Beyond the Arctic Circle
from/to Ushuaia
12 days (11 nights)
MS Ushuaia
12 days (11 nights) cruise from/to Ushuaia with Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, and Antarctic Circle.
+++ Up to 25% last-minute discount on new bookings +++ Limited availability +++
On this Antarctic expedition, you will land at penguin colonies and research stations and encounter various species of seals, penguins, seabirds, and whales.
Your Antarctic Circle ship adventure begins in Ushuaia , Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. On the very first evening, you will sail south through the magical Beagle Channel to the Antarctic Peninsula.
You will then sail through the Drake Passage with its incredible biodiversity. When you see the first snow and icebergs, the South Shetland Islands are not far away. This archipelago is a true paradise for penguins, seals, seagulls, blue-eyed cormorants, and petrels. Crossing into the flooded crater of Deception Island will be a unique experience.
Further south, you will experience bizarre landscapes of ice, snow, and mountains along the Antarctic Peninsula, along with its incomparable wildlife. You will most likely be able to observe penguin and seal colonies as well as minke, orca, and humpback whales up close.
On your way to the Antarctic Circle, you will also pass through some of the most beautiful waterways – Gerlach Strait, Lemaire Channel, and Neumayer Channel. As this expedition to the Antarctic Circle will take you very far south, you can also visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station, the former British Faraday Base, where the ozone hole was first discovered, the rugged Yalour Islands, and Detaille Island.
Enjoy the open bridge on the MS Ushuaia, chat with the officers, and learn more about navigation and wildlife in Antarctica.
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 at least 6 months after their return date) 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
- Travel on a small ship with a maximum of 90 passengers
- Classic, ice-strengthened former research vessel with rustic charm
- Crossing theAntarctic Circle
- Ushuaia in Argentina, the southernmost city in the world
- Famous Beagle Channel and picturesque Mackinlay Passes
- Drake Passage and crossing of the Antarctic Convergence Zone
- Excursions by Zodiac to remote bays
- South Shetland Islands: a paradise for penguins, fur seals, and elephant seals
- Trip to the flooded caldera of Deception Island
- Antarctic Peninsula with pristine landscapes of snow, ice, mountains, and waterways
- Gerlach Strait, Neumayer Channel , and Lemaire Channel
- Ukrainian Vernadsky Station, former British Faraday Base, Yalour Islands, and Detaille Island
route
itinerary
Southern Polar Circle
Day 1: Departure from Ushuaia
You will board the MS Ushuaia in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. After settling into your cabins, you will sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the picturesque Mackinlay Pass.
Days 2 & 3: Drake Passage
Named after the famous explorer Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passagealso marks the Antarctic Convergence. A biological barrier where cold polar water flows beneath warmer northern waters. This creates a large upwelling of nutrients that sustains the biodiversity of this region. The Drake Passage also marks the northern boundary for many Antarctic seabirds. As you sail through the passage, the lecturers will be on deck with you to help identify the many seabirds, including numerous albatrosses.
The open bridge policy on MS Ushuaia allows you to meet the officers on the bridge, learn more about navigation, watch whales, and enjoy the view. A full program of lectures is also offered.
The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that you have reached the South Shetland Islands. A group of twenty islands and islets first sighted in February 1819 by Captain William Smith of the brig Williams. Conditions permitting in the Drake Passage, the lecturers and naturalists will accompany you ashore as you experience your first encounter with penguins and seals on the third day.
Days 4–9: Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, and Crossing the Antarctic Circle
Exquisite beauty and untouched landscapes await you on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Myriads of icebergs in varying shades and shapes float freely in the waterways around the continent. The remarkable history of the Antarctic Peninsula also offers you a kind of excitement often associated only with early explorers. You will have plenty of time to explore the breathtaking landscape and a wide variety of wildlife. In addition to Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins, as well as other seabirds, you will likely encounter Weddell, crabeater, fur, and leopard seals, as well as minke whales and orcas up close. At this time of year, it is also very likely that large whales such as humpback, fin, and sei whales will be in the area.
With a little luck, you will sail some of the most beautiful waterways in the area, such as the Gerlach Strait, the Errera Channel, the Neumayer Channel, and the extremely narrow Lemaire Channel. Possible landing sites may include: Paradise Bay, perhaps the best-named place in the world with its impressive glacier fronts and mountains; Cuverville Island, home to the largest gentoo penguin colony on the peninsula, surrounded by glaciers and icebergs; and the British Museum and Port Lockroy.
As the expedition to the Antarctic Circle will take you far south into the Lemaire Channel, you can also visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station, the former British Faraday Base where the ozone hole was first discovered, the rugged Yalour Islands, and Detaille Island.
On your way north, you will explore the South Shetland Islands. This volcanic archipelago is a wildlife paradise. Huge penguin colonies and seals make every day here unforgettable. The journey through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is truly amazing, as is a visit to crescent-shaped Half Moon Island, where chinstrap penguins live in breathtaking surroundings.
Days 10 & 11: Drake Passage Northbound
You will leave Antarctica and head northacross the Drake Passage. Join the lecturers and naturalists on deck as you search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the opportunity to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past few days on the way back to Ushuaia.
Day 12: Arrival in Ushuaia
You will arrive at the port of Ushuaia early in the morning and disembark after breakfast.
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.
Dates & Prices
February 6, 2027 – February 17, 2027
from €9,390 per person
12 days/11 nights
MS Ushuaia (Maximum occupancy: 90)
Ushuaia Ushuaia
03.02.2028 – 14.02.2028
from €10,490 per person
12 days/11 nights
MS Ushuaia (Maximum occupancy: 90)
Ushuaia Ushuaia
Selected date
February 6, 2027 – February 17, 2027 (12 days/11 nights)
MS Ushuaia | Antarctic Circle
Standard Plus Triple Cabin
Standard twin cabin
Standard Plus Twin Cabin
Premier Twin Cabin
Premier single cabin
Superior Twin Cabin
suite
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
03.02.2028 – 14.02.2028 (12 Tage/11 Nächte)
MS Ushuaia | Antarctic Circle
Standard Plus Triple Cabin
Standard twin cabin
Standard Plus Twin Cabin
Premier Twin Cabin
Premier single cabin
Superior Twin Cabin
suite
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Information
Included services:
- Travel aboard the MS Ushuaia as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the trip on board
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the trip with the Zodiac
- Lecture program by renowned naturalists and led by an experienced expedition team
- All other service charges and port fees throughout the program
- Extensive material before departure
- Detailed report after the expedition
Payment and cancellation conditions (deviating from the ARB):
- 30% deposit upon booking
- Balance payment up to 3 months before departure 70%
- Up to 90 days before departure: 30% cancellation fee
- From 89 days before departure, 100% cancellation fee
Not included in the price:
- Flights (scheduled or charter flights)
- Program before and after the cruise
- Transfers to/from the ship
- Passport and visa fees
- state arrival and departure taxes
- Meals ashore
- Luggage, cancellation, and personal insurance (highly recommended)
- Excess baggage fees and all personal items such as bar and beverage charges and telecommunications fees
- Tips (guidelines will be provided)
Important:
- Onboard language: English, Spanish
- English-speaking expedition team
- Means of payment on board: Cash (EUR, USD). Credit cards: MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. The minimum amount for credit card payments is USD 100.
- Filling out a medical certificate is mandatory.
- Free rubber boots available on board
- A doctor is on board
- Open bridge
- 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.
- The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Your ship during the voyage
MS Ushuaia Antarctic voyage Facundo Santana
MS Ushuaia on an Antarctic voyage
Antarctica-Classic Antarctica-Ushuaia-Landscape2-Eric Giuliani
Antarctic landscape
Antarctica-South Polar Circle-MS Ushuaia-Iceberg
Bizarre ice formation
Antarctica-Classic Antarctica-Ushuaia-Penguins
Adelie penguins
Antarctica-South Polar Circle-MS Ushuaia-Chinstrap penguins
Rope penguins
Antarctica-South Polar Circle-MS Ushuaia-Gentoo Penguin-Eric Giuliani
gentoo penguin
Antarctica-Classic Antarctica-Ushuaia-Penguin Colony-Eric Giuliani
penguin colony
Antarctica-Classic Antarctica-Ushuaia-Whale
humpback whale
Antarctica-Classic Antarctica-Ushuaia-Krabbenfresser-Paul O'Neill
Crab eater on ice
Antarctica-South Polar Circle-MS Ushuaia-on deck-Eric Giuliani
On the deck of the MS Ushuaia
Antarctica-Classic Antarctica-Ushuaia-Land Excursion-Eric Giuliani
land excursion
Antarctica-Classic Antarctica-Ushuaia-Zodiac excursion-Eric Giuliani
Zodiac trip
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