Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia - 23 Days

Aboard Ultramarine – 199 passengers

The Epic Antarctica voyage is named for a reason: it includes every major Antarctic highlight. From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will experience countless unforgettable moments on this adventure-packed, 23-day voyage. 

Start with the Falklands, reminiscent of both sandy Cape Cod and the English moors, home to albatross, dolphins, and five species of penguins. From there, venture to South Georgia, where you’ll encounter the home of 450,000 breeding pairs of king penguins, 50 million seabirds and 5 million seals. Then, explore the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, and, finally, cross the Antarctic Circle—the ultimate milestone for any world traveler.Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries—now it’s your turn. 

The technologically–advanced Ultramarine was designed to extend the boundaries of polar exploration and offer an unmatched Antarctic experience, including  flightseeing experiences you’ll never forget and the largest portfolio of off–ship adventure options in the industry.

Tour Dates

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arriving in this cosmopolitan city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in the remote Antarctic wilderness!

Day 3: At Sea
Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.

Days 4 and 5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Upon your arrival in the Falklands (Malvinas), your camera will get its first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of this sub- Antarctic region. The archipelago contains two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, which you will explore during daily Zodiac excursions and landings. Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, is a favorite landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel, complete with eclectic charm. You’ll be free to explore, grab a pint at the local pub, or visit the numerous churches and museums.

The archipelago is rich in wildlife, especially birds, and home to Magellanic, gentoo and southern rockhopper penguins. If you’re lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! Chances are good that you’ll see black– browed albatross, plus two endemic bird species—the flightless Falkland steamer duck, and possibly, the elusive Cobb’s wren. Your team of polar experts will enrich your understanding of the local flora and fauna, helping you make the most of your time in the Falklands.

Days 6 and 7: At Sea
Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you’ll officially enter Antarctic waters once you cross the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible biological boundary encircling the continent. This meeting of oceans, where the cold Antarctic waters mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans, helps nourish the abundance of krill that attracts whales, seals, and birdlife to this part of the world. Your Expedition Team will notify you when you cross this invisible yet important line, and will also help you look out for the seabirds and marine life that frequent this nutrient-rich area.

Days 8 to 11: South Georgia
This remote, mountainous island was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a centre for whale– and seal–hunting. Today, island wildlife populations are rebounding, but you’ll still see remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts. Among the most significant and moving sites on South Georgia is the burial spot of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, plus a museum, gift shop, church and small research station. 

Although South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the island, it is the tremendous abundance of wildlife that surely captivate you and your shipmates. Each landing you make on South Georgia, often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, will give you opportunities to witness huge populations of wildlife. One day you may see rookeries with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins waddling on shore, and the next, you may visit another beach dominated by hundreds of fur or elephant seals. The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island. Your Expedition Leaders will help you understand and appreciate the delicate balance among these fragile and interwoven relationships.

Days 12 and 13: At Sea
Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations, workshops, and social activities led by your Expedition Team.

Days 14 to 16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The experience is hard to put into words, but the most common reaction upon reaching the Antarctic Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes: one moment you’ll be immersed in complete silence and solitude; the next, you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.

Zodiac cruising, visits to historical sites and, of course, communing with seals and penguins will highlight your days. Perhaps you’ll catch sight of the fearless penguin eater, the leopard seal, or maybe you’ll come eye to eye with an Antarctic minke whale while you cruise in a Zodiac. Each day, and each excursion, will present a new collection of creatures to captivate you and keep your camera busy. If you find yourself wanting more, treat yourself to an optional kayaking adventure (reserve in advance when booking your trip), or cast reason aside and join in the Polar Plunge— it’s something you’ll never forget!

Days 17 and 18: Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and impressive achievement, as few travelers travel so far south. If conditions allow us to cross this famed latitude of 66°33 ́ South, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice—the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

Days 19 and 20: Northbound Along the Peninsula
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to the Drake Passage. You will continue to make excursions by Zodiac as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.

Days 21 and 22: Crossing the Drake Passage
After more than three weeks of rare wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins. The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and reflect on your remarkable Antarctic adventure.

Day 23: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a little taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

EXPEDITION SPIRIT: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team  must  consider  the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please  be  aware  that  no  specific  itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same  token,  wildlife  encounters  as  described  are  expected,  but  not  guaranteed.  Your  Expedition  Team  will  use  their  considerable  experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.

Route Map

Trips and Rates

Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Explorer Triple
$40,595
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$32,780
Full
Explorer Suite
$47,695
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$38,514
 
Balcony Suite
$52,495
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$42,390
 
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$61,995
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$50,061
Limited
Terrace Suite
$64,395
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$51,999
Full
Penthouse Suite
$69,195
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$55,875
Full
Owner's Suite
$85,895
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$69,360
Full
Ultra Suite
$95,395
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$77,031
Full
Solo Panorama
$66,795
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$53,937
Limited
Transfer Package
$1,195
 
Explorer Triple
$38,495
Save 25%
$28,871
Full
Explorer Suite
$44,795
Save 25%
$33,596
 
Balcony Suite
$49,295
Save 25%
$36,971
Limited
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$61,895
Save 25%
$46,421
Full
Terrace Suite
$64,595
Save 25%
$48,446
Full
Penthouse Suite
$68,895
Save 25%
$51,671
Full
Owner's Suite
$81,495
Save 25%
$61,121
Full
Ultra Suite
$90,795
Save 25%
$68,096
Full
Solo Panorama
$63,595
Save 25%
$47,696
Full
Transfer Package
$995
 

Transfer Package is an additional cost and not included in the cabin pricing. See the neon green box in the pricing grid for the cost of transfer package, which varies based on departure.

A 5% Goods & Services Tax (GST) will be added to both the cabin & transfer package cost on all “Canada’s Remote Arctic” and “Arctic Express Canada” departures and is not included in the above prices.

Single Travelers:

  • Can book a dedicated Solo Panorama at the pricing listed above
  • Can book into a share cabin in the following categories: Explorer Triple, Explorer Suite & Balcony Suite
  • Can book a twin cabin at solo occupancy at 1.7x the per person share price in Explorer Suite & Balcony Suite and 2x the per person price for all other categories

Adventure Options:

  • Kayaking (full program, multiple paddles): $1,795/person – requires experience
  • Paddling (one-time): $295/person
  • Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience: $125/person
  • Greenland Camp Experience: $1,395/person
  • Mountain Biking: $195/person
  • Exclusive Heli-Landing: $995/person

Mandatory Transfer Package is $995/person and not included in the cabin cost. Transfer package includes a hotel night in Buenos Aires on Day 1 and roundtrip flights between Buenos Aires & Ushuaia. See additional notes in the Inclusions section on itinerary page.

Single Travelers:

  • Can book a dedicated Solo Panorama at the pricing listed above
  • Can book into a share cabin in the following categories: Explorer Triple, Explorer Suite & Balcony Suite
  • Can book a twin cabin at solo occupancy at 1.7x the per person share price in Explorer Suite & Balcony Suite and 2x the per person price for all other categories

Adventure Options:

  • Kayaking (full program, multiple paddles): $1,995/person – requires experience
  • Paddling (one-time): $395/person
  • Exclusive Heli-Landing: $995/person
  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding: $295/person

Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime. Please contact us for the real time availability & prices.

Cabin Descriptions

Ultra Suite

Located on Deck 6, with approximately 563 sq. ft. (52.3m2) of interior living space, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want to travel without compromise. The largest and most luxurious suite features the most sleeping, entertainment and storage space onboard the ship. Features one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room. Amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle, upgraded bedding, in suite coffee, binoculars on loan.

Owners Suite

Owner's Suite

Located on Deck 6, with approximately 446 sq. ft. (41.4 m2) of indoor living space and a 46.3 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want it all. A large, luxurious suite featuring a private bedroom, full bathroom, powder room, and two separate living spaces. This suite is perfect for families or couples who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship. Features one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room. Amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle, upgraded bedding, in suite coffee, binoculars on loan.

Penthouse Suite

Penthouse Suite

The only suite category to be located on Deck 7, with approximately 369 sq. ft. (34.3 m2) of indoor space, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting to wake up to unobstructed polar views from the warmth and comfort of their bed onboard the ship. These suites offer the best of everything—views, spacious interiors, full bathrooms and generous balcony sizes—as well as easy access to the wellness centre. Features one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors. Amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle, upgraded bedding and in suite coffee. 

Terrace Suite

Terrace Suite

Located on Deck 6, with approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 m2) of indoor living space, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting generous interiors with a wide layout and the largest balconies on the ship. Centrally located on Deck 6, guests will enjoy minimal movement and motion from the comfort of these suites. Features one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private extra-wide balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors. Amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle, upgraded bedding and in suite coffee. 

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Located on Decks 4 & 6, with approximately 299 sq. ft. (27.8 m2) of indoor space and a 70 sq. ft. (6.5 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting a larger living space, full bathroom, and a substantial balcony. Deluxe Balcony Suites are the first suite type to offer additional privacy in the bathroom with an enclosed toilet, a full bath and shower to make it easier for guests to get ready together in the morning. Featuring one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors. Amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle.

Balcony Suite

Balcony Suite

Located on Decks 4 & 6 with approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) of indoor space and a 52 sq. ft. (4.8 sq. m) balcony. The Balcony Suite is the entry level balcony cabin. Featuring one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle. Some suites in this category offer interconnecting rooms. The balconies in suites 421, 422, 423, and 424 are partially enclosed.

Explorer Suite

Explorer Suite

Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). Large entry-level double occupancy suites maximizing interior living space while still offering guests the opportunity to stay connected to the outdoors. Featuring one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Cabin amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle.  Suites 319 and 322 offer modified layouts and bathrooms for wheelchair accessibility.

Explorer Triple

Explorer Triple

Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). This cabin is for solo passengers looking to share a cabin with other passengers of the same gender or 3 people traveling together. Featuring three separate single beds (two of which can be combined into a double bed), sitting area, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Cabin amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle.

Solo Panorama cabin

Solo Panorama

Located on Deck 6, and approximately 132 sq. ft. (12.3 m2). This suite is perfect for solo guests who appreciate privacy and want to wake up to sweeping views from the comfort of their bed. These are the only solo suites with floor-to-ceiling windows available onboard any ship in its class. Features a single bed, floor-to-ceiling window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Cabin amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle.

Deck Plan

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions: 

  • Leadership throughout your voyage by experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
  • An official expedition parka to keep
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals
  • Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • A photographic journal documenting your expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • One 10-to15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)

* Mandatory Transfer Package ($995/person) Includes: 

  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
  • Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia, and returning to Buenos Aires’ international airport (Ezeiza/EZE)
  • Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires
  • Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, and return (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of the journey is not included. Please make your way to the included hotel.)
  • Combined airport transfer and express bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after disembarkation in Ushuaia

Exclusions: 

  • International airfare
  • Passport and applicable visa expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
  • Meals unless otherwise specified
  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
  • Excess-baggage fees on international flights and domestic flights
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
  • Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
  • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
  • Additional overnight accommodation
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities