Brief of the Antarctic Circle Expedition
Push further south than any other Antarctic expedition cruise and see the sublime icy landscapes crossing the Antarctic Circle. Few people see this part of Antarctica and you can be one of them. Travel on our small expedition ship, the Sea Spirit, from Ushuaia south and cross the infamous Drake Passage. Join our citizen science projects, lectures about the region’s geography, history and marine life or upgrade your photography skills in a workshop led by our onboard specialists.
See the Shetland Islands come into sight – the first glimpse of Antarctica. Cruise in small inflatable Zodiac boats to get up close to icebergs and see iconic wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales on your way south along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Expedition Highlights
Iconic Wildlife
Thanks to the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the waters around the Antarctic Peninsula are full of nutrient-rich krill – the major food source of local wildlife. Not only do various seabirds feed on it, but keep your eyes open for pinnipeds such as crabeater, weddell and leopard seals, chinstrap, gentoo and adélie penguins, as well as orcas, humpback and minke whales.
Incredible Polar Landscapes
Massive icebergs and towering mountains covered by glaciers in all shades from white to blue will mesmerize you. You will see bleak, yet beautiful white landscapes around the Antarctic Circle, shifting sea ice and huge tabular icebergs. It’s the magic of the true Antarctic continent, which only few people will get to see in their lifetimes.
Get closer than ever
We don’t just observe the polar beauty from the comfort of our small expedition ship, we immerse ourselves into the magic of the White Continent! Cruise in small inflatable boats (Zodiacs) and come up close to wildlife, cruise amid gigantic icebergs and land on the most pristine shores in the world.
Activities
Kayaking
Join the kayaking group and paddle close-up to icebergs and wildlife.
Camping
Only for the real adventurers – camping under the stars of the Southern Hemisphere! Cuddle up in a warm sleeping bag and spend a night ashore!
Citizen Science Projects and Lectures
Want to learn everything about the Antarctic region? Join our lectures with onboard specialists on geography, marine biology and history. To go even deeper into the subjects, we also offer various citizen science projects on which you can team up with top scientists to discover even more about this unique part of the world.
Zodiac Cruising
We take you where the action is. In our small inflatable expedition boats, we get up close to see wildlife, icebergs and the most pristine landscapes on Earth.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina
We’ll depart from here on our epic Antarctic Circle expedition cruise.
Day 2: All aboard the Sea Spirit
Get comfortable in your spacious suites and start exploring the Sea Spirit with all of its features.
Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Going south, we cross the infamous Drake Passage. Look out for humpback and fin whales, albatross and other subantarctic seabirds.
Day 5-11: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
We will explore the most impressive scenery and wildlife viewing spots on the historically significant South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 12-13: Return via the Drake Passage
Hold on tight once more – we’re crossing the Drake Passage for a final chance to experience the open sea and splendid wildlife viewing.
Day 14: Stepping ashore in Ushuaia, Argentina
Enjoy a last breakfast aboard and bid farewell to your expedition team and fellow travelers.
Plan you Antarctic Circle Tour
How to get to the Antarctic Circle
The cruise starts in Ushuaia or Buenos Aires aboard our small expedition ship, the Sea Spirit. After a night in a hotel we start our expedition by crossing the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. We go as far south as possible to the Antarctic Circle at 66 degrees south.
Visa control
You may require a visa to enter Argentina. We can assist with arrangements, such as contacting the consulates or advice on what documents are required.
Antarctic Circle Ships
Our small expedition ship, the Sea Spirit, equipped for only 114 passengers. The ship features cabin categories for all levels of comfort. It also features charming common areas, a restaurant, outdoor bistro, 24-hour coffee and tea station, bar, polar library, lecture hall and a gym. Stabilizing fins keep the ship steady during rough weather.
We also load our small inflatable expedition boats (Zodiacs) for cruising and to land ashore, as well as single and double kayaks for our kayak club.
When to visit Antarctic Circle
We cruise during the Antarctic summer months (December to March). It’s the best time to visit and temperatures are relatively mild, around 1 to 2°C. Weather may change suddenly, especially when we approach the Antarctic Circle, where high winds and rough weather may await us.
Deck Plan and Cabin Descriptions
Please find a photo of the deck plan here.
Choose your cabin category aboard the Sea Spirit:
Triple Suite
Suited for 3 passengers, this 21m2 cabin with picture windows offers two twin beds (convertible to a king size bed) and one sofa bed. Located on the Oceanus Deck, it features 2 wardrobes, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, temperature control, hair dryer and en-suite facilities.
Main Deck Suite
Designed for 2 passengers, this 23m2 suite on the Main Deck, equipped with portholes, offers two twins or a king size bed. The suite features 2 wardrobes, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, temperature control, hair dryer and en-suite facilities.
Classic Suite
Perfect for 2 passengers, this 21m2 suite located on the Oceanus Deck features picture windows. Choose either two twin beds or a king size. The suite features 2 wardrobes, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, temperature control, hair dryer and en-suite facilities.
Superior Suite
Located on the Club Deck, these 20m2 suites for 2 passengers feature picture windows overlooking the walkway on the Club Deck. Choose either two twin beds or a king size. The suite features a walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, temperature control, hair dryer and en-suite facilities.
Deluxe Suite
Designed for 2 passengers, this 24m2 suite located on the Sports Deck comes with a private balcony. Choose either two twin beds or a king size. The suite features a walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, temperature control, hair dryer and en-suite facilities.
Premium Suite
This 30m2 suite for two is located on the Sun Deck and features a private balcony. Choose either two twin beds or a king size. It features a lounge area, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, temperature control, hair dryer and en-suite facilities.
Owners Suite
As only one of its kind aboard, this 63m2 suite is located on the Sun Deck and features a king size bed, a sofa bed, a private living room with game and meeting area, a BOSE stereo system and plasma TV. You’ll have your own private deck and a jetted bathtub in addition to en-suite facilities.
What’s Included in the Rate?
Airport pick-up and the first night in a hotel before you board your cruise are included in the fee. Accommodation, as well as all meals aboard, 24-hour tea and coffee station, landings and excursions in Zodiacs, rubber boots for the duration of your cruise, lectures, use of polar library and gym are included. We provide free Wi-Fi on board. You will also receive your signature Poseidon Expeditions parka, which you can take home with you!
For a full list of items included and not included in the cruise fee, please check a cruise page.
FAQ
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance covering journeys to the polar regions and with an evacuation and repatriation coverage for no less than 200,000 USD is required on your polar circle expedition.
It’s not mandatory, but we also recommend cancellation insurance.
Is there internet, email and telephone on board?
On our expedition ship, the Sea Spirit, there is Wi-Fi available at no additional cost.
What clothes should I take to the Antarctic Circle?
We recommend layering your clothes, so you can add or subtract based on weather conditions. Start with warm thermal undergarments made from merino wool or synthetics (not cotton), layer with polar fleece and wool and finish off with water and windproof materials. Once we cross the Antarctic Circle, the weather may get harsher with high winds. Don’t forget your hats, scarves and gloves. We’ll have our warm expedition parka ready for you aboard, which you can take home with you, as well as rubber boots for landings, which are yours for the duration of the trip.
Click here to review our check-list on what clothes to bring with you.
What's not included in tour?
Flights to and from the departure port, as well as travel insurance are not included. Any personal equipment, clothes, cameras, etc. need to be brought with you, with the exception of our signature Poseidon Expedition parka (which you can keep after the cruise). Additional activities such as kayaking and camping in Antarctica, as well as alcoholic beverages and gratuities to our team are not included.