Landings and Zodiac Cruising
Explore penguin colonies, glacier fronts and sheltered bays, with sites selected for the day’s conditions.
POLAR TRAVEL TRIBEVENTURE FARTHER SOUTH
Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic Circle
Sail both ways across the Drake Passage, explore the Antarctic Peninsula and continue south in the hope of crossing latitude 66°33′ South.
12–14 days Typical durationDecember–March Travel seasonUshuaia Start and finish
Trip Overview
- Duration
- 12–14 days
- Season
- December–March
- Voyage style
- Extended ship-based expedition
An extended Peninsula voyage creates time to explore classic landing areas before following channels and pack ice farther south.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is a goal rather than a guarantee. The captain must balance sea ice, weather, timing and safety throughout the voyage.
Why This Route
Wildlife in a Living Landscape
Watch for penguins, seals, whales and seabirds while remembering that every encounter is governed by nature.
More Time in Antarctica
Use flying or a longer voyage to shape how much time is spent crossing open water and exploring farther south.
The Antarctic Circle
Aim to cross 66°33′ South and experience the remoteness and denser ice of higher latitudes.
Route Map
Ushuaia → South Shetland Islands → Antarctic Peninsula → Antarctic Circle → Ushuaia
The map shows the main sailing direction. Actual landing sites are selected by the captain and expedition team according to weather, sea ice and safety conditions.
DAY BY DAY
Day by Day
A representative itinerary. The order of landings and cruising is adapted to local conditions.
Day 1
Embark in Ushuaia
Board the expedition ship in the afternoon, meet the expedition team and complete the mandatory safety drill. As the vessel follows the Beagle Channel towards the Southern Ocean, settle into life on board and watch the forested shores and mountains of Tierra del Fuego recede.
Days 2–3
Cross the Drake Passage
Cross the legendary Drake Passage while the expedition team introduces Antarctic wildlife, history, photography and responsible landing procedures. From the outer decks, watch for albatrosses and petrels riding the wind, and look for the first icebergs and distant land as the ship approaches the South Shetland Islands.
Days 4–8
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
Explore the Peninsula through a flexible programme of penguin-colony landings, snow walks and Zodiac cruises. The team chooses sites according to weather, sea ice and wildlife activity, moving between glacier-lined bays and iceberg-filled channels. Seals may rest on floes and humpback whales may surface nearby, although every encounter remains entirely in nature’s hands. Time ashore and on the water reveals the scale, sound and constantly changing light of the Antarctic environment.
Days 9–11
Journey South towards the Circle
Follow protected channels and increasingly remote waters towards latitude 66°33′ South. The scenery often becomes wilder, with broader fields of pack ice, monumental icebergs and fewer signs of human activity. If sea ice, weather and timing allow, cross the Antarctic Circle and celebrate the milestone before continuing condition-led exploration.
Days 12–13
Return Across the Drake Passage
Turn north and cross the Drake Passage towards South America. Expedition recaps, specialist lectures and time to review photographs bring the journey together, while the outer decks remain open for albatross, petrel and possible whale watching as the ship approaches Tierra del Fuego.
Day 14
Disembark in Ushuaia
Return through the Beagle Channel with the mountains and lights of Ushuaia ahead. After breakfast, disembark and say farewell to the ship, expedition team and fellow travellers. Allow suitable buffer time before any onward flight, since voyage timings can still respond to sea conditions.
EXPEDITION SHIPS
Ships Commonly Found on This Route
Ship assignments vary by departure. These examples show the range of expedition styles available.
Polar LatitudesOcean Victory
About 175 guests · PC6 · X-BOW design
Ask about this ship →
Quark ExpeditionsOcean Explorer
138 guests · PC6 · X-BOW design
Ask about this ship →
Poseidon ExpeditionsSea Spirit
114 guests · Intimate, all-suite expedition ship
Ask about this ship →PLANNING NOTES
Plan This Journey
- Departure
- Ushuaia, Argentina
- Arrival
- Ushuaia, Argentina
Who This Journey Suits
- Travellers who want the full Southern Ocean voyage
- Those hoping to explore beyond the classic Peninsula route
What You May See
- Gentoo and chinstrap penguins
- Humpback whales
- Crabeater and Weddell seals
- Albatrosses and petrels
- Antarctic Peninsula glaciers
- South Shetland Islands
- Iceberg-filled channels
- Pack ice near the Antarctic Circle
Physical Activity & Sea Conditions
- Daily activities may involve Zodiac transfers and walking over wet, snowy, rocky or uneven ground.
- The Drake Passage can be rough, while sheltered Antarctic waters are often calmer.
Before You Book
- Allow buffer time around arrival and departure travel
- Crossing the Antarctic Circle remains dependent on sea ice and weather
- Wildlife sightings depend on natural behaviour
WHAT TO EXPECT
Inclusions and Exclusions
What Is Usually Included
- Shipboard accommodation and meals
- Scheduled landings and Zodiac cruising
- Expedition team lectures and guiding
- Loan of expedition boots on many ships
What Is Usually Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance and medical costs
- Optional adventure activities
- Gratuities and personal expenses
Important
- Final inclusions vary by operator and departure
- Activities depend on weather and ice
- Ask us to compare the exact terms before booking
PLAN THIS JOURNEY
Ready to venture towards the Antarctic Circle?
Tell us your preferred travel window, cabin style and priorities. We will help you compare suitable departures and expedition ships.