Polar Circle Quest - 12 days

12 days
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Small Group Tour
Setting sail from Ushuaia, embark on an expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula and Polar Circle. Pass through the Beagle Channel and cross the Drake Passage before arriving in the South Shetland Islands. Here, enjoy two daily shore excursions before venturing further south across the Polar Circle to visit Detaille Island – a goal and highlight for many explore...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • The Polar Circle - Cross the Polar Circle, also known as the Antarctic Circle, where you'll visit Detaille Island – a common goal for explorers
    • Ushuaia – The starting point of your expedition cruise to Antarctica, this busy Argentine port city is the southernmost city in the world and a stunning place to spend a night at the start and end of your cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula
    • Beagle Channel – Set sail along the famous Beagle Channel and scenic Mackinlay Pass from Ushuaia as you begin your Antarctic adventure, passing by spectacular snow-capped peaks and colonies of penguins and fur seals gathered on rocky outcrops
    • Drake Passage – A historically challenging channel of water which marks the location of the Antarctic Convergence, where the warmer waters of the north meet the cold polar waters of the south resulting in incredible biodiversity of marine life
    • The South Shetland Islands – A crucial stop on any Antarctic expedition, this spectacular archipelago is made up of islands, islets and rock outcrops, each with their own population of penguins and seals with plenty of opportunity to spot marine life offshore too
    • Antarctic Peninsula – The northernmost point of the continent and a spectacular location for a shore landing with jagged mountain peaks, glaciers and an abundance of wildlife

What's this trip about?

    Setting sail from Ushuaia, embark on an expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula and Polar Circle. Pass through the Beagle Channel and cross the Drake Passage before arriving in the South Shetland Islands. Here, enjoy two daily shore excursions before venturing further south across the Polar Circle to visit Detaille Island – a goal and highlight for many explorers.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIndependent
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityUshuaia
End CityEnd of your Antarctic expedition

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • National Parks

Destinations

Attractions

  • South Shetland Islands
  • Ushuaia

Trip includes

    • 11 nights onboard the Ushuaia in a Standard twin cabin with semi-private facilities - two cabins share one bathroom accessible from both cabins (shower and wc). Each cabin is also equipped with its own washbasin. Cabin upgrades with private facilities are available on request
    • 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 11 dinners
    • Two shore excursions per day to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands by zodiac (ice conditions permitting)
    • Program of lectures by expert naturalists
    • Experienced expedition staff
    • All service taxes and port charges

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day : 1 Ushuaia

Today marks the start of your expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula. In the afternoon you’ll embark the Ushuaia, the polar vessel which will be taking you on your journey south. Once on board you’ll have the opportunity to meet the expedition and lecture staff ...

Day : 2-3 South Shetland Islands

Over the next two days we cruise over a challenging channel of water that was previously navigated by renowned explorer Sir Francis Drake in 1578 and now bears his name. While Drake Passage may be mainly known for its often tumultuous waters, it also marks the Antarct...

Day : 4-9 The Polar Circle

A stunning archipelago home to an incredible abundance of wildlife, the South Shetland Islands is a crucial stop on every expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula. Spanning 540 kilometres from northeast to southwest, this polar archipelago is made up of four distinct gro...

Day : 10-11 The Drake Passage

Departing the Antarctic Peninsula, the Ushuaia begins its journey northbound back across the Drake Passage. Be sure to take advantage of this final opportunity to spot seabirds and whales from the open-air deck, and join in on some final lectures.

Day : 12 End of your Antarctic expedition

Your vessel arrives into the port of Ushuaia early in the morning. After breakfast and bidding farewell to your expedition lecturers and naturalists, your Antarctic adventure comes to an end. The ship arrives at 7 am and disembarkation is normally at 8.00/ 8.30 am. We strongly recommend not to book flights departing before noon time.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,385
Price per day$615
Last Updated: 12/18/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
14 Feb 2026
25 Feb 2026
$10,485

Prices shown are per person based on twin occupancy sharing a Standard semi-private twin cabin. The 'Single Room' rate is applicable to solo travellers and anyone else who would like the comfort of a Premier single cabin. Private Standard Plus twin and triple cabins, Premier twin cabins, Superior twin cabins and Suites are also available upon request. Our Antarctic Expeditions are specialist voyages and places are limited, please contact us via email or telephone to check availability and to make a reservation. This trip cannot be booked online.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with On The Go Tours.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International flights and visas
    • Government arrival and departure taxes
    • Drinks on board the Ushuaia
    • Tips for the expedition staff and naturalists
    • Pre and post tour accommodation, plus any airport or port transfers

Accommodation

The Ushuaia Polar Vessel
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
This trip is suitable for all ages over 10 years; however the GH will accept younger on a case by case basis. No maximum age providing Medical Form is completed.
Additional Information
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Trip ID
onthegotours-PCQ

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