Across the Antarctic Circle fly/cruise

Across the Antarctic Circle fly/cruise 11 days

Prices From £7,916pp
8 FEB, 2018 | Up to 10 nights

Across the Antarctic Circle fly/cruise 11 days

Aboard: Polar Pioneer

A classic expedition down to the Antarctic Peninsula with the added bonus of a crossing of the Polar Circle (subject to conditions). Fly out to King George Island in the South Shetlands and navigate the Drake Passage on the return. Scuba, snorkelling and kayaking options available.

Highlights

  • Spectacular Antarctic scenery
  • Cross the Polar Circle
  • Amazing wildlife including penguins, birds and whales
  • Adventure options such as camping, kayaking, mountaineering and snorkelling
  • Zodiac amongst sculpted icebergs
  • Visit historical and scientific sites

What's Included

  • Full board accommodation on board ship
  • Zodiac landings and excursions
  • Programme of expert lectures
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Polar parka

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Punta Arenas
1Day

Punta Arenas

Arrive in Punta Arenas and check in to hotel. Enjoy dinner with fellow expeditioners and attend trip briefings.

King George Island - Punta Arenas
2Day

King George Island - Punta Arenas

Fly on to mountainous King George Island. If time and weather permit we explore penguin and seal-rich waters of Fildes Bay and visit the surprising Trinity Church at Bellingshausen Station, before joining ship and setting sail.

Antarctic Peninsula
3-8Days

Antarctic Peninsula

We explore the Peninsula’s west coast, with time to watch the frenzied activities of penguin parents and chicks as the summer days begin to shorten. Watch for imperial cormorant chicks bravely making their first flights from sea cliffs. Zodiac cruise amongst icebergs and floes replete with basking Weddell and leopard seals and revel in the unparalleled beauty of vast, Antarctic landscape. Besides landing on wildlife-rich offshore islands, we make a continental landing, possibly hiking up for spectacular views. As we continue south, ice conditions govern our movements. Whether we cross the Circle via the ‘inner route’ or the Bellingshausen Sea, we celebrate in style. With luck we reach magnificent Crystal Sound, pass through the Gullet and steam on to Marguerite Bay, where relatively few have gone before. Orcas, humpbacks and minkes feed in the channels. We may visit historical Stonington, Pourquoi Pas and Detaille islands before turning north to warmer climes.

Drake Passage
9-10Days

Drake Passage

We cross the Drake Passage, accompanied by albatross, petrels, fulmars and prions.  

Puerto Williams
11Day

Puerto Williams

Disembark at this picturesque port and, if time allows, take a short tour. Transfer to airport and fly to Punta Arenas. 

A view from Above

All Aboard

Polar Pioneer
Adventure vessel

Polar Pioneer

Polar Pioneer was built in Finland as an ice-strengthened research ship with ice class 1A Super, making it perfect for navigation in Polar areas with heavy sea ice. With a legendary reputation as a strong and capable veteran expedition ship, it was refurbished in 2022 with a modernised lounge and upgraded cabins allowing for up to 48 guests to travel in comfort and in an intimate setting that offers an authentic expedition adventure. There is a mixture of cabins and suites, including suites and cabins with ensuite bathrooms and twin and triple cabins with shared facilities. All cabins have portholes or windows. Public areas include a refurbished lounge with bar, newly refurbished dining saloons, a sauna, and multiple viewing decks and raised decks for photography. There is an Open Bridge policy and, owing to its small guest numbers, all passengers are able to fit into the 5 Zodiacs at one time so there is no waiting to go on shore. This ship features the highest ice-class capable of exploring in ice and offers the smallest group size available for trips to Antarctica and South Georgia.

we work hard to earn passionate reviews from our clients.

4.9
44 Google reviews

Now that I am back from my odyssey voyage, I thought I would let you know that after all that planning it really did exceed my expectations – we managed landings everywhere even on Tristan da Cuhna and had great bird sightings. The guides all knew what they were talking about too and made sure I got some great photos – still sorting them all out! Thanks for everything and see you at Birdfair!

Dave Martin

I want to thank you for all you did to make my recent Falklands trip run so smoothly and comfortably. Thank you for all your help over the diet too.

Dr Lorna Mairs

Just a quick note to express my sincere thanks to you and all your staff for making this an epic adventure of immense proportions. Everything went smoothly, pickups, hotels and most of all the expedition itself. Truly a mind blowing experience unlike any I have ever taken.

Mr J Borg, Malta

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Antarctica adventure for you.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

Amy Lucas Travel Specialist

With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Amy knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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