Antarctic Peninsula and beyond the Arctic Circle – Discovering the Deep South
from/to Ushuaia
13 days (12 nights)
MS Plancius
MS Ortelius
13 days (12 nights) Antarctic expedition to the deep south from/to Ushuaia with Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, and crossing the Antarctic Circle
+++ Up to 10% early bird discount on selected trips and cabins for new bookings made by March 31, 2026 +++
On this trip, with a little luck, you will have the chance to marvel at Aurora Australis, the southern lights.
An expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula will be the best decision of your life. The fjords and bays around the Antarctic Peninsula are more unique than almost any other region in the world. Every day there is something new to discover: abandoned whaling stations, research stations, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, whales, penguins, and seals. And then there is the midnight sun, which bathes these dreamlike landscapes and impressions in the most beautiful colors for up to 24 hours.
Another highlight of this trip is crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66° 33′ 11”. Few Antarctic cruises go this far south.
This journey along the Antarctic Peninsula takes you through waters teeming with minke, humpback, and fin whales. In addition to whale watching, you will also experience a unique bird life with albatrosses, cape petrels, swallows, and Antarctic petrels. This ship expedition also offers opportunities for activities such as polar diving (at an additional cost) in the iceberg-strewn waters at several locations.
When landing with the Zodiac, you will have the ideal view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and the opportunity to experience the White Continent up close on a hike. Possible landing sites include Livingston Island with its gentoo and chinstrap penguins; Deception Island with its volcano, abandoned whaling station, and hot springs; Neko Harbor with its epic landscape of huge glaciers and endless snowfields; Paradise Bay – the name says it all; Detaille Island with an abandoned British research station; or the Melchior Islands.
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Arrival and departure:We offer various individual travel packages including flights, hotels in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay to extend your trip.
Attention solo travelers: If you do not wish to have a single cabin, accommodation on board is possible in shared cabins. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. There are no single cabin surcharges.
Entry requirements: German citizens need only a passport (valid for 6 months beyond the date of return) to enter Argentina.
Insurance: Proof of international health insurance covering medical repatriationmust be provided.
Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Crossing the Antarctic Circle
- Good chances for Aurora Australis, the southern lights
- Crossing the Drake Passage
- Excursions by Zodiac to remote bays
- Passing through countless ice floes in Crystal Sound
- When ice conditions are favorable: Travel through the "Gullet"
- Optional: Polar diving (upon request)
route
itinerary
Antarctic Peninsula and beyond the Arctic Circle, discovery of the deep south
The aim of this trip is to venture into areas south of the Arctic Circle. The journey takes you through waters where humpback, minke, and fin whales can be spotted. The expedition offers opportunities for hiking or diving in waters dotted with icebergs at various locations.
Day 1: The end of the world, the beginning of a journey
Your journeybegins where the world ends, in Ushuaia (Argentina) – also known as the southernmost city on the planet. It is located at the southernmost tip of South America. In the afternoon, you will begin your journey in this small town in Tierra del Fuego, which is itself known as the "end of the world," and spend the rest of the evening sailing through the picturesque, mountain-lined Beagle Channel.
Days 2–3: The path of polar explorers
During the next twodays in the Drake Passage, you will gain an insight into life from the perspective ofthe polar explorers who first braved these regions: cool salt breezes, rushing seas, perhaps even a fin whale emerging from the waves.
Once you have passed the Antarctic Convergence, which forms the natural boundary of Antarctica, you will find yourself in the circumpolar upwelling zone. This zone is created when cold water flowing northward collides with warmer sub-Antarctic water masses.
Not only marine life but also bird life is changing as a result. Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, sooty albatrosses, Cape petrels, southern fulmars, colourful-footed petrels, blue petrels and Antarctic petrels are just some of the birds you can see.
Days 4–10: Insights into late summer
There are many activities to enjoy along the Antarctic Peninsula, and these are no less exciting in late summer. Many humpback whales are active in this region, feeding on vast quantities of krill before continuing their journey north. The penguin chicks are already fully fledged and roam the beaches, where leopard seals wait for their chance to catch one.
Places for activities can include the following:
Livingston Island – Here you will find a large number of gentoo and chinstrap penguins at Hannah Point, as well as southern giant petrels and elephant seals resting on the beach.
Deception Island – Actually a subduced crater, this island has an opening to the sea, creating a natural harbor for ships. An abandoned whaling station and several bird species such as Cape petrels, Dominican gulls, brown and South Polar skuas, and Antarctic terns can be seen here. Painted storm petrels and black-bellied petrels nest in the ruins of the whaling station in Whalers Bay.
Cuverville Island – This small rocky island lies between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Rongé Island. It is home to a large colony of gentoo penguins and several breeding pairs of brown skuas.
Neko Harbor – An epic landscape consisting of huge glaciers and endless snowfields shaped by the wind. A trip in a Zodiac offers the best view of the surrounding mountain peaks. Here you also have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic continent.
Paradise Bay – During a Zodiac ride in this expansive bay covered in ice, there is a good chance of seeing humpback and minke whales.
Pléneau and Petermann Islands – If ice conditions permit, we can sail through the Lemaire Channel and search for Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags. There is also a good chance that we will see humpback and minke whales as well as leopard seals here.
Crystal Sound – The journey continues south, past the Argentine Islands to an ice-covered expanse of water. You are now close to the Arctic Circle, which you will cross in the morning.
Detaille Island – You can land here near an abandoned British research station. The area features high mountains and impressive glaciers.
Fish Islands – Further north, we encounter one of the southernmost Adélie penguin and blue-eyed cormorant colonies on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Melchior Islands – A beautiful landscape with many icebergs and excellent opportunities for kayaking and diving. Leopard seals, crabeater seals, and whales are frequently seen here.
The conditions in the Drake Passage determine the exact departure time.
Days 11–12: Familiar seas, familiar friends
Your return journey is anything but lonely. As you cross the Drake Passage, you are once again greeted by a multitude of seabirds reminiscent of the passage south. But this time, it seems a little more familiar.
Day 13: There and back again
Every adventure, no matter how great, must come to an end at some point. Now it's time to disembark in Ushuaia—but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure takes you.
The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and local authorities, but also to respond to current conditions regarding wildlife viewing.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.
activities
POLAR DIVING (for a fee)
Diving in polar waters is truly something special. It is definitely not for beginners. If you are an experienced diver, prepare yourself for an extraordinary experience!
PLEASE NOTE
Advance registration is required for all paid activities. It is recommended to book early as places fill up quickly. Please refer to your information materials for a list of equipment provided. Diving experience with cold water diving and dry suits (minimum 30 dives) is a must!
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
March 6, 2027 – March 18, 2027
from €12,800 per person
13 days/12 nights
MS Ortelius (Maximum occupancy: 108)
Ushuaia Ushuaia
Can be booked for an additional fee: Polar diving
March 8, 2028 – March 20, 2028
from €9,950 per person
13 days/12 nights
MS Plancius (Maximum occupancy: 108)
Ushuaia Ushuaia
Optional, available for a fee: polar diving
Up to 10% early bird discount on selected cabins for new bookings made by March 31, 2026
Selected date
March 6, 2027 – March 18, 2027 (13 days/12 nights)
MS Ortelius | Antarctica & Arctic Circle - Aurora Australis / Southern Lights
Four-person with porthole
Three-person porthole
Double with porthole, deck 4
Double room with window
Double Deluxe
superior
cabin
options
| Diving (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 950,00 € | |
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
optional activities
Selected date
March 8, 2028 – March 20, 2028 (13 days/12 nights)
MS Plancius | Antarctica & Arctic Circle – Journey of discovery to the deep south
Four people with porthole
Three-person with porthole
Double room with window
Double with porthole
superior
Double Deluxe
cabin
options
| Diving (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 1 050,00 € | |
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
optionally bookable
Information
Included services:
- Cruise and overnight stays on board the booked ship according to the published itinerary
- All meals, including snacks, coffee, and tea throughout the trip on board the ship
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the trip, including Zodiac excursions
- Expert lectures and leadership of an international expedition team on board and ashore
- Use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- Luggage transfer to the ship on the day of departure in Ushuaia
- Collective transfer on the day of disembarkation from the port to Ushuaia Airport (immediately after disembarkation)
- All other taxes and port fees related to the ship program
- Comprehensive travel documents (boarding pass, travel information)
Not included in the price:
- Flights, whether scheduled or charter flights
- Land arrangements before and after the cruise (e.g., hotel accommodations on land)
- Transfers to/from the ship outside of the included services shown.
- Passport and visa fees
- Arrival and departure taxes
- Meals ashore
- Luggage, cancellation, and personal insurance (highly recommended)
- Excess baggage fees and all onboard services such as laundry, bar, beverage costs, and telecommunications costs
- Tips at the end of the trip for the service staff on board (guidelines available on request)
Important:
- Language spoken on board: English
- English-speaking expedition team
- Selected departures will be conducted in two languages, English-German or German only.
- Means of payment on board: US dollars, euros, and major credit cards
- Filling out a medical questionnaire is mandatory.
- Rubber boots available for loan on board
- Open bridge
- A doctor is on board
- The route and final itinerary during the voyage will be decided on site by the expedition leader and captain based on ice and weather conditions, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing. The itinerary described here is for illustrative purposes only.
- Proof of international health insurance with medical repatriation must be provided.
- Individual travelers: Shared cabins can be booked.
- The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
- A heart for solo travelers: Share a cabin with travelers of the same gender and save on the single cabin supplement. Valid for four-bed, three-bed, and double cabins with portholes, windows, and deluxe cabins. The cabins have separate beds.
Your ship during the voyage
MS Plancius Oceanwide Expeditions Dietmar Denger
MS Plancius in Antarctica
MS Ortelius on Antarctic voyage
MS Ortelius on Antarctic voyage
Antarctica-Antarctic Peninsula-to-Arctic Circle-Discovery of the Deep South-Antarctic Landscape-Erwin Vermeulen
Landscape in Antarctica
Antarctica-Antarctic Peninsula-to-Arctic Circle-Discovery of the Deep South-Majestic blue iceberg-Hanneke Dallmeijer
Majestic blue iceberg
Antarctica-classic-Antarctica-including-Deception Island-Zodiac-Paradise Bay-RolfStange
Giant iceberg in Paradise Bay
Antarctica-classic-Antarctica-including-Deception-Island-Antarctic-Peninsula-JeremyKing
Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica-Antarctic Peninsula-to-Arctic Circle-Discovery of the Deep South-Bransfield House-Port Lockroy-Sara Jenner
Bransfield House in Port Lockroy
Antarctica-Antarctic Peninsula-to-Arctic Circle-Discovery of the Deep South-Adelie Penguin
Adelie penguin
Antarctica-Antarctic Peninsula-to-Arctic Circle-Discovery of the Deep South-Orcas-Jamie Scherbeijn
killer whales
Antarctica-Antarctic Peninsula-to-Arctic Circle-Discovery of the Deep South-Antarctic Tern-Ice floe-Siegfried Woldhek
Antarctic terns on an ice floe
Antarctica-Antarctic Peninsula-to-Arctic Circle-Discovery of the Deep South-Blue-eyed Shages on an Ice Floe-SiegfriedWoldhek
Blue-eyed Shages
Antarctica-Antarctic Peninsula-to-Arctic Circle-Discovery of the Deep South-Lazy Gentoo Penguins-M. & M. van der Hulst
gentoo penguins
Antarctica-Antarctic Peninsula-to-Arctic Circle-Discovery of the Deep South-Zodiac excursion-Dietmar Denger
Zodiac trip
Antarctica-Antarctic Peninsula-to-Arctic Circle-Discovery of the Deep South-Zodiac landing in Neko Harbor-Ortelius-Elke Lindner
Zodiac landing at Neko Harbor
Antarctica-classic-Antarctica-including-Deception-Island-landscape-photography-DietmarDenger
photographing landscapes
Antarctica-Antarctic Peninsula-to-Arctic Circle-Discovery of the Deep South-Polar diving-MissScuba
polar diving
Sounds interesting?
You can book your trip here
Do you have any questions?
just call
Further journeys crossing the Antarctic Circle
World premiere: Complete circumnavigation of Antarctica in 2028 | Le Commandant-Charcot
10.102 €
On the route of legendary explorers | Aurora Australis
10.102 €
Departure for the Antarctic Circle
8.087 €
To the whales and penguins in Antarctica
7.351 €
Pure Antarctica for active explorers
Base camp below the Antarctic Circle
30.171 €
East Antarctica: Ross Sea Odyssey (from Tasmania or New Zealand)
, starting at€33,660
In the footsteps of Scott and Shackleton to the Ross Sea
17.470 €
In the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton
12.778 €
Antarctic Express – Southbound by sea & northbound by air
11.410 €
Antarctic Express – Flying south and sailing north
12.403 €
