Antarctic Circle Expedition

Antarctic Circle Expedition 16 days

Prices From £5,564pp

25 JAN, 2018 | Up to 15 nights

Antarctic Circle Expedition 16 days

Aboard: MS Fram

The forming of the sea ice in Antarctica is the largest natural seasonal phenomenon on Earth, and during the Austral summer more than 20 million square kilometres of sea ice melts. Taking advantage of this passage we are venturing far into the areas that are almost permanently iced down, inside the winter-locked landscape of Antarctica. Hardly anyone sails this far south, let alone goes ashore. Our Antarctic circle expedition lets you go ashore several places and get even closer to penguins, seals, whales and birds by hiking, kayaking and snowshoeing. You might even get a chance to spend a night ashore in a tent.

Highlights

Spectacular polar scenery
Myriad birds and marine wildlife
Exciting Zodiac landings and excursion
Cross the Antarctic Circle

What's Included

Overnight hotel in Buenos Aires
Airport transfers
Flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and return
Full board accommodation on ship
Programme of expert lectures
Excursions from ship
Polar parka
Loan of rubber boots

So much to experience

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

1Day

Buenos Aires

Arrive at any time and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay including breakfast.

2Day

Ushuaia

Take morning flight to Ushuaia and transfer to your ship. Set sail through the Beagle Channel

3-4Days

At Sea

The Drake Passage is the stretch of ocean between the south tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica, off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. On the way across the passage and towards “the ice” (as it’s often referred to by our expedition leaders) you will learn a great deal about Antarctica’s natural wonders and fascinating history.

5-13Days

Antarctica

The Antarctic continent is an endless white wilderness full of overwhelming vistas of nature and wildlife. On this special trip, we plan to cross the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66° 33’ 39’’. We will go ashore several places and offer activities like hiking, kayak trips and snowshoeing. You might even have the chance to spend a night ashore in a tent. Witness what the winter-locked landscape of Antarctica looks like in summer and set foot where few have gone before you.

Visiting the South Shetland Islands is definitely worth looking forward to. Deception Island, Half Moon Island and Yankee Harbour all have a diverse landscape, amazing animal life and spectacular photo opportunities. The narrow Errera Channel offers a spectacular passage to and from Cuverville Island. Neko Harbour is feeding ground for shy minke whales. Paradise Harbour offers another rare opportunity for a mainland landing and some of the finest vistas of the Antarctic Peninsula. The Lemaire Channel is known as one of the most beautiful passages in Antarctica and Petermann Island is a great place for iceberg and whale spotting. On the British base Port Lockroy you get a peek into life on an Antarctic base in the 1950's. Wilhelmina Bay is feeding ground for whales and seals, and was a preferred hunting ground for whalers back in the days. Evidence of this is a partially submerged wreck of a Norwegian whaling ship. We might take a closer look at the wreck from our Polarcirkel boats. The 48 kilometres (30 miles) Antarctic Sound is home to an estimated half million adélie penguins as well as gentoo penguins, leopard seals, and killer whales. On Brown Bluff we might land and take a walk along the beach admiring the lava “bombs” from the old volcano and all the penguins. There is also the chance to walk to the viewpoint above the landing site. On Detaille Island we find the former geology and meteorology "Base W" of the British Antarctic Survey. On Horseshoe Island we’ll see an important example of a relatively unaltered and completely equipped British scientific research station of the 1950's.

14-15Days

At Sea

Re-cross the Drake Passage and take last opportunities for spotting birds and marine mammals.

16Day

Ushuaia - Buenos Aires

Disembark and transfer to airport for flight to Buenos Aires

See All Itinerary

A view from Above

All Aboard

Mid range vessel

MS Fram

The MS Fram has been specifically designed for those who thirst for adventure. As an expedition cruise ship, it is an ideal base camp for explorers. The ship places a high priority on your comfort, which means that after a long day of exploring, you can kick back and relax in a hot tub or enjoy a meal at one of two restaurants, including an outdoor BBQ. You can also socialize with other guests over cocktails in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, taking in the stunning views as you go.

At the heart of MS Fram lies the Science Centre, where you can learn more about the places you'll be sailing to and listen to talks by the Expedition Team. The ship is equipped with key expedition features and technology, making it the perfect vessel to take you on a journey of discovery to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled regions on the planet.

The MS Fram offers an expedition experience that will bring you closer to nature and leave a lasting impression. The recent 2022 upgrade has given the ship a fresh new look that's quintessentially Nordic, while still keeping exploration and learning at the forefront of the experience.

The Science Center has been expanded and improved, and there's now a larger fleet of small expedition boats available for off-ship exploration. Lecture areas have been upgraded, and you can stream Expedition Team talks directly to your cabin.

One of the most notable aspects of MS Fram is the way the ship has been designed to blur the line between inside and outside. The Explorer Lounge & Bar, gym, sauna, and hot tubs all offer panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. The top-deck BBQ allows you to dine al fresco and enjoy local flavours, while numerous artworks commissioned from local Arctic artists adorn the interior, adding an extra layer of inspiration to your journey.

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.

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.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Amy Lucas Travel Specialist

Amy’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us
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Antarctic Circle Expedition