Antarctica Tours & CruisesAntarctica group tours & trips, escorted by an expert guided expedition team
When do you want to go?
2024
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Our most popular Antarctica cruises
Our range of Antarctica cruises give travellers the opportunity to experience the very best that The White Continent has to offer. With stops at South Georgia and the Falklands on most of our tours you can discover the local wildlife and learn about the way of life in this harsh climate before crossing the infamous Drake Passage and setting foot on the snow and ice of Antarctica the South Shetland Islands.
With expert expedition leaders on all tours, we aim for two shore landings per day, enabling you to step onto the continent itself, have close encounters with the local wildlife, and visit one of the scientific stations to gain a deeper understanding of the research conducted in this region.
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What to expect on an Antarctic expedition
Embarking on a cruise through the Southern Ocean offers an unparalleled adventure to some of the most remote and breathtaking destinations on Earth. This voyage typically spans the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Shetland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula, promising a wealth of unforgettable experiences.
The Falkland Islands: Expect to encounter bustling colonies of penguins, including the iconic King penguins, as well as seals and an array of seabirds. The rugged terrain, with its rolling hills and pristine beaches, provides a stunning backdrop for excursions. The small settlements offer a glimpse into the local culture and history, with charming towns like Port Stanley showcasing the islands’ British heritage.
South Georgia: Often referred to as the “Serengeti of the Southern Ocean” due to its incredible biodiversity. Here, you’ll witness vast colonies of King penguins and fur seals, alongside the awe-inspiring sight of elephant seals battling for dominance. The island’s dramatic scenery, characterized by towering glaciers and snow-covered peaks, adds to the spectacle. Historical sites related to the whaling era and the legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton provide a poignant connection to the past.
The South Shetland Islands: The South Shetland Islands offer a captivating blend of wildlife and geological wonders. Volcanic landscapes, such as Deception Island with its natural harbour and geothermal activity, contrast with the icy surroundings. Here you’ll have plenty of opportunities for zodiac excursions.
The Antarctic Peninsula: The pinnacle of polar exploration. Here, expect to be awestruck by towering icebergs, endless ice fields, and abundant wildlife. Penguins, whales, and seals thrive in this pristine environment. Adventurous activities like kayaking and camping on the continent enhance the experience, while guided tours offer deep insights into the unique ecosystem and the impact of climate change.
The wildlife of Antarctica
For the majority of travellers on our Antarctica tours, seeing rare polar wildlife is one of the main reasons for wanting to visit the seventh continent. From penguins to seals and whales, here are some of the species you could spot on your Antarctic expedition.
Whales
The gentle giants of the seas. The waters surrounding Antarctica are home to numerous species of whale, with plenty of food available in the form of krill, squid, and other crustaceans for the marine mammals. Species to keep your eyes peeled for include the largest of them all, the Blue whale. Humpback whales, Sperm whales, Minke whales, and Killer whales - the largest member of the dolphin family, can also be seen. After decades of hunting, many whale populations are now rebounding, meaning the chances of spotting these amazing creatures on our Antarctica trips is better than ever!
Penguins
With no predators on land - there are no polar bears in Antarctica - penguin rookeries explode in numbers. Species such as Emperor penguins, Adelie penguins, Gentoo penguins and Chinstrap penguins live in huge colonies thousands strong. Some penguin colonies are so large that they can be seen from space, quite the reason to visit the continent! Many species of penguin mate for life, and couples rear chicks year after year for their entire lives. Antarctic penguins are also notoriously unafraid of mankind, leading to all sorts of memorable wildlife encounters.
Seals
There are six species of Antarctic seals, including Crabeater seals, Weddell seals, and Fur seals. But the most charismatic species to be found in the region is the giant Elephant seal, with males of the species sometimes weighing in at 4,000kg! They have a large nose, reminiscent of an elephant, and whilst slow and laborious on land, move gracefully and quickly through the water, where they do their best to evade the hungry jaws of Orcas, sharks and the similarly large and vicious Leopard seals.
Our Expedition Ships in Antarctica
The best of Antarctica
From the rare wildlife and pristine ecosystems to the dramatic scenery and uninhabited islands, Antarctica is a destination like no other. Plus, during your visit, you are going to be some of the most southern human beings on the planet, surrounded by more penguins than members of your own species. Here are the main highlights of our Antarctica trips.
Wildlife
From great whales to lumbering elephant seals and curious penguins, Antarctica is home to some of the world's most incredible, and most threatened wildlife. Penguin rookeries thousands-strong, killer whales hunting slow-moving seals at the coast, and blue and humpback whales breaching the waves. All of these are things you could see on your Antarctica expedition cruise!
The Antarctic Peninsula
Become one of just a handful of people alive to have stood on the seventh continent as you make landfall on the Antarctic Peninsula. You'll need to wrap up warm against the chill, but the reward is jagged mountain peaks, grumbling glaciers millennia old, and yet more of the region's diverse and resilient wildlife.
The Drake Passage
Regarded as one of the most treacherous sea crossings in the world, the infamous Drake Passage is no match for the Ushuaia, but crossing the body of water between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands is an experience nonetheless! This point is where the warmer waters of the north converge with the colder Antarctic waters. The result: an incredible array of marine biology.
The South Shetland Islands
A collection of rocky islands and islets teeming with life, the South Shetland Islands are a must-visit destination on any Antarctic expedition. Whether you're viewing wildlife and navigating sea ice from a small zodiac boat off the coast, or trekking on land, you're sure to see something that will stay with you forever.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Antarctica?
Antarctica is a land of extremes, and for much of the year, visiting isn't possible. This is because the seas are too rough to navigate from April - September. Our expedition cruises only operate during the Antarctic summer, when the region is more navigable.
Temperatures rarely climb above freezing, but the "warmest" months are December - February. For more information, check out our guide on the best time to visit Antarctica.
What should I pack for my Antarctica expedition?
It goes without saying that warm clothing, boots, and waterproofs are essential. But it's easy to forget items such as sunglasses and sunscreen, which are important to remember.
The key to navigating Antarctica is lots of layers of clothing. Whilst it is freezing outside when you are exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, things will be warmer aboard the ship, so you need to be able to add and remove layers easily.
Another piece of advice is to bring moisturizer. The windy conditions of Antarctica are more inhospitable than anything you've experienced before, and your skin will thank you. Earplugs are a good idea too, especially if you are a poor sleeper.
Will you always stick to the itinerary on your Antarctica trips?
Weather permitting, we will always endeavour to stick to the itinerary of each tour. However, in an environment such as Antarctica's, conditions can sometimes make this impossible.
Adverse weather or other issues can cause itineraries to change, but rest assured your expedition team will always go out of their way to make sure you have the very best experience possible.
Will my phone work?
The short answer is, no.
Antarctica has little in terms of communications infrastructure, so the Instagram snap of an emperor penguin colony will have to wait until you are back in South America. And there is no Wi-Fi aboard the Ushuaia. it's better to turn your phone off and enjoy the experience anyway!
However, the ship does have onboard computers and a phone, which can be used to check emails or make international calls, for a fee.
Will these Antarctica tours damage the fragile environment?
It is crucial that polar exploration leaves no impact on the fragile ecosystem, in the form of litter and waste. Your expedition team are highly trained and will ensure that wildlife is not disturbed, and that rubbish is not left behind, though it is also down to you to make sure you don't leave litter behind.
When stepping off the ship to explore, travellers will be asked to thoroughly wash their boots. This is to stop any cross-contamination of seeds or microscopic creatures from islands previously visited, or from Argentina.
Aboard the ship, all waste is safely and correctly disposed of.
