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Traversing the Antarctic Circle

For an unparalleled Polar Circle experience spending 8 full days in Antarctica, choose this trip. Head south when penguin and whale activity is at its peak, accompanied by a highly experienced team. This elegant 139-passenger ship combines true comfort and enhanced stability with a keen sense of adventure.

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Traversing the Antarctic Circle

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Trip type

Cross Polar Circle

Trip length

15 Days

From

$15,555 -$31,475

Ship Comfort

Comfort & Adventure

Traversing the Antarctic Circle - 15 Days - $15,555

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

  • 8 full days in Antarctica, the longest time that any voyage spends down there
  • We love this ship for its high levels of comfort, unparalleled calibre of staff and spirit of adventure
  • Antarctic operational experience since 2012
  • A low expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:7, which ensures a high level of personalisation
  • Only one departure in January when the channels are most ice-free
  • Wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner
  • Camping and kayaking (additional cost)
  • Complimentary pre-cruise stay in a 5* hotel in Ushuaia, with parka jacket and 500Mb free Wi-Fi

Start from Ushuaia and end at Ushuaia

Landmarks potentially visited on Traversing the Antarctic Circle

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia anytime today; enjoy a complimentary stay at Ushuaia's finest 5 star hotel (please enquire for more details). Explore the trails, take a spa, head into town, or relax and soak in the surroundings. 

Please note that for voyages operating from November 2025-March 2026, it will be a 1 night stay included in Ushuaia rather than 2 nights.


Day 2: Ushuaia

Explore the sights of Ushuaia such as the museums and markets or relax in style and comfort at your hotel. Attend the optional evening briefing; the ideal opportunity to ask questions about your upcoming expedition and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Please note that for voyages operating from November 2025-March 2026, this will be the first included night of your trip.


Day 3: Embarkation

After a final morning spent either exploring Ushuaia or at the resort, a mid-afternoon transfer will take you to your vessel. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will be waiting to greet you onboard, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and then the Captain’s welcome dinner. You’re on your way to Antarctica!


Days 4 & 5: Drake Passage

Join our polar experts in the lounge to immerse yourself in all things Antarctic. You might choose to learn more of its fascinating wildlife, adventurous history or perhaps participate in our renowned Citizen Science program; or you can choose to simply sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching your first glimpses of wildlife. Grab your binoculars to identify the many seabirds that follow the ship. We cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctic waters and you’ll start to notice the cooler temperatures, this is your cue to get ready for that first iceberg sighting, an unforgettable moment on every journey.


Day 6: South Shetland Islands

The volcanic South Shetland Islands offer amazing abundance and beauty. We'll hop into our inflatable Zodiac boats and spend as much time as possible exploring. Be prepared to marvel up close at nature in all of her glory!


Days 7 to 9: Antarctic Circle

We sail towards the Antarctic Circle by heading south across the Bransfield Strait. Once there, from our most southern point (south of the Antarctic Circle), we’ll start making our way back north, cruising through the narrow channels of the Antarctic Peninsula.


Days 10 to 12: Antarctic Peninsula

Exploring any number of picturesque bays and famed harbours, we will be maneuvering through majestic channels as we travel the wildlife-rich waters. There are great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites and spot numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea.


Days 13 & 14: Drake Passage

We leave this magical place and once again cross the legendary Drake Passage. One last hurrah onboard as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.


Day 15: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

We disembark in the morning, enabling you to catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.


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 Swoop

Expert Impartial Advice At No Extra Cost

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Antarctic travel options are complicated. We help you choose the right ship, the right cabin, and at the right point in the season.

A Depth Of Knowledge On Board

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As a team of ex-guides, tour leaders, & polar adventurers our Antarctic knowledge is leagues ahead of the rest.

For The Ends Of The Earth

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Swoop is proud to be B Corp Certified as we know sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).

We’re With You At Every Step

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We’ll make sure you have the adventure of a lifetime.

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What our customers think of Traversing the Antarctic Circle

Traversing the Antarctic Circle trips scored 4.6/5 from 27 reviews

Just seeing all of the icebergs

Travelled: March 2024

Lopa -

The ice was the best part. The wildlife of course was super fun, like the baby penguins and hundreds of humpback whales feeding, but to see ice so blue, so vast, so grand - breathtaking.

Travelled: March 2024

Deb -

Penguins and icebergs!

Travelled: March 2024

Anonymous -

blue icebergs and penguins

Travelled: March 2024

Andrew P. -

After we crossed the Antarctic Circle , seeing the ice fields, glaciers and ice bergs. The pristineness of our surroundings.

Travelled: February 2024

Jacalyn -

Watching the icebergs and Whales

Travelled: February 2024

Amrapali -

Close encounter with a hump whale

Travelled: February 2024

Kaushik -

Seeing sea ice south of the Antarctic Circle.

Travelled: February 2024

Bob -

Very difficult to choose. Probably the first Zodiac excursion but the night there were around 25 humpbacks feeding all around the ship flipping flukes and lunging was spectacular.

Travelled: February 2024

Lynn -

The wildlife viewing especially the whale experience.

Travelled: February 2024

Mary Alice -

The enormity of the beauty of the ice and scenery

Travelled: February 2024

Andrew -

"Camping!" We were expecting tents, but they had you dig a hole in the snow and that's where we slept! We were very toasty in the sleeping bags. Also, the Polar blunge, below the Antarctica circle! Beautiful sunny warm day.

Travelled: February 2024

Joanne -

I don't know if I can pick one - even 10 days later. The BBQ on the deck, the zodiac tour in the snow with humpbacks, polar plunging, the penguins, the Lamaire Channel, for sure! Every day had something shocking and wonderful and glorious and we really tried to just experience each day. We lucked out with weather and lack of motion sickness, so the entire trip felt charmed.

Travelled: February 2024

Courtney -

Sea kayaking

Travelled: February 2024

Denise -

Enjoying the whole experience of being in the polar circle with fantastic and educated crew

Travelled: February 2024

Diane -

There were many, but kayaking probably tops the list.

Travelled: February 2024

Annette -

I can’t answer this. I mean honestly. This trip was the trip of a lifetime and I’m already trying to find a way to get back someday. It’s life changing in some ways I already know…and some that I have yet to realize. I’m forever grateful for the experience under the safe guidance of Hannah and her incredible expedition crew. Simply the best.

Travelled: January 2024

Gina -

Going through the Lemaire channel twice. First time was amazing. Also visiting the huts at port Lockroy, Petermann, and Wordie. What a way to have lived.

Travelled: February 2023

Michael -

Watching an iceberg rollover and sailing the Lemare channel in a snowstorm

Travelled: February 2023

Marlene -

Seeing my first iceberg

Travelled: February 2023

Missi -

Review:

This ship has so many strong attributes, but for me it’s Seaventure's wide expanse of windows in every social area. The wrap-around windows in the Panorama Lounge make for a perfect spot to defrost after a busy day exploring, without missing any of the jaw-dropping landscapes!   

Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices quoted below are per person based on 2 people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.

2025

2026

Triple Suite Porthole Suite Twin Window Suite Veranda Suite Owner's Suite
January 2025 Save up to 10%
25-Jan-2025 Full Full Save 10%
$19,555
$17,599
Save 10%
$22,485
$20,236
Save 10%
$31,475
$28,327
Enquire
February 2026 Save up to 15%
4-Feb-2026 Save 15%
$15,555
$13,221
*
Save 15%
$17,895
$15,210
Save 15%
$20,045
$17,038
Save 15%
$23,045
$19,588
Save 15%
$27,655
$23,506
Enquire

* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $15555

Additional Notes

The 29th February 2024 is a special departure having been designed in collaboration with the Friends of Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge (UK).

Special Guests who will be joining the voyage include Dr. John Shears - the recent discoverer of Shackleton's ship Endurance, Professor Julian Dowdeswell, and Falcon and Dafila Scott, who are direct descendants of Captain Scott.

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 solo passengers willing to share a cabin.

Children aged 12 years old or over are welcome. There isn't any concession on pricing.

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 Kayaking Kayaking $895 An immersive full kayaking program for those who want to kayak multiple times (as often as weather and ice conditions allow) with a maximum of 10 fixed participants. Booking in advance is essential.
Add on icon Camping Camping $295 Available on selected departures. Limited spaces.
Add on icon Paddling Paddling $250 One-off discovery paddle session with a maximum of 14 participants per session. Available on select departures, subject to weather conditions. Previous kayaking experience is required. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Includes

  • All airport/ hotel/ ship transfers on day 1
  • For trips departing from October 2023 - March 24: all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included (some super premium brands are excluded). For trips departing October 2024 - March 2025: beer/wine/soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner
  • Complimentary parka jacket
  • Daily international news service
  • Post voyage digital log
  • For trips operating from November 2024-March 2025, 2 pre-cruise hotel nights will be included in Ushuaia. For trips running from November 2025-March 2026, 1 pre-night will be included
  • Free public internet and 200Mb of Wi-Fi
  • 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 historic landing sites

Excludes

  • Any flights to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation
  • Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
  • Transfers not specified in the itinerary
  • Optional non-complimentary adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
  • Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, beverages and communication
  • Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
  • Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)

Questions about this Voyage?