This is a dream trip which few people can enjoy. Crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle is still a unique and unbeatable destination. Crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle is our goal from the beginning of our expedition; we will set out from Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego Big Island, crossing the Drake Passage heading southwards for the Circle.

The Antarctic Polar Circle is a region that annually experiences at least one 24-hour period when the sun is continuously above the horizon and at least one 24-hour period when it is continuously below the horizon since the axis of rotation of the Earth is inclined 23° 26' 22” in relation to the orbit of the Earth around the Sun.

15 days.

Multiple Departures.

Departure and destination: Ushuaia, Argentina.

Embarkation and disembarkation: Ushuaia, Argentina.

Adventure Ship Expedition.

Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego Island
Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, will welcome us with its picturesque picture, its stunning view to the Beagle Channel and its excellent gastronomy options. We will spend the night in this city.

Starting our Trip to the Antarctic
Before embarking, we will have the opportunity to visit on our own the city of Ushuaia: among the excursions available, we recommend visiting the Tierra del Fuego National Park to reach Lapataia Bay. We will start our expedition trip on the icebreaker that will cross the waters of the Beagle Channel heading for the turbulent Drake Passage.

Crossing the Drake Passage
When crossing the Drake Passage, we will have the opportunity to learn about the biology, the habitat and the behavior of the Emperor Penguin. Our photographer will help us enjoy to the full the landscape taking into account the special light conditions that we that we will find during our visit to the penguin rookeries. The Drake Passage, also called the Hoces Sea, divides South America from the White Continent; it is located between Cape Horn (Chile) and the South Shetland Islands (the Antarctic), connecting the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Scotia Sea in the east.

Pure Adventure in the West Coast
The Expedition Team will ensure that the Zodiac ships set sail as often as possible. We will sail the waters heading for the shore, or just sail silently while watching whales feeding or penguins jumping onto the ice shelves.

The Antarctic wildlife remains unmoved before humans, so every visit feels like a trip to another planet. In the Antarctic adventure we seek that perfect moment that we will remember for the rest of our lives. That moment will be found on our journey to the Antarctic. We will enjoy some optional activities that will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis.

The Antarctic Polar Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle is still an amazing achievement. The Antarctic Polar Circle is one of the five parallels that marks out the maps of the Earth. It is the parallel of latitude 66° 33' 38" south of the Equator.

Every place south of the Antarctic Polar Circle experiences a period of twenty-four hours' continuous daylight at least once per year, and a period of twenty-four hours' continuous night time at least once per year. This occurs because the axis of rotation of the Earth is inclined 23° 26' 22” in relation to the orbit of the Earth around the Sun.

The continent of Antarctica forms a land mass covering much of the area within the Antarctic Polar Circle. It covers the Antarctic continent from west to east: in the north part of the Antarctic Peninsula, close to Matha Strait, and southward Jason Peninsula. In the Western Antarctica, the Antarctic Polar Circle crosses Enderby Land and Wilkes Land and Adelia Land which barely cross the circle; and then finally it crosses very near Balleny Islands.

Another fascinating coast, another incredible story… explorers’ memories
During the trip, the Expedition Team will keep us informed of the fantastic stories about every place that we will be visiting. Each name in the Antarctic map has a story to tell. A large number of French names that appear are the legacy of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, physician, yachtsman and explorer. He, like us, lived for adventure.

Wildlife on the way to the Drake Passage: Whales below, birds above and memories ahead
While crossing the Drake Passage again, stay up late with your new friends while the persistent Antarctic Southern summer twilight fades away. Share unforgettable memories while you think about the Antarctic mystery.

One-night hotel with breakfast included before the expedition as set forth in the itinerary.

Accommodation aboard with daily cleaning service.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard.

All coastal landings and excursions on Zodiac ships are scheduled according to a daily program.

Education Program.

Photographic album on DVD.

Water-proof expedition boots will be lent for coastal landings.

Group transfers from the hotel to the ship at the embarkation port, and from the ship to the local airport after disembarking, plus all baggage handling aboard.

All taxes of miscellaneous services and port expenses during the program.

One-night hotel with breakfast included before the expedition as set forth in the itinerary. (The number of guests per room is the same as the ship’s cabin space). Owing to the limited availability, the travelers booking a suite aboard will be given a standard room in the hotel.

Accommodation aboard with daily cleaning service.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard. (Please let us know about any feeding requirement as soon as possible). Unfortunately, the kitchens of the ships cannot prepare kosher food (in accordance with Jewish dietary laws).

All coastal landings and excursions on Zodiac ships are scheduled according to a daily program.

The guide throughout the trip will be a skilled Expedition Leader, even in the coastal landings and other activities.

The formal and informal presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers will be made according to the program.

Photographic album on DVD.

Water-proof expedition boots will be lent for coastal landings.

Hairdryers in each cabin.

A Quark Expeditions jacket.

Coffee, tea, cocoa and mineral water are available 24 hours a day.

All necessary materials before departure, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader.

Group transfers from the hotel to the ship at the embarkation port, and from the ship to the local airport after disembarking, plus all baggage handling aboard.

All taxes of miscellaneous services and port expenses during the program.

Evacuation Insurance in case of Emergency for all passengers up to US$100,000 per person.