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Join a voyage to cross the Antarctic Circle, navigating some of the white continent’s most scenic waterways, and have the chance to dive/snorkel with fur seals, leopard seals and penguins.

The route takes you further down the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula than a Classic Antarctica trip, and you’ll feel an added sense of excitement as you push south towards the Circle. Navigate some of the white continent’s most scenic waterways through awe-inspiring terrain, littered with giant icebergs.

Highlights include the wildlife on Deception Island, the magical scenery and the unique flora and fauna of the Antarctic Peninsula.

One or two trips each year are designated as polar diving trips and welcome appropriately trained divers for a supplement. 

There are other trips available throughout the season. Contact us for further details.

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Embark in Ushuaia

    Set sail in the early evening, leaving Ushuaia behind and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.

  2. Days 2-3 : At sea towards to Antarctic Circle

    Over the next two days you’ll make your way to the white continent by crossing the Drake Passage.

    The crossing will take you to the Antarctic Convergence where there is a distinct drop in temperature as the vessel enters the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Along the way, you will start to witness icebergs and an array of seabirds, and possibly several whale species some of which are known on occasion to fully breach from the sea.

  3. Days 4-9 : Sail south towards the Antarctic Circle

    Sailing south, you route takes you towards the fabled Antarctic Circle. The temperature will drop noticeably as you cross the Antarctic Circle and enter the rarely visited waters beyond. You will navigate the waterways and channels, looking for different penguin species and other wildlife. The steep glacial walls of narrow Lemaire Channel tower above the vessel on both sides, leading to a jigsaw of jewel-like islands that are home to penguin rookeries, whales and elephant seals – a paradise for photographers! As you cross the Polar Circle at 66˚ 33’ south and enter the rarely visited waters beyond, the temperature drops. South of the circle, you’ll attempt a landing, and may have the chance to visit a research station. This is an exploratory journey taking in wildlife, scenery and history of the region.

    As well as the guided shore excursions, you may have the possibility to snorkel or dive with fur seals, leopard seals and penguins.

  4. Days 10-11 : At sea. Sail back across the infamous Drake Passage

  5. Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia

    Arrive back early morning and either extend your stay or fly back to the UK.

Please note: Guide price excludes flights and arrangements either side of the sailing, this can be arranged for you on request, please contact us for more information. This trip is for experienced dry suit divers only, you must have at least 30 logged dives in a dry suit and have all of your own equipment.

Key info

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 12-15 days from £8,445 pp
  • Group Departures:
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    2. , Ship: Ortelius Enquire
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    4. , Ship: Ortelius Enquire
    5. , Ship: Plancius Enquire
    6. , Ship: Hondius Enquire
  • Included in the price/package:
    • Boat only (twin porthole cabin)
    • Full board meal plan
    • Shore excursions & activities
    • Talks by naturalists
    • Up to 2 polar dives per day
    • Tanks & weights
Featured locations:

Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula is the most accessible part of the great white continent with some of its best wildlife and scenery. Sculpted icebergs, imposing glaciers and rugged mountains provide the back drop to more whales and dolphins than anywhere else on earth. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: humpback whale, common minke whale, orca, elephant seal, hourglass dolphin
  • Excellent for: Liveaboard diving, Diving & adventure, Whales

Lemaire Channel

Filled with icebergs and hemmed in by steep glacial cliffs, this 11 kilometre passage is incredibly scenic and its protected waters are almost as still as a lake, resulting in wonderful reflections of the surrounding Antarctic landscape. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: Adélie penguin, hourglass dolphin, orca, macaroni penguin, humpback whale
  • Excellent for: Liveaboard diving
This itinerary is available on the liveaboards shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

Ortelius

This ice-strengthened vessel is an excellent choice for expeditions in the polar regions, providing possibilities to travel to remote locations. Dive sites include shallow ice diving and wall diving from a beach or Zodiac. Find Out More about Ortelius

Plancius

This comfortable ice-strengthened vessel is ideal for exploring remote destinations in the Arctic or Antarctica. Some itineraries include polar diving, as well as regular activities. All trips offer an adventure of a lifetime! Find Out More about Plancius