Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle and the Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula & Polar Circle
This brand-new itinerary includes opportunities to soar above the Antarctic landscape in one of Ultramarine’s twin-engine helicopters. The goal is to maximize helicopter adventures throughout your voyage so you can experience perspectives of the 7th Continent no one else can offer. Your helicopter-supported excursions—included in the cost of the trip—feature multiple opportunities for heli-flightseeing. Not only will you reach the Antarctic Circle, but you’ll also explore the southern heart of the Antarctic Peninsula
Highlights
- Be one of the select few to cross the Antarctic Circle at 66’30Experience two heli-flightseeing excursions—included in the cost
- Heli-landing amidst Antarctica’s vast coastal mountains
- Off-ship excursions by Zodiac for intimate marine and land-based experiences
- Crystal Sound and Marguerite Bay—the southern heart of the Antarctic Peninsula
- View the least-explored mountains and glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula
- Learn from polar experts with enhanced onboard education program.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66’30 is a polar milestone achieved by relatively few travelers. This itinerary allows you to the opportunity to experience Antarctica on board the state-of-the art polar ship, Ultramarine. This purpose-built vessel is designed to extend the boundaries of exploration and offer an unmatched Antarctic experience. The goal is to maximize helicopter adventures throughout your voyage so you can experience perspectives of the 7th Continent no one else can offer. Your helicopter-supported excursions—included in the cost of the trip—feature multiple opportunities for heli flightseeing, as well as a heli landing. You’ll learn what it’s like to step out of a helicopter onto Antarctica and gaze upon polar landscapes previously only seen by a few fearless explorers and mountaineers.
Not only will you reach the Antarctic Circle, but you’ll also explore the southern heart of the Antarctic Peninsula. And you’ll experience it all from sea—and air. Get ready to embrace the pinnacle of polar adventures.
Early Booking Rates
2026/27/28 Seasons: Displayed Early Booking prices includes early booking bonus discount, promo savings and 5% additional savings for Pay in Full. Contact us for details of rates with deposit only.
BIG positive is the stability of the cruise. The weather and sea condition was rough during our return journey on 26th December 2023, however she was in good performance considering on her size.
Zodiac lecturer can be more interesting and shorter. The time used for helicopter flightseeing session can be reduce by 50%. The Polar plunge, the gangway with limited space is too slippery, we hardly stand on the grips before jump, suggest to have some anti-slip strips on it.
The food quality was above average but limited variety. Suggest to have an Indian chef for proper Indian cuisine throughout the voyage. Other Indian guests on board also commented on the same issue.
BIG negative about the cruise was the unpleasant smell from the toilet / shower room. Cabin #638 had sewer gas smell from the drainage of the shower room, we have to keep the door open all the time to ventilate the area. We did reported the defect to the reception, however they claimed this is due to the ship rolling, this explanation was not true. We also learned from the crew onboard, other guests from previous voyage did complained on the same issue. We suggest to install the U-shaped traps to prevent the unwanted flow of sewer gases pass through.
Overall Ultramarine is a new, modern and comfortable ship for exploring the polar regions, and the ship & expedition staff are all amazing, informative and happy to help. Thank you again for this incredible and amazing experience.
Stewart's Take
Unique aerial excursions make this expedition extra special
Sea Kayaking
Selected departures may include an option for Sea Kayaking – contact us for availability! Sea kayaking on a polar expedition brings you face-to-face with the polar wilderness from a unique, water-level vantage. Glide silently among icebergs and beside glaciers, drift past curious birds or seals, and explore remote fjords and coastline not accessible by ships. Kayaking becomes a deeply immersive, sensory experience—crisp air, icy water, wildlife calls and the hush of untouched nature. Guided by expert polar staff, you paddle safely in small groups, often with Zodiac support close by. Whether you choose a single paddle outing or a full kayak program, this adventure gives you an intimate connection with polar landscapes few ever experience. >>Read More Details on this information page!
Scrolling is disabled on map, please click to enable.
Vessel
Luxury Expedition Vessel: Ultramarine
The newest ship in Quark's fleet, Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters for extraordinary sightseeing, this outstanding vessel offers the widest range of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards. With all this and more, Ultramarine is set to give you the ultimate polar expedition experience!
Booking Information
Essential Information
Rates and Share Bookings
Prices shown are per person on a shared basis. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, you will be matched with someone of the same gender at share rate. If desired, Single occupancy is available at 1.7 times the twin share rate for standard cabins (or twice the share rate for premium cabins or suites).
Deposit
Reservations require a deposit of 25% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings made within 90 days of departure require 100% payment.
Final Payment
Balances are due 90 days prior to departure and may be paid by bank transfer.
Cancellation
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 120 days or more prior to departure, are refundable less an administrative fee of US$500/€450/AUD650/GBP400/SEK5500 per person.
If cancellation is received between 119 days and 90 days, the deposit is forfeited.If cancellation occurs between 89 days and 60 days prior to departure, the cancellation fee is 75% of the expedition cost. If cancellation occurs between 59 days and departure, the cancellation fee is 100% of the expedition cost.If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply, and any unpaid balance is due immediately. To protect your investment, we highly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.Flexible Cancellation Fees!
All cancellation Fees are eligible to be applied to a future voyage booked within 1 year of cancellation date.
No surcharges - ever.
For peace of mind, the shipping company will not apply fuel or any other surcharges—for any reason—to a booking once it’s confirmed. The price you book, is the price you pay.
Booking Terms
Please read carefully the Terms and Conditions for Expeditions Online (link at the bottom of this page). This voyage is operated by Quark Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking
Included
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage.
- All shore landings per the daily program. Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader.
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program. Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
- Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage. A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings. An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep. Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock.
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin. Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader.
- A group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
- All luggage handling aboard ship.
- Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per person.
Excluded
- Buenos Aires Flight and Transfer Package ($995 per person) BUENOS AIRES FLIGHT AND TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: Pre expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires, with breakfast, Group transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires, Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (return), Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship (return).
- Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation
- Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
- Excess baggage charges.
- Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified.
- Telecommunications charges.
- The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.
Tour Dossier
Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle and the Peninsula
Join the state-of-the-art polar ship Ultramarine on an unique and epic helicopter-equipped adventure cruise to Antarctica
File Creation date: 2025-12-12 - for updated information and dates and prices see the following page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/antarctica-by-helicopter-crossing-the-circle_374
Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle and the Peninsula
Duration: 14 days
Location: Antarctic Peninsula & Polar Circle
Available: February
Start: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Highlights
- Be one of the select few to cross the Antarctic Circle at 66’30Experience two heli-flightseeing excursions—included in the cost
- Heli-landing amidst Antarctica’s vast coastal mountains
- Off-ship excursions by Zodiac for intimate marine and land-based experiences
- Crystal Sound and Marguerite Bay—the southern heart of the Antarctic Peninsula
- View the least-explored mountains and glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula
- Learn from polar experts with enhanced onboard education program.
Itinerary
This brand-new itinerary includes opportunities to soar above the Antarctic landscape in one of Ultramarine’s twin-engine helicopters. The goal is to maximize helicopter adventures throughout your voyage so you can experience perspectives of the 7th Continent no one else can offer. Your helicopter-supported excursions—included in the cost of the trip—feature multiple opportunities for heli-flightseeing. Not only will you reach the Antarctic Circle, but you’ll also explore the southern heart of the Antarctic Peninsula
Ship Information
Luxury Expedition Vessel: Ultramarine
The newest ship in Quark's fleet, Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters for extraordinary sightseeing, this outstanding vessel offers the widest range of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards. With all this and more, Ultramarine is set to give you the ultimate polar expedition experience!
Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle and the Peninsula
For the latest, up-to-date departure dates and prices please refer to the tour page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/antarctica-by-helicopter-crossing-the-circle_374
- Cancellations received 120 days or more prior to departure, are refundable less an administrative fee of US$500/€450/AUD650/GBP400/SEK5500 per person.
- If cancellation is received between 119 days and 90 days, the deposit is forfeited.
- If cancellation occurs between 89 days and 60 days prior to departure, the cancellation fee is 75% of the expedition cost.
- If cancellation occurs between 59 days and departure, the cancellation fee is 100% of the expedition cost.
Included
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage.
- All shore landings per the daily program. Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader.
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program. Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
- Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage. A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings. An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep. Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock.
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin. Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader.
- A group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
- All luggage handling aboard ship.
- Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per person.
Excluded
- Buenos Aires Flight and Transfer Package ($995 per person) BUENOS AIRES FLIGHT AND TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: Pre expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires, with breakfast, Group transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires, Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (return), Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship (return).
- Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation
- Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
- Excess baggage charges.
- Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified.
- Telecommunications charges.
- The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.
General Terms and Conditions
BOOKING ENQUIRIES:
Expeditions Online Newsletter
Sign up to be an Expeditions Online insider and receive info on exclusive deals, discounts and more!