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, one-time paddling excursions and stand-up paddleboarding. Ultramarine’s special helicopter excursions 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.

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

Buenos Aires, ArgentinaBuenos Aires, Argentina

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.

Upon arriving in this cosmopolitan city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included as part of your Charter Flight and Hotel Package).

ACCOMMODATIONS Hotel TBA
MEALS N/A

After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board your private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to explore this quaint port town on your own before making your way to the designated meeting spot. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Excitement builds in anticipation of your next stop: Antarctica.

ACCOMMODATIONS Ultramarine
MEALS Breakfast, Dinner

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

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

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

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

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

The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time someone visits Antarctica, they witness something new or unexpected, which means your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.

Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your expedition team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or observing chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals, as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise.

Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your expedition team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

ACCOMMODATIONS Ultramarine
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 ice—the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

ACCOMMODATIONS Ultramarine
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to the Drake Passage. You will continue to make excursions by Zodiac as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your expedition team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.

ACCOMMODATIONS Ultramarine
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After more than three weeks of rare wildlife sightings and remarkable Antarctic landscapes, you will leave with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your new-found friends will make the crossing pass quickly, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your expedition team will wrap up its series of polar presentations as well, with a slideshow of the adventures you’ve shared and the wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage. Be sure to take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far.

ACCOMMODATIONS Ultramarine
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast, then make your way to your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

ACCOMMODATIONS N/A
MEALS Breakfast

Included

Charter Flight & Hotel Package (approximate package price is $1,295 for the 2026-27 & 2027-28 season, or $1,375 for the 2028-29 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; shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board; beer, wine, spirits and cocktails during dinner and bar service hours; complimentary basic WiFi (one device); 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; 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, evacuation 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, spa services, premium WiFi 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 per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 150 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. 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 120 days – 25% of total trip cost
119 to 90 days – 75% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

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 Epic Antarctica 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 Charter Flight & Hotel Package information listed above under Inclusions. The flight to Ushuaia is expected to depart early on Day 2 of the itinerary. There is a strict luggage limit on the flights to and from Ushuaia (and allowance for only one checked bag and one carry-on bag), which will be detailed in your final documents as flights are confirmed close to departure. 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 before transferring to the airport for the return charter flight to Buenos Aires.

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 Epic Antarctica from Buenos Aires cruise, for guests aged 16 and older. Per-person prices for the 2026-27, 2027-28 & 2028-29 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.

The guided photography program is available aboard Ultramarine departures, for $1,595 per person (2026-27 & 2028-29 seasons) and runs the length of the voyage. Photographers of all levels (up to 16 total) can enjoy priority Zodiac boarding and expert photo guidance both in the field and during special workshops back on board.

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

It is a condition of your participation in this expedition that you shall have comprehensive medical insurance in place which is sufficient to cover all medical risks and exposure, including emergency medical and evacuation coverage. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. 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 conditions, wildlife 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.

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The new Ultramarine polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Dual helicopter pads and an incredible 40-day cruising range allow access to the hardest-to-reach places.

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