5 reasons for crossing the Antarctic Circle
- Join the elite club of travellers who have reached the intangible 66 degree line of latitude
- These longer Polar Circle trips afford more time to actually explore Antarctica
- Pushing further south than most other voyages go, explore this less visited part of the Peninsula
- Experience 24 hours of daylight in high summer once inside the Antarctic Circle
- With luck, reach magnificent Crystal Sound then steam on to Marguerite Bay
Viewpoints from the deck
Birdlife flying above a whale
Transiting the Errera Channel
Icebergs jut out of the Antarctic sea
The flukes of a diving Humpback whale
Sculpted icebergs off Baily Head, South Shetlands
Meeting of the mammals
The Vavilov beneath the mountains
Our most popular Antarctic Circle Cruises
About Antarctic Circle cruises
What is the Antarctic Circle?
The Antarctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth (the innermost of the two circles around the outside of the continent). Voyages that cross it have been designed not only for you to explore the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, but also to reach that all-important goal of crossing the circle at 66 degrees south.
Very few travellers make it this far south, thus in doing so, you'll become part of an elite group of people who have not only walked on the great white continent itself, but also ventured to some of the most secluded spots in the Antarctic.
Are you guaranteed to cross the Antarctic Circle?
While all efforts by the captain and expeditionary leader will be made to cross into the Antarctic Circle, and typically they are successful, it will always depend on the weather and local ice conditions.
This uncertainty is always present on any Antarctic voyage and underlines the challenges and unknowns of travelling in such a remote and logistically challenging region. On successfully reaching 66 degrees south, however, you can be guaranteed that the occasion will be suitably marked.
How much longer is an Antarctic Circle cruise?
Ice and mountains, Antarctic Peninsula
As well as the kudos attached to bisecting the Antarctic Circle, these voyages also carry the distinct benefit of actually spending more time in Antarctica than any other Antarctic voyage.
On a classic Antarctic Peninsula cruise, you typically spend four days actually in Antarctica, excluding the time involved in getting to Antarctica and back. On an Antarctic Circle cruise, this increases to 6-7 days in Antarctica, the main reason being that you need extra time for the longer journey south to the Circle. So for anyone looking to maximise their time in Antarctica, this is the cruise for you.
Will I see more wildlife?
The short answer is, no. Wildlife, in fact, starts to thin out the further south you travel towards the Antarctic Circle, with wildlife found in greater numbers further north in the area you will travel through. What you will notice however are increasingly stark landscapes, heavier ice and fewer ships.
If seeing as much wildlife as possible is important to you, we would strongly recommend you also consider incorporating South Georgia and the Falkland Islands into your Antarctic cruise.
How much does an Antarctic Circle cruise cost?
In comparison to a shorter Antarctic Peninsula trip, these Antarctic Circle departures are more expensive reflecting the extra days in Antarctica, greater distances travelled and that there are fewer of them.
Antarctic Circle voyages start from $7,600 per person for 6 days in Antarctica but will depend on the boat and cabin you choose. However, given the not insignificant time, effort and money that you will be investing to get to Antarctica, this relatively modest additional cost for 50% more time is well worth considering.
When should I book?
With far fewer Antarctic Circle departures each year than the shorter classic Antarctic Peninsula voyages, it really is a case of 'the sooner the better'. To be confident of securing your first choice that means booking 12-18 months in advance of your planned trip.
What our customers think of Antarctic Circle Cruises
Antarctic Circle Cruises trips scored 4.3/5 from 69 reviews
Crossing the circle was an achievement, especially as so few tourist ships make it that far south. Learning about the history of the place while being there also made a great impact, as did the other talks about the wildlife.
Travelled: February 2018
Sue - Australia
The highlight was watching a leopard seal peeping up to check the icebergs, diving back in, swimming under our zodiac and eventually deciding on a flattish iceberg. Rolled on its back to give himself a good scratch, then fell asleep in the sun!
Travelled: January 2018
Lucien & Marie-Eve - South Africa
For me, the highlight was crossing the Antarctic circle. Unbelievable landscapes and wildlife. Loved the whole experience, very impressive. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2018
Tony & Penny Devries - United States Of America
Incredible! Every day was surprising, filled with adventure. I would encourage anyone considering it but who might be nervous to go for it!
Travelled: December 2017
Deidre - New York
Top marks to Swoop Antarctica - we can’t thank you enough for going over and beyond your remit. Advice for future visitors: these guys know their stuff - listen and ask. They have a passion that they just want to share.
Travelled: December 2017
Sam - UK
Review:
Loli says
It's a whole day's sailing to reach the Polar Circle, but the ice down there is thick enough to just drop the ship's gangway and walk straight out on to it.
Loli Figueroa Polar Specialist
Fly & Cruise the Antarctic Circle
Antarctic Circle Voyages
Luxury Polar Circle Cruises
Swoop says
Some people mistakenly think that you'll see more wildlife and extraordinary scenery on a polar circle trip, in fact the opposite is true. South of Port Lockroy, wildlife becomes increasingly sparse and the scenery more austere.
Antarctic Circle Cruises: FAQs
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Where do we cross the Antarctic Circle?
The Antarctic circle is crossed at 66'33 degrees latitude south. Most circle trips will sail the west coast of the peninsula, and reach this point in the vicinity of an area called Crystal Sound - a stunning body of water littered with ice. Tourist ships do not attempt to cross the circle to the east of the peninsular given the extreme amount of ice found there. Ross Sea expeditions will cross the circle in open water.
There is no sign, no neon lights nor a 'bump in the road' when you reach this monumental latitude, only the ship's GPS to prove you've made it to the end of the earth.
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Will we experience the 'midnight sun'?
The term 'midnight sun' is the term given to the phenomenon of twenty-four consecutive hours of sunlight which occurs south of the Antarctic Circle during the summer months. During this time the sun never sets but describes circles in the sky, gradually spiralling higher until it reaches its zenith on the summer solstice (22nd December). Midnight Sun can actually be experienced up to 90 kilometres outside of the Polar Circle, however if you do reach it you will certainly experience this strange phenomenon. Such long days, while being novel, also have the benefit of allowing you to observe your magnificent surroundings and the wildlife at all hours. All cabins are fitted out with black out blinds on the windows.
Find out more about when to go to Antarctica
Weather & Wildlife in Antarctica
Read Swoop's guides to discover how the weather changes through the seasons and what the wildlife is doing throughout the different months.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
Listen
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Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
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We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 150 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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