Antarctica - Beyond the Polar Circle - whale watching - Aurora Australis / Southern Lights

Crossing the Polar Circle

Title

Antarctica - Beyond the Polar Circle - whale watching - Aurora Australis / Southern Lights

Start – End

Tripcode

HDS31-26

Language

English

Embarkation / Disembarkation

Ushuaia - Ushuaia

Nights / Days

11 nights

Important

Diving is an optional activity. Experience with cold-water diving and dry-suit dives (at least 30) is a must!

Group request For reservations with more than 15 guests you can contact us directly
Possible combinations
This cruise can be combined with other cruises for a better experience and price
10% Combination discount

Atlantic Odyssey incl. Antarctic Peninsula to St. Helena

20 Mar - 24 Apr, 2026

Tripcode: HDS31A26

Our Atlantic Odyssey visits some of the most remote islands in the world, following the migratory paths of birds, including Arctic terns and long-tailed skuas, while whales, dolphins, and flying fish leap, crest, and glide above the waves of the high seas.

If booked individually prices start from:
HDS31-26: 8200 USD
HDS32-26: 10200 USD
Subtotal for all: 18400 USD
Combination discount: 10%
Combination price: 16560 USD 18400 USD
More information
m/v Hondius
Ship: m/v Hondius
Embarkation: Ushuaia
Disembarkation: St Helena
Duration: 35 nights

Cruises included in combination:

Antarctica - Beyond the Polar Circle - whale watching - Aurora Australis / Southern Lights

Crossing the Polar Circle

20 Mar - 31 Mar, 2026

Tripcode: HDS31-26

This Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula cruise passes through waters travelled by Humpback, Minke and Fin whales. Anchoring in various spots around the region, the expedition offers the chance to dive in the iceberg-heavy waters.

If booked individually prices start from:

8200 USD

Atlantic Odyssey, excl. Antarctic Peninsula

This far-ranging expedition voyage sails the breadth of the Atlantic, visiting several of the remotest islands in the world!

1 Apr - 24 Apr, 2026

Tripcode: HDS32-26

Our Atlantic Odyssey visits some of the most remote islands in the world, following the migratory paths of birds, including Arctic terns and long-tailed skuas, while whales, dolphins, and flying fish leap, crest, and glide above the waves of the high...

If booked individually prices start from:

10200 USD

10% Combination discount

Atlantic Odyssey incl. Antarctic Peninsula to Cape Verde

20 Mar - 4 May, 2026

Tripcode: HDS31B26

Our Atlantic Odyssey visits some of the most remote islands in the world, following the migratory paths of birds, including Arctic terns and long-tailed skuas, while whales, dolphins, and flying fish leap, crest, and glide above the waves of the high seas.

If booked individually prices start from:
HDS31-26: 8200 USD
HDS32-26: 10200 USD
HDS33-26: 2450 USD
Subtotal for all: 20850 USD
Combination discount: 10%
Combination price: 18765 USD 20850 USD
More information
m/v Hondius
Ship: m/v Hondius
Embarkation: Ushuaia
Disembarkation: Praia
Duration: 45 nights

Cruises included in combination:

Antarctica - Beyond the Polar Circle - whale watching - Aurora Australis / Southern Lights

Crossing the Polar Circle

20 Mar - 31 Mar, 2026

Tripcode: HDS31-26

This Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula cruise passes through waters travelled by Humpback, Minke and Fin whales. Anchoring in various spots around the region, the expedition offers the chance to dive in the iceberg-heavy waters.

If booked individually prices start from:

8200 USD

Atlantic Odyssey, excl. Antarctic Peninsula

This far-ranging expedition voyage sails the breadth of the Atlantic, visiting several of the remotest islands in the world!

1 Apr - 24 Apr, 2026

Tripcode: HDS32-26

Our Atlantic Odyssey visits some of the most remote islands in the world, following the migratory paths of birds, including Arctic terns and long-tailed skuas, while whales, dolphins, and flying fish leap, crest, and glide above the waves of the high...

If booked individually prices start from:

10200 USD

St. Helena to Cape Verde

Witness the northbound spring migration

24 Apr - 4 May, 2026

Tripcode: HDS33-26

During sea days, the chances of encountering whales and other marine life, from flying fish to dolphins, are high. Witness the northbound spring migration of seabirds like Arctic terns and long-tailed skuas, who will join us in crossing the Equator -...

If booked individually prices start from:

2450 USD

Hide cruises
Itinerary
2025_OEX_Site_All_Antarctic_TripPage-Headers_HDS31-26 © Andrew Peacock - Oceanwide Expeditions.jpg

Voyage overview

This Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula cruise passes through waters travelled by Humpback, Minke and Fin whales. Anchoring in various spots around the region, the expedition offers the chance to dive in the iceberg-heavy waters.

Aurora Australis / Southern Lights: -

During this voyage, there is a good chance of witnessing the spectacular aurora australis (southern lights). While sightings can never be guaranteed, the combination of long nights, potential clear skies, and limited moonlight during this period creates favorable conditions for this rare and magical phenomenon.

Your voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, you embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening. 
Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray. After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the avian life changes too. Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.
Options for Antarctic Peninsula activities are many, and no less great during the late summer. Humpback whales are prolific in this region, gorging themselves on krill before their migration north. The penguin chicks are also fledging, stirring up activity on the beaches while sleek leopard seals lie in wait, poised to attack the less fortunate ones.
 
Sites for your Antarctic adventures may include: 
 
Livingston Island – Here you find a wide variety of gentoo and chinstrap penguins on Hannah Point, as well as southern giant petrels and elephant seals hauling out onto the beach. 
 
Deception Island – Actually a subducted crater, this island opens into the sea and creates a natural harbor for the ship. An abandoned whaling station, and multiple bird species – cape petrels, kelp gulls, brown and south polar skuas, and Antarctic terns – can be seen here. Wilson’s storm petrels and black-bellied storm petrels also nest in the ruins of the whaling station in Whalers Bay. 
 
Cuverville Island – A small precipitous island nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Rongé Island, Cuverville houses a large colony of gentoo penguins and breeding pairs of brown skuas. 
 
Neko Harbour – An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbour offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks. You might also be able to set foot on the continent here. 
 
Paradise Bay – You could take a Zodiac cruise in these sprawling, ice-flecked waters, where you have a good chance of seeing humpback and minke whales. 
 
Pléneau & Petermann Islands – If the ice allows it, you may sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags. There’s also a good chance you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales as well as leopard seals. 
 
Crystal Sound – Your journey takes you south along the Argentine Islands to this ice-packed body of water, and from here across the Polar Circle in the morning. 
 
Detaille Island – You may make a landing at an abandoned British research station here, taking in the island’s lofty mountains and imposing glaciers. 
 
Fish Islands – Further north you encounter one of the southernmost Adélie penguin and blue-eyed shag colonies in the Antarctic Peninsula. 
 
Melchior Islands – These islands offer a beautiful landscape rich with icebergs. Leopard seals, crabeater seals, and whales are found here, and there are excellent opportunities for kayaking and diving. 
 
Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.
Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

What Our Travelers Say

Since we curate unique itineraries for every sailing, these reviews reflect similar past cruises. They illustrate the general atmosphere and quality standards, though specific activities and wildlife encounters will vary.

Antarctica

i dream about this trip allmost 10 years, i save money for my lifetime experience and if you still dream and never give up it happends. it was 19 days of my greatest experience and i live any seconds with open heart.

One of the best cruise and trip I join so far. The expedition team really go way beyond, very passionate about their job. The activities very well organized. Even the lecture was very informative. I definitely will join this expedition again in future.

The Antarctica Discovery & Learning voyage aboard the MS Hondius in November was outstanding. The crew and expedition guides demonstrated excellent background knowledge, shared with clarity, enthusiasm, and professionalism. All activities — landings, Zodiac operations, and kayaking — were conducted confidently and safely, always leaving participants feeling well prepared and in expert hands. Cleanliness and hygiene on board were excellent, contributing to a very comfortable expedition environment. Beyond the superb organization, the voyage offered additional unforgettable natural impressions. In particular, entering the icy Antarctic waters at Stony Point was a truly fantastic and intense experience — a rare moment of immersion that created a deep and lasting connection with this extraordinary environment. A superbly executed expedition voyage that truly lives up to its promise of Discovery & Learning.

Antarctica

That was such a wonderful and inspiring expedition, with such a lot of wildlife sightings and beautiful, breathtaking scenery. The kayak outings had been great, sitting there outside with all the stillness around, beautiful views and maybe some animal noises around. The places we stopped were great, and gave us a good insight into Antarctica. The team was amazing, all as much as excited to go there as we have been, and they did all such a great job in making this an outstanding exoperience.

Antarctica

The 33 day voyage certainly met expectations with external activities, most lectures and "hotel" services excellent. Passengers should understand that there is little opportunity for exercise on the Hondius. As suggestions for a 5-star rating: - organised guiding for bird watching on board - even if for set periods only - QA for some weak lectures, perhaps attended by other staff who could review content for future voyages
The Atlantic Odyssey, from Ushuaia to Cape Verde, is, for birders, one of the 'must do' expeditions. It's just over a month long but seawatching between islands is often good, and when it isn't, the quality of on-board presentations is outstanding. We were able to access all.islands and see all key bird species with just one exception. Expedition leader was excellent, as was the entire expedition team, in maximising off-ship activities. Food, cabins and WiFi all very good. Overall, an excellent expedition which I thoroughly enjoyed. I can't wait to do Svalbard with Oceanwide soon!

m/v Hondius

Hondius is the world’s first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel and was built from the ground up for expedition cruising.

Full ship info »

Activities you can participate in

Photo Workshop
FREE

Participants with a special interest in photography will bring their personal photo equipment.

Diving
on request

You must be advanced and experienced in dry suit and cold water diving. Diving is subject to local ice and weather conditions. Group size: minimum 8 divers.

Snorkeling
on request

We snorkel directly from our Zodiacs, encountering polar marine life.

Cabins & Prices

Quadruple Porthole

  • Cabin size between 15,3 m² and 16 m²
  • 2 portholes
  • 2 upper & lower berths
  • Small sofa
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Desk & chair
  • Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
  • Hair dryer
  • Cabinet
  • Safe deposit box
  • Wardrobe
  • This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin

Complete cabin

32800 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

Sorry, cabin is not available

Sharing berth

8200 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

Sorry, berth is not available

Triple Porthole

  • Cabin size between 15,9 m² and 16 m²
  • 2 portholes
  • 1 upper berth & 2 lower berths
  • Small sofa
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Desk & chair
  • Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
  • Hair dryer
  • Cabinet
  • Safe deposit box
  • Wardrobe
  • This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin

Complete cabin

27900 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

Sorry, cabin is not available

Sharing berth

9300 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

Sorry, berth is not available

Twin Porthole

  • Cabin size between 13,3 m² and 16 m²
  • 2 portholes
  • 2 single beds
  • Small sofa
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Desk & chair
  • Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
  • Hair dryer
  • Cabinet
  • Safe deposit box
  • Wardrobe
  • Please note that all cabins will not necessarily have the same layout and surface area, nor will they be identical to the examples used in the photos

Complete cabin

20300 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

17255 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

Sorry, cabin is not available

Sharing berth

10150 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

Sorry, berth is not available
More photos
  • Cabin size between 12,1 m² and 14,3 m²
  • 1 window
  • 2 single beds
  • Small sofa
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Desk & chair
  • Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
  • Hair dryer
  • Cabinet
  • Safe deposit box
  • Wardrobe
  • Please be aware that the view from some windows might be partially obstructed due to the design requirements of the ship
  • Please note that all cabins will not necessarily have the same layout and surface area, nor will they be identical to the examples used in the photos

Complete cabin

21300 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

18105 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

Sorry, cabin is not available

Sharing berth

10650 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

Sorry, berth is not available

Twin Deluxe

  • Cabin size between 19,4 m² and 21,3 m²
  • 2 windows
  • 2 single beds
  • Sofa
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Desk & chair
  • Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
  • Refrigerator
  • Coffee & tea maker
  • Bathrobe
  • Hair dryer
  • Cabinet
  • Safe deposit box
  • Wardrobe

Complete cabin

23000 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

19550 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

Sorry, cabin is not available

Sharing berth

11500 USD

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

Sorry, berth is not available

Superior

  • Cabin size between 20,7 m² and 21,3 m²
  • 2 windows
  • 1 double bed
  • Sofa
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Desk & chair
  • Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
  • Refrigerator
  • Coffee & tea maker
  • Bathrobe
  • Hair dryer
  • Cabinet
  • Safe deposit box
  • Wardrobe

Complete cabin

24600 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

20910 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

Sorry, cabin is not available

Junior Suite

  • Cabin size between 19,2 m² and 20 m²
  • 1 double window
  • 1 double bed
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Desk & chair
  • Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
  • Refrigerator
  • Coffee & tea maker
  • Bathrobe
  • Hair dryer
  • Cabinet
  • Safe deposit box
  • Wardrobe

Complete cabin

25700 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

21845 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

Sorry, cabin is not available

Grand Suite with private balcony

  • Cabin size 26,7 m²
  • 1 double window
  • 1 double bed
  • Sofa
  • Private balcony
  • Private shower & toilet
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Desk & chair
  • Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
  • Refrigerator
  • Coffee & tea maker
  • Bathrobe
  • Hair dryer
  • Cabinet
  • Safe deposit box
  • Wardrobe

Complete cabin

29800 USD

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

Sorry, cabin is not available

Single cabin

25330 USD

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

Sorry, cabin is not available
Loading