Crossing the Circle via Buenos Aires
Crossing the Circle via Buenos Aires
14 Days Starting and ending in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Visiting: Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PRE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 199
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an extraordinary journey with the "Crossing the Circle via Buenos Aires" tour, a rare opportunity to explore the untouched beauty of Antarctica. Begin your adventure in Buenos Aires, then fly to Ushuaia to board the Ultramarine, a small expedition vessel designed for polar exploration. As you sail through the Drake Passage, immerse yourself in the captivating lectures by onboard specialists, preparing you for the wonders ahead. Experience the awe of crossing the Antarctic Circle, a feat achieved by few, and celebrate with a glass of sparkling wine. Witness the abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales, and explore iconic landing sites along the Antarctic Peninsula. Enjoy helicopter flightseeing for a unique perspective, and engage in Zodiac excursions to discover the breathtaking landscapes and research stations. With expert Expedition Staff guiding you, this intimate adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of the White Continent.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel.
Day 2 : Fly To Ushuaia And Embark
Location: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier. As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, you will begin your Antarctic journey, passing through the Beagle Channel. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities of landscapes and seabirds. Eventually the channel opens up to the Southern Ocean, and onwards to Antarctica.
Day 3 - 4 : Crossing The Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your days at sea are filled with presentations and lectures led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar, or enjoy the fresh air and views on the outer decks.
Day 5 - 7 : South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Location: Antarctic Peninsula
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travellers alike. Every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other - creating a unique, personal experience.
Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for Humpback and Minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning Leopard seal.
Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are exploring the Antarctic terrain, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and Gentoo penguins are found here, along with four different species of seals. Zodiac cruising can offer opportunities to view some of the larger local marine mammals more intimately, such as Antarctic Minke and Humpback whales. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the astounding beauty of Antarctica. Listening to the crackling and crumbling of icebergs and glaciers and watching penguins waddling on the beach will become your daily entertainment.
Day 8 - 9 : Antarctic Circle
Location: Antarctic Circle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula do not reach this far south — 66°33´S. If conditions allow us to cross this famed line at 66°33´ S, you and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of sparkling wine!
Make a toast and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Adélie penguins and some of the most awe-inspiring ice formations you’ll see anywhere on the planet.
Day 10 - 13 : Northbound Along The Peninsula
Location: Antarctic Peninsula
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
By now, your knowledge of Adélie, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a Leopard, Fur and Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ will become part of your vocabulary, 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 looking out for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
Day 14 : Disembarkation In Ushuaia And Fly To Buenos Aires
Location: Ushuaia, Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the early morning we arrive back in Ushuaia where your voyage ends. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Buenos Aires.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners. -
All meals while on the ship
All meals are provided during your stay on the ship.
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Beer and wine during dinner
Beer and wine are included during dinner.
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All accommodation
Accommodation is provided throughout the tour.
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All transport and listed activities
All transport and activities listed in the itinerary are included.
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Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff
A tour leader and qualified expedition staff will accompany you throughout the journey.
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Mandatory transfer package
The mandatory transfer package includes return charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
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Flights from the UK
Flights from the UK can be included upon request.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation
Single accommodation is not included but is available on request.
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Visas and vaccinations
Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.
Food
All meals while on the ship included. Typical Meals The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale. Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal. Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ. Dinner: Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and coffee. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
Accommodation
The Crossing the Circle via Buenos Aires is offered on the Ultramarine, a Polar Adventure ship. Full board accommodation is provided on the ship, generally on a twin share basis in a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities. These small ice-rated vessels are well qualified for Polar waters, offering intimate adventures with like-minded passengers and staff.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes a mandatory transfer package with return charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. The journey to Antarctica is aboard a small expedition vessel, the Ultramarine, which is equipped for Polar waters and offers frequent Zodiac excursions.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of Antarctic wildlife including penguins such as Chinstrap, Adélie, and Gentoo penguins, as well as seals like Leopard, Fur, and Weddell seals. You may also spot Humpback and Minke whales, and a number of seabird species.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a range of activities such as Zodiac excursions to explore local bays, channels, and landing sites, visits to penguin rookeries, and scouting for whales and seals. There are also presentations and lectures led by the Expedition Team to prepare you for the wildlife and landscapes you will encounter.
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What is the significance of crossing the Antarctic Circle during the tour?
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is a significant achievement as most expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula do not reach this far south. It is a unique experience that allows you to visit a part of the world that is rarely seen by travelers, offering a chance to see the midnight sun and awe-inspiring ice formations.
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What kind of accommodation is provided on the tour?
Accommodation is provided on the Ultramarine, a Polar Adventure ship, with full board. The ship offers a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities, and is well-suited for polar waters. The ship provides an intimate adventure with like-minded passengers and staff, and includes superb food and service.
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Are there any special experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes special experiences such as helicopter flightseeing from the Ultramarine, which offers a unique perspective of the Antarctic Peninsula. This is in addition to the regular Zodiac excursions and wildlife spotting activities.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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