A 12-day trip that starts and ends in Ushuaia, exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, with the possibility of crossing the Antarctic Circle. The voyage includes the legendary Drake Passage, sailing through channels such as Gerlache, Neumayer, and Lemaire, landings at historic sites, and Antarctic wildlife colonies (penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds). On board, passengers enjoy expert lectures, wildlife viewing, and the experience of living with a team of experts and naturalists.
Embark on a unique adventure to the white continent on a 12-day itinerary that combines exploration, nature, and learning. From the city of Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica, we will set sail through the Beagle Channel towards the legendary Drake Passage, where the cold polar waters cross with the more temperate waters of the north, creating a marine ecosystem of great richness.
Upon reaching the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, a world of imposing glaciers, channels surrounded by snow-capped mountains and extraordinary wildlife opens up. You will have the opportunity to observe different species of penguins (Adélie, Chinstrap, Gentoo), seals (Weddell, leopard, and crabeater), fur seals, and whales, including humpbacks and orcas.
The route, which is always subject to ice conditions, can include some of the continent`s most spectacular scenery: Lemaire Channel, Paradise Bay, Cuverville Island with its large penguin colony, and the historic Port Lockroy, which still operates as a museum and British Post Office. Conditions permitting, the expedition will continue towards the Antarctic Circle, visiting iconic sites such as Vernadsky Station and Detaille Island.
On the way back north, unique sites in South Shetland will be explored, such as Deception Island, a flooded volcanic caldera, and the picturesque Half Moon Island, home to penguins mask.
Throughout the voyage, passengers will be able to participate in talks given by scientists and naturalists, join officers on the bridge thanks to the "open bridge" policy, and enjoy unforgettable days of bird and whale watching.
The expedition concludes with the return voyage through the Drake Passage, arriving back in Ushuaia with unforgettable memories of an authentic polar experience.
Days 2 and 3: Crossing the Drake Passage
Named after the Famous explorer Sir Francis Drake sailed these waters in 1578. The Drake Passage is a landmark of the Antarctic Convergence, a natural biological barrier where cold polar waters plunge beneath warmer northern waters. This generates a wealth of nutrients, which sustain the biodiversity of this region. The Drake Passage also marks the northern limit of many Antarctic seabirds. As we sail through the passage, our staff will be with you on deck to assist you in identifying the enormous variety of seabirds, including the albatrosses that follow the USHUAIA. The onboard "open bridge" policy allows you to join our officers on the bridge and learn about navigation, go whale watching, or simply enjoy the view. A full program of lectures will be waiting for you.
The first icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have arrived in the South Shetland Islands, an archipelago of 20 islands and islets discovered in 1819 by Captain William Smith with his brig Williams. Should conditions in the Drake Passage be favorable, on the third day our expedition staff will accompany you on the first landing and experience the fascinating encounter with penguins and seals.
Exquisite beauty and pristine landscapes await you on the western part of the Antarctic Peninsula. Thousands of icebergs of different colors and shapes float in the waters around the continent. Learning about the remarkable history of the Antarctic Peninsula will thrill you in a way comparable to how early explorers did. You`ll have plenty of time to explore its incredible landscape—a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains, and waterways—and the incredibly wide variety of wildlife. In addition to chinstrap, Adélie, golden-fronted, and gentoo penguins, and other seabirds, you`ll also get up close to crabeater, Weddell, and leopard seals, fur seals, as well as minke and orca whales. At this time of year it is also very likely to spot large cetaceans in this area, for example humpback, fin and sei whales.
We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful channels always depending on the ice conditions: the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel and the Lemaire Channel are narrow passages between imposing rocks and spectacular glaciers. Excursion sites may also include: Paradise Bay, literally the most well-named place in the world, with its majestic glaciers and mountains; Cuverville Island, home to the largest colony of gentoo penguins on the Peninsula, surrounded by glaciers and imposing crenellated icebergs; and a British Museum and post office at Port Lockroy.
We plan to sail much further south than the Lemaire Channel on the way to the Arctic Circle. We may visit Ukraine’s Vernadsky Station, the former British Faraday Base where the ozone hole was discovered, the rugged Yalour Islands, and Detaille Island south of the Circle.
Heading north, we plan to explore the South Shetland Islands. This group of volcanic islands is teeming with wildlife. Vast penguin colonies, beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals make every day here unforgettable.
Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is truly breathtaking, as is visiting Half Moon Island, home to chinstrap penguins, against a backdrop of awe-inspiring scenery.
We`ll leave the Antarctic Peninsula and head north through the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as they search for seabirds and whales, and enjoy some of the final lectures. Take some time to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past few days on the way back to Ushuaia.
We arrive to Ushuaia early in the morning, where you will disembark after breakfast.
| Departure | Ship | Duration | Price from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Feb 2028 | Ushuaia | 12 days / 11 nights | On request |
¡Experiencia épica! Salimos de Ushuaia rumbo al Círculo Polar y cada día fue más alucinante: navegación entre témpanos, avistajes de ballenas y colonias de pingüinos, desembarcos en zodiac y charlas súper claras del equipo. Comida riquísima, cabina cómoda y organización impecable de Tangol. Volví con mil fotos y el corazón lleno, para siempre.
Never thought I would cross the Antarctic Circle, but Tangol Tours and the Polar Circle Quest made it happen. From Ushuaia, the ship was comfy, crew stellar, and the expedition team absolute pros. Drake Passage was wild but safe, and the zodiacs got us eye-level with penguins, seals, and unreal blue ice. Daily briefings, tasty meals, and hot cocoa after landings were clutch. I loved the photo workshops and respect for wildlife. Worth every penny and then some. If Antarctica calls, this is the trip. Go.
Experiência surreal! O cruzeiro Além do Círculo Polar Ártico com a Tangol foi top demais. Paisagens de fiordes, gelo azul e silêncio absoluto. Equipe atenciosa, expedições de zodiac seguras, comida caprichada. Vi baleias e focas, e a aurora brilhou uma noite – arrepiante! Cabine confortável e limpa. Vale cada minuto e centavo mesmo!
Ich war mit Tangol Tours auf dem Kreuzfahrt-Trip jenseits des südlichen Polarkreises ab Ushuaia - absolut überwältigend! Zodiacs zwischen Eisbergen, neugierige Pinguine, Wale, glasklare Luft. Die Crew herzlich, Guides top mit spannenden Vorträgen. Essen lecker, Kabine gemütlich. Organisation von Tangol lief easy und zuverlässig. Pack warme Schichten und Kamera ein - du wirst jedes Detail lieben! Seegang überraschend sanft, Wetter wechselhaft, aber magisch.
Parti d’Ushuaia, j’ai vécu un trip de ouf au-delà du cercle polaire. Zodiacs dans les glaces, rencontres de manchots curieux et phoques, icebergs bleutés à perte de vue… L’équipage Tangol était aux petits soins, guides passionnés, briefings clairs, sécurité nickel. Cabine cosy, bouffe top (mention spéciale aux soupes bien chaudes). Chaque débarquement était différent, avec un respect exemplaire de la faune. Si tu rêves de grand blanc, fonce: c’est intense, émouvant et totalement addictif.
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