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A massive rookery of penguins shuffles across a frozen shore, a pod of whales glides through frigid waters, dramatic landscapes float off in the distance—welcome to Antarctica. Join us on a voyage of discovery to our planet’s last frontier—a mysterious and virtually pristine paradise. Our ice-strengthened expedition ship is ideally suited to cruising this icy wilderness and its expert staff are on hand to ensure you’ll fully appreciate all the majesty you encounter. You’ll sail the Drake Passage past the South Shetland Islands and then really explore the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Prepare yourself for an adventure like no other—more like a private expedition than a traditional cruise.

Day 1 - Arrive Ushuaia

Arrive at any time. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.

Accommodations: Ushuaia Hotel
Included Meals: n/a

Day 2 - Ushuaia

Embarkation on the M/S Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. We enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.

Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Days 3-4 - Beagle Channel & the Drake Passage

Our adventure begins with a 400 mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Take in daily lectures from your expedition team, and keep an eye out for the first sightings of icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the ship's wake.

Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 5-6 - Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands

Experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing and inspiring scenery in the world as you set foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather conditions permitting), and encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries, Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, and orca, humpback and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history. During the voyage we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 7-8 - The Polar Circle Crossing

Set off southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins.

Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 9-11 - The Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands

We will turn north for the first time and head back through the 'inside passage' (depending on weather conditions) to continue our exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 12-13 - The Drake Passage

Begin your northbound journey to our home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of your Antarctic experience with our lecturers and staff, and keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some final whale sightings.

Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14 - Depart Ushuaia

Disembark in the morning after breakfast, transfer to airport for flights home or extension.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Itinerary Notes: The itinerary presented here is for the 14-day Quest for the Antarctic Circle. Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Included: 1 night twin share hotel stay, 12 nights on board the M/S Expedition, All meals included on board the ship, Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team, Lecture and educational programs, Ushuaia airport transfer when arriving/departing on regularly scheduled flights and days, Waterproof boots supplied for men's USA sized 8-14 & women's USA sized 3-9.

Exclusions: Airfares to the embarkation point and from the disembarkation point; adventure options of kayaking or diving; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; hotel accommodations; supplement for single hotel accommodations; meals while in Ushuaia; Trip Cancellation Insurance with emergency medical evacuation insurance (required); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for those who have served you aboard (guidelines will be provided). Note: Should the price of marine fuel increase dramatically, we may have to institute a fuel surcharge.

Room Configurations: Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. For those who desire single occupancy, cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.

Families & Children: Minimum age for children is 12 years old. An adult over the age of 21 must accompany every 2 children under the age of 18. The ratio of adults to children traveling together must be one adult per two children and two adults per four children (17 and under).

Arrival & Departure: When considering flights for your Antarctic Circle cruise aboard the Expedition plan to arrive Ushuaia, Argentina (USH) at any time on day 1. We highly recommend you fly into Ushuaia at least 1 day prior to the sailing of the expedition ship to avoid any delay or luggage complications. Embarkation time is set for 4:00 pm on day 2 and passengers will not be able to board the ship before that time due to refueling, provisioning, and preparing the ship for your stay. Upon completion of the cruise, disembarkation in Ushuaia is at 8:00am. An optional one-time group airport transfer will be available for all passengers from the pier to Ushuaia airport (USH). Do not arrange any departing flights out of Ushuaia before 10:30 am on disembarkation day. Get a free flight quote.

Payment & Cancellation: At time of booking a non-refundable deposit of $750 per person is required to confirm a reservation on this Antarctic voyage. The deposit may be paid by bank wire transfer, check, money order or major credit card. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Final payment can be made by check, credit, money order or bank wire transfer. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted.

Cancellation Policy: A special cancellation policy applies to all Antarctic and Arctic trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received:
Cancellation 90 days or more before departure: Loss of deposit
Cancellation 89-60 days before departure: 50% of the cost of services booked
Cancellation less than 60 days before departure: 100% of cost of services booked

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: Camping and kayaking may be available on Quest for the Antarctic Circle. Camping is limited to just 20 people and includes time to enjoy the beauty of Antarctica from the campsite with ample photography and star-gazing opportunities. Kayaking is limited to just 10 people per excursion (multiple excursions included). Venture out to sheltered bays and areas known for calmer waters and take part in a group kayaking experience led by experienced and skilled leaders. No other activity gets you as close to the natural environment! For the 2012/13 season, kayaking costs an additional $659 and camping costs $69. For the 2013/14 season, kayaking costs an additional $659 and camping costs $159. Call AdventureSmith for more details and to reserve an activity.

Qualifications: Quest for the Antarctic Circle will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has full mobility, and leads an active life. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join any off-vessel excursions, passengers must be able to navigate the steep, 30-stair, gang-way, un-assisted both down and up. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. You are traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.


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