Circle and Weddell | Sylvia Earle Expedition Ship

Circle and Weddell

This expedition offers two amazing achievements for Antarctica enthusiasts. This expedition will allow you to discover regions of Antarctica which are still a mystery to many, including those who've visited before. You can explore the icy Weddell sea and venture beneath the Antarctic Circle. You may see Adelie and other ice seals on the ice floes as you travel southward along western Antarctic Peninsula.

Prepare to be awed by the icy scenery of the Weddell sea, which is located at the east side of the Peninsula. Here, Otto Nordenskjold's team endured two brutal winters. Ernest Shackleton abandoned the Endurance after it became trapped in ice. It is an incredible privilege for only the lucky few to experience this frigid climate.

Day by day

Day 1: Ushuaia

You will be met by an official upon your arrival at Ushuaia and taken to the designated hotel for your pre-voyage along with other expeditioners. If you are already in Ushuaia please go directly to the hotel. Check-in begins at 3.00pm. Visit the Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort lobby between 3 pm and 7 pm to visit the hotel's hospitality desk. You can pick up your luggage tags here and confirm that you will be participating in the Beagle Channel Cruise and Isla de Los Lobos Cruise scheduled the next day. You will receive information about the cruise, including details of embarkation, as well as any questions you may have. The team can also provide advice on last-minute shopping and dining.

A welcome package will be waiting for you when you check in if your arrival is after 7.00pm. Please visit our hospitality desk the next day between 8 am and 10 am. All meals are on your own today. You will be assigned to stay at either the Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel or Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort.

Day 2: Embarkation

Enjoy your breakfast in the morning and then complete the checkout process. Attach cabin tags to your luggage with your name, cabin number and flight information. Drop off your luggage either at check out or the reception of the hotel. The luggage is then securely stored, and transported directly to the port to clear it. Your cabin baggage will be ready for you to board before they arrive. Keep any personal or valuable items on you at all times.

You can explore Ushuaia in the morning at your leisure. Those who wish to join the catamaran excursion in the afternoon should gather at their hotel at 12:45pm and be ready to depart at 1.00pm. You'll then board the catamaran to begin your journey along the Beagle Channel towards the famous Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. The catamaran slows down as it passes through the Bridges Archipelago to allow you to see colonies of sea lions sunbathing and Imperial Cormorants resting on the rocky outcrops. There are also frequent sightings such as gulls and rock cormorants. This cruise provides sweeping views of the city, the mountain range and its surrounding communities.

You can also spend your day as you wish and then meet at the lobby of your hotel at 3.00pm for transport to the dock for embarkation. You can settle in to your cabin after you arrive onboard before going through the mandatory safety briefing. You'll be gathered on the deck as the ship leaves the port to begin your adventure, with stunning views of Ushuaia or Tierra del Fuego.

Enjoy a welcoming dinner with fellow adventurers, your expedition team and crew to mark the start of a thrilling journey in Antarctica.

Day 3 & 4: Drake Passage

Day 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15: Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle & Weddell Sea

Day 16 & 17: Drake Passage

Day 18: Ushuaia

Neko Harbour | Antarctic Peninsula | Zodiac landing

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Brown Bluff | Antarctic Peninsula | Zodiac landing

Highlights

Propose a toast to commemorate the achievement of crossing the Antarctic Circle (subject to weather and conditions).

Be captivated by the awe-inspiring icy scenery of the Peninsula as we make our way southward toward the Antarctic Circle.

In ideal circumstances, we aim to venture into the breathtaking, frozen expanse of the Weddell Sea.

Stay vigilant for the distinctive tail flukes of whales and the sight of ice seals resting on ice floes.

Activities

Sea Kayaking

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Ice Camping

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Snowshoeing

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Photography

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Explorer Boats

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

Yoga

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.