Traversing the Antarctic Circle
Trip type
Cross Polar Circle
Trip length
15 Days
From
$15,555 -$27,655
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
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 our customers love Swoop
The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises
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.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost
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.
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist
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
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.
What our customers think of Traversing the Antarctic Circle
Traversing the Antarctic Circle trips scored 4.5/5 from 30 reviews
Review:
About The Ship
Your expedition vessel
Dining room
Relax in the bar
On deck
Onboard gym
Onboard sauna
Polar library
Your expedition vessel
Your expedition vessel
- An ice-strengthened hull and an impressive 1A super ice class rating
- Her speedy average cruising speed of 13.5 knots means less time at sea and more time exploring
- Plenty of space: takes up to 138 guests, even though she was originally built for 180
- Large picture windows in the dining room mean you can enjoy spectacular Antarctic views
- A variety of deck spaces to soak up the glorious landscape from every angle
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.
* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $15555
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 |
|---|---|---|
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. |
Camping
|
$295 | Available on selected departures. Limited spaces. |
|
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
- 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)
