4 women stand on upper deck of expedition ship on cloudy day of an Intrepid Antarctica Journey to the Antarctic Circle voyage.

A man in teal jacket paddles a blue single kayak next to another man in yellow jacket and red kayak as it snows in Antarctica

A massive tabular iceberg floats in the Antarctic ocean as the back of a whale breaks the surface and blows air from blow hole

A black inflatable boat carried cruise guests in royal blue parkas and cruises through icebergs in Antarctica landscape

A polar circle cruise group stands on snowy shore watching a group of Gentoo penguins against the Antarctic ocean

$11099^USD

Starting At

Days

Feb

Mar

Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

Journey to the Antarctic Circle

Set sail for an adventure like no other. Spend 14 days following in the wake of Captain Cook as you cross the Antarctic Circle, home to the midnight sun and towering icebergs.

On board the well-appointed Ocean Endeavour, leave Ushuaia and civilization behind and journey towards the hauntingly beautiful icy wilderness of the Antarctic Continent. Experience the thrill of witnessing seals lie on ice floes, whales breaching the frigid waters and penguins patrolling the rocky shoreline in vast numbers. Enjoy jaw-dropping views witnessed by seldom few as you explore ice-filled bays by Zodiac, landing on Antarctica itself for onshore excursions.

Take advantage of extra days at the Antarctic Peninsula for more places, more landings and more time to see Antarctica’s incredible wildlife and landscapes. Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions to iconic landing sites, abundant with birdlife and busy penguins, and witness icebergs in a thousand different shades of blue. Experience almost endless daylight in high summer once you are inside the Antarctic Circle. And push farther south than most Antarctic expeditions, exploring the remoteness of this less-visited part of the Antarctic Peninsula.

A special themed WWF Journey to the Circle and Giants of Antarctica departure includes special guests from the World Wildlife Fund–Australia (WWF-Australia), who share insights into whale conservation as they conduct cutting edge research on these underwater giants.

Passage is aboard 200-guest Ocean Endeavour, a comfortable small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the polar regions. This ship offers great food, excellent guides (at a 1:8 guide-to-guest ratio), a Jacuzzi, a salt water pool, spa facilities and even his and her saunas with a large window to watch icebergs float by. On board, benefit from a variety of activities including educational lectures on history, geology, and ecology by the expedition team.

Read on for details about this voyage, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica.

Journey to the Antarctic Circle Itinerary

These 14-day departures sail round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with visits along the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, and an attempt to reach the Antarctic Circle.

Route map of Journey to the Antarctic Circle voyage by Intrepid Antarctica, round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina with visits along the western Peninsula, South Shetland Islands & the Circle.

Day 1

Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina

Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica, located at the southern tip of Argentina. These parts are known as Tierra del Fuego, and often called the end of the world, but this is just the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. You’ll meet your fellow travelers at the hotel this afternoon, where a welcome briefing will take place.

If you arrive early, there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself. Those with a day or two in hand may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or if you’ve only got a few hours to kill then why not take a stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel, or perhaps get a taste of Argentina’s famous cuisine at a local restaurant.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

n/a

Day 2

Embark Ushuaia

Enjoy some free time to explore Ushuaia and the surrounding area before boarding the ship this afternoon. Once settled, you’ll cast off and make your way through the Beagle Channel towards the infamous Drake Passage. Named after Charles Darwin’s historic ship The Beagle, the deep open water of the channel presents many great photo opportunities. Be sure to wave goodbye to South America if you’re not too busy snapping away at the incredible landscapes–your next land sighting will be the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

Accommodations

Ocean Endeavour

Meals

breakfast, dinner

Days 3 - 4

Drake Passage

The Drake Passage is one of the most famous bodies of water on the planet. It can be a little rough, but if weather conditions are good, you can head out on the outer decks for a chance to spot ocean dwellers like whales and dolphins, or perhaps seabirds including the spectacular wandering albatross, prions and petrels. Over the next 2 days, you’ll get to know your expedition team experts as the comprehensive lecture program gets underway. These polar experts will share their knowledge of the Antarctic region so you can gain a great understanding of its wildlife, history and geology and help prepare you for the adventure that lies ahead. Your expedition team are experts on the marine life that inhabit these parts and will help scout for sightings as you join them on the ship’s bridge and spacious outer decks. With favorable conditions, you are scheduled to arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula late on the evening of Day 4.

Accommodations

Ocean Endeavour

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 5 - 8

South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

It’s time to take your first steps on Antarctica, courtesy of a Zodiac cruise through the icy waters. There are several potential landing sites including Neko Harbor, Petermann Island and Port Lockroy, and while weather dictates which specific site you’ll land at, each of them presents an opportunity to get up close with some truly incredible wildlife, watch penguins waddle and seals slide as icebergs and glaciers crackle and crumble.

If you have any questions, look to your expedition team to inspire and educate you about this fascinating part of the world. A range of adventure options may be pre-booked, including snowshoeing, kayaking and day paddling. You’ll also have an opportunity to take a polar plunge off the ship. There’s nothing quite like a quick dip in the Antarctic’s icy depths to wake you up!

Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snowcapped peaks, vast icebergs and ice-strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife–from extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins, to crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and a plethora of fascinating birds. When you are on board the ship, the expedition team will keep the education going with a range of wildlife and history presentations and documentary screenings, or you can make the most of the onboard wellness facilities including a spa, saltwater pool, sauna and gym, or perhaps join a yoga class with the incredible backdrop of Antarctica!

An average day on board begins with a wake-up call from your expedition leader around 7:00am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the restaurant. You will usually have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the ship in between excursions.

Accommodations

Ocean Endeavour

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 9 - 10

The Antarctic Circle

Venturing to the ends of the earth is a moment to revel in, as not all expeditions venture this far south. Weather conditions permitting, celebrations will be in order after reaching latitude 66°33’S and crossing the fabled Antarctic Circle. Toast to the sheer rawness of the surroundings and take it all in–while not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle leaves a lasting memory.

Travel past colossal, often beautifully sculpted icebergs, to a point on earth only a few intrepid travelers have sailed. Watch for Weddell seals that are specially adapted to this icy environment; they use their canines and incisors to rasp open new ice and maintain holes in the ice through which to breathe. They also have extremely accurate powers of navigation, enabling them to seek out breathing holes when their teeth are worn down and they are no longer able to maintain or create breathing holes in the ice.

Accommodations

Ocean Endeavour

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11

South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

You’ll be more familiar with the Antarctic waters as the ship begins heading north. Test your newfound knowledge of penguin species, and finetune your wildlife spotting skills as you differentiate between fur, leopard and Weddell seals. Zodiac excursions will continue, and your expedition guides will be on hand on the journey north to Ushuaia to ensure you make the most of the peninsula’s wildlife opportunities and capture the perfect photographs.

Accommodations

Ocean Endeavour

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 12 - 13

Drake Passage

The journey’s final leg offers an opportunity to reflect on the spectacular scenery and prolific wildlife encountered throughout the voyage. Spend some time with your fellow passengers, who you’ve no doubt bonded with, and enjoy a final celebration together to toast the end of this Antarctic adventure.

Accommodations

Ocean Endeavour

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 14

Disembark Ushuaia, Argentina

Disembark in Ushuaia after enjoying your final breakfast on the ship. You have an included transfer to Ushuaia airport if you’re flying home today, otherwise enjoy some extra time exploring Tierra del Fuego and its rugged surroundings.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodation as listed in itinerary; arrival transfer from the airport to group hotel on Day 1; pre-night hotel accommodation with breakfast on Day 2; transfer from group hotel to the ship for embarkation; departure transfer from the ship to the airport on final day; all meals on board including snacks; onboard lecture program from expedition staff and naturalists; all shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except optional activities with cost); use of rubber boots on land and use of waterproof outer shell jacket; insulated inner jacket, yours to keep at the end of the cruise; all port taxes.

Exclusions

Airfare; visa and passport fees if needed; taxes and excess baggage charges; meals other than those specified; optional activities; all personal expenses including alcoholic beverages, gratuities, communication charges aboard and WiFi via pre-paid data card (coverage intermittent); life jackets, waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and boots for minors under 16 years of age at time of travel; waterproof outer shell jacket and insulated inner jacket for guests who require sizing larger than 3XL; boots for guests who require sizing larger than men’s size 14 boots; medical care; travel insurance (required) and insurance of any kind; possible fuel surcharge. Note: Your passport must be valid 6 months after your international trip concludes.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 95 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. Cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 95 days – 100% of deposit
94 to 0 days – 100% of monies paid

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.

Vaccination Requirement

To join this trip, all eligible guests must provide proof of being fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after your final COVID-19 vaccine shot), including a booster shot for those eligible. There may also be COVID-19 testing or other requirements to participate; your Adventure Specialist will provide details of current policies upon booking.

Arrival & Departure

This Journey to the Antarctic Circle voyage begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). 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 Ushuaia ahead of the afternoon welcome briefing on Day 1. A complimentary arrival transfer is included from Ushuaia Airport to the group hotel on Day 1 of this trip. Disembarkation is after breakfast on the final day. A transfer from Ushuaia Port to the airport is also included. Plan flights to depart Ushuaia no earlier than 12:00pm noon on disembarkation day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your Journey to the Antarctic Circle voyage. Per-person prices for the 2023-24 & 2024-25 seasons: kayaking $1,299; one-time “day paddling” $299; stand-up paddleboarding $299; snowshoeing $150; photography program $1,299. Kayak program requires prior, recent experience in a kayak. Kayaking, camping and the photography program must be booked prior to departure; day paddling and snowshoeing may be booked and paid for on board. Minimum age requirements may be in place. Please contact AdventureSmith for details and 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 (category 2) or twin-shared cabin (categories 3-8 only, excluding 4A & 5A), where you will be matched with a person of the same gender, subject to availability. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (categories 3-7, excluding 4A & 5A) or 2x (categories 8-10) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability.

Families & Children

The minimum age for this cruise is 8 at the time of travel. Children from 8-12 years old at time of travel are eligible for a 50% discount off the full, non-discounted adult fare when sharing a cabin with one or two full-fare adults. All travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveler under the age of 18’s day-to-day care. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort in their lieu, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document, to delegate their authority.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for this cruise. This trip requires that at a minimum you are covered against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$250,000. You must provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number ahead of embarkation; you will not be able to join the trip without these details. We strongly recommend policies that also cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. 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 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.

WWF Journey to the Antarctic Circle & Giants of Antarctica Itinerary

Join a team of naturalists, marine biologists and WWF-Australia’s scientists for the chance to learn about their non-invasive whale research project as you search for humpback and minke whales, seals and penguins, and attempt to reach the Antarctic Circle.

Day 1

Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

n/a

Day 2

Embark Ushuaia

Enjoy some free time to explore Ushuaia and the surrounding area before boarding the ship this afternoon. Once settled, you’ll cast off and make your way through the Beagle Channel towards the infamous Drake Passage. Named after Charles Darwin’s historic ship The Beagle, the deep open water of the channel presents many great photo opportunities. Traveling with you on this voyage is a small team of scientists, who are heading to Antarctica to undertake crucial research on the migration and feeding patterns of baleen whales.  Be sure to wave goodbye to South America if you’re not too busy snapping away at the incredible landscapes–your next land sighting will be the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

Accommodations

Ocean Endeavour

Meals

breakfast, dinner

Days 3 - 4

Drake Passage

The Drake Passage is one of the most famous bodies of water on the planet. It can be a little rough, but if weather conditions are good, you can head out on the outer decks for a chance to spot ocean dwellers like whales and dolphins, or perhaps seabirds including the spectacular wandering albatross, prions and petrels. Over the next 2 days, you’ll get to know your expedition team experts as the comprehensive lecture program gets underway. These polar experts and WWF scientists will share their knowledge of the Antarctic region so you can gain a great understanding of its wildlife, history and geology and help prepare you for the adventure that lies ahead. Your expedition team are experts on the marine life that inhabit these parts and will help scout for sightings as you join them on the ship’s bridge and spacious outer decks. With favorable conditions, you are scheduled to arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula late on the evening of Day 4.

Accommodations

Ocean Endeavour

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 5 - 8

South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

The WWF research team traveling with you will take another Zodiac to search for whales, deploying non-invasive tracking tools to gather data such as whale orientation, movement and speed. The suction-capped devices used also have two cameras attached, providing a first person (or first-whale!) view of underwater lives. The researchers will also use drone technology to track whale size and movement from above, as well as to observe krill populations in the southern oceans. While they may be exploring in different regions to you on any given day, they will report back regularly at the evening recap presentations.

Accommodations

Ocean Endeavour

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 9 - 10

The Antarctic Circle

Accommodations

Ocean Endeavour

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11

South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

Take the opportunity to speak with the WWF-Australia team about their whale research findings from their time on the Peninsula. Ultimately, the team hopes that their research will lead to the establishment of an Antarctic marine protection area, preventing krill fishing in the region and safeguarding the health of baleen whales.

Accommodations

Ocean Endeavour

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 12 - 13

Drake Passage

Accommodations

Ocean Endeavour

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 14

Disembark Ushuaia, Argentina

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Exclusions

Payment & Cancellation

Terms & Conditions

Arrival & Departure

This WWF Journey to the Antarctic Circle & Giants of Antarctica voyage begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). 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 Ushuaia ahead of the afternoon welcome briefing on Day 1. A complimentary arrival transfer is included from Ushuaia Airport to the group hotel on Day 1 of this trip. Disembarkation is after breakfast on the final day. A transfer from Ushuaia Port to the airport is also included. Plan flights to depart Ushuaia no earlier than 12:00pm noon on disembarkation day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your WWF Journey to the Antarctic Circle & Giants of Antarctica voyage. Per-person prices for the 2023-24 season: kayaking $1,099; one-time “day paddling” $299; stand-up paddleboarding $299; camping $399; photography program $1,099. Kayak program requires prior, recent experience in a kayak. Kayaking, camping and the photography program must be booked prior to departure; day paddling and snowshoeing may be booked and paid for on board. Minimum age requirements may be in place. Please contact AdventureSmith for details and to reserve activity space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Families & Children

Travel Insurance

Itinerary Notes

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship

Ocean Endeavour

The 200-passenger Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable, well-appointed small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the polar regions. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and remote landings, generous deck space and advanced navigation equipment.

Current Deals on This Trip

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Save up to 20% when you book your select 2023-2024 departure Antarctica expedition aboard Ocean Endeavour.

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Nick Mitchell • October 2nd, 2017

Expert Aboard: Ocean Endeavour Review

AdventureSmith Specialist Nick explains how you can have it all aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Join him as he sails aboard the ship in the pristine-snow month of December.

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Journey to the Antarctic Circle

Journey to the Antarctic Circle

Journey to the Antarctic Circle Itinerary

WWF Journey to the Antarctic Circle & Giants of Antarctica Itinerary

Cruise Rates & Dates

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Current Deals on This Trip

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

Inspiration & Education from Our Staff

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