Crossing the Circle (Ocean Diamond)

14 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Group Tour
Cast off from Ushuaia, Argentina, to embark on an adventure to one of the most beautiful and remote locations on the planet. Sail across the notorious Drake Passage bound for the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore a world covered in ice and snow; marvel at the odd shapes and spectacular hues of drifting icebergs; spot albatross, cormo...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy

What's this trip about?

    Cast off from Ushuaia, Argentina, to embark on an adventure to one of the most beautiful and remote locations on the planet. Sail across the notorious Drake Passage bound for the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore a world covered in ice and snow; marvel at the odd shapes and spectacular hues of drifting icebergs; spot albatross, cormorants, seals, penguins and whales; and discover the land of the midnight sun - the blues and whites of Antarctica are truly breathtaking.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 18 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityUshuaia
End CityUshuaia

Destinations

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 18

Trip includes

    • Please note that some of our included activities are contingent on weather conditions
    • We'll arrange an alternative if an included activity is deemed unsafe

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Ushuaia

Kick off the adventure at the ‘end of the world’ in Ushuaia. Explore the steep streets and tangle of buildings that make up the capital of the Tierra del Fuego province. Hike up Avenue San Martin for fantastic vistas of the Beagle Channel.

Day 2 Ushuaia

Climb aboard and set sail through the exquisite Beagle Channel. Stay on the lookout for penguins, cormorants, petrels and albatross.

Day 3-4 Drake Passage

Get set to cross the Drake Passage – infamous for its rough seas. Be entertained on board with lectures from experts covering topics as diverse as whales, birdlife, expeditions, geology and, of course, the icy land mass at the end of the earth.

Day 5-7 Antarctic Peninsula

Have cameras in hand on the approach to Antarctica. Marvel at spectacular icebergs and whales breaching in the Southern Ocean before setting foot on the vast, white continent itself Visit a variety of landing sites - such as Neko Harbour, Orne Harbor and Paradise Bay - and be hypnotised by the surreal beauty of Antarctica.

Day 8-9 Antarctic Circle

Cross the Antarctic Circle and perhaps celebrate reaching this rarely visited part of the world with a glass of bubbles. Keep an eye out for Weddell seals and fantastical ice formations that look like they’ve floated in from another world.

Day 10-11 Antarctic Peninsula

Travel back to the Drake Passage along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Head out on Zodiac expeditions to spy penguins, seals and whales and to make more landings on the great frozen continent.

Day 12-13 Drake Passage

Traverse the Drake Passage and pass the time by listening to the final series of lectures from our range of experts. Or perhaps curl up with a good book or reminisce about the journey with new friends over coffee.

Day 14 Ushuaia

Share a final breakfast with shipmates before disembarking in Ushuaia where this expedition comes to a close.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,795
Price per day$628
Last Updated: 2/22/2018

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

All passenger cabins have exterior views (except for 2 on the Ocean Endeavour), private facilities and climate control. Cabins are cleaned daily. Linen and towels are provided. There is a hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin. The different types of cabins available and their prices can be accessed via the Dates & Availability link.OCEAN DIAMOND There are seven different cabin types on board the Ocean Diamond: Triple - 2 lower and 1 upper berth, private facilities, 2 portholes Twin Obstructed View - 1 double bed or 2 twin beds, private facilities, picture window with view obstructed by lifeboats Single Porthole - 1 double bed, private facilities, 2 portholes Twin Window - 2 lower berths (double or twin), private facilities, picture window Single Obstructed View - 1 double bed, private facilities, picture window with view obstructed by lifeboats Suite - 2 lower berths (double or twin), private facilities, 2 picture windows Balcony Suite - 2 lower berths (double or twin), private facilities, full-size window with sliding glass door leading to private deck Please note that if booking the Suite or the Balcony Suite, we are unable to match you with another traveller of the same sex. If travelling on your own you will need to book the whole cabin and pay for two berths. A deck plan showing the layout of the ship is below.
Guides
On the Ocean Diamond we will have 1 Expedition Leader and 1 Assistant Expedition Leader on board, plus at least 18 additional staff who will be a combination of specialists and Zodiac drivers. Final numbers will depend on the itinerary.
Requirements
These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to. ,POLAR VOYAGES Single occupancy is available in most cabin categories for 1.7 or 2 times the twin berth price (dependent on which cabin category). Some ships have designated single occupancy cabins. Single travellers wishing to share will be matched with another solo traveller of the same sex. Please note that it is not possible to share with a stranger in all cabin types. Please speak to a consultant for full details.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Please go to our website for links to various travel insurance providers:
Visa requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.
Health & Safety
As a ship registered for international voyages, the Ocean Diamond must comply with a variety of regulations, codes and industry standards. This regime of requirements ensures that internationally accepted standards for safety and environmental protection are developed, implemented and monitored within the company management system onshore and on board the ship. The ship adheres to regulations set by IMO (International Maritime Organisation) including ISM Code (Safety Management System), ISPS Code (for ship and port security), SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Maritime Pollution Prevention), the flag state and the classification society on an accredited system. In addition, as the Ocean Diamond spends considerable time in the Antarctic waters, Quark Expeditions, Inc is a full member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and a full member of AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators). CHILDREN: The minimum age for travel is 8. If a child is travelling without their parent/legal guardian, their parent/legal guardian will need to fill out a waiver form. Children will also be required to bring their own life jacket and rubber boots as child sizes are not provided on board. On your way to join your voyage, you may take advantage of the opportunity to visit a larger South American city such as Buenos Aires or Santiago. It is worth researching matters of personal safety and security in these places before your departure. Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Meals Included

Meals

13 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
peregrine-GQMAD

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