Polar Circle Quest – Antarktis bis zum Südlichen Polarkreis

Reiseverlauf

Reiseverlauf abhängig von Wetter- und Eislage. Beschriebene Naturerlebnisse/Tiersichtungen sind mögliche Ereignisse auf den Expeditionen und nicht garantiert.

• Day 1: Depart from Ushuaia

  Board the iconic Terra Nova Adventurer in the afternoon and meet your expert expedition team and lecturers. After settling into your cabin, the ship sets sail through the Beagle Channel and Mackinlay Pass. Take in the breathtaking scenery of rugged coastlines and sea cliffs as your Antarctic adventure begins.

• Day 2: Crossing the Drake Passage

  Cross the legendary Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake. This biologically rich region, where cold polar waters meet warmer currents, supports a thriving ecosystem that attracts seabirds such as albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters.

  Take advantage of the Ocean Adventurer’s open bridge policy, joining the officers to learn about navigation, scan for whales, or simply enjoy the vast horizon. Meanwhile, the lecture team will share insights into Antarctica’s history, geology, and wildlife.

  By Day 3, the first sight of the South Shetland Islands will appear—remote islets first discovered in 1819 by Captain William Smith. Weather permitting, you may step ashore for your first encounters with penguins and seals.

• Day 3: Approaching Antarctica

  Continue your journey across the Drake Passage as excitement builds. Keep your eyes peeled for more seabirds and the occasional spout of a whale as you draw nearer to the Antarctic Peninsula. The lecture program continues, offering enriching talks and workshops to deepen your understanding of the region.

  By late in the day, you may spot the first rugged peaks of the South Shetland Islands on the horizon—remote islets first charted in 1819 by Captain William Smith. If weather and conditions allow, you may even make your first landing ashore for an unforgettable introduction to Antarctica’s wildlife, such as curious penguins and lounging seals.

• Day 4: Antarctic Peninsula First Landing

  Wake up to your first sight of Antarctica—icebergs drifting by, dramatic peaks rising from the sea, and penguins porpoising along the shoreline. Step ashore for your first landing or cruise among sculpted ice in a Zodiac. The adventure truly begins here.

• Day 5: South Shetland Islands Exploration

  Today’s landings may bring you to the volcanic landscapes of the South Shetlands, where Gentoo penguins nest and seals haul out on black-sand beaches. Optional kayaking or snowshoeing adds a new layer to your polar experience.

• Day 6: Scenic Sailing through Iconic Channels

  Cruise through storied waterways such as the Gerlache Strait or Errera Channel, framed by glaciers and snow-draped peaks. Watch for whales breaching nearby and seabirds wheeling overhead as you glide through mirror-like waters.

• Day 7: Lemaire Channel & Further South

  Sail through the breathtaking Lemaire Channel, nicknamed the "Kodak Gap" for its cinematic beauty. Weather and ice permitting, cross below the Antarctic Circle—a major expedition milestone few travelers reach.

• Day 8: Rare Landings Below the Circle

  Explore remote southern reaches seldom visited by most ships. Towering ice cliffs, quiet bays, and curious wildlife await. With fewer vessels in this region, each landing feels like true exploration at the edge of the world.

• Day 9: Final Encounters with Ice & Wildlife

  Spend your last day on the Peninsula soaking in Antarctica’s magic. Zodiac cruise past sparkling icebergs, search for orcas and humpbacks, and bid farewell to the penguin colonies before beginning your journey northward.

• Day 10: Northbound Across the Drake

  Begin your return across the Drake Passage. Take time to relax, swap stories with fellow travelers, and join final lectures on Antarctic science and history. Watch for seabirds gliding alongside the ship.

• Day 11: Crossing the Drake Passage

  Your last full day at sea. Reflect on your journey, edit photos, and enjoy the final moments of ocean solitude. A farewell dinner marks the end of your expedition, celebrating the adventure you’ve shared.

• Day 12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

  Arrive back in Ushuaia early in the morning. After breakfast, disembark Terra Nova Adventurer, taking with you memories of an unforgettable journey to the southernmost corners of the Earth.