This expedition includes landings in less-frequented sites of the Antarctic Peninsula and the chance to venture south across the Antarctic Circle. Learn about the geology, history and wildife of Antarctica from onboard lecturers and specialists.
Sail across an endless stretch of sea dotted with dramatic ice formations to become one of the select few to ever sail south of the Antarctic Circle. Search for quintessential Antarctic wildlife, from humpback whales swimming alongside the ship to leopard seals diving beneath your Zodiac and penguins sliding off icebergs into crystal waters. Follow the trail of early pioneers with in-depth exploration of penguin colonies, historical sites and glaciers, venturing off the ship by Zodiac for walks ashore.
Q106 Operated by Quark Expeditions
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Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition Itinerary
Day 1 - Ushuaia (Argentina)
Transfer from the airport to hotel and check in to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 - Ushuaia
Embarking ship late afternoon. Next, sail down the Beagle Channel.
Day 3-4 - Cruising Drake Passage
Sail the legendary waters of the Drake Passage. Search for seabirds soaring above the ship or enjoy lectures from the Expedition Team.
Day 5-7 - South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands are usually the first land seen in Antarctica. Chinstrap, Adelie, Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins all breed here and Leopard seals, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, Southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals can be seen in the water and on the beaches.
Day 8-9 - Crossing the Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula do not reach this far - 66°33’ S. If conditions allow, celebrate crossing this famed line in style with a well-earned glass of champagne. Take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people.
Day 10-11 - Antarctic Peninsula
Remote and otherworldly, Antarctic is renowned for its stunning iceberg formations and calving glaciers, and for the chance of up-close encounters with marine mammals and iconic penguins. The pristine and remote wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula is a region of protected bays, snow-capped mountains and vast glaciers. Wildlife includes Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, seals basking on ice floes, whales and orcas.
Day 12-13 - Cruising Drake Passage
As you recross the Drake Passage the Expedition Team will give presentations, perhaps with a slideshow of the great landing sites and wildlife you’ve seen on the voyage.
Day 14 - Ushuaia (Argentina)
Disembark ship in Ushuaia.
When travelling in extremely remote regions the expedition staff will allow the sea, ice and weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage.