ocean endeavour antarctic circle cruise

Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

  • Overview
    Not only does this expedition include the most in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula, but it also offers the opportunity to venture farther south across the Antarctic Circle. As you head toward a milestone that few travelers reach, you’ll feel as if you’re in a world without borders, sailing across an endless stretch of sea dotted with ice. Dramatic ice formations will ignite your imagination as you search the landscape for the wildlife that calls it home. Whether it’s humpback whales alongside the ship, a leopard seal diving beneath your Zodiac, penguins sliding off an iceberg into crystal waters, or a giant petrel soaring above cracking sea ice, you’ll experience a sensory overload in Antarctica like you’ve never felt before.
    Duration: 14 days
    Passengers: 199 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Buenos Aires, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Buenos Aires, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Mandatory extra flight
    Single Supplement: 1.7x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Buenos Aires, Argentina

      You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its soaring architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to the group hotel (pre-night hotel included).

    • Day 2 - Ushuaia, Argentina, and Embarkation

      After breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.

      Upon arrival, you will have a little time to explore this quaint port town before heading to the pier.

      Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you’ll see land you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!

    • Day 3/4 - Crossing the Drake Passage

      The waters of the Drake Passage are unpredictable, so hope for clear skies and a calm ocean. You’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the sea, get to know your fellow shipmates and chat with your Expedition Team.

      You will spend this time preparing for the exciting days ahead, with numerous educational and informative lectures presented by your Expedition Team. You’ll learn about everything from safety procedures to the history of whaling in Antarctica.

    • Day 5/7 - Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

      With the Drake Passage left in our wake, we make our approach to Antarctica. Get your cameras ready as the continent’s coastline makes its first appearance, signaling the start of your adventure in the realm of the Antarctic. You’ll see plentiful floating icebergs and be fixated on the ocean surface as curious whales spout and breach before your eyes.

      As exciting as it can be from on board the ship, your true exploration occurs when you disembark and set foot on the White Continent. There are several potential landing sites that we may visit, including Neko Harbor, Orne Harbour or Paradise Harbour. Although weather dictates which specific landing sites we can visit, each one presents a new collection of wildlife and natural attractions.

      Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the beauty of Antarctica. Watching penguins waddling on the beach and listening to the crackling and crumbling sounds of icebergs and glaciers will become your daily entertainment, while kayaking with whales and polar camping are optional activities available on select voyages (at an extra cost).

    • Day 8/9 - Antarctic Circle

      Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula do not reach this far south, which is officially noted at 66°33' S. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne! Make a toast and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people.

    • Day 10/11 - Northbound Along the Peninsula

      By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur or Weddell seal. Terms like bergy bits and pancake ice will seem normal, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will fill your days, and your Expedition Team will continue offering presentations while giving you time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced.

    • Day 12/13 - Crossing the Drake Passage

      As you recross the Drake, Antarctica fades away, leaving you with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up its series of lectures as well, perhaps with a slideshow of the great landing sites and wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage.

    • Day 14 - Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

      You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, after breakfast.

      After disembarking, you will get a little taste of Patagonia, touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

      CHARTER FLIGHT NOT INCLUDED IN THE BASE PRICE OF THE TRIP

      AUD$1,310 per person

      Buenos Aires Flight and Transfer Package includes:
      Pre expedition hotel night in BuenosAires, with breakfast
      Group transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires
      Charter flight from Buenos Aires toUshuaia, and return
      Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, and return

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Highlights & Activities

    Kayaking

    Kayaking is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring ways you can explore the rugged coastlines and calm bays of the Polar regions.

    Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent, however we guarantee at least one outing throughout your voyage, but your kayak guides will take you out as many times as possible throughout your voyage.

    AUD$ 1,720 per person

    Stand-up Paddle boarding

    Stand-up paddleboarding will give you a very personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. Guided by experienced staff in small groups in good weather conditions on calm bays and harbours, reservations for 10 paddleboarders will be taken at time of booking

    AUD$ 410 per person

    Photography

    A picture truly is worth a thousand words, but in Antarctica, it’s worth about a hundred thousand words. Regardless of the type of camera you have, you’ll want to capture your voyage so you can brag to your friends and family. On board photographer's are able to provide you with hints and tips in an informal manner and assist you in the field.

    Always remember to put your camera down and absorb the incredible beauty of the Polar Regions before you.

    Included

    Transfer Package

    Pre expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires, with breakfast, Group transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires, Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (return), Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship (return).

    AUD$ 1,310 per person

    Lemaire Channel – get your camera ready!

    In a continent of stunning views, Lemaire Channel has been called the Kodak Gap. Locked between the rocky vertical cliffs of Booth Island and the continent this one kilometer wide passage is one of the most photographed attractions of Antarctica. You will be glad your camera is digital.

    Cross the Antarctic Circle

    The moment you step foot into the circle, you’ll have a deep sense of wonder knowing you’ve just trodden where few have gone before. When you’re this far south, nature bares its secrets.

  • Inclusions

    Expedition Gear

    Comfortable expedition boots and a high quality expedition parka, specifically designed for the polar regions.

    Transfers & Accommodation

    You arrival and departure transfers are included in your expedition, as is the first nights accommodation at the cruise hotel

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Comprehensive pre-departure information
    - Emergency evacuation insurance up to USD$100 000 per person
    - All services and port taxes
    - Photographic journal
    - Accommodation and all meals on board
    - Pre-cruise accommodation at the starting point of your itinerary
    - All shore excursions and lectures
    - Hot beverages

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Massage services
    - Gratuities
    - Internet and Wifi expenses
    - Bar expenses
    - Laundry expenses
    - Mandatory waterproof gear not provided
    - Baggage / cancellation / interruption and medical travel insurance
    - Passport and Visa expenses
    - Airfares unless stated in the itinerary (required charter flight is an additional cost)
  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 07 04 at 5.25.58 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    OCEAN ENDEAVOUR

    Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable, well-appointed small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and remote landings, and advanced navigation equipment. The newly-refurbished vessel offers a superb guest experience with an expansive choice of cabin categories, large cabins and common areas, a sundeck and observation area, plenty of deck space for polar landscape viewing, and lounges for learning and reflection. The ship’s interiors have a contemporary aesthetic that provides a bright and spacious feel throughout. Endeavour is also the only polar adventure ship in Antarctica focused on health and wellness , and offers a contemporary approach to cuisine and newly-designed health and fitness features. Facilities include a spa serviced by organic spa provider VOYA, His & Hers saunas, a salt water pool, a gym, and a juice and smoothie bar. Complimentary activities include yoga and stretching classes, an exclusive Polar Photography program, the Scientists in Residence program, and more adventure activities than any other Quark vessel. The ship also has a polar library, and a Polar Boutique for gifts and any needed gear.

    Features & Facilities
    • Newly refurbished
    • Large observation decks
    • Health & Wellness focus
    • Contemporary cuisine
    • Newly designed health & wellness facilities; Organic spa
    • Saunas
    • Salt-water pool
    • Gym
    • Juice/Smoothie Bar
    • Yoga
    • Library
    • Lecture theatre
    • Internet/Wifi
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 3
    Guests #: 199
    Crew #: 124
    Ice Class: 1B
    Speed: 20
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 137m
    Width: 21
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 12907
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
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Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just AUD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Triple

27 Feb 2018 - 12 Mar 2018
Inside cabin, with 3 lower berths and private facilities
AUD$ 11,300pp
AUD$ 11,300pp

Twin Porthole Upper/Lower

27 Feb 2018 - 12 Mar 2018
Twin beds, private facilities and window
AUD$ 17,900pp
AUD$ 17,900pp

Single

27 Feb 2018 - 12 Mar 2018
Inside cabin, with private facilties
AUD$ 17,900pp
AUD$ 17,900pp

Twin Window

27 Feb 2018 - 12 Mar 2018
Twin beds, private facilities and window
AUD$ 19,300pp
AUD$ 19,300pp

Twin Porthole Plus2

27 Feb 2018 - 12 Mar 2018
Twin beds, separate sitting room and 2 x private bathrooms
AUD$ 20,300pp
AUD$ 20,300pp

Twin Porthole Plus

27 Feb 2018 - 12 Mar 2018
Twin beds, separate sitting room and private bathrooms
AUD$ 20,300pp
AUD$ 20,300pp

Upper Deck Twin

27 Feb 2018 - 12 Mar 2018
Twin beds, private facilities and window
AUD$ 22,100pp
AUD$ 22,100pp

Superior Twin

27 Feb 2018 - 12 Mar 2018
Twin or double bedding, private facilities and a picture window
AUD$ 23,000pp
AUD$ 23,000pp

Top Deck Twin

27 Feb 2018 - 12 Mar 2018
Double bed, private facilities and two large windows
AUD$ 23,400pp
AUD$ 23,400pp

Twin Window Plus2

27 Feb 2018 - 12 Mar 2018
Twin beds, separate sitting room and 2 x private bathrooms
AUD$ 24,300pp
AUD$ 24,300pp

Twin Window Plus

27 Feb 2018 - 12 Mar 2018
Twin beds, private facilities, sitting area and a sofa
AUD$ 24,300pp
AUD$ 24,300pp

Junior Suite

27 Feb 2018 - 12 Mar 2018
Double bed, private bathroom and large picture window
AUD$ 25,300pp
AUD$ 25,300pp

Owner's Suit

27 Feb 2018 - 12 Mar 2018
Bow facing Suite with double bed, sitting area and large bathroom
AUD$ 26,600pp
AUD$ 26,600pp