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Quick Facts about Antarctic Circle
The Antarctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. It is the parallel of latitude at 66° 33′ 39″ south of the Equator, crossing mostly the Southern Ocean. The continent of Antarctica is most of the area within the Antarctic Circle. This line of latitude was first crossed by Captain James Cook on January 17, 1773.
In the Antarctic Circle, all places have twenty-four hours of daylight on the Summer Solstice in December. In June on the Winter Solstice all places have twenty-four hours of night. There is a minimum of one whole day that the sun does not set and one whole day that the sun does not rise south of the Circle.
There is no permanent population of persons in the Antarctic Circle. Antarctica is the driest, coldest, and windiest continent on Earth. The lowest temperature ever recorded on earth was in Antarctica, i.e. −89.2 °C (−128.6 °F).
Top 5 Reasons to visit Antarctic Circle
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Become one of the few lucky explorers to cross Antarctic Circle and earn a certificate
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Explore those less visited spots in the Antarctica Peninsula on the way south of Antarctic Circle
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Enjoy a longer journey than typical Antarctica Peninsula trips, with more wildlife viewing opportunities
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Experience 24 hour sunlight during the high summer
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Possible put your feet on Detaille Island and visit Marguerite Bay if weather permits
Antarctic Circle Landing Sites
On an Antarctic Circle expedition trip, you will have opportunities to visit many of the landing sites in Antarctica Peninsula. In addition, you may visit those sites south of the Circle as well. As always, the weather and ice conditions will determine if a landing is possible.
