Polar Circle Quest - 12 days
12 Days Starting in Ushuaia and ending in End of your Antarctic expedition
Visiting: Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1825/PCQ
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
This trip is suitable for all ages over 10 years; however the GH will accept younger on a case by case basis. . No maximum age providing Medical Form is completed.
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Setting sail from Ushuaia, embark on an expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula and Polar Circle. Pass through the Beagle Channel and cross the Drake Passage before arriving in the South Shetland Islands. Here, enjoy two daily shore excursions before venturing further south across the Polar Circle to visit Detaille Island – a goal and highlight for many explorers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Ushuaia
Location: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Dinner
Today marks the start of your expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula. In the afternoon you’ll embark the Ushuaia, the polar vessel which will be taking you on your journey south. Once on board you’ll have the opportunity to meet the expedition and lecture staff before settling into your cabin. Make your way up to the open-air deck in time for departure, so you can enjoy the views as you sail along the famous Beagle Channel and picturesque Mackinlay Pass.
Day 2 : South Shetland Islands
Location: South Shetland Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Over the next two days we cruise over a challenging channel of water that was previously navigated by renowned explorer Sir Francis Drake in 1578 and now bears his name. While Drake Passage may be mainly known for its often tumultuous waters, it also marks the Antarctic Convergence, where the cold polar waters of the south sink beneath the warmer waters of the north. This natural occurrence causes a great upwelling of nutrients from the sea floor, resulting in an incredible diversity of sea creatures, from algae to krill.
From the four open-air decks you can try and spot the sea birds that follow in the vessel’s wake, with the help of the expedition lecturers who will be at hand to aid you identify the different species. The Ushuaia benefits from an open bridge policy which means you can also join the officers on the bridge to learn about navigation. The bridge is also a much better vantage point for trying to spot whales! For those that want to learn more about what is in store when you reach Antarctica there will be a host of lectures and programs on offer.
As we draw closer to the South Shetland Islands you’ll begin to see icebergs and snow-capped mountains appearing on the horizon. First discovered by Captain William Smith in 1819, this group of twenty islands will be the first stopping point on your journey. Should the journey through the Drake Passage be smooth, on day 3 you’ll have your first shore excursion with the opportunity to see penguins and seals up close.
Day 4 : The Polar Circle
Location: South Shetland Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A stunning archipelago home to an incredible abundance of wildlife, the South Shetland Islands is a crucial stop on every expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula. Spanning 540 kilometres from northeast to southwest, this polar archipelago is made up of four distinct groupings of islands with some 150 additional islets, skerries and rock outcrops.
Perhaps the best known of the South Shetland Islands is Deception Island with its flooded caldera of an active volcano. The largest is King George Island which is home to several scientific bases dedicated to studying the island’s population of Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns and Southern Giant Petrels. Another island worth visiting is Livingston Island, where you can spot more species of penguin as well as elephant seals.
The following days will be spent navigating the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the narrow passages of the spectacular Lemaire Channel. Each day you’ll have the opportunity to partake in two shore landings, which may include the aptly named Paradise Bay, the continent proper, the Melchior Island group, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour and, if ice conditions permit, Petermann Island – home to the southernmost colony of Gentoo Penguins. There will also be a visit to Port Lockroy, the British Antarctic Museum or the Post office at Goudier Island.
Continuing further south the Ushuaia will endeavour to cross the Polar Circle. En route you may have the chance to visit the Vernadsky Research Base where Ukraine carries out research on meteorology, the ozone and biology amongst other subjects; the former British base of Faradey where the ozone hole was first spotted and the rugged archipelago of Yalour Islands. Should the Ushuaia be able to cross the Polar Circle, there will also be a stop on Detaille Island – a common goal for explorers.
Day 10 : The Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departing the Antarctic Peninsula, the Ushuaia begins its journey northbound back across the Drake Passage. Be sure to take advantage of this final opportunity to spot seabirds and whales from the open-air deck, and join in on some final lectures.
Day 12 : End Of Your Antarctic Expedition
Location: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vessel arrives into the port of Ushuaia early in the morning. After breakfast and bidding farewell to your expedition lecturers and naturalists, your Antarctic adventure comes to an end. The ship arrives at 7 am and disembarkation is normally at 8.00/ 8.30 am. We strongly recommend not to book flights departing before noon time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
The Ushuaia Polar Vessel
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11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 11 dinners
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11 nights onboard the Ushuaia in a standard twin cabin (upgrades available on request)
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Two shore excursions per day to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands by zodiac (ice conditions permitting)
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Program of lectures by expert naturalists
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Experienced expedition staff
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All service taxes and port charges
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11 nights onboard the Ushuaia in a Standard Twin semi-private cabin. Semi-private facilities: two cabins share one bathroom accessible from both cabins (shower and wc). Each cabin is also equipped with its own washbasin. Private cabin upgrades available o
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11 nights onboard the Ushuaia in a Standard twin cabin with semi-private facilities - two cabins share one bathroom accessible from both cabins (shower and wc). Each cabin is also equipped with its own washbasin. Cabin upgrades with private facilities are
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
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Government arrival and departure taxes
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Drinks on board the Ushuaia
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Tips for the expedition staff and naturalists
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Pre and post tour accommodation, plus any airport or port transfers
Age Policy
This trip is suitable for all ages over 10 years; however the GH will accept younger on a case by case basis. . No maximum age providing Medical Form is completed.Â
Check out our Q&As
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
The Ushuaia Polar Vessel
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this Operator
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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