Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle & the Peninsula 2027 2028
A 14-day Antarctic expedition aboard Ultramarine, combining the Drake Passage, the Antarctic Peninsula, the Antarctic Circle and helicopter-supported access to some of the least explored landscapes of the 7th Continent.
Some Antarctic journeys are defined by reaching the continent. This one is defined by going beyond the familiar edge.
Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle & the Peninsula is a rare polar expedition designed for travellers who want a more expansive, technically sophisticated encounter with Antarctica. Sailing aboard Ultramarine, the voyage crosses the legendary Drake Passage, explores the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, then pushes south toward the Antarctic Circle, Crystal Sound and Marguerite Bay.
Its defining distinction is access from sea and air. The ship’s two twin-engine helicopters allow guests, weather and operational conditions permitting, to experience Antarctica from above through included flightseeing and to step onto remote polar terrain during an included heli-landing.
This is not a standard Antarctic cruise. It is a field-led expedition shaped by polar weather, ice, expert judgement, Zodiac operations, aviation logistics, wildlife interpretation and the flexibility required to travel responsibly in one of the most remote regions on Earth.
Journey at a Glance
Expedition Name: Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle & the Peninsula
Region: Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle, Crystal Sound, Marguerite Bay
Duration: 14 days
Operational Start / End: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ship Embarkation / Disembarkation: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ship: Ultramarine
Ship Capacity: Up to 199 guests
Staff and Crew: 140 staff and crew
Ice Class: PC6
Core Experience: Drake Passage crossing, Antarctic Peninsula exploration, Antarctic Circle crossing, helicopter flightseeing, heli-landing, Zodiac cruising, shore landings, hiking, Science & Discovery programming, polar lectures, penguins, seals, whales, glaciers and remote coastal mountains.
Pricing
Available on request, according to departure date, suite category, availability and any special offers valid at the time of proposal or reservation.
Departure Dates
16 February to 1 March 2027
14 days, start and end in Buenos Aires
17 February to 1 March 2028
14 days, start and end in Buenos Aires
Availability, suite categories, final routing, helicopter operations and applicable offers should be confirmed privately before proposal.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
The expedition begins in Buenos Aires, a city of European architecture, Argentine culture and cosmopolitan rhythm.
Guests arrive independently and make their way to the designated group hotel. The pre-expedition hotel night is included as part of the Charter Flight and Hotel Package. This first evening allows time to settle in, prepare luggage and receive information for the following day’s flight south.
Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark Ultramarine
After breakfast, the group transfers to the airport for the private charter flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.
Upon arrival, there is time to explore the port town before boarding Ultramarine in the late afternoon. The ship then sails through the historic Beagle Channel, crossing the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego before continuing toward the Southern Ocean.
Day 3: Crossing the Drake Passage
The Drake Passage remains one of the great rites of polar travel.
As Ultramarine sails across this legendary 800-kilometre stretch of water, guests begin to enter the atmosphere of expedition life. Days at sea offer opportunities to watch for albatrosses, petrels, skuas, dolphins and whales, while the Expedition Team introduces the ecology, history and weather systems of the region.
Day 4: At Sea with Polar Experts
The second day at sea brings the crossing of the Antarctic Convergence, where warmer sub-Antarctic waters meet the colder Antarctic system.
Onboard presentations cover photography, wildlife, glaciology, geology and polar history. Between lectures, guests can spend time on deck, observing seabirds and preparing for the first sight of Antarctic ice.
Days 5 and 6: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Arrival in the Antarctic Peninsula brings the first full immersion into the white continent: glacier-carved bays, penguin rookeries, sculptural icebergs, seals, whales and mountains rising from the sea.
Each day may include Zodiac cruising, shore landings, guided walks, wildlife observation and interpretation by polar specialists. Possible wildlife includes chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, along with Weddell, crabeater, leopard and other southern seal species. Antarctic minke and humpback whales may also be encountered from ship or Zodiac.
These days may also offer the first helicopter-supported experiences, if conditions allow. From the air, the scale of the Peninsula changes completely: mountain ridges, glacier systems, icefields and remote coastal terrain become visible in a way no sea-level perspective can fully convey.
Days 7 to 9: Antarctic Circle, Crystal Sound and Marguerite Bay by Water, Land and Air
These are the defining days of the expedition.
Ultramarine continues south toward the Antarctic Circle, a polar milestone reached by relatively few travellers. If conditions allow, the crossing is celebrated at sea, marking arrival into the “deep south” of the Peninsula.
The expedition then focuses on Crystal Sound and Marguerite Bay, areas known for steep coastal mountains, ice, remote islands and strong historical associations with Antarctic exploration and research.
In Crystal Sound, the ambition is to cross the Antarctic Circle and, conditions permitting, explore around Detaille Island, known for a preserved British Antarctic Survey hut and an Adélie penguin colony. Zodiac cruising may reveal immense icebergs fed by the snowfall and glaciers of the Antarctic coastal mountains.
Helicopter operations are highly weather-dependent, and the itinerary is designed to allow flexibility. When flying is possible, guests may experience included flightseeing above the Antarctic landscape and a heli-landing in a remote site where ships cannot navigate.
The journey may continue toward Marguerite Bay, separated from Crystal Sound by Adelaide Island. Depending on ice, the ship may attempt the narrow passage known as The Gullet, a dramatic channel where currents and ice constantly reshape navigability. Possible areas of exploration may include the Debenham Islands, named after Frank Debenham and his children, and other remote sites of the southern Peninsula.
Days 10 and 11: Northbound Along the Peninsula
As the ship turns north, the expedition continues with further Zodiac cruising, landing attempts and wildlife observation.
By now, the language of Antarctica has become part of the journey: bergy bits, pancake ice, Adélie colonies, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, leopard seals, glacier fronts and the constant judgement required to move safely through polar conditions.
The Expedition Team continues to adapt the route in real time, seeking the best opportunities for wildlife, scenery, safe landings and meaningful exploration.
Days 12 and 13: Crossing the Drake Passage
The return across the Drake Passage offers time to absorb the scale of the expedition.
Guests may attend final presentations, review photography, enjoy the end-of-voyage visual recap and use Ultramarine’s onboard amenities, including the Tundra Spa, sauna and fitness spaces.
Day 14: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
Ultramarine arrives in Ushuaia in the morning.
After breakfast, guests disembark and transfer to the airport for the included group charter flight back to Buenos Aires. For secure onward planning, flexible international flights or an additional night in Buenos Aires may be recommended.
Ultramarine: Built for Sea, Ice and Air
Ultramarine is central to the character of this expedition.
The vessel is built for polar exploration beyond familiar routes, with a PC6 ice classification, two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs. It is designed to support expedition operations from multiple perspectives: ship, Zodiac, shore and air.
Key features include:
Two twin-engine helicopters
20 quick-deploy Zodiacs
PC6 ice classification
Spacious suites
Exceptional wildlife-viewing areas
Onboard Science Hub
Expedition presentation spaces
Tundra Spa with VOYA treatments
Morning stretch classes
Sauna
Fully equipped fitness centre
Health-conscious dining
Spacious public areas designed for expedition life
On this itinerary, the helicopters are not decorative. They are part of the expedition architecture, enabling aerial perspectives and remote heli-landings that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Included Activities
Activities are always subject to weather, ice, safety and operational conditions, but may include:
One heli-landing
Two flightseeing excursions
Zodiac cruising
Shore landings
Guided hiking
Science & Discovery programming
Daily presentations by polar experts
Photography guidance
Polar plunge, scheduled once per expedition if conditions permit
Wildlife observation from ship, shore, Zodiac and air
Citizen science activities such as seabird surveys, whale observations and water sampling
Helicopter Experiences
Flightseeing
Included flightseeing offers a short aerial immersion above Antarctic terrain, usually lasting approximately 10 to 15 minutes, subject to conditions. From the helicopter, guests may see glacial amphitheatres, coastal mountains, summits, icefields and the immense spatial logic of the Peninsula.
Heli-Landing
The heli-landing allows guests to set foot in an Antarctic location accessible only by helicopter. The site is selected by the Expedition Team according to weather, safety, environmental regulations and capacity.
At the landing site, the experience is deliberately quiet: time to observe, photograph and take in the scale of the surroundings before returning by helicopter to Ultramarine.
Science & Discovery
The onboard Science Hub gives the expedition an educational and research-oriented dimension.
Guests may interact with scientists, researchers and Expedition Guides, use digital discovery displays, review samples collected during science Zodiac cruises and participate in citizen science activities. These may include seabird surveys, whale sightings, water sampling and field observations linked to polar ecosystems.
This scientific layer is especially meaningful in a region where ice, wildlife, ocean systems and climate-sensitive habitats are inseparable.
Possible Excursion Sites
The final route is shaped by sea, ice and weather. Possible sites in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle and “deep south” region may include:
Aitcho Islands
A wildlife-rich group of small islands near the northern entrance of English Strait, with gentoo and chinstrap penguins, elephant seals and fur seals.
Deception Island
A flooded volcanic caldera entered through Neptune’s Bellows, with dark volcanic beaches, historic whaling remains, penguins, seals and geothermal atmosphere.
Yankee Harbour
A gentoo penguin rookery, glacier views, sealing history and an expansive beach suited to longer walks when conditions allow.
Paradise Harbour
A wide natural harbour on the West Antarctic Peninsula, framed by mountains, glaciers, ice cliffs and calving ice.
Yalour Islands
An island group with approximately 8,000 pairs of Adélie penguins, colourful lichen and excellent Zodiac cruising among icebergs.
Lemaire Channel
One of the Peninsula’s most scenic waterways, running between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Crystal Sound
A remote southern region cut by the Antarctic Circle and known for ice, mountains and the possibility of towering icebergs.
Detaille Island
A historic site just south of the Antarctic Circle, with a preserved 1956 British Antarctic Survey hut and a sense of deep polar isolation.
Debenham Islands
A group of islands in northeast Marguerite Bay, named in honour of Frank Debenham, founder and first director of the Scott Polar Research Institute.
The Gullet
A narrow, dramatic passage between Adelaide Island and Graham Land, navigable only when ice conditions permit.
Marguerite Bay
A remote southern theatre of Antarctic exploration, with glaciated islands, historic research sites, icefields and dramatic geology.
Inclusions
Rates generally include:
One heli-landing
Two flightseeing excursions
A 3-in-1 expedition parka to keep
Leadership throughout the voyage by an experienced Expedition Team
Zodiac transfers and cruising according to the daily programme
Shore landings according to the daily programme
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board
Complimentary select beer, wines and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Formal and informal presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
Photographic journal documenting the expedition
Loan of waterproof expedition boots for landings and Zodiac cruising
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
Basic complimentary Wi-Fi on one device, where service permits
Service taxes and port charges throughout the programme
Luggage handling aboard the ship
The Charter Flight and Hotel Package generally includes:
One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast
Group flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Return group flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires
Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship and return
Exclusions
Rates generally do not include:
International airfare
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival or departure taxes not specifically mentioned
Travel insurance, including baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical cover
Excess baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Mandatory waterproof pants or other personal gear not listed as included
Laundry, bar, spa and personal charges unless specified
Premium Wi-Fi packages
Voluntary gratuities for expedition staff and shipboard crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Arrival and departure transfers unless explicitly stated
Optional adventure activities not listed in included activities
Possible Extensions
Because the journey begins and ends through Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, pre- or post-expedition travel can be arranged privately.
Options may include:
Buenos Aires cultural stay
Recoleta, Palermo and San Telmo
Tango evening
Argentine parrilla dining
Iguazú Falls extension
Ushuaia Maritime Museum
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Patagonian hiking and nature experiences
Exclusive Elite Travel Perspective
For Exclusive Elite Travel clients, Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle & the Peninsula is one of the most technically distinctive expeditions in the polar portfolio.
Its value lies in perspective. The voyage combines the elemental drama of the Drake Passage, the wildlife and landings of the Antarctic Peninsula, the symbolic achievement of the Antarctic Circle and the rare privilege of seeing Antarctica from the air.
This is best suited to travellers who want a more ambitious Antarctic experience: more remote, more layered and more operationally sophisticated than a classic Peninsula voyage.
A request begins with preferred departure year, suite category, physical comfort with Zodiac and helicopter operations, and any desired pre- or post-expedition arrangements.
