Antarctica travelers stand on edge of black-sand beach, amidst grassy tussocks, photographing king penguins on a sunny day.
Mother seal puts mouth on pup, who has rear of body raised into the air & mouth wide open, on a
Antarctica travelers stand at bow of ship to view iceberg-laden waters & snowy mountains on a cloudy day.
Polar travelers spot a minke whale while Zodiac cruising on an overcast day in Antarctica.
Antarctica small ship expedition travelers walk along bright green grass beside the water on a partially sunny day.
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Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia

The 23-day Epic Antarctica voyage is called so for a reason—it includes the major Antarctic highlights. From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, this adventure-packed polar small ship expedition offers countless unforgettable moments. Start with the Falklands, reminiscent of both sandy Cape Cod and the English moors, home to seals, dolphins and five species of penguins. From there, venture to South Georgia to enter the home of 300,000 breeding king penguins, 50 million seabirds and 5 million seals. Then, explore the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, and finally cross the Antarctic Circle—a significant milestone for any world traveler.

Highlights include exploring the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falkland Islands; opportunities to see more than 30 species of breeding birds, including four species of penguin, at South Georgia—the Galapagos of the Poles; following in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyage to South Georgia, and visiting his gravesite; and crossing the Antarctic Circle alongside a celebratory toast.

Voyage aboard the 199-guest Ultramarine. Enjoy cruising knowing carbon offsets have been purchased. A passenger elevator makes accessing all decks easy, and each ship’s photography program includes the services of a resident photography instructor. Adventurous add-on activity options include kayaking, camping, one-time paddling excursions and stand-up paddleboarding. Ultramarine’s special helicopter landings and heli-assisted alpine trekking options set her apart and make her an ideal ship for luxury Antarctica cruises.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and South Georgia cruises.



Itinerary

Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia from Buenos Aires Itinerary

The 23-day Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia from Buenos Aires voyage operates round-trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina, with charter flights to and from Ushuaia. This itinerary hits all the highlights of an Antarctic cruise, including the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, the Antarctic Peninsula and an attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle.

Route map of Epic Antarctica 23-day voyage, operating round-trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina, with visits to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the Peninsula & the Antarctic Circle.
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Day 1
Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, independently transfer to the group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Fly to Ushuaia & Embark

After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer with the group to the airport and board a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier.

After a late afternoon embarkation, sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation while departing—the next time you see land, you’ll be in a wildlife wonderland!

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, dinner

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Day 3
At Sea

This time at sea is filled with presentations and lectures led by the expedition team on photography, wildlife, glaciology and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 4 - 5
Falkland Islands

Upon arrival in the Falklands, your camera will get its first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of this sub-Antarctic region. The archipelago contains two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, which will be explored during daily Zodiac excursions and landings.

Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel, complete with eclectic charm. Enjoy free time to explore, grab a pint at the local pub or visit numerous churches and museums. The Archipelago is rich in wildlife, especially birds, and home to Magellanic, gentoo and southern rockhopper penguins. With luck, spot king penguins here as well! Chances are good that you’ll see black-browed albatross, plus two endemic bird species—the flightless Falkland steamer duck and possibly the elusive Cobb’s wren. The team of lecturers and specialists will educate on the local flora and fauna, making the most out of this time in the Falklands.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 6 - 7
At Sea

Sailing southeast to South Georgia, the ship will officially enter Antarctic waters once she crosses the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible biological boundary encircling the continent. This meeting of oceans, where the cold Antarctic waters mix and mingle with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, helps create the abundance of krill that attracts whales and seals to this part of the world. The expedition team will notify you when the ship crosses this invisible yet important line, and also look out for the seabirds and marine life that frequent this nutrient-rich area.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 8 - 11
South Georgia

This remote, mountainous island was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and seals. Today, island wildlife populations are rebounding, but there are still remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts.

Among the most significant and moving sites on South Georgia is the burial spot of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, plus a museum, gift shop, church and small research station.

Although South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the island, it is the tremendous abundance of wildlife that will surely captivate you and your shipmates. Each landing you make on South Georgia, often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, will give you opportunities to witness huge populations of wildlife.

One day you may see rookeries with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins waddling on shore, and the next, you may visit another beach dominated by hundreds of fur or elephant seals. The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island. Your expedition leaders will help you understand and appreciate the delicate balance among these fragile and interwoven relationships.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 12 - 13
At Sea

Say goodbye to the king penguins, as the next destination is Antarctica! These days at sea are filled with presentations, workshops and social activities led by the expedition team.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 14 - 16
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

The experience is hard to put into words, but the most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. Antarctica is a land of extremes: at one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and solitude; the next, you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.

Zodiac cruising, visits to historical sites and, of course, communing with seals and penguins are sure to bring smiles every day. Perhaps catch sight of the fearless penguin eater, the leopard seal, or maybe come eye to eye with a Antarctic minke whale while cruising in a Zodiac. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight and keep your camera busy.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 17 - 18
Antarctic Circle

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. If conditions allow the ship to cross this famed line at 66°33´ S, then toast the first explorers who ventured here and raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals and the best chances of encountering sea icethe foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 19 - 20
Northbound Along Antarctic Peninsula

If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time the ship returns to the Drake Passage. Continue to make excursions by Zodiac while traveling north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. The expedition team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 21 - 22
Drake Passage

After more than three weeks of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, the journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of approval on this Antarctic adventure.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 23
Disembark Ushuaia, Argentina, Fly to Buenos Aires & Depart

Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Mandatory Transfer Package (approximate package price is $995 for the 2024-25 season or $1,195 for the 2025-26 season and includes one night’s pre-expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires with breakfast on Day 2, group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires, charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, arrival and departure transfers in Ushuaia, charter flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, and combined airport transfer and, if available, express bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park [before embarkation or after disembarkation] in Ushuaia); shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board; beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails during dinner and bar service hours; complimentary WiFi; all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leaders; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by expedition team and special guests as scheduled; a photographic journal documenting the expedition; waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; an official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; a hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard the ship; emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person; one 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting).

Exclusions

International airfare; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended); excess-baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, and any other gear not mentioned above; laundry, bar, massage services and other personal charges unless specified; phone and internet charges; additional overnight accommodation; optional adventure activities; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required when booking 181 days or more prior to departure. A second deposit of 25% of trip cost is due 180 days prior to departure. Bookings made 180 days or less prior to departure require a deposit of 50% of total trip cost. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days prior to departure. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days – 100% of deposit
120 to 91 days – 75% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

(For expeditions booked prior to October 15,2024: Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.)

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 Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Antarctica: Crossing The Circle via Falklands & South Georgia from Buenos Aires cruise begins and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE), with charter group flights to and from Ushuaia. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Buenos Aires ahead of the 12:00-8:00pm window for luggage weighing and tagging on Day 1. Arrange your own independent transfer to the included Buenos Aires hotel on Day 1. Plan flights to depart Buenos Aires no earlier than 9:00pm on disembarkation day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Group charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia are required on this trip’s itinerary; see the Mandatory Transfer Package information listed above under Inclusions. The flight to Ushuaia is expected to depart early on Day 2 of the itinerary. There is a luggage limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 17 lbs (8 kg) cabin baggage on the flights to and from Ushuaia. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Buenos Aires; there is no option to pay for additional luggage. On Day 14 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00 and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with an included short tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park before transferring to the airport for the return charter flight to Buenos Aires (note: This tour may happen prior to embarkation).

Activities

Included are optional hiking, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations, photography guides, the polar plunge and a 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather- and logistics-dependent). Various optional activities may be available on your Antarctica: Crossing The Circle via Falklands & South Georgia from Buenos Aires cruise, for guests aged 16 and older. Per-person prices for the 2024-25 & 2025-26 seasons: heli-landing $995; kayaking $1,995; photography included; stand-up paddleboarding $295. One-time paddling excursions are available for $395 per person, per outing, for those who want something less in-depth than the full sea kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. 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. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ultramarine: Deluxe Balcony Suite, Terrace Suite, Penthouse Suite, Owner’s Suite & Ultra Suite

Families & Children

At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 8 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times and may not participate in adventure options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of up to $500,000 USD per paying traveler provides coverage between the first and last day of ship-based travel and is included in the cost of this trip. For ship- and land-based trips, additional days of travel pre- and post-expedition are not covered. Travelers are responsible for having adequate international medical coverage prior to embarkation, with a minimum benefit of $50,000 USD. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers also protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Dec 16 - Jan 07, 2025
Ultramarine • 23 days
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From $22648USD
Per Person
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Jan 18 - Feb 09, 2026
Ultramarine • 23 days
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From $33776USD
Per Person
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brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity Kayaking
A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option One-Time Paddling
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ultramarine

The new Ultramarine 199-passenger polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Dual helicopter pads and an incredible 70-day cruising range allow access to the hardest-to-reach places.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Save Up To 25% On Select 2025-26 Antarctica Expedition Cruises

Book your select 2025-26 Antarctica expedition and save up to 25%, depending on departure and cabin type.

Expert Reviews

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Andrew Browning • December 1st, 2020
Expert Review: The South Georgia Expedition Experience

An AdventureSmith expert returns to Antarctica—this time stopping at the wildlife Mecca of South Georgia Island. Learn all about the Island's wildlife, landscape, trip highlights to differences and see if South Georgia should be part of your Antarctica expedition.

Andrew Browning • December 1st, 2023
Expert Aboard: Ultramarine Ship Review

Read a detailed ship review from our expert who was aboard Ultramarine, plus see traveler ratings on everything from the food & helicopters to his Greenland itinerary highlights.

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Sea Adventurer may be old but a wonderfully comfortable and tough old bird.

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Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Antarctica Cruise

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7 Day Land Tour
Torres Del Paine Trek

The trails amongst the famous Torres del Paine craggy mountains are among the world's classic trekking routes. By day, explore nature in its raw form while winding through these exceptional mountains. By night, enjoy the cozy luxury of EcoCamp's unique dome accommodations, or camping.

From $1940USD
Jan Feb Mar Apr Sep Oct Nov Dec
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5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Explora Torres del Paine

This 5-, 6- or 7-day lodge-based trip in the center of Torres del Paine National Park offers over 40 unique explorations to choose from, including Base Torres and Grey Glacier. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Paine Massif and Salto Chico waterfall from home base.

From $2850USD
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5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Patagonia Wildlife Safari

Discover the magic at the end of the world on a 4- to 7-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari! No matter the length of your stay, you will be blown away by the unlimited beauty of the world heritage site Torres del Paine National Park.

From $1235USD
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Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia

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