Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition (Ocean Explorer)

Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica. Located at the southern tip of Argentina, these parts are known as Tierra del Fuego, often called ‘The End of the World’, but this is just the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. Those with a day or two may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or if you've only got a few hours to kill, why not stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel. You might also like to sample some handcrafted chocolate at a local cafe in town. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at the hotel, then you’re free to get ready for tomorrow!

This afternoon, you’ll board the Ocean Explorer and your epic adventure south will begin! Take some time to settle into your cabin as you begin cruising the stunning Beagle Channel, named after the famed vessel 'The Beagle' that facilitated some of Charles Darwin's most significant voyages. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and you’ll wave goodbye to Argentina with the knowledge that the next time you see land, you’ll be gazing upon the White Continent of Antarctica.

The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer Sir Francis Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. It is often rough and turbulent but sometimes as calm as a lake. The next two days at sea offer time to attend a presentation or two given by your Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead, from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and even the ice!

Sailing towards Antarctica, the temperature falls as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south.

Head out on one of the outer decks to look out for the mighty albatrosses that fly overhead. Scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the observation deck. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land early evening on day four – this is the White Continent!

You’ll spend the next three days exploring the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula – a region that has captivated explorers for centuries. Explore by Zodiac, cruising among the icebergs and making shore landings where you’ll see penguins, climb to vantage points for spectacular panoramic views, and maybe visit a scientific or historic base. There may even be opportunities to day-paddle or snowshoe!

Antarctica has incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, icebergs and ice-strewn channels. The wildlife ranges from extensive colonies of chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie penguins to crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and a heap of birds. Look and listen for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. Maybe you’ll be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge into the icy Antarctic waters! Every day brings a new experience and new landing sites to explore.

As you cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture program and take in the scenery from the outer decks. Make the most of the facilities of the Ocean Explorer, from the relaxing spa and sauna to the saltwater pool and gym.

An average day onboard begins with a wake-up call from your expedition leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow travellers for breakfast. You’ll usually have two excursions per day – one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with lunch served onboard in between excursions. You’ll take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your expedition team will take care of you at each landing, whether you’re hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or consorting with penguins.

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is a memorable experience – few travellers reach so far south! If conditions allow, you’ll cross the famed latitude of 66°33 ́ S and toast the first explorers who ventured here. Raise a glass and take pride, knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals and your best chances of encountering sea ice—the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to spot the difference between a leopard, crabeater and Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ will become part of your vocabulary and as you head north, your Zodiac excursions will fill your days. Your expedition team will continue looking out for new species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.

As you recross the Drake Passage, you’ll wave goodbye to Antarctica. Over the next two days cruising through the Drake Passage, reminisce with your newfound friends. Your Expedition Team will round up the series of presentations with a slideshow of the adventures you've shared and the wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage. Be sure to take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far – what a journey!

Today, you’ll arrive in Ushuaia, where your adventure comes to an end. With no further activities planned, you’re free to leave at any time after disembarkation. If you’d like to extend your stay here, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.