ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION CRUISES

Discover the World’s Last Untouched Wilderness

Experience adventure travel combined with extraordinary wildlife encounters aboard specialised ice-strengthened vessels. Daily zodiac landings at penguin colonies, research stations, and glaciated coastlines await.

November – March

Peak Season

-5°C to 3°C

Temperature Range

50–200 Guests

Expedition Vessels

From $6,390 USD

Starting Price

Sail to the Seventh Continent

Antarctica is unlike anywhere else on Earth—a land of extremes shaped by ice, silence, and staggering scale. With no permanent human settlements, no roads, just wind-sculpted snow, mighty glaciers, and seas rich with life, an expedition cruise offers the perfect way to experience this magnificent wilderness without sacrificing comfort.

Antarctic Peninsula

Antarctic Peninsula

South Georgia Island

South Georgia Island

Falkland Islands

Falkland Islands

Deception Island

Deception Island

Wildlife Encounters

Get up close with penguin colonies, leopard seals, humpback whales, and albatross in their natural habitat.

Glacier Exploration

Navigate through cathedral-like icebergs and witness active calving from towering ice cliffs.

Zodiac Landings

Daily shore excursions via zodiac boats for intimate wildlife viewing and coastal exploration.

Choose Your Adventure

Popular Antarctica Expedition Itineraries

Antarctica offers diverse cruising options, from classic peninsula voyages to comprehensive expeditions spanning multiple destinations. Our expedition specialists will help you find the perfect match for your adventure goals.

Classic Antarctica

Classic Antarctica

Duration: 10-12 days

Route: Ushuaia roundtrip

Highlights: Peninsula, Deception Island, Lemaire Channel

Known For: First-timer favorite, abundant wildlife

Price Range: $6,390–$12,000 USD

Classic Antarctica

Antarctica & South Georgia

Duration: 18-21 days

Route: Ushuaia to South Georgia to Peninsula

Highlights: King penguins, Shackleton sites, elephant seals

Known For: Ultimate wildlife experience

Price Range: $15,000–$25,000 USD

Fly-Cruise Expedition

Fly-Cruise Expedition

Duration: 6-8 days

Route: Fly to King George Island, cruise Peninsula

Highlights: Skip Drake Passage, maximize Antarctica time

Known For: Time-efficient adventure

Price Range: $18,000–$30,000 USD

Find Your Vessel

Choosing Your Expedition Ship

Ship Category Passengers Best For Key Benefits Price Range
Small Expedition 50-130 Adventurers, photographers Maximum landings, zodiac access, naturalist guides $8,000-$20,000 pp
Luxury Expedition 130-200 Sophisticated travelers Butler service, gourmet dining, spacious suites $15,000-$35,000 pp
Icebreaker 150-270 Deep polar exploration Access Weddell Sea, emperor penguins, extreme destinations $25,000-$50,000 pp
Scenic Cruising 500-2,000 Scenic appreciation Entertainment, multiple venues (no landings) $4,000-$10,000 pp
Zodiac Shore Excursion Antarctica

Our Antarctica expedition advisors will show you where to begin.

From zodiac cruises among icebergs and kayaking pristine waters to camping overnight on the ice and visiting historic explorer huts, Antarctica offers unparalleled expedition experiences.

Wildlife encounters are included in your expedition, while adventure add-ons like kayaking ($800-$1,200), camping ($300-$500), and polar plunge experiences enhance your journey.

  • Daily zodiac landings at penguin colonies
  • Optional kayaking through ice-filled waters
  • Overnight camping on Antarctic ice
  • Polar plunge bragging rights
  • Historic hut visits (Shackleton, Scott)

Wildlife Encounters

What Wildlife Will You Encounter in Antarctica?

Penguin Colonies Antarctica

November – February

Penguin Paradise

Seven penguin species inhabit Antarctic waters, with gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie colonies numbering in the millions. December brings newly hatched chicks, while February showcases molting adolescents. King penguins dominate South Georgia beaches with colonies exceeding 100,000 breeding pairs.

Whales and Seals Antarctica

February – March Peak

Marine Mammal Spectacle

Humpback, minke, and orca populations peak during February-March as krill concentrations reach maximum density. Crabeater, leopard, and Weddell seals populate ice floes year-round, while elephant seals establish massive harems on South Georgia beaches.

Albatross and Seabirds Antarctica

South Georgia Highlight

Seabird Sanctuary

Wandering albatross with 3.5-meter wingspans nest on South Georgia alongside light-mantled sooty albatross and giant petrels. Antarctic terns, kelp gulls, and snowy sheathbills scavenge penguin colonies while blue-eyed shags dive for fish.

Beyond the Peninsula

Extended Expedition Destinations

Extend your Antarctic journey to include some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife destinations and historic exploration sites.

  • South Georgia Island – The “Serengeti of the Southern Ocean” with king penguin colonies, elephant seals, and Shackleton’s grave
  • Falkland Islands – Rolling meadows, white sandy beaches, and diverse seabird colonies including rockhopper penguins
  • Antarctic Circle Crossing – Join the exclusive band of polar travelers by reaching 66°33’S
  • Weddell Sea – Remote ice-choked waters, emperor penguin sightings, and the site of Shackleton’s Endurance
  • Ross Sea (from Australia/NZ) – Ultra-remote expeditions following Scott and Mawson’s historic routes

Find Your Antarctica Expedition Today!

We’ll help find the best expedition that takes you to penguin colonies, pristine glaciers, and wilderness beyond your imagination.

Drake Passage Crossing
THE LEGENDARY CROSSING

What’s the Drake Passage Really Like?

Understanding the Crossing

The 600-mile Drake Passage separating Cape Horn from Antarctica takes 48 hours each direction, with conditions varying from glassy “Drake Lake” to 10-metre swells during “Drake Shake” storms. Modern stabilisation systems reduce ship movement by 80%, while seasickness medications and acupressure bands effectively manage symptoms for most passengers.

Preparation Strategies

Experienced expedition leaders recommend securing midship cabins on lower decks for minimal movement, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol before crossings, and maintaining fresh air circulation. The crossing provides valuable acclimatisation time with wildlife presentations, photography workshops, and biosecurity briefings.

GETTING THERE

How Do You Reach Antarctica from Australia?

Primary Routing via Buenos Aires

Most Australian travellers fly Sydney/Melbourne to Buenos Aires (14 hours), overnight at included pre-cruise hotels, then connect to Ushuaia (3.5 hours) for embarkation. Total journey time averages 28-32 hours including connections, with major airlines offering daily departures during cruise season.

Alternative Routes

Perth travellers may route through Santiago, Chile, offering shorter flight times but requiring additional visa arrangements. Fly-cruise programmes eliminate the Drake Passage crossing, flying directly from Punta Arenas to King George Island in 2 hours, though weather delays affect 15% of departures.

Flight Route to Antarctica from Australia

Plan Your Timing

Best Time to Visit Antarctica

Antarctica’s expedition season runs from November through March, with each month offering unique advantages for different interests.

November – Early December

Early Season

Pristine snow landscapes, incredible ice formations, penguin courtship and egg laying. Best for photographers seeking untouched vistas. Temperatures: -5°C to 0°C.

December – January

Peak Season

Warmest weather (up to 3°C), 20+ hours of daylight, penguin chicks hatching, maximum wildlife activity. Best for families during school holidays.

February

Prime Wildlife

Peak whale watching as humpback and orca populations reach maximum density. Penguin chicks fledging, seal pups active. Excellent photography conditions.

March

Late Season

Dramatic sunsets, possible aurora australis sightings, excellent value, and fewer crowds. Whales still abundant as they begin migration north.

Polar Experts

Expedition specialists who know Antarctic waters and can match you with the perfect itinerary.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalized Planning

Custom itinerary recommendations based on your interests, season preferences, and expedition style.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation—we’re with you every step of the journey.

Essential Information

Antarctica Expedition FAQs

The “best” depends on your priorities. Luxury seekers excel with Silversea or Ponant. Adventure enthusiasts love Quark or Lindblad. Budget-conscious travelers thrive with G Adventures or Aurora. Our specialists can match you with the ideal operator for your style and budget.

Most expeditions depart from Ushuaia, Argentina—reached via Buenos Aires (14-hour flight from Australia/US). You’ll typically stay overnight in Ushuaia before boarding. Fly-cruise options skip the Drake Passage, flying directly from Punta Arenas to King George Island in 2 hours.

Moderate fitness allows participation in standard zodiac landings requiring the ability to walk 1-2 hours on uneven, sometimes snowy terrain. Zodiac boarding involves stepping into boats from ship gangways, manageable for most active adults.

Expeditions provide waterproof parka and rubber boots. You supply base layers, insulated pants, gloves, hat, and sunglasses. Most operators offer detailed packing lists before departure.

Limited satellite internet is available on most ships (USD $15-30 per megabyte) for essential communications only. Most travelers embrace the digital detox, focusing on the extraordinary environment.

Conditions vary from calm “Drake Lake” to rough “Drake Shake.” Modern stabilizers minimize movement. Pack remedies like ginger, acupressure bands, or prescription medications. Midship cabins on lower decks experience less movement.

Comprehensive travel insurance including emergency evacuation (USD $150,000 minimum) is mandatory for all Antarctic expeditions. We can recommend specialist polar travel insurance providers.

Budget for flights to Ushuaia ($1,500-$3,000 from Australia/US), optional activities ($300-$1,200), gratuities ($15-$20/day), beverages, and personal gear. Pre/post-expedition hotels are typically included.

Ready to Explore Antarctica?

Speak to an Antarctic specialist who has personally sailed these waters. Get expert guidance on the perfect itinerary, ship, and timing for your expedition.