Arrival in Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica. Explore the charming town at the edge of Tierra del Fuego before the expedition begins.
← Back to Offbeat Collection
ANTARCTICA · POLAR EXPEDITION · WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS
Beyond the Antarctic Circle
Go deeper into the White Continent on a 13-day expedition from Ushuaia, with the ambitious goal of crossing the Antarctic Circle and exploring the wildlife-rich landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula.
LETZPLAN OFFBEAT · ANTARCTICADuration13 Days / 12 Nights
Start / EndUshuaia, Argentina
Best WindowNovember – March
Journey StyleAntarctic Expedition Voyage
THE EXPERIENCE
Go farther into the Antarctic wilderness.
This extraordinary voyage ventures farther south than most Antarctic journeys, with the ambitious goal of crossing the legendary Antarctic Circle at 66°33’ South. Sailing from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage, the expedition explores the spectacular fjords, glaciers, wildlife habitats and historic sites of the Antarctic Peninsula before continuing deeper into the icy wilderness.
Cross the Antarctic Circle
Attempt the rare achievement of reaching the legendary Antarctic Circle at 66°33’ South, subject to weather, sea and operating conditions.
Expedition-style exploration
Use Zodiacs and guided landings to experience glaciers, bays, penguin colonies, research stations and wildlife-rich shores.
Wildlife encounters
Watch for whales, seals, seabirds and penguins as the voyage moves deeper into Antarctica.
HIGHLIGHTS
Five defining moments of the expedition.
Cross the Antarctic Circle
Attempt the rare achievement of crossing the legendary Antarctic Circle at 66°33’ South.
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
Discover dramatic bays, glaciers and wildlife-rich waters along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Gerlache Strait Scenery
Witness towering ice cliffs and spectacular polar scenery while cruising through the Gerlache Strait.
Historic & Wildlife Landings
Visit penguin rookeries, historic landing sites and active research stations.
Deeper Antarctic Encounters
Encounter whales, seals and seabirds while travelling deeper into Antarctica than most expedition itineraries.
BEST TIME TO TRAVELNovember – March
The Antarctic summer season offers extended daylight, more accessible routes and increased wildlife activity.
IDEAL TIME TO VISIT
Plan around the Antarctic summer.
November through March provides the operating window for deeper Antarctic exploration, with long daylight hours and opportunities to encounter wildlife along the Peninsula and farther south.
- Extended daylight for exploration and landings
- More accessible Antarctic routes during the summer season
- Strong opportunities for penguin, whale and seal encounters
- Ideal seasonal window for attempting the Antarctic Circle crossing
ITINERARY
Thirteen days from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Circle.
The following is the planned journey framework. Exact landings, routing and activity order can change with weather, sea ice, wildlife, vessel operations and safety conditions.
Embarkation
Board the expedition vessel and sail through the Beagle Channel, leaving South America behind as the Antarctic journey begins.
Crossing the Drake Passage
Journey across the legendary Drake Passage. Attend expert lectures, watch for seabirds and whales, and prepare for the first Antarctic landing.
Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula by Zodiac and on foot. Visit penguin colonies, glaciers and research stations as the vessel heads south in pursuit of the Antarctic Circle crossing.
South Shetland Islands
Discover the rugged, wildlife-rich shores of the South Shetland Islands, known for dramatic volcanic scenery and thriving penguin colonies.
Return Across the Drake Passage
Begin the return voyage to South America while enjoying final wildlife sightings, expert sessions and time to reflect on the expedition.
Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrive back in Ushuaia and disembark after breakfast, marking the end of the Antarctic expedition.
THE POLAR LANDSCAPE
A journey told in ice, wildlife and open water.
A selection of imagery from the experience source material, presented within LetzPlan’s Offbeat visual language.
WHERE TO STAY
Arakur Resort & Spa and Ocean Albatros
The journey combines a comfortable gateway stay in Ushuaia with expedition-ship accommodation during the Antarctic voyage.
Arakur Resort & Spa
Ushuaia, Argentina
A comfortable pre- or post-expedition base in Ushuaia before or after the Antarctic voyage.
Ocean Albatros Expedition Ship
Antarctic Expedition Vessel
The expedition vessel provides the onboard base for daily landings, Zodiac excursions and deeper exploration.
Final hotel, cabin category and vessel arrangements are subject to expedition availability and will be confirmed during enquiry.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Built around nature, weather and expedition conditions.
Antarctica is a remote operating environment. The route, landing locations, activity order and the opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle can change because of weather, sea ice, wildlife, vessel operations and other safety considerations.
Operational flexibility
The itinerary is a framework rather than a guarantee of exact timings or landings. Expedition leadership may adjust the route to make the most of safe operating windows.
Antarctic Circle crossing
Crossing 66°33’ South is an expedition objective, not a guaranteed event. Sea ice and weather conditions may determine how far south the vessel can safely travel.
START PLANNING
Ready to go beyond the Antarctic Circle?
Tell us your preferred travel window, number of travellers and what draws you most to Antarctica. We’ll help you understand the current expedition options and availability.