Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition (Ocean Explorer)
Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition (Ocean Explorer)
Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition (Ocean Explorer)
14 Days Starting and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina
Visiting: Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Circle
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GQMC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 138
Age range:
8-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an extraordinary journey with the "Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition" aboard the Ocean Explorer, venturing to the remote and pristine landscapes of Antarctica and Argentina. Begin your adventure in Ushuaia, the gateway to the White Continent, before setting sail through the Beagle Channel. Experience the thrill of crossing the infamous Drake Passage, and explore the breathtaking South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Witness the awe-inspiring wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales, and marvel at the stunning icebergs and glaciers. Push further south than most expeditions to cross the Antarctic Circle, where endless daylight and untouched wilderness await. Enjoy onboard amenities such as a spa, sauna, and educational lectures, and partake in daily Zodiac excursions to research stations. This once-in-a-lifetime expedition promises unforgettable encounters and the chance to explore one of the world's last true frontiers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
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 the hotel, then you’re free to get ready for tomorrow!
Day 2: Embarkation In Ushuaia
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation: Expedition Ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition Ship
Meals Included: Dinner
This afternoon, you’ll board the Ocean Explorer and your epic adventure south will begin! Take some time to settle into your cabin as you begin cruising the stunning Beagle Channel, named after the famed vessel 'The Beagle' that facilitated some of Charles Darwin's most significant voyages. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and you’ll wave goodbye to Argentina with the knowledge that the next time you see land, you’ll be gazing upon the White Continent of Antarctica.
Day 3-4: Crossing The Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Accommodation: Expedition Ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition Ship
The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer Sir Francis Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. It is often rough and turbulent but sometimes as calm as a lake. The next two days at sea offer time to attend a presentation or two given by your Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead, from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and even the ice!
Sailing towards Antarctica, the temperature falls as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south.
Head out on one of the outer decks to look out for the mighty albatrosses that fly overhead. Scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the observation deck. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land early evening on day four – this is the White Continent!
Day 5-7: South Shetland Islands And Antarctic Peninsula
Location: Antarctic Peninsula
Accommodation: Expedition Ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition Ship
You’ll spend the next three days exploring the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula – a region that has captivated explorers for centuries. Explore by Zodiac, cruising among the icebergs and making shore landings where you’ll see penguins, climb to vantage points for spectacular panoramic views, and maybe visit a scientific or historic base. There may even be opportunities to day-paddle or snowshoe!
Antarctica has incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, icebergs and ice-strewn channels. The wildlife ranges from extensive colonies of chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie penguins to crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and a heap of birds. Look and listen for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. Maybe you’ll be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge into the icy Antarctic waters! Every day brings a new experience and new landing sites to explore.
As you cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture program and take in the scenery from the outer decks. Make the most of the facilities of the Ocean Explorer, from the relaxing spa and sauna to the saltwater pool and gym.
An average day onboard begins with a wake-up call from your expedition leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow travellers for breakfast. You’ll usually have two excursions per day – one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with lunch served onboard in between excursions. You’ll take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your expedition team will take care of you at each landing, whether you’re hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or consorting with penguins.
Day 8-9: Antarctic Circle
Location: Antarctic Circle
Accommodation: Expedition Ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition Ship
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is a memorable experience – few travellers reach so far south! If conditions allow, you’ll cross the famed latitude of 66°33 ́ S and toast the first explorers who ventured here. Raise a glass and take pride, knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals and your best chances of encountering sea ice—the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.
Day 10-11: Northbound Along The Peninsula
Location: Antarctic Peninsula
Accommodation: Expedition Ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition Ship
By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to spot the difference between a leopard, crabeater and Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ will become part of your vocabulary and as you head north, your Zodiac excursions will fill your days. Your expedition team will continue looking out for new species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
Day 12-13: Crossing The Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Accommodation: Expedition Ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition Ship
As you recross the Drake Passage, you’ll wave goodbye to Antarctica. Over the next two days cruising through the Drake Passage, reminisce with your newfound friends. Your Expedition Team will round up the series of presentations with a slideshow of the adventures you've shared and the wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage. Be sure to take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far – what a journey!
Day 14: Disembarkation In Ushuaia
Location: Ushuaia
Today, you’ll arrive in Ushuaia, where your adventure comes to an end. With no further activities planned, you’re free to leave at any time after disembarkation. If you’d like to extend your stay here, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
What's Included
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Accommodation
1 night comfortable hotel, 12 nights expedition cruise ship -
Meals
13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners -
Expedition Cruise Ship
The tour includes travel on an expedition cruise ship and zodiac excursions.
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Onboard Activities
Benefit from various onboard activities, including educational lectures on history, geology, and ecology by your expert expedition team.
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Visit Antarctic Research Stations
Visit Antarctic research stations during your daily Zodiac excursions.
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Wildlife Viewing
Look out for polar wildlife like penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds from your onboard deck and during your onshore landings.
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Crossing the Antarctic Circle
Experience crossing the Antarctic Circle, a memorable experience as few travelers reach so far south.
What's Not Included
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Adventure Options
Sea kayaking and paddling excursions are available to book on this trip at an additional cost.
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Booking Conditions
A deposit of 25% of the total invoice amount is required at the time of booking, with balances due 120 days prior to departure.
Transport
Expedition cruise ship , zodiac
Accommodation
1 night comfortable hotel, 12 nights expedition cruise ship
Important Information
This trip is operated on the Ocean Explorer ship.Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.One nights pre expedition hotel is included in Ushuaia. The exact hotel will be provided on your final documentation.Your trip finishes in Ushuaia at the port on day 14 in the morning after breakfast, please do not book onwards flights on this day untill after 12 pm midday.BOOKING CONDITIONSTo confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.Please refer to our ""Booking terms and conditions"" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions"ADVENTURE OPTIONSSea kayaking and Padding excursions are available to book on this trip. Some activities must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking.
Mode of Transport
Travel aboard an expedition cruise ship, with additional excursions via Zodiac boats, providing an immersive and adventurous journey through the Antarctic waters.
Accommodation
Enjoy 1 night in a comfortable hotel and 12 nights aboard an expedition cruise ship, offering a unique blend of comfort and adventure as you explore the Antarctic region.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the expedition?
During the expedition, you can expect to see a variety of polar wildlife including penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds. Specifically, you may encounter chinstrap, Gentoo, and Adelie penguins, as well as crabeater, Weddell, fur, and elephant seals.
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What activities are available on the Ocean Explorer ship?
On the Ocean Explorer ship, you can enjoy various onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology, and ecology. The ship also offers amenities such as a spa, sauna, restaurant, library, and bar.
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What is the significance of crossing the Antarctic Circle during the expedition?
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is a memorable experience as very few travelers reach this far south. It is a chance to explore a part of the world visited by very few people, known for its raw beauty, the midnight sun, and unique wildlife such as Weddell seals.
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What can I expect during the Drake Passage crossing?
The Drake Passage is known for its rough and turbulent waters, though it can sometimes be calm. During the crossing, you will have the opportunity to attend presentations by the Expedition Team and look out for wildlife such as albatrosses and whales from the outer decks.
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Are there any special excursions or activities available during the expedition?
Yes, there are special excursions such as Zodiac cruises among icebergs, shore landings to see penguins, and visits to scientific or historic bases. There may also be opportunities for day-paddling or snowshoeing, and you might even take a polar plunge into the icy waters.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Monday - Sunday
Feb 09, 2026 - Feb 22, 2026Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions