Travel crossing the Antarctic Circle

Silence falls on deck, the captain announces the position, and a toast is made—you have just reached 66°33′ South, the Antarctic Circle. Only a few Antarctic travelers manage to cross this latitude: It lies south of many classic routes to the Antarctic Peninsula, and whether the boundary is reached ultimately depends on the wind, the ice, and the on-site expedition leadership.

Which South Polar Circle trip is right for you?

Whether your focus is on science, aerial views, or a grand tour—there are many different ways to travel to the Antarctic Circle. February and March, in particular, are key months for Antarctic Circle crossings. In late Antarctic summer, many whales can also be found in the waters around the Antarctic Peninsula. Here’s an overview of which trips suit which preferences:

Experience the Northern Lights: If you’d like to increase your chances of seeing the Aurora Australis—the Southern Lights—then trips like “Aurora Australis—Northern Lights at the Antarctic Circle ” are the right choice for you. The route takes you along the Antarctic Peninsula, across Crystal Sound, and beyond the Antarctic Circle.

Take an active part in research: Journeys like “Echoes from the Depths” immerse you directly in the work of whale researchers—from data collection using underwater hydrophones to fluke photo-identification in the Gerlache Strait. Crossing the Arctic Circle rounds out the route, conditions permitting.

Experience Antarctica from the air: On trips such as the Antarctic Circle by Helicopter, the itinerary includes scenic flights and a landing in the coastal mountains of Antarctica. Depending on ice and weather conditions, the route may also take you to Detaille Island or through the narrow passage known as The Gullet, in addition to Crystal Sound.

The Classic Route from Ushuaia via the Drake Passage: If you’d like to experience the classic journey by ship from Ushuaia—including the crossing of the Drake Passage—you’ll find this option on trips such as “Beyond the Arctic Circle” —aboard a small, ice-strengthened expedition ship with an open bridge. Possible stops include the Lemaire Channel and the Ukrainian Vernadsky Research Station.

Many Antarctic highlights in one trip: If you’d like to explore not only the Antarctic Circle but also the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Elephant Island, choose one of the major round-trip itineraries, such as “All Highlights.” Here, you’ll encounter up to six species of penguins and visit sites directly associated with Sir Ernest Shackleton, such as his grave in Grytviken.

Between Two Continents: If you’d like to explore not only the Antarctic Circle but also the Ross Sea and New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands, choose one of the major semi-circumnavigations between New Zealand and South America, such as the Antarctic Semi-Circumnavigation. The route takes you via Macquarie Island into the Ross Sea, where you’ll follow in the footsteps of the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration. Since James Clark Ross reached the region in 1841, numerous expeditions have left behind base camps, equipment, and in some cases, entire huts. Another highlight of the journey is crossing the International Date Line.

Flying Over the Drake Passage: If you’d rather not cross the Drake Passage by ship, choose a Fly & Cruise trip: A charter flight will take you from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, where you’ll board your expedition ship—at the end of the trip, you’ll return to Punta Arenas via charter flight.

66°33′ South: A Milestone Amid Wind and Ice

Once the boundary is reached, there’s a celebration on board—a success that, to this day, depends on the wind and ice. Even James Cook’s first crossing in 1773 was marked by difficult ice conditions. For some voyages, this is the southernmost point of the entire expedition before heading back north. Others continue even further south from here, into the Ross Sea or to the most remote reaches of the Antarctic Peninsula.