Adventure to Extreme Southern Latitudes
Crossing the Antarctic Circle
Booking Discount
- Sea Spirit: 10% off Triple, Main Deck, Classic Suites and Single cabins or 15% off Superior, Deluxe, Premium and Owner's suites on Jan 25-Feb 8, 2026 departure.
- Seaventure: 10% off all cabins on 2025 departure. 20% off all cabins on 2026 departure.
- Sylvia Earle: 10% off all cabins on Dec 21, 2024 departure; 20% off Feb 21, 2026 departure
- Greg Mortimer: 15% off and $2,000 air credit on Feb 23, 2025 departure; 15% off Dec 16, 2025 departure.
Overview
Antarctica is like no other place on the planet, and to experience its ethereal splendor is a rare privilege to savor for a lifetime. This unique expedition cruise first explores the Antarctic Peninsula then ventures south—far south!—to the legendary Antarctic Circle at 66° 33' S. Few people have visited this extreme latitude, one of the five major parallels of the earth, with its eerie and spectacular light lasting nearly 24 hours in the austral summer. The Antarctic Circle marks the northern limit of the area within which, for one day or more each year, the sun does not set or rise! When you reach this imaginary boundary at the bottom of the world, you'll toast the achievement with a glass of champagne on deck. As you explore the wonder of Antarctica aboard the expedition vessel Island Sky, you'll also enjoy Zodiac adventures among fantastic icebergs and walks ashore to observe seals, sea lions, colonies of penguins, and seabirds—all against a backdrop of some of the most incredible scenery on earth. Throughout the voyage, expert naturalists share their in-depth knowledge of this amazing continent.
Arrive: Ushuaia, Argentina
Depart: Ushuaia, Argentina
Highlights
- Venture to extreme southern latitudes as you cross the Antarctic Circle and witness one of the planet's last frontiers
- Spend five full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and become one of the privileged few who have set foot on the Great White Continent
- Cruise through the Lemaire Channel, a supremely scenic strait where orca and humpback whales are frequently found
- Board Zodiacs to search for humpback, minke, and orca whales; as well as leopard, Weddell, and crabeater seals
- Photograph a variety of subjects, from mighty glaciers descending from lofty peaks and electric-blue icebergs to an array of unique wildlife
Itinerary
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
Arrive in Ushuaia and transfer to your group hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore some of the sights that Ushuaia has to offer, from museums to Argentinean leather markets, or simply relax at the lovely Arakur. An optional evening briefing is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and to meet some of your fellow travelers.
After a complimentary breakfast at the hotel you're free to explore Ushuaia or unwind at the resort until a mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. On board, you'll be greeted by your Expedition Team and the Ship's Officers. A concise safety and orientation briefing will be followed by the Captain's welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the scenery on our early evening sail through the Beagle Channel, past Magellanic penguin, rock cormorant, and sea lion colonies.
As the ship makes its way ever closer to the white continent, numerous Polar Experts will prepare you with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, you'll cross the Antarctic Convergence where you'll notice a distinct drop in temperature as you enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Those interested in Citizen Science can take part in sea bird sighting surveys, or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the way. You're likely to witness some spectacular sights, from icebergs to an array of seabirds and whale species. If you're lucky, you may see some of them fully breach from the sea. Weather and time permitting, the Expedition Team may attempt your first landingin Antarctica by late afternoon.
In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, as much time as possible will be taken to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature's glory. The Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. They will aim for the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies, and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest. Your first sight of land will likely be that of the South Shetland Islands. These highly volcanic islands offer amazing abundance and beauty. You may visit Half Moon Island, nestled inside Livingston's eastern shore, or conditions permitting, visit historic Deception Island. Being further north, sub-Antarctic species are more commonly found here, including chinstrap penguins and southern elephant seals.
As you head south across the Bransfield Strait, you sail toward the Antarctic Circle. From the most southerly point (south of the Antarctic Circle), the ship will make its way back north, cruising through the narrow waterways and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula. Spectacular waterways such as Crystal Sound, or the living museums of Detaille or Horseshoe Island, are some of the less visited places of the Antarctic Peninsula. These waters are significantly farther south, making sea ice more common. The ice ultimately directs what adventures you will have in these lesser traveled waterways.
Heading north, the ship enters Gerlache Strait and Trinity Coast. Here you may explore picturesque Neko Harbour, sheltered Paradise Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay, favored by humpback whales, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. A stop may be made at an active scientific base such as Poland's Arctowksi or Ukraine's Vernadskiy as well as a historic base such as U.K.'s Port Lockroy or Wordie House. Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins abound, and Weddell and crabeater seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory leopard seals and the assertive Antarctic fur seal. Minke and humpback whales are frequent visitors in the late season and orca sightings are also common.
As you leave this magical place and make your way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage, presentation series and wildlife spotting will continue. Sailing back to Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, you'll celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow.
Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is rated Level 1+, Easy. You will be travelling to a very remote destination. You must be able to complete on board safety drills and emergency evacuation procedures without the assistance of others.
Rolling seas and windy conditions require you to be stable on your feet, especially when walking on slippery decks or up and down steep gangways. Shore excursions often require hiking over uneven terrain without the benefit of a developed trail. Some agility is required for getting in and out of the Zodiac landing crafts. While several Zodiac landings are dry, many will require that you step in the water to get ashore. Zodiac and shore excursions are weather permitting.
The Antarctic summer begins in November and ends in March -- no tourist ships visit in the winter. December through February are the best times to visit as they bring long daylight hours and milder temperatures. You'll experience a variety of weather conditions including rain, snow, sleet, and sunny skies no matter when you visit. Temperatures can change quickly and range from the high 30s to below freezing, sometimes with a significant wind chill.
All meals will be taken on board. All ships we offer have the capacity to seat everyone at a single, open seating in the main dining room. In some cases outdoor buffet breakfast and lunch options are also available. Please let us know of any special dietary needs; the ship will accommodate as best as possible.
Having the right clothing and gear is vital to the enjoyment of your trip to Antarctica, layered breathable clothing is best with a fully waterproof jacket and waterproof over-pants (required). Note that ponchos are NOT recommended as wind makes them less useful. A polar jacket is included on most voyages; waterproof boots are available to borrow on all cruises.
Visit wildernesstravel.newheadings.com to begin shopping. Be sure to check out our Get Ready Packages, which features 3 Polar Packages that provide excellent value for the gear necessary to keep you warm and dry. Polar gear is available to rent or buy and it may be possible that rental gear can be delivered to your hotel in South America prior to your cruise.
Antarctica is an extremely remote and isolated region of the world. In the case of serious illness or injury, medical attention and swift evacuation are not always available. Once you sail from Ushuaia, you are far away from towns and medical facilities. In the case of serious illness or injury, the cruise ship will make every effort to reach medical facilities as soon as possible, but be aware that it may take several days to get you to a hospital. If you have health or medical issues of concern, please discuss them with your physician before considering this trip.
Due to the remoteness, emergency evacuation insurance is required for all voyages to Antarctica.
Client Testimonials
"This was an excellent, well-run trip that met the high standards that I have come to expect from Wilderness Travel after many trips over the years. It fully met my expectations."
Jack S.
Evergreen, CO
"I have only sailed on a cruise to Alaska on Princess and a small boat cruise on the Columbia River—both one-week trips that left me unprepared for such quality in a cruise. I joked that I lost weight on my past cruises, but there was no way this was going to happen on the Sea Spirit! The entire staff was unbelievable, and the cabins on the Sea Spirit were bigger than many hotel rooms I have stayed in. By the second day, the dining and front desk staff addressed you by name (even without your wearing an ID badge). The hotel staff actually liked their job and were great at interacting with the guests. The small size of the ship (80 guests and expedition leaders) made for an enjoyable use of all the facilities. I cannot think of one negative experience on the trip!"
Larry M.
Spokane, WA
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.