivity - Hop into one of the Expedition’s 14 Zodiacs and take the quick, safe trip from the ship to the shore to encounter the awe-inspiring wilderness of Antarctica. Thanks to the performance of these boats in remote conditions, quick trips to shore are easily accomplished. Get up close to towering icebergs, glaciers and amazing wildlife. Depending on weather conditions these excursions will hopefully happen daily.Activity - Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history. The Expedition has one of the highest ratios of expedition team members to guests – with one expert for every ten guests there is always someone on hand to answer questions and provide greater insight and appreciation of the world at its extremes. The expedition team is comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure.Activity - Learn about the Expedition’s current location, daily announcements, landing site-specific information as well as recaps of the previous day at a quick daily briefing.
6

Day 9-11: Antarctic Circle/Drake Passage

Turn north for the first time to continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
Continue our exploration of the peninsula and the then into the South Shetland while moving North again. Keeping a close eye out for wildlife there might be opportunities to do some whale watching or even go for a polar plunge in the Southern waters.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.Activity - Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history. The Expedition has one of the highest ratios of expedition team members to guests – with one expert for every ten guests there is always someone on hand to answer questions and provide greater insight and appreciation of the world at its extremes. The expedition team is comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure.Activity - Hop into one of the Expedition’s 14 Zodiacs and take the quick, safe trip from the ship to the shore to encounter the awe-inspiring wilderness of Antarctica. Thanks to the performance of these boats in remote conditions, quick trips to shore are easily accomplished. Get up close to towering icebergs, glaciers and amazing wildlife. Depending on weather conditions these excursions will hopefully happen daily.Activity - Learn about the Expedition’s current location, daily announcements, landing site-specific information as well as recaps of the previous day at a quick daily briefing.
7

Day 12: Drake Passage

Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.
Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions and Whales!

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.Activity - Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history. The Expedition has one of the highest ratios of expedition team members to guests – with one expert for every ten guests there is always someone on hand to answer questions and provide greater insight and appreciation of the world at its extremes. The expedition team is comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure.
8

Day 13: Drake Passage/Ushuaia

Begin your journey to your home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of your Antarctic experience with our lecturers and staff, and keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
9

Day 14: Ushuaia

Disembark the Expedition after breakfast.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • 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 will do 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.

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.

From
AUD $23599

AUD $20,059
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Twin
15% Off

Duration: 14 days

Trip Type:

Activity Level: Light

A massive rookery of penguins shuffles across a frozen shore; a pod of whales glides through frigid waters; dramatic landscapes float off in the distance — welcome to Antarctica.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Feb 2027

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
5.0
Jennifer Y.
Traveled, February 2024

04/01/2024

The Antarctic was so incredibly beautiful. The staff on G Expedition were extremely attentive, friendly, polite, and happy.

5.0
Catherine L.
Traveled, February 2024

03/22/2024

Through the entire process from assessing. Trips on the website, booking and actually going on the trip I had no serious issues or problems. The expedition staff were well above par and the travel surpassed every imagined expectation.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990