Be part of this Polar Circle Antarctica Cruise, getting into the Weddell Sea aboard the M / V Ushuaia, visiting the South Shetland Islands archipelago in the Welling region, and crossing the entire west side of the Antarctic Peninsula to reach the Antarctic Circle. We invite you to discover this magical place in an incredible 12-days trip, with landings in beautiful continental places immersed in the most amazing frozen landscapes accompanied by a great variety of native flora and fauna, accompanied by an excellent professional and human team, as well as bilingual guides in Spanish and English who are responsible for making this a unique experience. Dare to enjoy this unique and unrepeatable trip.
Cross the legendary Drake Passage
Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Spot penguins, whales, and seals in their natural habitat
Sail through ice-filled fjords and breathtaking channels
Attend onboard lectures by expert naturalists
Enjoy daily landings via Zodiac boats for close wildlife encounters
Embark the Polar Circle Antarctica Cruise, in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. After you have settled into your cabins we sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass.
Named after the explorer Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage marks the Antarctic Convergence, where cold polar waters meet warmer northern seas, creating nutrient-rich currents that sustain abundant marine life. As we cross the passage, Antarpply Expeditions’ lecturers will help identify seabirds, including majestic albatrosses. Thanks to the USHUAIA’s open bridge policy, you can join the officers to learn about navigation, spot whales, and admire the scenery. Lectures will also be offered on board. The first glimpses of icebergs and snow-capped peaks signal our arrival at the South Shetland Islands. With good conditions, naturalists will accompany you ashore for your first encounter with penguins and seals.
Exquisite beauty and pristine landscapes await you on the Polar Circle Antarctica Cruise. Countless icebergs in varied shapes and hues drift through the icy waterways, creating an unforgettable scene. The Antarctic Peninsula’s fascinating history evokes the spirit of early explorers, while its dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife offer endless wonder. You’ll likely encounter Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins, along with Weddell, crabeater, fur, and leopard seals. Minke whales and orcas are often seen nearby, and during this season, larger cetaceans such as humpback, fin, and sei whales may also appear. This journey promises a unique blend of exploration, discovery, and close encounters with Antarctica’s extraordinary marine life.
On the Polar Circle Antarctica Cruise, we’ll navigate some of the region’s most stunning waterways, including the Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel, Neumayer Channel, and the narrow Lemaire Channel. Possible landings include Paradise Bay, famous for its majestic glaciers; Cuverville Island, home to the largest Gentoo penguin colony on the Peninsula; and Port Lockroy, the British museum and post office. Further south, toward the Polar Circle, we may visit Vernadsky Station—where the ozone hole was first detected—along with the Yalour and Detaille Islands. On our return north, we’ll explore the South Shetland Islands, rich in wildlife. Highlights include Deception Island’s flooded volcanic caldera and Half Moon Island, home to Chinstrap penguins amid breathtaking scenery.
The 10th day of the Polar Circle Antarctica Cruise we leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.
We arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the USHUAIA after breakfast.
12-day expedition cruise aboard the M/V Ushuaia (selected cabin category)
All meals on board
Daily briefings and lectures by expert Antarctic guides
Zodiac excursions and shore landings as scheduled
Access to observation decks, conference room, and onboard library
Port taxes
International and domestic flights
Visa and passport expenses
Travel and luggage insurance
Government embarkation/disembarkation taxes
Personal expenses (bar, internet, phone calls, tips)
Services before or after the cruise
To start this journey, travelers will need to fly into Ushuaia Airport (USH), located just outside Ushuaia City. This airport receives domestic flights from Buenos Aires (Aeroparque Jorge Newbery – AEP) and international connections via Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE).
Arrival Flight: Traveler flies from origin city to Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) or Aeroparque (AEP), then connects with a domestic flight to Ushuaia (USH).
Departure Flight: At the end of the itinerary, travelers will take a domestic flight from Ushuaia (USH) back to Buenos Aires (EZE/AEP) for onward international connections.
Plan your perfect Argentina adventure with personalized guidance
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Contact a destination specialist, who will take the time to fully understand your preferences and ideas and turn them into the perfect itinerary for you according to your budget. The itinerary can be modified as many times as you want until you are completely happy with the result.
Make your Antarctica adventure even more special by combining it with destinations in Southern Patagonia before or after your cruise.
Add a few nights in El Calafate to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Explore El Chaltén and enjoy world-class trekking to Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
Stay in Torres del Paine National Park (Chile) to experience its breathtaking granite peaks and Patagonian wildlife.
Spend time at a traditional Patagonian estancia, learning about gaucho culture and savoring an authentic lamb barbecue.
All Southwind itineraries are 100% customizable — we adapt travel dates, activities, and accommodations to your preferences.
