Cruise duration: 14 days / 13 nights
Program duration: 15 days total
Pre-cruise hotel: 1 night in Buenos Aires

This expedition is designed for travelers who want to go a step further than a classic Antarctic Peninsula voyage.

In addition to exploring the Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, this itinerary aims to sail further south, with the objective of reaching the Antarctic Circle, whenever ice and weather conditions allow. As the ship progresses south, the landscape gradually changes, with larger ice formations, wider channels, and a more remote, truly polar atmosphere.

While this voyage includes an extra day at sea compared to standard Peninsula routes, the navigation towards the Antarctic Circle is an essential part of the experience. Sailing deeper into Antarctic waters offers impressive scenery and a sense of exploration that is not part of most Antarctic cruises.

This longer expedition is ideal for travelers looking for deeper exploration, extended time in Antarctica, and a journey that goes beyond the usual routes, always guided by experienced expedition teams and adapted to the conditions of this remote environment.

Trip Highlights

• Extended Antarctic exploration, allowing for a deeper experience and a more flexible pace than classic Peninsula voyages
• Antarctic Circle objective, sailing further south than most Antarctic cruises toward latitude 66°33′ South, always subject to ice and weather conditions
• Progressively more polar landscapes, with larger ice formations as the expedition moves further south
• Scenic navigation in Antarctic waters, with wildlife sightings and striking polar scenery
• Remote and less frequented sites, beyond what is typically reached on shorter Antarctic Peninsula itineraries

Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina (hotel night)

You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its rich architecture and European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel, where your pre-night accommodation is included.

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark

After breakfast at the hotel, the group transfers to the airport for a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Located at the southern tip of South America in Argentine Patagonia, it is often referred to as “the End of the World”. Surrounded by mountains and overlooking the Beagle Channel, the city offers a dramatic natural setting, along with a small but lively town featuring museums, restaurants, cafés, and pubs.

Later in the day, board your boutique expedition ship and begin your journey into one of the most captivating wilderness regions on Earth.

Day 3-4: Drake Passage

The crossing of the Drake Passage marks the beginning of the Antarctic expedition. During these days at sea, the Expedition Team provides briefings and introductions to the Antarctic environment, while guests prepare for upcoming Zodiac operations and landings. Time on deck often offers sightings of seabirds and, occasionally, whales as the ship heads south.

Day 5: Entering Antarctic Waters

By this day, the ship typically enters Antarctic waters, where the scenery begins to change noticeably. Icebergs become more frequent, wildlife sightings increase, and the sense of arrival in Antarctica becomes very real. This day is an important transition, as the expedition moves beyond the open ocean and deeper into the Antarctic region while continuing south.

Day 6: Antarctic Circle

Weather and ice conditions permitting, the expedition continues sailing further south with the objective of crossing the Antarctic Circle. As the ship advances into higher latitudes, ice formations tend to become larger and more extensive, and the landscape takes on a more remote, distinctly polar character.

If conditions allow, the plan may include sailing through areas such as Crystal Sound and a possible landing at Detaille Island, a former British research station now preserved as a historic monument. As with all Antarctic voyages, plans remain flexible and are adapted to the conditions encountered.

Day 7-11: Antarctic Peninsula

Following the southernmost part of the voyage, the expedition continues exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. These days focus on Zodiac landings and cruises among glaciers, icebergs, and snow-covered islands, with daily plans adapted to weather and ice conditions.

Compared to shorter Peninsula itineraries, this extended route allows for a broader range of landing sites and a more flexible pace. Possible visits may include locations such as Petermann Island, home to Adélie penguins and other wildlife, as well as narrow channels and scenic passages that highlight the dramatic Antarctic landscape.

Day 12: South Shetland Islands

The South Shetland Islands offer a contrast to the Antarctic Peninsula, with a slightly milder climate and a different mix of wildlife and vegetation. Depending on conditions, Zodiac landings may be possible at sites such as Deception Island, with its volcanic caldera and historic remains, or Half Moon Island, known for its chinstrap penguin colonies and nearby research stations.

Day 13-14: Drake Passage

The return crossing of the Drake Passage provides time to reflect on the expedition while continuing to enjoy life on board. Presentations by the Expedition Team, wildlife observation from deck, and informal conversations round out the Antarctic experience before heading back toward South America.

Day 15: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Important information: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. Join us with an open mind and a sense of adventure and you’ll find that this can pay off in the most rewarding ways.