Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition (Ocean Explorer)

14 Days | Travel farther south than most adventurers have ever gone before

Polar
Wildlife
From
GBP £16,376
View dates and book

Set foot on the 7th Continent – an achievement that few people get to experience in their lifetime! Even more rare is the incomparable milestone of crossing the Antarctic Circle and navigating south of 66°33' S! For most, this is the highlight of a 14-day adventure to Antarctica. See dramatic ice formations, spot humpback whales swimming alongside the ship, watch leopard seals dive beneath your Zodiac and take photos of all the penguins sliding off icebergs into polar waters – this is a southern expedition like no other!

Trip overview

Map of Crossing The Circle: Southern Expedition (Ocean Explorer) including Antarctica and Argentina
Start
Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish
Ushuaia, Argentina
Theme
Polar, Wildlife
Destinations
Antarctica, Argentina
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Comfort
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1 - Max 138
Trip code
GQMC
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Take a wild Antarctic journey and be one of the few travellers to venture to 66°33'S – very few people ever make it this far south!
  • Discover an unspoiled wilderness, looking out for polar wildlife like penguins, seals, whales and seabirds from your onboard deck and during your onshore landings on the White Continent.
  • Experience almost endless daylight in high summer once you’re inside the Antarctic Circle. Then, push further south than most Antarctic expeditions venture, exploring the remoteness of this less-visited part of the Antarctic Peninsula.
  • Benefit from various onboard activities, including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology by your expert expedition team. When you’ve learned your fill for the day, make the most of the onboard amenities, like the spa, sauna, restaurant, library and bar!
  • Visit Antarctic research stations during your daily Zodiac excursions and immerse yourself in history, with icebergs in a thousand different shades of blue in the background.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The Ocean Explorer is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.  
  • Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but they also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as a jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack. 
  • Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces.
  • The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area like the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations – which are just as interesting and beautiful! We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty on onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the fitness centre, spa, and pool will keep you fresh for when the weather clears.

Boats

Ocean Explorer exterior from a distance with a large iceberg in the foreground
Ocean Explorer
BOAT TYPE: Expedition PASSENGERS: 138
The Ocean Explorer is the new way to see the Polar region in style. Purpose-built for exploration, this ship features a fleet of modern Zodiacs, large windows perfect for spotting Polar wildlife, two outdoor Jacuzzis, modern cabins in Scandinavian design, private verandahs in almost all rooms, a spacious gym and sauna and a two-storey, light-filled library. Coupled with plenty of outdoor viewing areas, this ship is the perfect setting for avid photographers, marine enthusiasts and sustainability-conscious explorers.
Explore features

Itinerary

Map of Crossing The Circle: Southern Expedition (Ocean Explorer) including Antarctica and Argentina

Inclusions

Meals

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Accommodation

1 night comfortable hotel, 12 nights expedition cruise ship

Dates and availability

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Important notes

This trip is operated on the Ocean Explorer ship.

Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.

One nights pre expedition hotel is included in Ushuaia. The exact hotel will be provided on your final documentation.
Your trip finishes in Ushuaia at the port on day 14 in the morning after breakfast, please do not book onwards flights on this day untill after 12 pm midday.

BOOKING CONDITIONS
To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
Please refer to our ""Booking terms and conditions"" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions"

ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Sea kayaking and Padding excursions are available to book on this trip. Some activities must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

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Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition (Ocean Explorer)
From
GBP £16,376