South Shetland Islands, Antarctica & Crossing the Circle

South Shetland Islands, Antarctica & Crossing the Circle

» Antarctica

» Jan 10 2024Jan 20 2024 (11 DAYS)

» EMBARKATION: Ushuaia

» DISEMBARKATION: Ushuaia

EXPEDITION IN BRIEF

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

  • Day 1 – Arrival and Embarkation in Ushuaia
  • Days 2 and 3 – At Sea. Crossing the Drake Passage
  • Days 4 and 5 – South Shetland Islands 
  • Days 6 to 8 – Antarctic Peninsula & Crossing the Circle
  • Days 9 and 10 – Depart Antarctica. At Sea
  • Day 11 – Back to Ushuaia and Disembarkation

Contact Us

SHIP

Ocean Albatros

ADVENTURE OPTIONS

Camping
Kayaking
Snowshoeing

ACTIVITIES

As our voyage begins, we pilot through the calm, gunmetal grey waters and sloping glaciers of Beagle Channel. Turning southward, our journey begins in earnest, and we enter Drake Passage. A body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, Ocean Victory/Albatros, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines, and the patented reclining bow, which ensures stability and comfort in rough sea as well as having very low fuel consumption. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!
In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. These nutrient rich waters lure a wealth of seabirds, albatrosses, and several species of whales. Weather permitting, we catch our first sight of seals and penguins!
With widen eyes, we will weave through the South Shetland Islands, a pearly necklace of glistering, ice-covered islands and dormant volcanoes. Numerous Zodiac excursions are landfalls are likely. We are constantly on the lookout for whales, sea lions, elephant seals and an unbelievable amount of sea birds and penguins.
Continuing onward, we enjoy the calming silence and alluring beauty of the Antarctic mainland during hikes and Zodiac excursions. Spread in isolation along the coast, we also see a number of manned and unmanned research stations, which we aim to visit before accomplishing our goal – crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ south. Here, the sun is up for 24-hours a day during the austral summer. Our expedition may include visits to sites such as Pleneau and Petermann Islands, Crystal Sound and Fish Island.


CABINS & PRICES

CAT G Single cabin USD 16,090
CAT F  Porthole Triple USD 10,290
CAT E French Balcony Twin USD 13,190
CAT D Stateroom Porthole twin USD 12,990
CAT C  Stateroom Balcony twin USD 14,690
CAT B Balcony Suite USD 16,590
CAT A Junior Suite USD 22,390
Polar Premium Suite

USD 25,290

Family Suite SOLD OUT

All rates per person in USD – Due the dynamic policies applied on pricing by operators, rates may be slightly different from the ones displayed. Please always reconfirm with us before booking

INCLUDES

Shuttle transfers to ship from city centre/from the ship to city centre or airport (Ushuaia)

All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary

Expedition parka

Rubberboots provided for entire voyage

Guiding and lectures by our experienced expedition leader and team

English-speaking expedition team

Free photo workshop from experienced photographer onboard

Full board on the ship – breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks

Free tea and coffee 24 hours daily

Welcome and farewell drinks

Online visual journal access after your voyage with photos, species list, log and more!

Taxes and port fees

EXCLUDES

Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades

Meals not on board the ship

Beverages (other than coffee and tea)

Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)

Personal expenses

Anything not mentioned under Inclusions

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