Antarctic Cruise - Across the Circle (Diving Option)

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Board your ship, Polar Pioneer, in the afternoon, then sail down the Beagle Channel in the evening.

Day 2: At Sea

You will travel overnight into the Drake Passage, the famous passage named for Sir Francis Drake, the 16th-century English navigator. During the day, there is time for lectures and "ocean gazing" from the bridge or the outer decks.

Day 3: At Sea, Antarctic Convergence

Today you cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of Antarctica, and see your first icebergs. In the evening, you approach the South Shetland Islands and, time permitting, make your first landing.

Days 4-9: Antarctic Peninsula to Antarctic Circle

Make your way down Gerlache Straight and around ice-clad islands of the Antarctic Peninsula's mountainous west coast. There are plenty of whales as you stop to dive or visit penguin rookeries. Beyond Lemaire Channel, if weather and ice cooperate, you enter the magical Crystal Sound, toast the circle crossing, then navigate the Gullet into Marguerite Bay. You may land on historical Stonington, Detaille or Pourquoi Pas islands.

Day 10: North to the Drake Passage

From Anvers and Brabant islands, you head north into the Drake Passage.

Day 11: At Sea

Today marks your last day of lectures and a final opportunity to enjoy the seabirds of the Southern Ocean. Weather permitting, you may cruise past Cape Horn before a enjoying a fitting finale--a farewell dinner to reflect upon your adventures.

Day 12: Ushuaia, Argentina

You travel up the Beagle Channel to disembark in Ushuaia; then transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure in the "town at the end of the world". You may choose to visit the nearby Lapataia National Park or walk in the nearby mountains.