Polar Circle Quest | MV Ushuaia

In the afternoon, you will board the USHUAIA and have the opportunity to meet your expedition and lecture staff. Once you have settled into your cabins, we will set sail along the renowned Beagle Channel and the picturesque Mackinlay Pass.

Sir Francis Drake, the renowned explorer, sailed the waters that now bear his name back in 1578. The Drake Passage not only commemorates his voyage but also marks the Antarctic Convergence. This is where the frigid polar water descends beneath the warmer northern waters, creating a nutrient-rich environment that sustains the thriving biodiversity of this region. The passage also serves as the northern boundary for numerous Antarctic seabirds. As we sail across the passage, Antarpply Expeditions' lecturers will be on deck to help you identify the wide variety of seabirds, including many albatrosses that follow us.

Thanks to USHUAIA's open bridge policy, you can join our officers on the bridge and learn about navigation while keeping an eye out for whales and enjoying the stunning views. We also have a comprehensive program of lectures scheduled for your enrichment.

As we approach the South Shetland Islands, the first sightings of snow-capped mountains and icebergs will appear, indicating our arrival. The South Shetland Islands consist of 20 islands and islets, initially spotted by Capt. William Smith of the brig Williams in February 1819. With favorable conditions in the Drake Passage, our lecturers and naturalists will accompany you ashore on Day 3 for your first experience encountering penguins and seals.

Prepare to be awed by the stunning beauty and unspoiled landscapes of the western Antarctic Peninsula. The region is filled with countless icebergs of varying shades and shapes, floating freely in the surrounding waterways. The Antarctic Peninsula's rich history is also sure to thrill you, offering a type of excitement often associated only with early explorers. You will have ample time to explore the breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. In addition to Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap Penguins, and a variety of seabirds, you're also likely to encounter Weddell, crabeater, fur, and leopard seals, as well as Minke whales and orcas up close. It's also highly probable to spot large cetaceans, such as humpback, Finn, and Sei whales in the area during this time of year.

We aim to navigate through some of the most picturesque waterways in the region, including the Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel, Neumayer Channel, and the incredibly narrow Lemaire Channel. We may land at Paradise Bay, which appropriately named due to its breathtaking glacial fronts and towering mountains. We will also visit Cuverville Island, home to the largest Gentoo Penguin colony in the Peninsula, surrounded by glaciers and castellated icebergs, as well as the British Museum and Post office Port Lockroy.

As we venture further south in search of the Polar Circle, we may explore Ukrainian Station Vernadsky, the former British base Faradey where the ozone hole was first detected, the rugged Yalour Islands, and Detaille Island, which lies south of the Polar Circle. On our way back north, we plan to explore the South Shetland Islands, a volcanic island group that's a haven for wildlife. You will be captivated by vast penguin rookeries and seals basking on the shorelines, with every day spent here being unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island and visiting the crescent-shaped Half Moon Island, home to Chinstrap Penguins, are both amazing experiences that you won't want to miss.

As we bid farewell to Antarctica, we set our course northward across the Drake Passage. Don't miss the opportunity to join our knowledgeable lecturers and naturalists on deck as we keep an eye out for seabirds and whales and soak up the last bit of the unique Antarctic atmosphere. Take advantage of the peaceful moments to reflect on the extraordinary experiences and discoveries of the past days, and enjoy the last series of lectures. The journey back to Ushuaia provides the perfect opportunity to unwind and savor the memories of this remarkable expedition.

We arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark after breakfast. You will disembark in Ushuaia after breakfast where you can continue to whatever journey may lay ahead.

Please note: The above itinerary is a guide only. Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. A daily program sheet will be issued on board. Flexibility is the key to success.

*** Important - Please be sure not to book flights out of Ushuaia before 12PM (Noon) on the day of disembarkation from your cruise ship.