Poseidon Expeditions - your polar cruise operator

Antarctica / Antarctic Circle / Antarctic Circle Cruises, Expeditions & Tours

Inside the Antarctic Circle beats the unbridled and capricious heart of wildest Antarctica.

This special voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula departs from Ushuaia, Argentina. Daylight grows longer and the air gets colder as we head south across the Drake Passage, accompanied by soaring albatross. Our first explorations of the White Continent are in the South Shetland Islands, historically important and rich with iconic Antarctic wildlife.

Next we visit the Gerlache Strait where immense glaciers, towering mountains, and blue icebergs form a picture-perfect setting for amazing marine mammal and penguin encounters. We continue south into rarely visited territory, crossing the Antarctic Circle and exploring wherever the wind and ice will allow.

Why travel with Poseidon Expeditions?

Poseidon Expeditions is one of the leading operators of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. Since 1999, we’ve offered voyages that combine the spirit of adventure with a generous measure of onboard comfort and well-being, along with educational enrichment.

Why travel with us?
M/V Sea Spirit – Tiny but Mighty

M/V Sea Spirit – Tiny but Mighty

With a maximum capacity of just 114 passengers, we usually operate with 100 guests off the ship. It maximizes our travelers' time ashore because there is no need for splitting passengers into groups for landing rotations as required on larger ships.

A real polar expedition

A real polar expedition

Experience active exploration of the polar regions through a variety of activities. Weather permitting, we schedule up to 3 excursions per day and offer optional kayaking and, in Antarctica, camping. Enrich your polar knowledge in an engaging and interactive way through Poseidon’s edutainment program.

25 years of polar cruising

25 years of polar cruising

Polar cruising is our passion and expertise and over the past 24 years, we’ve gained tremendous experience building a strong team of enthusiastic polar professionals who are all experts in their field. Each cruise is a thoughtfully crafted expedition voyage.

Thank you for choosing poseidon expeditions

Highlights

ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE VIEWING

ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE VIEWING

Penguins and other seabirds abound in Antarctica’s nutrient-rich seas. In the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands you can go ashore at sites where chinstrap, gentoo, and adélie penguins come together to nest in boisterous colonies. Meeting with a curious penguin chick is an unforgettable experience.

The waters of Antarctica are also home to huge concentrations of marine mammals. Pinnipeds such as crabeater, weddell, and leopard seals are often seen hauled-out on shore or reposing on ice floes. Humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas are also commonly spotted now at the height of their summer feeding frenzy.

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INCREDIBLE POLAR SCENERY

INCREDIBLE POLAR SCENERY

The scenery in Antarctica is like nothing else on Earth. Massive, rugged, gleaming white mountains—covered on all but their sheerest faces by permanent snow and innumerable glaciers—rise from deep blue waters to form protected bays and scenic passages.

Floating everywhere in these pristine waterways are fragments of Antarctica’s frozen surface. From gargantuan icebergs that dwarf our ship to billowy blankets of brash ice crackling in the wake of our Zodiacs, ice is the ever-present backdrop of our voyage.

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CROSSING THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE

CROSSING THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE

This special, once-per-year voyage includes extra days so we can push deep into rarely visited regions south of the Antarctic Circle. In so doing, we are following in the historic footsteps of legendary polar explorers and early scientific expeditions.

The vast, white landscapes here are both bleak and beautiful, the weather is especially wild, and the waters are full of constantly shifting sea ice and enormous tabular icebergs. This is expedition cruising at its most authentic.

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Departures

Itinerary Dates Days Activities Special Offer Rates from
Antarctic Circle
Crossing 66º South Latitude
24 Jan - 07 Feb 2025 15 Sea Kayaking Camping Photography
US$ 12 795
per person
Antarctic Circle
Crossing 66º South Latitude
25 Jan - 08 Feb 2026 15 Sea Kayaking Camping Photography SUPER EARLY BIRD SAVINGS UP TO 20% OFF*
US$ 13 195
US$ 11 216
per person

Itinerary

Through the Viewfinder

Activities

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Antarctic Peninsula is the ultimate destination for novice and experienced photographers alike. Our free photography program gives you the chance to learn and practice your skills alongside an expert photographer.

Antarctic wildlife is famously obliging to photographers. Having evolved without land predators, animals such as seals and penguins do not spook easily when on ice floes or ashore. At sea, whales and seabirds make excellent subjects too.

With scenery beyond comparison and ice features of every description, Antarctica also offers an abundance of inspiration to the landscape photographer. Our experienced expert will be available to help you make the most of this bounty in your viewfinder.

SEA KAYAK CLUB

Antarctica is truly a paradise for paddlers. The White Continent rewards kayakers with spectacular polar landscapes, abundant marine wildlife, mesmerizing ice features, and a variety of excellent paddling locations.

Kayakers in Antarctica have the unique opportunity to paddle with playful penguins in waters sparkling with ice while enjoying magnificent vistas of mountains and glaciers. On this voyage there is also the rare chance to paddle south of the Antarctic Circle.

The legendary waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula offer some of the most memorable paddling opportunities on the planet. If you enjoy sea kayaking, then be sure not to miss your chance to participate in this optional adventure activity.

SEA KAYAK CLUB
ANTARCTICA CAMPING

ANTARCTICA CAMPING

Antarctica Camping is a special way to expand your experience in Antarctica. This optional activity allows you to meet the White Continent on its own terms by spending a night out on the frozen landscape.

Camping is your best chance to immerse yourself in the Antarctic wilderness. For hours you can watch the drama of ever-changing light upon the landscape, capture that perfect photo, or simply fall asleep to the mysterious sounds of ice all around you.

On your camping night you can take the time to experience fully the peace and joy of Antarctica. You will gain lasting memories, undeniable bragging rights, and a newfound appreciation for your warm bed back on the ship.

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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.


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