ATLAS - Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Although its nickname the "End of the World" - derived from its location along the southernmost tip of South America among the Tierra del Fuego archipelago - Ushuaia is far from the end of any adventure. Where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel and the snow-capped Martial Mountains sit behind a sprawling city of colourful buildings, lies a lively town ready and waiting to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime. Scenes like Parque Yatana give you the chance to immerse yourself in the rich, indigenous culture.

Navigating the Drake Passage is made for the boldest explorers. This waterway between the Americas and Antarctica, where cold southern ocean meets warm northern seas, creates powerful currents that test your mettle.

The rewards are extraordinary. Humpback whales and hourglass dolphins accompany the voyage, while petrels, skuas, and albatrosses fill the skies. The 48-hour crossing is never the same: famous for ferocious swells, it can also turn calm and tranquil. You never know what you'll get.

As you emerge, the icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead. You've earned your passage to the seventh continent.

As you cross the Antarctic Circle at the 66th southern parallel, you enter what feels like another world, creating a connection with your inner explorer spirit. It’s a space rarely navigated, with narrower channels that bring you closer to ice floes, snow-capped mountain peaks and wondrous icebergs, making for a picture-perfect scene. When you do make the crossing, you join the Order of the Red Nose, the select few who navigate deep into the furthest reaches of The White Continent, an unbeatable feeling of triumph.

Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate the waters off the Antarctic Peninsula, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with our expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritising the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Your Antarctic adventure draws to a close as you begin the legendary 48-hour return crossing of the Drake Passage. This waterway between Antarctica and the Americas, where cold southern ocean meets warm northern seas, creates powerful currents that made for quite the journey south.

Your journey ends where it began: Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Nestled between the Andes and the Beagle Channel, this rugged frontier town is the perfect place to reflect on your Antarctic adventure before returning home.

Want to make the most of your time here? Our experts can help you extend your stay and discover everything Ushuaia has to offer, from its dramatic mountain scenery to its rich seafaring history. Speak to one of our specialists today to plan the perfect ending to your expedition.