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Trip Details

Antarctica, Crossing The Circle
Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Island, set foot on Antarctica South of the Antarctic Circle - optional kayaking and camping
13 Days   |   Departure:  02/09/09   |   From $8 100

Locations:  Antarctic Peninsula | South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands | South Shetland Islands | Falkland Islands

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Testimonials  |   Ship types

Trip Highlights:  Cross the Antarctic Circle on this adventure with kayaking and camping. Most passengers will be Australian and the experience will be active and fun.

Rates: $8,100 - £16,300
Triple from: $8,100, Twin from: $11,500
Single Rate: $16,300
Sea Kayaking Supplement: $695 (Minimum age 16 years)
Camping Supplement: One night, no additional cost conditions permitting (Minimum age 12 years)

Ship: Ocean Nova - Expedition Ship
Passengers - 82

Introduction

This expedition is ideal if you desire the extra time to really experience Antarctica. You fire up your spirit of adventure and take a few extra days to work your way south to explore some of Antarctica’s most pristine and rarely visited areas. There will also be plenty of time to explore the incredible wildlife colonies along the Antarctic Peninsula and in the South Shetland Islands. Aboard an ice-rated vessel, you will navigate through some of the world’s most scenic waterways – many littered with colossal icebergs. You will attempt to land on the Antarctic continent south of the Circle, and you may visit a couple scientific research stations as well.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Arrive at our hotel in scenic Ushuaia and spend the rest of the day exploring this colorful port town.

Day 2: Embarkation Day
Transfer to the quay to join other adventurers on deck as we sail in the late afternoon through the scenic Beagle Channel.

Days 3-4: The Drake Passage
To sailors the Drake is legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, but you may be lucky and get calm weather. Regardless of the conditions, you’ll keep you busy on deck, on the Bridge and in the presentation room as you prepare for boarding Zodiacs, shore landings, and, if you dare, polar dips.

En route to Antarctica, you may find that delicious three-course meals are made even more interesting by the occasional shout of “Whales off the port side!” Will you continue eating or dash on deck with your camera?

Days 5-8: Exploring Antarctica
The Expedition Team lowers the Zodiacs for exploration at least twice a day. That means that the bow of your Zodiac will be riding high, as the driver opens the throttle so to give you as much time as possible ashore. Once on land, explore the Great White Continent, or just sit on a rock and watch penguins invest considerable energy in survival. Wildlife in the Antarctic is refreshingly unafraid of humans, making each visit feel like a trip to another planet. The jagged polar terrain is magnificent, and awe-inspiring.

Every cross-country skier, kayaker, camper or mountain-climber seeks that one perfect moment they will relive for the rest of their lives. Perhaps you’ll find that moment in Antarctica. Optional adventures are available on a first come, first served basis. See the dates and rates sheet for details.

You could drift past an azure iceberg after a hard paddle. You could descend an ice slope after an exhilarating climb. There are no ski trails in Antarctica, so you will be breaking trails. While camping, you could be compelled to reach for the sky, because the stars appear to be only an arm’s length away.

Days 9-10: Crossing the Antarctic Circle
A celebration is in order. Crossing the Antarctic Circle is still a rare and impressive achievement. Celebrate with a well-earned glass of champagne, raising your glass to the intrepid explorers who have gone before.

Days 11-12: Loubert Coast
During the voyage, your Expedition Team will keep you informed about the fabled history of each area you visit. Every name on the map of the Antarctic has a story to tell. The Loubert Coast is no exception. The French names that appear are a legacy of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, physician, yachtsman, and explorer. He, like you, lived for adventure.

Days 13-15: The Drake Passage
While crossing the Drake once again, stay up late with new friends as the lingering twilight of the southern summer fades. Trade memories that will last forever while you puzzle over the mystery that is Antarctica.

Note: Some departures will visit the Peninsula on the way back to Ushuaia.


Notes:

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.

Mandatory Travel Insurance:
Passengers travelling on this expedition are required to be covered by a travel insurance policy that includes emergency evacuation coverage. As this voyage travels to remote regions of the world, we recommend that the policy’s emergency evacuation benefit be higher than minimum.

Included:
One pre-cruise night hotel night with breakfast (The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travellers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel.); Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; All meals on board throughout voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.); All shore landings and Zodiac excursions per the daily program; Formal and informal presentations by Expedition Team and guest speakers; Photographic Journal on DVD; A pair of rubber expedition boots on loan for shore landings. (So you don’t have to pack any.); Hair dryer in every cabin; Expedition parka to keep; 24-hour coffee, tea, cocoa, and bottled water; Comprehensive pre-departure materials; Group transfers from the hotel to the ship at the embarkation port, and from the ship to the local airport on disembarkation – plus all baggage handling aboard ship; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.

Not Included:
All airfare; Passport and visa expenses; Government arrival and departure taxes; Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation; Baggage, cancellation and travel insurance (please note that emergency medical insurance is mandatory); Excess baggage charges; laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges; Telecommunications charges; Customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service personnel (guidelines will be provided).