Between 1772-1775 The British exploring expedition led by James Cook was the first to Circumnavigate Antarctica. It was also the first to cross the Antarctic Circle on Jan 17, 1773 reaching 67° 15′ S by 39° 35′ E.

Despite his remarkable first circumnavigation of Antarctica, Cook unfortunately did not manage to find the southern continent itself, but came extremely close. It is believed he was as close as 150 miles from the mainland.

Captain Cook