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Quest for the Antarctic Circle

14 days, Ushuaia to Ushuaia

The view from in front of the G Expedition

A massive rookery of penguins shuffles across a frozen shore; a pod of whales glides through frigid waters; dramatic landscapes float off in the distance — welcome to Antarctica. Join us on a voyage of discovery to our planet’s last frontier — a mysterious and virtually pristine paradise. Our ice-strengthened expedition ship is ideally suited to cruising this icy wilderness, and her expert staff are on hand to ensure you’ll fully appreciate all the majesty you encounter. Sail the Drake Passage past the South Shetland Islands, then really explore the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Prepare yourself for an adventure like no other — more like a private expedition than a traditional cruise.

14 days

Ushuaia to Ushuaia

From$10199USD
Valid on Feb 20 2025
Trip Code: XVQCSX

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Expires on Apr 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV020ANT05
Expires on Apr 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV010ANT03

A massive rookery of penguins shuffles across a frozen shore; a pod of whales glides through frigid waters; dramatic landscapes float off in the distance — welcome to Antarctica. Join us on a voyage of discovery to our planet’s last frontier — a mysterious and virtually pristine paradise. Our ice-strengthened expedition ship is ideally suited to cruising this icy wilderness, and her expert staff are on hand to ensure you’ll fully appreciate all the majesty you encounter. Sail the Drake Passage past the South Shetland Islands, then really explore the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Prepare yourself for an adventure like no other — more like a private expedition than a traditional cruise.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: Marine

Small-ship adventures on the world’s great seas, rivers, and other places only accessible by boat.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Age requirement: 10+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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14 days

Ushuaia to Ushuaia

From$10199USD
Valid on Feb 20 2025
Trip Code: XVQCSX

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Expires on Apr 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV020ANT05
Expires on Apr 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV010ANT03
Map of the route for Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Places visited

Itinerary Notes

This trip is assigned a Physical Rating of 2. It is accessible to most fitness levels and for those able to do extended walks and light hiking on various terrain. It is important to note that for landings in Antarctica we use Zodiacs and wet beach landings in what sometimes can be extreme environments. This will require you to be able to safely navigate ice and snow on uneven ground, to lift your leg over the side of a Zodiac and push yourself up, walk on wet, rocky beaches and stand throughout the landing with no place to sit. Our expedition team is there to assist you if needed but having good mobility is important for your safety and enjoyment. Please also note that the G Expedition does not have an elevator and thus staircases must be used to move between decks, and depending on the weather the ship can sometimes find itself navigating rough and choppy sea conditions. For visual examples of the zodiac landings and activities please refer to the Excursions image gallery on the Expedition landing page here.

Itinerary

Day 1Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.

Day 2Ushuaia/Drake Passage

Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Days 3–4Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands

The adventure begins with an 1000 km (600 mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Enjoy daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the G Expedition's wake.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Days 5–6South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula

Encounter some of the region's unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Days 7–8Antarctic Peninsula/Antarctic Circle

With a close eye on weather conditions, continue southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins, push on with the goal in mind - crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle. Few travelers have ventured this far south, but with our fully equipped ice-strengthened vessel and favourable sea conditions, the Expedition can access many remote locations other ships just can't reach.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Days 9–11Antarctic Circle/Drake Passage

Turn north for the first time to continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 12Drake Passage

Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 13Drake Passage/Ushuaia

Begin your journey to your home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of your Antarctic experience with our lecturers and staff, and keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 14Ushuaia

Disembark the G Expedition after breakfast.

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • 12 nts aboard the G Expedition
  • 1 nt hotel in Ushuaia, on a twin share basis
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
  • Lectures and educational programs
  • Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
  • Expedition parka

Accommodations

Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 12 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.

Meals

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners
Allow USD25-35 for meals not included. Drinks and tips on board not included.

Transportation

G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.

Staff & experts

One expedition team member per 10 guests.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

Antarctica Camping - From $379.00

Follow in the footsteps of bold explorers and experience this land’s awe-inspiring splendours first-hand. Our Antarctica camping experience includes time to enjoy the beauty of Antarctica near your campsite with ample photography options. Experience the sounds of heaving ice, the fresh scent of the sea, and the stars at night. Nothing gets you closer to the humbling forces of nature than spending a night ashore! This activity is offered on select departures and must be booked prior to your trip, see Tour details for more information.

Antarctica Kayaking - From $1299.00

Weather permitting, you will head out in kayaks on days where zodiac landings are also available. Kayaking as part of a group led by experienced and skilled leaders allows an opportunity to experience these remote regions from another vantage point. No other activity gets you as close to the natural environment! This activity is offered on all departures and must be booked prior to your trip, see Tour details for more information.

Quest for the Antarctic Circle

| 14 days - Ushuaia to Ushuaia - from $10199 USD