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Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Aboard a very capable and spacious 134-passenger vessel, spend 7 days exploring the Peninsula with the planned highlight being reaching the Polar Circle. This 14-day trip benefits from spacious cabins and outer decks, and the option to camp out or kayak.

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Quest for the Antarctic Circle

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Trip type

Cross Polar Circle

Trip length

14 Days

From

$10,199 -$21,799

Ship Comfort

Comfort & Adventure

Quest for the Antarctic Circle - 14 Days - $10,199

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

  • 7 full days in Antarctica = 14 planned ‘off ship’ excursions
  • Choice of departures from December to March
  • Antarctic operational experience since 2009
  • Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:10
  • We like the spaciousness of this ship
  • Camping & kayaking (additional cost)
  • Complimentary parka jacket + Ushuaia hotel stay

Start from Ushuaia and end at Ushuaia

Landmarks potentially visited on Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.


Day 2: Ushuaia

Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town or the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel. (Breakfast and dinner included)


Day 3-4: At sea towards Antarctica

The adventure begins with a 800km (497 mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of 16th-century English sea captain and privateer Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Enjoy daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for sightings of icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the Expedition's wake.


Day 5-6: Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands 

Encounter some of the region's unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) and encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap,and Adelie penguin rookeries; Weddell, Crabeater, and Leopard seals;and Orca, Humpback,and Minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters.


Day 7-8: Polar Circle Crossing 

With a close eye on weather conditions, set off southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins, push on with the goal in mind - crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle. Few travellers have ventured this far south, but with our fully equipped ice-strengthened vessel and favourable sea conditions, the Expedition can access many remote locations other ships just can't reach.


Day 9-11 Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands 

Turn north for the first time to continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.


Day 12-13: At sea towards Ushuaia

Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.


Day 14: Ushuaia

Our adventure comes to a close. Have a final breakfast on the expedition ship before saying our goodbyes as we disembark in Ushuaia in the morning. You are free to fly out of Ushuaia anytime from noon onwards.


NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.

Why our customers love Swoop

Expert impartial advice at no extra cost

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Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.

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Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.

The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist

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We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.

A full concierge service, unlike booking direct

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We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.

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What our customers think of Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Quest for the Antarctic Circle trips scored 4.6/5 from 8 reviews

The first landing

Travelled: March 2024

Finola -

I don't know if I can pick a single moment. The entire trip was wonderful and the staff was great and very knowledgeable in their respective fields. We were able to get farther south of the circle than was anticipated from the beginning and we were able to accomplish all that was expected. There were of course changes in the schedule as Antarctic weather is always changing, but no real negative changes during our trip.

Travelled: January 2023

John -

The trip was overall a matter of extremes—some things were outstanding and some things really fell short of expectations. Contracting Covid on the ship after avoiding it for over 2.5 years and having 5 vaccinations was a real surprise.

Travelled: January 2023

Marc -

The highlight was navigating, and often cutting, through ice to get through the Gullet. The landscapes all along were majestic - desolate but beautiful. The wildlife was so easy to spot. Have never been on a wildlife trip where one sees almost everything one expects to see.

Travelled: February 2021

Anjana kaul -

The only land with no country ,no human being living there, only wild life and breathtaking landscape. No pollution , and when not windy the fantastic sound of silence. But how long will it last untouched ? So it is been a privilege to be there while still pure .

Travelled: February 2021

Raymond & Claire Floreancig -

The sunlight on the snow covered mountains reflected in the still sea was incredibly beautiful. We met a lot of interesting people and the talks were very good

Travelled: February 2021

Sally & Frank -

Great. If you are going late in February or March I would highly recommend a circle crossing. The feel and look of Antarctica certainly changes down there.

Travelled: February 2021

Keith & Sandra -

very professional arrangement and passionate crew onboard.

Travelled: February 2021

Sandy & Xu Gu -

Review:

I really like this ship's style. A proper expedition vessel with all the kit and caboodle that goes with that.

Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices quoted below are per person based on two people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details. 

2024

2025

2026

Single Supplement And Child Policy

For those travelling solo who would like their own cabin, the single supplement is 1.7 times the cost of a single berth. Please contact us for details. There is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin. 

Children aged 10 years old or over are permitted on this trip. There isn't any concession on pricing. Please contact us for details.

Optional Adventure Activities

Enhance your trip with the following add ons. Limited places per activity.
Get in contact to check availability.

Activity Cost Additional Information
Add on icon Camping Camping $379 Equipment provided.
Add on icon Kayaking Kayaking $1,299 Kayaking competency required. Select departures only.

Includes

  • Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
  • One night's hotel stay with breakfast
  • Complimentary parka jacket
  • Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • Accommodation and meals during the voyage on full board
  • All shore excursions and zodiac activities
  • Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
  • Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
  • Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • Port taxes and any entry fees to landing sites

Excludes

  • Any international and domestic flights not specified
  • Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
  • Transfers not specified in the itinerary
  • Optional adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
  • Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature - laundry, beverages, etc
  • Voluntary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
  • Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)

Questions about this Voyage?