Quest for the Antarctic Circle

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enquire now 14 Days From NZD $9,729 pp twinshare
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A massive rookery of penguins shuffles across a frozen shore; a pod of whales glides through frigid waters; dramatic landscapes float off in the distance — welcome to Antarctica. Join us on a voyage of discovery to our planet’s last frontier — a mysterious and virtually pristine paradise. Our ice-strengthened expedition ship is ideally suited to cruising this icy wilderness, and her expert staff are on hand to ensure you’ll fully appreciate all the majesty you encounter. Sail the Drake Passage past the South Shetland Islands, then really explore the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Prepare yourself for an adventure like no other — more like a private expedition than a traditional cruise.

Travel Style: Marine

Small-ship adventures on the world’s great seas, rivers, and other places only accessible by boat.

Physical Rating: 2 – Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Age requirement: 10+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Itinerary 

Map of the route for Quest for the Antarctic CircleDay 1 Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world’s most southerly city.

Day 2 Ushuaia/Drake Passage

Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.

Days 3–4 Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands

The adventure begins with an 1000 km (600 mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Enjoy daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the G Expedition’s wake.

Days 5–6 South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula

Encounter some of the region’s unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters.

Days 7–8 Antarctic Peninsula/Antarctic Circle

With a close eye on weather conditions, continue southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins, push on with the goal in mind – crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle. Few travelers have ventured this far south, but with our fully equipped ice-strengthened vessel and favourable sea conditions, the Expedition can access many remote locations other ships just can’t reach.

Days 9–11 Antarctic Circle/Drake Passage

Turn north for the first time to continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

Day 12 Drake Passage

Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.

Day 13 Drake Passage/Ushuaia

Begin your journey to your home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of your Antarctic experience with our lecturers and staff, and keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings.

Day 14 Ushuaia

Disembark the G Expedition after breakfast.

Itinerary Notes

This trip is assigned a Physical Rating of 2. It is accessible to most fitness levels able to do extended walks and light hiking on varied terrain.  Having good mobility is important for your safety and enjoyment.  It is important to note that for shore excursions in Antarctica we use zodiacs with wet beach landings, which require you to exit the zodiac onto wet rocky beaches on uneven terrain with no place to sit. Our expedition team is there to assist and advise you if needed.

What’s Included

  • 12 nts aboard the G Expedition
  • 1 nt hotel in Ushuaia, on a twin share basis
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
  • Lectures and educational programs
  • Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 – 16
  • Expedition parka

Accommodations

Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 12 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.

Meals

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners
Allow USD25-35 for meals not included. Drinks and tips on board not included.

Transportation

G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.

Staff & experts

One expedition team member per 10 guests.

 

 

Images courtesy of G Adventures

Antarctica Antarctic Sound Ice Zodiac Travellers Penguins – Daniel Sendecki 2013

GADV – XVQCSX

 

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