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Whale Antarctica - Polar Latitudes

Crossing the Circle aboard the Seaventure

Discover Antarctica and cross the Antarctic Circle aboard the Seaventure

Length

15 Days

Ship category

Premium

Ship type

Mid-Sized Ship

Capacity

139 Passengers

Crossing the Circle aboard the Seaventure

3 Reviews

Trip highlights

Travel the wildlife-rich waters

Cross the Antarctic Circle

Step a foot on the 7th continent

Cross the drake passage

The Polartours experience

Zodiac cruising amongst massive icebergs

Experience the chill of a polar plunge

Your trip is 100% carbon offset

Polar experts to answer all your questions

Experience a polar experience few people get in their lifetime. Sail through the Drake Passage and along the Antarctic Peninsula with the ambition of crossing the Antarctic Circle. Enjoy the comfort of the Seaventure, a beautiful and spacious ship. Should you arrive at 66°33’S, you’ll join the small band of explorers that can claim they have made it this far south!

Discover polar wildlife on your way. Observe ice formations, whales and playful seals swimming alongside the ship, polar birds flying overhead and walk among the continent's penguins. Take a polar plunge and make the most of your cruise experience with a wide range of activities available on your Zodiac.

Your ship: Seaventure

Seaventure
Seaventure deck plan
Seaventure

Welcome aboard the Seaventure! Seaventure features a 1-A Super ice class rating, the highest ice class awarded to passenger vessels. This means that we will be able to explore coves, bays, and channels that would previously have been forbidden to us.

The ship also offers a host of new activities. There’s a sauna, a fitness center, a custom-built citizen science lab, and a heated saltwater pool. There is extra storage space so we can carry more equipment. This allows more of our guests to participate in activities like kayaking, snowshoeing, and camping. … Read more about Seaventure

Cabins

Seaventure twin veranda
Twin Veranda Stateroom

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Seaventure window
Window Stateroom

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Seaventure owner
Owner's Suite

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Seaventure Veranda
Veranda Stateroom

Type:

Matrimonial

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Seaventure porthole
Porthole Stateroom

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Map

Itinerary

Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.

Sea-Kayaking-What-To-Wear-In-Antarctica

0 Days

5.0

(1)

Sea Kayaking

Embark on an exhilarating sea kayaking adventure in some of the world's most magnificent and biodiverse wilderness areas, including Antarctica and the Arctic. Take in the breathtaking scenery as you navigate through ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes. In Antarctica, spend unforgettable moments with penguins, seals and whales, and keep an eye out for the occasional encounter with leopard seals or killer whales. In the Arctic, paddle through bird colonies, past massive glaciers and around huge icebergs. Led by experienced guides, you will join a small group of like-minded adventurers to explore the picturesque coastlines of these wild and remote destinations. Paddling offers an intimate and unique way to experience the beauty of these regions and make the most of your time there. Important: This activity is subject to weather conditions and logistics.

Price on request

Arrival to Ushuaia
Arrival to Ushuaia
Laguna Esmeralda

Arrival at Ushuaia

No need to stress about missed connections or flight delays as you arrive with plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the beautiful Arakur Resort & Spa or spend time discovering the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.

Ushuaia
Ushuaia

Explore the sights of Ushuaia such as the museums and Argentinean leather markets or continue relaxing at the hotel. Attend the optional evening briefing for the opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow travelers.

Arrival to Ushuaia
Arrival to Ushuaia
Laguna Esmeralda

Morning in Ushuaia

Embark in Ushuaia

Spend your morning exploring Ushuaia or unwinding at the resort until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. The Expedition Team and ship staff will greet you on board, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner.

Drake Passage
Crossing the Drake Passage
Beagle Channel

Join Polar Experts lectures as they teach you about everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history; participate in a Citizen Science program; or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching exciting glimpses of wildlife. Grab your binoculars to identify the many seabirds that follow the ship as you cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctic waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.

Drake Passage
Crossing the Drake Passage
Beagle Channel

The Drake Passage is the name given to the infamous stretch of open ocean between the tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

It usually takes 2 or 3 days to cross the Drake Passage, and this is a great time to learn from your expert Antarctic naturalist guides. Through a series of fascinating talks and lectures, you'll begin to learn more about the remarkable wildlife and awe-inspiring geology of the Antarctic continent.

Your guides are always on hand to help you identify the sea bird species that always follow the ships, as well as spotting whales and other cetaceans that can be seen en route to the Antarctic Peninsula or the South Shetland Islands.

South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands

Northeast beach Ardley Island

Penguin Island

Telefon Bay

Hannah Point

Pendulum Cove

Elephant Island

Point Wild

Turret Point

Barrientos Island

Whalers Bay

Baily Head on Deception Island

The volcanic South Shetland Islands offer amazing abundance and beauty, so hop into an inflatable Zodiac boats and spend as much time as possible exploring. Be prepared to marvel up close at nature’s glory!

Antarctic Peninsula
Before and After Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula

Detaille Island

Half Moon Island

Horseshoe Island

Stonington Island

South of the Polar Circle

Torgersen Island

Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, sail towards the Antarctic Circle.

Antarctic Peninsula
Before and After Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula

Detaille Island

Half Moon Island

Horseshoe Island

Stonington Island

South of the Polar Circle

Torgersen Island

For the hardiest of adventurers only, this is the "deep south"!

Discover the wonders of the South West side of the Antarctic Peninsula, a region that truly embodies the spirit of the "deep south." This extraordinary journey begins just below the Lemaire Channel, extending southward towards the captivating Yalour Islands. If you are lucky you will enjoy remarkable frozen vistas with invigorating Zodiac and ship cruises bringing you up close and personal with the wonderful ice landscapes of places like Crystal Sound.

If conditions are right, you will cross the Antarctic Circle, and get ashore to some remote historical sites - and be able to describe yourself as a true Antarctic explorer.

Antarctic Peninsula
Before and After Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula

Detaille Island

Half Moon Island

Horseshoe Island

Pleneau Island

South of the Polar Circle

Petermann Island

Yalour Islands

Stonington Island

Wordie House, Winter Island

Torgersen Island

For the hardiest of adventurers only, this is the "deep south"!

Discover the wonders of the South West side of the Antarctic Peninsula, a region that truly embodies the spirit of the "deep south." This extraordinary journey begins just below the Lemaire Channel, extending southward towards the captivating Yalour Islands. If you are lucky you will enjoy remarkable frozen vistas with invigorating Zodiac and ship cruises bringing you up close and personal with the wonderful ice landscapes of places like Crystal Sound.

If conditions are right, you will cross the Antarctic Circle, and get ashore to some remote historical sites - and be able to describe yourself as a true Antarctic explorer.

Antarctic Peninsula
Before and After Antarctic Peninsula
South Georgia

Cuverville Island

Wordie House, Winter Island

Yankee Harbour

Georges Point, Rongé Island

Neko Harbour

Pleneau Island

Goudier Island

Port Charcot, Booth Island

Damoy Point

Danco Island, Errera Channel

Yalour Islands

Jougla Point

Astrolabe Island

Orne Harbour

D’Hainaut & Trinity Island

Orne Islands

Portal Point

Petermann Island

Heading north, you’ll explore any number of picturesque bays and famed harbors, maneuvering through majestic channels as you travel the wildlife-rich waters. There are great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites. You will spot numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea.

Antarctic Peninsula
Before and After Antarctic Peninsula
South Georgia

Cuverville Island

Wordie House, Winter Island

Yankee Harbour

Georges Point, Rongé Island

Neko Harbour

Pleneau Island

Goudier Island

Port Charcot, Booth Island

Damoy Point

Danco Island, Errera Channel

Yalour Islands

Jougla Point

Astrolabe Island

Orne Harbour

D’Hainaut & Trinity Island

Orne Islands

Portal Point

Petermann Island

The North-West portion of the Antarctic Peninsula is the most frequently visited by expedition cruises and is home to many of the most popular landing sites. The Gerlache Strait is renowned for the stunning scenery with the snow covered mountains, as if covered in icing sugar, with numerous glaciers tumbling down to the sea.

Being the most northerly part of the whole continent, the Peninsula enjoys the mildest Antarctic condition, with temperatures in winter averaging a balmy -20 degrees C (-4 degrees F)! In the summer, things warm up to an average of just above freezing. Large areas of this part of the peninsula are ice-free in the early season, being important breeding and feeding grounds for many iconic Antarctic species.

It's here that many of the historic Antarctic expeditions began, and where early military and scientific bases were first established, some of which you will be able to visit if conditions allow. These remarkable artefacts have been left as time capsules, their contents showing remarkable levels of preservation thanks to the dry and cold climate.

South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands

Northeast beach Ardley Island

Penguin Island

Telefon Bay

Hannah Point

Pendulum Cove

Elephant Island

Point Wild

Turret Point

Barrientos Island

Whalers Bay

Baily Head on Deception Island

Sometimes overlooked as a destination by people keen to set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands are a must-see destination in their own right.

Often the first and last landfall on an Antarctic cruise, many people are taken aback by the stunning beauty of these islands. What better way to make contact with the Antarctic than by making your first beach landing here surrounded by gentoo penguins?

Apart from some of the most southerly species of penguin, the South Shetlands are home to a huge range of Antarctic wildlife, and they make a superb introduction to the wildlife of the whole region, including key species like elephant seals, humpback whales, and more.

With active volcanoes, the relics and remains of its history as a centre for whaling, and some of the most beautiful Antarctic mountain scenery, the South Shetland Islands are a fitting first destination for any Antarctic cruise.

Drake Passage
Crossing the Drake Passage
Beagle Channel

You leave this magical place and make your way north, once again heading across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. You have one last hurrah as you celebrate the conclusion of the expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together with the fellow travelers.

Drake Passage
Crossing the Drake Passage
Beagle Channel

The Drake Passage is the name given to the infamous stretch of open ocean between the tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

It usually takes 2 or 3 days to cross the Drake Passage, and this is a great time to learn from your expert Antarctic naturalist guides. Through a series of fascinating talks and lectures, you'll begin to learn more about the remarkable wildlife and awe-inspiring geology of the Antarctic continent.

Your guides are always on hand to help you identify the sea bird species that always follow the ships, as well as spotting whales and other cetaceans that can be seen en route to the Antarctic Peninsula or the South Shetland Islands.

Arrival to Ushuaia
Arrival to Ushuaia
Laguna Esmeralda

With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

Dates & Prices

From

Until

Info

Availability

Price

25

Jan

2025

8

Feb

2025

- Pay in full within 7 days for an additional 5% off

Available

From

EUR 16,280

EUR 18,088

25

Jan

2025

8

Feb

2025

Pay in full within 7 days for an additional 5% off

Available

From

EUR 16,280

EUR 18,088

Preferred date unavailable? Contact us

Info

Single Cabin Supplement

When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you.

What's included

PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:

Two pre-voyage hotel nights with breakfast in Ushuaia for all departures which embark in Ushuaia

Transfer from airport in embarkation city to group hotel if arriving on Day 1 of itinerary, and providing we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure

Transfer from group hotel to ship for embarkation

ON BOARD ISLAND SKY AND SEAVENTURE:

Shipboard accommodations

All meals on board

All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (some super premium brands excluded)

Coffee/Tea/Cocoa 24 hours a day

All scheduled landings and excursions

Our Citizen Science program: participation in a variety of scientific activities that support important research projects

Expedition jacket (yours to keep)

A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage

WiFi from the public computers

200 MB WiFi card for use on your personal devices

Daily international news service

All port fees

All landing fees

Digital Voyage Log

POST DEPARTURE:

Group transfer from ship

Please note we cannot drop at Airbnb / private homes which are often inaccessible for our transfer vehicles.

What's not included

Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival in Ushuaia or Puerto Madryn other than those listed above

Transfer from airport to group hotel, unless arriving on Day 1 of the itinerary

On the Nov 1, 2022 voyage, departure transfer from hotel to airport in Ushuaia

Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Ushuaia or Puerto Madryn

Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage

Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board

Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls, WiFi from personal devices in excess of the 200 MB provided

Staff gratuities

Reviews

Tim

Seaventure Antarctica Cruises

Premium

Exceeded my expectations. Would have loved to see a Blue Whale and an Emperor Penguin, but I understand the season wasn't right. (Copied from Swoop Antarctica)

Adventures in AA Seaventure

Karen

Seaventure Antarctica Cruises

Premium

The MS Seaventure was immaculate in cleanliness, inside and out. Behind the scenes staff took care of every detail. The cabin was comfortable in all aspects and had a windows with welcoming views. The food was always outstanding and pleasantly presented. The dining room and staff were a welcoming site [and chairs were chained to the floor for the Drake]. With an experienced Captain and crew, A-1 service top to bottom, I definitely would choose this ship again. (Copied from Swoop Antarctica)

FAQ

When it comes to traveling to Antarctica, one of the first questions that often arises is, "Can I fly to Antarctica?". The answer is: Yes, you can. Most trips start in Patagonia (Ushuaia and Punta Arenas) and cross the Drake Passage by ship, but there are also trips that use planes to cross that infamous sea passage. Here are the Pros and Cons for each method:

Flying to Antarctica:

  • Pros: Flying to Antarctica is the quickest way to reach the continent. It offers convenience and is often the choice for those with very limited time.

  • Cons: There are limited commercial flights to Antarctica, and these are primarily reserved for research and expedition purposes. Tourist accessibility is limited, and it can be costly. Also, as not many trips include flights, you'll be limiting your choice a lot if you decide to only look for such trips.

Crossing the Drake Passage by ship:

  • Pros: If you choose to cross the Drake Passage by ship, you embark on an incredible adventure. This journey is not just a means of transportation; it's an expedition in itself. The crossing takes 1.5 - 2 days, which are filled with scientific lectures that prepare you for the experience. You'll witness diverse wildlife, including penguins and whales, as your anticipation starts building up. To us, the crossing is a quintessential experience of a true Antarctic explorer.

  • Cons: Crossing the Drake Passage takes some time, and the seas can be rough. It's not the quickest way to reach the continent, and you need to allocate more time for your expedition.

In conclusion, when it comes to traveling to Antarctica, you have these two choices. Flying offers efficiency and direct access, perfect for specific purposes. Crossing the Drake Passage by ship provides an unmatched adventure and connection with Antarctica's unique environment. Consider what truly matters to you, and you'll find the Antarctic transportation choice that suits your goals and spirit of exploration.

All cruises in the polar regions operate to itineraries that are more-or-less fixed. We say "more or less", because wildlife (breeding, seasonality) and weather always play an important role in routing. Most cruises will offer a range of land-based and water-based activities that you will enjoy at various points in your cruise, including:

  • Land excursions (including hiking trails, visitor centers, time relaxing on beaches, observing animals, etc.)
  • Bird Watching
  • Snorkeling (from ship or beaches)
  • Dinghy rides
  • Kayaking
  • Diving (on ships with diving itineraries)
  • Naturalist presentations. These usually take place every evening - on board the bigger ships also with help of projectors, microscopes etc.

All boats carry English speaking, scientifically trained guides. They will lead you on your excursions, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the unique wildlife and habitats of the Polar Regions.

Choosing the right ship for a cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic seems difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Our fleet is over 30 vessels, we are sure that there is the perfect one for you. Please, follow these simple steps, and you will be able to find your ideal ship:

  • Determine your budget and desired level of comfort: Are you looking for luxury or more budget-friendly options? On our website you can set the price range.
  • Consider ship size: Large ships offer more amenities and facilities, but they can also feel crowded and impersonal. Smaller ships offer a more personal experience, but may not have as many amenities.
  • Look at the cabins: Although you probably won’t spend much time in your cabin, look at the photos and read the descriptions to make sure you're happy with the one you choose.
  • Consider the activities on board: Are you interested in kayaking, camping, diving or a photography workshop? Or maybe you want to take part in a Citizen Science Program? These activities can enhance your overall experience. See what our ships have to offer.
  • Read customer reviews: Learn about other travelers' experiences by reading reviews.
  • Ask your Polar Specialist: Feel free to contact your Polar Specialist. They are happy to share their knowledge and are always ready to help.

In addition: We work with responsible partners who provide a great experience for their passengers. All of our providers are committed to sustainability and to preserving the beauty of the polar regions. You don’t need to worry about the impact of your cruise, because we’ve already taken care of it.

We love to help people find their dream vacation to the Arctic and Antarctic. Whether you give us a call, contact us via email, or use our website inquiry form, one of our Polar travel experts will be more than happy to answer any questions, recommend ships and itineraries, and walk you through the whole process!

Step 1: Find your perfect trip. If you have already started looking for Polar Cruises, you will have quickly noticed that the sheer amount of options can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate the countless departures and itineraries that our fleet offers, we have put together a great filter page for Antarctic and Arctic Expedition Cruises. Use this page to filter all trips by price, date, ship category, and even destinations you wish to visit. We update all dates, prices, and availabilities daily, and are proud to host what is doubtlessly the world's most complete collection of information.

Step 2: Found something you love? We'll hold your spaces, free of charge! If you find a cruise you like, you can either inquire directly with us or make an unbinding booking online. We will then reach out to the shipowners to put a hold on your spaces for a limited time, free of charge. Once we have confirmed your block with the ship, we will send you a written confirmation of your reservation and include full payment details in an invoice. Typically, we are able to hold unpaid reservations for up to 1 week*. This gives us time to clarify all your remaining questions, and also ensures that no other passengers can book your spaces, while we continue our conversation.

Step 3: Confirm your booking. In order to confirm your booking, we ask for a deposit payment. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card. Keep in mind, that we can only hold your spaces for a limited amount of time. If we don't receive your payment after this time, we can no longer guarantee that the places will be available or that the price won't increase. To prevent disappointment, we will automatically cancel your reservation if we don't receive your deposit by the due date stated on your booking reservation.

Step 4: Booking confirmation & Payment. As soon as we have received your deposit and a completed passenger information form, we will be pleased to send your booking confirmation and updated invoice, along with your trip itinerary, important information, and other great tips for your cruise.

Step 5: Final payment. In your initial invoice, we will define a final payment date by when you need to pay us the remaining amount of your trip. Once we have received your final payment we'll send you your cruise documents and voucher. As your trip approaches, we make sure to pass along all necessary information, so you feel super prepared and stress-free.

*For last-minute bookings, we might not be able to hold your spaces for so long. We will also require the full payment of your cruise upon booking.

An expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic is a big deal! Most people plan for this type of trip at least 8 months in advance. This means the earlier you book, the better chance you'll have to reserve your prefered cabins. Early bird discounts are also popular and a great way to get 10-30% off your cruise.

Most expedition cruises offer optional activities like camping and kayaking, but the spaces are limited. A cruise with 120 passengers can have only 10-15 spaces for kayaking. These are reserved on a first come first served basis. The earlier you book, the higher your chance of grabbing a spot.

Even though last minute deals do occur, keep in mind that the airline prices will be much higher if you purchase them last minute. You may save a few hundred on your cruise, but you may end up paying the most for airfare.

If you are prone to motion sickness then here are a few hints to help you.

Firstly, book a cabin in the middle of the ship. The middle of the ship will move less, both in roll and in pitch. Secondly, chose a larger ship. Bigger vessels typically are more stable, and some of them are even equipped with "stabilizers", fins under water that remove the rolling in the swells. Thirdly, take medical advice on anti-seasickness medication. Some traditional remedies are said to be very effective, such as taking ginger or using commercially-available acupressure wristbands.

Watch this informative video about life onboard an expedition ship and seasickness from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.

Life Onboard & Seasickness
Crossing the Circle aboard the Seaventure

4.3

(3)

Premium

From

EUR 16,280



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