Small Ship
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Feb 9 - Feb 22 2026
13 Nights
Price from per person
£10,526
Price from per person
Price from per person
Price from per person
Price from per person
Price from per person
Price from per person
Stepping onto the 7th Continent represents a remarkable feat that few can experience. Even more extraordinary is the achievement of crossing the iconic Antarctic Circle. For many adventurers, journeying south of 66°33' S is the pinnacle of the 14-day "Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition," a journey filled with daily marvels like breathtaking ice landscapes, humpback whales gliding alongside the vessel, leopard seals navigating under your Zodiac, penguins diving from icebergs into the pristine waters, and giant petrels flying over the vibrant sea.
Explore with a team of expert polar guides by ship, Zodiac, on the shore and through optional activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.Â
When you arrive in this cosmopolitan city, celebrated for its stunning architecture and deep European roots, you'll go to the hotel where our group will gather (this pre-expedition stay is conveniently included in the package).
Following an early morning meal at the hotel, we'll head to the airport to catch our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Once we land, you'll be shuttled from the airport to a spot right in the heart of downtown, where you'll have some free time to wander and soak up the charm of this picturesque port town before we all gather at the pier.
As we embark in the late afternoon and begin our voyage toward Antarctica, we'll cruise through the historic Beagle Channel. This channel, which owes its name to the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his epic journey, offers stunning views perfect for any photography enthusiast, featuring dramatic landscapes and an array of seabirds. Soon after, the channel leads us into the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean, setting the stage for our Antarctic adventure.
During your days at sea, immerse yourself in engaging presentations delivered by your Expedition Team, covering topics like photography, wildlife, glaciology, and historical explorations. Between these informative sessions, enjoy moments on deck spotting wildlife or share stories and drinks with fellow travellers at the bar.
Arriving on the 7th Continent often evokes a profound sense of wonder and respect. Antarctica's sheer pristine beauty is ineffable, a testament to its status as one of the last unspoiled places on Earth. You'll quickly understand the allure that has drawn explorers and adventurers to its icy shores for centuries. Antarctica reveals new surprises with each visit, guaranteeing that your journey will be a one-of-a-kind, deeply personal exploration.
Daily Zodiac outings will transport you from your ship into the heart of glaciated inlets, through narrow channels, and onto remote landing spots. Under the watchful guidance of your Expedition Team, you'll traverse the stark Antarctic terrain, pay visits to scientific stations, or mingle with the local inhabitants—chinstrap, Adélie, and gentoo penguins. Keep your eyes peeled for various seals, including Weddell, fur, crabeater, the elusive leopard seal, and whales that might include humpbacks, minkes, and possibly orcas during your Zodiac adventures. Each trip ashore or cruise promises new wildlife encounters that will captivate and demand your lens's attention.
In the tranquil silence of the Antarctic wilderness, the occasional sounds of nature, from penguins quarrelling over stones to the thunderous spectacle of glaciers calving, leave a lasting impression.
Your days will unfold in a tapestry of unique experiences meticulously curated by your Expedition Team to enrich and enlighten your understanding of this magnificent corner of the globe.
Making it past the Antarctic Circle is an unforgettable and notable milestone, as it's a journey not many get to make. If the weather and sea conditions are in our favour and we manage to navigate beyond the renowned 66°33' S line, we'll celebrate the bravery of the earliest adventurers who dared to explore these parts. It's a moment for you to toast, filled with pride, for arriving at a corner of the globe only a select few have ever witnessed. You're now in the heart of untouched Antarctica, where the midnight sun shines, Weddell seals roam, and you're likely to come across sea ice, the vital component of the Antarctic's rich marine life.
At this stage, you'll be as familiar with Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins as you are with distinguishing between leopard, crabeater, and Weddell seals. You'll find yourself using terms like 'bergy bits' and 'pancake ice' as if they've always been part of your lexicon, yet there's still so much more to discover. As we navigate northward, your days will be packed with Zodiac outings, and our Expedition Team will keep an eye out for any seabirds, seals, and whales you might not have encountered on our voyage south.
The return voyage through the Drake Passage offers one last chance to relish the brisk Antarctic breeze. Take advantage of this time on deck to spot seabirds and look out for whales, immerse yourself in captivating presentations from your Expedition Team, and toast to the unforgettable moments you've experienced while exploring the wonders of Antarctica.
In the morning, you'll reach Ushuaia and step off the ship following breakfast.Â
As part of the essential transfer package, you'll get a glimpse into Patagonian beauty with a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park. After soaking in the sights, we'll head to the airport to board the group charter flight back to Buenos Aires.
Zodiac inflatable boats are integral to every expedition and perfect for exploring the polar wilderness. Zodiacs are used to ferry you to the shore and mini explorations amidst icebergs, whales, and seabirds. Throughout your expedition, they enable you to reach secluded spots only accessible by these sturdy watercraft.
Driven by our expert team of knowledgeable polar guides, we will explore the Zodiac daily as part of your expedition.
Immerse yourself in the thrill of hiking across the polar wilderness, led by our seasoned polar guides. Wander the vast tundra, marvel at the majestic glaciers, and breathe in fresh air amongst the natural scenery. It's an adventure that brings you into the heart of the Arctic's untamed beauty.
During each voyage, we carve out a special moment for the Polar Plunge, a thrilling dive into the icy waters, scheduled just once for those daring enough to leap. Our Expedition Leader and Captain are always on the lookout, assessing the weather and sea conditions to pick the perfect spot and moment for this exhilarating experience. Whether it's from the shore, off the gangway, or the edge of a Zodiac, participants, clad in tethered harnesses for safety, leap into the chilly embrace of the polar sea amid the cheers and encouragement of their fellow adventurers and the Expedition Team.
Safety is our top priority during the Polar Plunge. The onboard physician is always present to oversee the event, ensuring everyone's well-being. Additionally, our guides, suited in survival gear, patrol the waters in Zodiacs, ready to assist as guests make their splash into the frigid waters, whether it's a bold jump or an adventurous cannonball.
The breathtaking beauty of polar landscapes takes on an entirely new dimension when viewed from above, a unique perspective you can embrace aboard one of Ultramarine's twin-engine helicopters. With small groups of 7 to 9 passengers, you're invited to embark on an unforgettable 10- to 15-minute aerial journey over the Antarctic, a highlight included in your voyage's cost. Additional helicopter excursions are available for purchase once onboard for those seeking even more adventure. However, it's important to remember that all helicopter activities are subject to the whims of the weather and logistical considerations.
You'll join a select group of explorers boarding one of Ultramarine's dual-engine helicopters, embarking on an exhilarating trekking expedition to regions accessible only by air. The helicopter ride presents a breathtaking panorama of the vast polar expanse below, setting the stage for what's to come. Once you touch down, whether walking, hiking, or snowshoeing, the adventure continues with magnificent vistas of untouched ridges, icy landscapes, and snow-crowned peaks. This extraordinary heli-trekking experience promises to immerse you in the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
*An extra cost is applicable. Please enquire about fees and availability at the time of reservation. Please note places do sell out in advance, so forward booking is essential.
Together with a select group of adventurers and guided by seasoned experts, you'll board one of Ultramarine's dual-engine helicopters, setting off toward an untouched polar sanctuary unreachable by traditional maritime routes. The journey there promises panoramic vistas from above, offering a rare, bird’s-eye perspective of the world below. With only 12 guests per group and a maximum of four groups per landing, the experience ensures ample space and time for each participant to peacefully reflect on the stunning landscapes. After savouring the tranquil moments and breathtaking scenery, the helicopter will return to whisk you back to Ultramarine, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.
Our expedition team thoughtfully curates each heli-landing, carefully considering the day’s conditions and the unique characteristics of each landing site, to create a truly personalised and memorable experience.
*An extra cost is applicable. Please enquire about fees and availability at the time of reservation. Please note places do sell out in advance, so forward booking is essential.
Embarking on an Antarctic Camping adventure is magical. Following dinner onboard, you'll glide ashore via Zodiac, where you'll bed on the snow in a snug bivy sack, ready for the night (though tents are available if preferred). After choosing your perfect spot, you'll set up camp and sink into the tranquillity of an unfolding Antarctic night.
*An extra cost is applicable. Please enquire about fees and availability at the time of reservation. Please note places do sell out in advance, so forward booking is essential.
Experience the beauty of the polar regions from the intimacy of a sea kayak. The onboard Sea Kayak Program gathers adventurers with a shared passion to explore the stunning landscapes of fjords, glacial fronts, or intricate sea ice formations together.
This program welcomes both novices and experienced kayakers to discover the polar regions from a distinctive vantage point. Depending on weather and operational conditions, the goal is to get kayaking as frequently as possible. Sea kayaking adventures typically begin with a Zodiac boat transferring participants from the ship to an optimal launch site. After exploring the waters, kayakers are brought back to the ship via Zodiac.Â
For safety, a Zodiac operated by a dedicated driver remains close at hand to provide help if needed. These kayak trips usually last from one and a half to three hours, blending adventure with unparalleled natural beauty.
*An extra cost is applicable. Please enquire about costs and availability at the time of reservation. Please note places on sea kayaking do sell out in advance, so forward booking is essential.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUPing) offers a unique way to connect with the outstanding nature in Antarctica. Every guest embarking on this adventure benefits from certified SUP instructors' onboard and in-water guidance, which ensures you're well-prepared to navigate the waters. For added peace of mind, a safety driver remains on standby in a Zodiac, ready to provide assistance whenever needed. This unique experience not only connects you with the untouched beauty of the Antarctic but does so in a way that's both serene and exhilarating.
*An extra cost is applicable. Please enquire about costs and availability at the time of reservation. Please note places do sell out in advance, so forward booking is essential.
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