antarctica road trip

Ultimate ANTARCTICA Travel Guide

Antarctica is officially the 7th continent  and southernmost located destination on earth. Travel to Antarctica is a true adventure and not for the weary. Sailing to the continent is done through rough waters and takes days.

The two most visited areas are the Antarctic Peninsula that can be accessed Ushuaia, Argentina in South America by ship or flight, and the Ross Sea ice cap that can be accessed from  New Zealand  by ship.

The most popular place to visit in Antarctica is the  Antarctic Peninsula  though, as sailing from South America is easier.

Itineraries to the Antarctic Peninsula start at 11 days and up to 25 days depending on whether you choose an itinerary that visits some of the surrounding islands, such as the Falkland or South Georgia islands.

Hands down, Antarctica travel is one of the most unique experiences you will ever have in your life. You’ll visit massive penguin rookeries, experience ice in a way you didn’t know was possible, and enjoy whales from every angle.

Destinations

Antarctica travel: quick tips, don’t visit antarctica without:.

MOUISTURIZING CREAM

GET A GUIDEBOOK

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

ANTARCTICA BUCKET LIST

Cross the drake passage.

Sailing the notorious seas between South America and Antarctica is one the greatest adventures you can ever embark on. Enjoy wildlife watching, iceberg spotting, and the open ocean.

OBSERVE PENGUINS

Antarctica is the best place in the world to observe penguins. Expeditions will get you up close and personal with Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins. It is also possible to see Adelie, Emperor, and King penguins depending on your itinerary. 

MARVEL AT BIG ICE

The ice in Antarctica is no joke and you’ll find yourself standing in awe as you get up close to massive icebergs. You’ll learn about ice formation, types of bergs and have the chance to identify them on your excursions away from the ship.

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN ANTARCTICA

While a trip to this part of the world may seem redundant at first glance, there is a surprising amount of things to do in Antarctica when you get there.

The trick will be getting to actually do them because weather and wild animal patterns mean nothing is ever guaranteed.

POLAR PLUNGE:   A trip to Antarctica would not be complete without participating in a chilly polar plunge. This can be done wither from the shore of the ship but regardless of how you get in the water, we guarantee it will be a cold dip!

VISIT PORT LOCKROY:  The remains of an old British research station is now operating as a small gift shop, post office and museum for visitors to Antarctica. The penguins have also moved in, meaning it’s a good place to watch nesting behavior.

WHALERS BAY:  The remains of an old whaling station haunt the shores of the volcanic Deception Island. Visiting here is a surreal experience that is paired with tall snow-capped mountains and steaming black sand beaches.

WHALE WATCHING:  Antarctica is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Hundreds of whales across many species migrate into polar waters to feed on krill during the southern summer. This means your chances of seeing whales up close, especially humpbacks, is high.

SNOW HIKING:  One of our favorite things was to hike on the continent. After landing by zodiac we were allowed to explore the landing area, sometimes leading up onto high lookouts. We encountered penguins, birds and could often see whales feeding in the waters just off the coast.

KAYAKING:  There are fewer ways to get intimate with the natural beauty of Antarctica. Most ships offer an onboard kayak program that will allow you to paddle in the Antarctic waters during your trip, weather allowing.

CAMPING:  I know, this sounds crazy but you can absolutely camp out in Antarctica. Some of the expedition companies that frequent Antarctica offer the option to spend a night away from the ship. It’s an unreal experience and if you’re interested, be sure to book in advance of your trip to ensure you get a spot.

Pack like a pro on your trip to ANTARCTICA!

Popular regions in antarctica, antarctic peninsula.

The Antarctic Peninsula is the most northerly part of the Antarctic continent and the most southerly area that’s generally visited by  cruises  when it comes to Antarctica travel. The peninsula is separated from Tierra del Fuego, the most southerly point in South America, by the infamously rough and stormy Drake Passage .  It’s a dramatic and seemingly inhospitable place. Huge icebergs and vast ice sheets can be found in the surrounding waters, even in summer, and high, ice-topped mountain peaks rise above the peninsula. It’s the last frontier in the world for tourists, but it’s surprisingly busy with wildlife.  Across the peninsula you can find colonies of penguins, you can watch seals hunting from afar, and watch albatrosses flying through the air. Visitors can kayak through icy fjords, you can call into the Antarctic research centers found on the peninsula, and you can even camp out under the stars.

Visiting Antarctica from New Zealand is an option that is commonly overlooked. This for a couple of reasons but mainly due to the lack of operators that offer this route.   That said, this makes visiting this part of Antarctica really elusive and special.  Itineraries to the Ross Sea leave from Invercargill, New Zealand, and visit a series of sub-Antarctic islands like Macquarie Island, Auckland Islands, and the Snares before heading further south.  They then reach the Ross Sea region where several days are spent exploring Antarctica the same as you would along the Antarctic Peninsula. 

FALKLAND ISLANDS

The Falkland Islands are found far north of the Antarctic continent and are on the boundary of the sub-Antarctic region. They are a popular stop on many Antarctica travel cruises, as itineraries will include the islands before continuing further south.  Off the coast of Argentina, the Falklands are perhaps most infamous for the ongoing dispute that’s pitted Argentina against the United Kingdom, as the islands are a British Overseas Territory. You can experience life on the edge of the world when you visit the small capital of Stanley, explore the history of this remote destination, and the many conflicts that have rocked it, and even drink a few beers in a British pub. The Falklands are wild and windswept, and you can find large colonies of penguins across the islands. Bird lovers will be able to spot Albatrosses, while there are a surprisingly large number of introduced species of animals too, including thousands of sheep. 

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS

The South Shetland Islands are an archipelago that’s found to the north of the Antarctic Peninsula. They are a popular stop for many cruises taking visitors to enjoy their Antarctica travel experience because the islands are a haven for wildlife in an otherwise icy world. This is one of the most-visited parts of Antarctica, because the islands lie closer to South America, and have a warmer climate than the Antarctic Peninsula. One of the best places to visit is Deception Island , a barren, semi-submerged island that’s actually the caldera of an active volcano. It’s home to thousands of penguins, black sand beaches, and the abandoned remnants of whaling stations.  The largest island is King George Island, where you’ll find a large number of permanent research stations and even an airport. Penguin Island is another volcanic island that, as the name would suggest, is popular for those looking to see large numbers of penguins in the wild.

SOUTH GEORGIA

South Georgia is even more remote and isolated than the Falkland Islands, and along with the South Sandwich Islands, it’s another British Overseas Territory. South Georgia is the largest island in the archipelago, but no one really lives here permanently. It’s an inhospitable land on the edge of Antarctica, and it’s the perfect place for anyone looking to escape the rest of the world. You can find King Penguins, seals, and plenty of whales around the island, while there’s also a surprisingly large number of historical sights. You can pay your respects to an Antarctic explorer at Ernest Shackleton’s grave, you can visit the tiny ‘capital’ at King Edward Point, where a few hardy individuals brave the winters, and you can visit old whaling stations strung around the island. 

ANTARCTICA TRAVEL BUDGET

Antarctica travel has a reputation for being expensive, but considering what you are experiencing and what’s generally included in the cruise packages, they can be surprisingly good value.

Independent travel to the region is virtually impossible, so the only way that you’re getting here is on a cruise, or on a fly-cruise.

Packages vary in cost depending on the length of the trip, your standard of onboard accommodation and the destinations and activities included. Accommodation and food will be included in the total cost, but optional activities such as sea kayaking will cost more.

Flights to the departure point will not be included in most cases. You can get discounts by booking up last-minute spots that have yet to be filled, or by traveling on cruises scheduled to depart at the beginning and end of the summer season.

More expensive cruises may include guest speakers and onboard scientific researchers who will be able to enlighten you along the way. Always check what’s included before booking any Antarctica travel package.

STARTING AT $6,000 USD

While extreme budget travel is never possible when it comes to Antarctica travel, there are ways to get around high costs. The cheapest cruises start from around USD 6000 for a classic 10-day voyage from Argentina, to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll have a basic, shared cabin.

STARTING AT $10,000 USD

Mid-range cruises generally cost upwards of USD 10,000 for a longer voyage taking in more destinations, such as the Falklands and South Georgia, as well as the classic routes along the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

STARTING AT $20,000 USD

When it comes to luxury cruises in the Antarctica travel sphere, the costs can be endless. If you have the money and time you can easily spend upwards of USD 20,000 for a comprehensive multi-week itinerary with excellent food and onboard guest speakers.

ETHICAL ANTARCTICA TRAVEL

While comparatively few tourists visit Antarctica compared to other destinations across the world, this area of wilderness in the south is unused to human activity.

In the past, animal populations have come to the brink of extinction because of unethical human practices such as whaling or seal hunting.

While this does not happen anymore, the new challenge for Antarctica is increasing tourism, and ethical tourism practices need to be followed to protect the area, as per the IAATO Code.

As a tourist, you need to be aware of your impact on the environment, and that means leaving it as you found it.

Do not litter or discard any trash, either in the ocean or on land. Don’t leave anything behind, but equally don’t take anything you shouldn’t with you, be it as simple as a rock or pebble.

Many travelers visit Antarctica  for the wildlife , and the animals need to be respected. Follow the guidelines at all times, and stay within designated distances from the wildlife. As cute as those penguins might look, don’t get too close.

IAATO CODE IN ANTARCTICA

The IAATO is the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, an organization that was founded in 1991 by a group of private tour companies dedicated to the development of sustainable tourism in the region.

Their focus has always been on safe and environmentally friendly tourism practices within Antarctica, and their code of conduct is a manifesto that’s followed by private companies operating in the area.

The IAATO Code’s objectives compel visitors to Protect Antarctica Wildlife, Respect Protected Areas, Respect Scientific Research, Be Safe, and Keep Antarctica Pristine.

They set comprehensive guidelines that should be adhered to by all private tour companies looking to operate in Antarctica. These rules must be followed by all travelers looking to experience this untouched natural world, so it can be kept pristine for future generations.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN ANTARCTICA

Trips to Antarctica are always predominantly cruise based, however, there are options for you to fly from Argentina to King George Island in the South Shetlands, where you can join a cruise.

You can also fly into the Falklands from Santiago, in Chile, or you can even catch a Royal Air Force transport from the United Kingdom if you are a British citizen.

For most of your trip though, you’ll be on an expedition ship, but offshore excursions to many islands will see you transferring to small Zodiac boats. It is also possible to explore Antarctica by sea kayaking or hiking during landings.

TOP ANTARCTICA TOURS

Antarctic explorer.

12 Days from Ushuaia, Argentina Adventure Options: Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, SUP & Cross Country Skiing

ANTARCTIC EXPRESS: FLY THE DRAKE

8 Days from Punta Arenas, Chile Adventure Options: Kayaking & SUP Fly over the Drake Passage.

EPIC ANTARCTICA: CROSSING THE CIRCLE VIA FALKLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA

23 Days from Ushuaia, Argentina Adventure Options: Camping, Hiking, Kayaking & SUP

WHEN TO VISIT ANTARCTICA

Being located at the far southern pole, Antarctica has a harsh climate that can only be experienced by tourists in the summer months. The summer, tourist season runs from  October through to March , and all Antarctica travel is undertaken within this window.

Your travel experience may vary though, within the summer months, and deciding when to go will depend on what you want to actually see.

If it’s penguins you’re after, then the colonies are at their most active between December and February, when it’s hatching season. Whales can be seen through much of the summer, with the most sightings occurring between January and March.

At the start of the season, from October to November, you can experience the vast ice sheets as they break up when the weather begins to warm up.

The start and end of the season are generally quieter times, as fewer ships make voyages, due to rougher seas, colder weather, and fewer wildlife sightings.

For more information, check out the  Antarctica By Month: Best Time To Go To Antarctica

LEARN ABOUT ANTARCTICA BEFORE YOU GO

Safety in antarctica.

While the Antarctic is an inhospitable place, joining a cruise will see you in safe hands. The potential for danger though, is much higher than your standard cruise anywhere else in the world, due to the harsh climate and conditions that you’ll encounter.

You may experience rough weather onboard, even in summer, so you will want to take precautions if you get seasick easily. Most cruises have an onboard doctor who can help in case of sickness. In rough weather, you will not want to move around too much either, as accidents can easily occur.

It is extremely important that you abide by all rules and warnings that are issued by the onboard expedition staff. If they tell you to keep one hand free for the boat when moving around, do it.

If they tell you to wait before exiting a zodiac, listen. Simple instructions can save you from serious injury and they are not to be taken lightly.

As with any destination, we recommend learning and adhering to certain safety practices when you travel. Be sure to read our personal  travel safety tips , compiled from our travels across 7 continents.

ANTARCTICA TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

Antarctica travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to Antarctica and start planning your dream trip.

People Go Snorkeling in Antarctica? (Spoiler: We Did!)

21-day antarctica & south georgia expedition (full trip overview), how to visit antarctica responsibly: antarctica tourism deep dive, antarctica animals – wildlife animals that you can see during a visit, 26 unreal things to do in antarctica, antarctica by month: best time to go to antarctica, 34 antarctica cruise tips you must know before you go, deception island: a different side of antarctica, 121 epic antarctica facts, surviving the crossing of the drake passage adventure, climate change awareness from travel: how to talk about it, should i go to antarctica best time to visit and travel guide.

• Posts by Date
• Posts by Location
• Wine Travel Posts
• USA Travel Posts
• Upcoming Posts & Trips
• Sign-up for our Newsletter
• Meet Stephanie & Adam
• Our Mission
• Our Travel Bucket List
• Travel Gear for Your Trip
• Travel Insurance Guide
• Media & Site Activity
• Interactive Workshops

Antarctica: A One Week Expedition Itinerary

This may come as a surprise to those of you who have been part of our journey for the last few years, but when Adam and I booked our cruise to Antarctica in 2016, we did so without having any confirmation about where we would go or what we would do once we got there. It was the longest, most expensive itinerary upon which we have ever embarked, and the only thing we knew for sure is that our cruise ship, the Ocean Diamond, would depart from Ushuaia, Argentina before traversing the Drake Passage and ultimately arriving at the frozen continent. It seemed counterintuitive even to us; after all, for the time and financial commitment involved you would think we would meticulously plan every last detail of the trip to ensure it lived up to our expectations.

Antarctica appears on so many bucket lists for a reason: for some it’s a chance to set foot on all seven continents, and for others it’s an opportunity to experience one of the few places on Earth that is unspoiled by more typical tourism. Whatever the reason, it’s a place worth learning about and experiencing. It’s a journey that will leave you in awe of and inspired by the planet we call home.

Antarctica: A (Very) Brief History

The first recorded crossing of the Antarctic Circle was by the famous British explorer Captain James Cook in the 1770s, but he never saw the actual continent. In the decades that followed, several expeditions reported seeing or landing on Antarctica, including American sailor Nathan Palmer’s reported sighting of the continent in 1820 and American John Davis’s reported landing at Hughes Bay in 1821. Mercator Cooper is often credited with the first documented continental landing in 1853, and after that it was a parade of brave explorers—including Robert Scott, Earnest Shackleton, and Roald Amundsen—who pressed further and further toward the magnetic pole at 90° south.

When you think about the fact humans first laid eyes on Antarctica only 200 years ago it’s remarkable that visiting such an isolated place as a tourist is possible.

Our One Week Antarctica Cruise Itinerary

On the first day of our cruise, when Adam and I joined our fellow travelers for the first of many daily debrief sessions with our ship’s staff, our expedition leader Woody asked for a show of hands: how many people in the room had received an itinerary from our travel agents? I glanced around the room to find not a single hand went up, a relief to me since I had never seen a list of places we would visit, either. Woody laughed, noting there’s a reason for that; it’s just not possible to plan an itinerary months, weeks, or even days in advance. There are too many variables. Weather, ice coverage, and even wildlife sightings would factor into how we spent our time at sea. “It’s an expedition!” Woody told us, a statement greeted by warm laughter at the time, but ultimately that phrase would both guide our voyage and grant us the freedom to simply embrace what Antarctica gave to us each day.

We didn’t know what our itinerary would look like when we arrived, but the itinerary Antarctica offered was perfectly balanced between stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, unpredictable weather, and opportunities to explore on the water and by foot. While our itinerary may not be representative of what every Antarctica cruise will offer, this is what we had the chance to experience during our visit.

Deception Island, South Shetland Islands

Just north of the continent of Antarctica we made our first stop in Whalers’ Bay at Deception Island.

We had about 90 minutes to explore the island, and we started at the site of the former Norwegian Aktieselskabet Hektor whaling station and the British Antarctic Survey base, both of which were evacuated in 1967 following a volcanic eruption. Like a remote ghost town, abandoned buildings dot the landscape, including an empty aircraft hangar and a variety of dilapidated structures that once housed crews conducting meteorological and geological research. Not far from the whaling station we encountered our first Antarctic native, a sleepy Weddell seal whose stillness was interrupted only briefly when he stretched, washed his face, and rolled over before resuming his nap. The seal captured our attention until the wind carried the loud screeching of a penguin colony to us, and we rushed to watch as several groups of Gentoo penguins teetered across the terrain as they emerged from the cold water and began their trek to their nesting site. I stayed captivated by the penguins near the water as Adam climbed to Neptune’s Window, a scenic vantage point where he could see icebergs bobbing in the water.

Wilhelmina Bay, Antarctica

Our first glimpse of the continent proper came from Wilhelmina Bay, which was first discovered in the late 1800s by Adrian de Gerlache.

On the way back to our ship we passed a large iceberg with a single penguin standing on top of it, surveying the landscape just as we were. As we picked up speed, the curious tuxedoed ambassador toddled toward the edge of the iceberg as if to try to catch and join us for the rest of our visit. I felt a bit sorry to leave him behind.

Cuverville Island, Antarctica

Not far from Wilhelmina Bay we set foot on Antarctica again, this time on Cuverville Island. Also discovered by Adrian de Gerlache, Cuverville Island is home to the largest Gentoo penguin colony in the region.

I gained a bit of respect for the penguins, too. Although they are, for the most part, well-suited for the climate, their stubby legs make it difficult for them to move with grace or precision on land. We watched as they tripped, stumbled, and fell in their efforts to get to their destination. I wondered how evolution could have failed them in such a comical way. I was also grateful that they don’t fear humans; while few of them approached us, they didn’t seem bothered at all by our presence, and they would waddle within mere feet of us as if we were just some different, more brightly-colored yellow penguin species.

Lemaire Channel

Yet another de Gerlache discovery, the Lemaire Channel is just seven miles long and between half a mile and one mile wide. As the ship navigated the icy waters I couldn’t help but feel like we were floating on glass; the channel was so clear and so still that it could have easily been mistaken for a window into the water. The Lemaire Channel was also full of ice; we crunched our way through smaller pieces as we avoided larger icebergs.

The ship glided by a Weddell seal sunning himself on an ice sheet, and not far away we watched as fifty penguins on a similar ice sheet collectively decided to jump back into the water in unison. Set amongst the towering snow-capped peaks of Booth Island on one side and the continent itself on the other, we couldn’t believe how dramatic and spectacular the Lemaire Channel can be.

Penola Strait

It was in the Penola Strait that we learned just how fickle Antarctica can be. The skies quickly and severely changed from blue to gray, and when the wind picked up even the Ocean Diamond had difficulty holding anchor as the zodiacs rushed to safely deliver us to the ship. In a way it was a welcome change from the picture-perfect weather that we were almost used to enjoying; Antarctica is wild and untamed, and we had just a taste of it in the Penola Strait.

Paradise Harbour and Almirante Brown Base

Our first and only true continental landing came at the Almirante Brown Base in Paradise Harbour, a heavily glaciated area that houses an occasionally occupied Argentine base.

Brown Base itself was great and provided lovely views of the area, but for almost all of us the star of the show was standing on the continent itself. The excitement was palpable when we splashed into the water and walked over the rocks to the steps that led up to the base, then past the building to Antarctica. We spent a big part of our time taking photos to commemorate the moment we officially arrived at our seventh and final continent, including a few favorites of us with an Antarctica flag we bought in the Ocean Diamond’s Polar Boutique. It’s one of the moments we will remember with complete clarity for the rest of our lives.

Danco Island, Antarctica

The walk up to the best viewing spot on the island was steep and a bit unforgiving, and we were exhausted by the time we completed our journey to the top of the hill after regularly sinking into deep snow drifts. We relaxed (and cooled down) by staying stationary for most of the hour we had there, picking a spot right next to a huge group of penguins so we could observe them. I had to laugh when I watched one penguin narrow his eyes, toddle up to another penguin’s nest, and steal a pebble from it to take to his own mate’s nest. While the nesting penguin loudly protested the burglary, a third penguin wandered up and stole a pebble for himself. It looked a bit like bullying, and I realized no part of the animal kingdom is immune to drama.

Graham Passage

We also had a chance to see a particularly photogenic leopard seal who seemed very curious about the visitors clad in bright yellow parkas circling his resting spot.

Southern Ocean

On our last day in Antarctic waters, north of the Lemaire Channel in the Southern Ocean, we had what would be the most incredible experience of the entire trip. As the Ocean Diamond began its trek back to the Drake Passage, we encountered an enormous pod of 40 to 50 humpback whales who had just arrived from warmer climates where they spent their winter. They hadn’t eaten in months, and for more than an hour we had the surprise privilege of watching the whales as they surfaced and dove to feast on the krill population in the water. There were so many of them—so many water spouts as they surfaced, so many flukes as they dove—that it was overwhelming. The pod surrounded our ship, and no matter where we looked we could see up to a dozen whales on the horizon and even beneath our ship . We couldn’t have imagined a better Antarctica sendoff from a continent that was always so full of surprises.

When about a dozen orcas—killer whales—emerged on the scene I wondered if this were somehow scripted. How could we be so lucky to witness two different types of whales in such close proximity? It wasn’t scripted, of course: we were just lucky. We watched again as the orcas expertly swam around and even under our boat in an attempt to separate a humpback calf from its mother, a big meal if they were successful. The orca weren’t successful while we were in the area, which is perhaps better for us as far as our memory of the event is concerned.

The 90 minutes we spent watching the whales from the ship’s deck are without question the most surprising gift Antarctica gave to us, and along with the moment we set foot on the continent it is the most memorable part of our trip. In that moment I was happier than ever that we didn’t have a concrete itinerary to follow. There’s no way we could have planned for our whale encounter, and it highlighted why expedition travel can be so exciting—and so gratifying.

Final Thoughts…

Adam and I put a lot of trust into our expedition team, and they never once disappointed us. Woody and the Ocean Diamond’s captain Oleg plotted a careful journey that left plenty of room for changes based on the conditions and opportunities that arose. The rest of the expedition team shared so much enthusiasm for every location we explored that it was impossible to not share in it. When it became clear we wouldn’t make it to Port Lockroy because the conditions weren’t suitable for a visit we weren’t disappointed at all. Sure, we wanted a passport stamp, but not at the expense of missing out on a penguin colony or another chance to glide past gorgeous icebergs.

If you are wondering about the cruise experience itself, check out this post about the experience we had on the Ocean Diamond! We’ll also have a third post next month that shares some tips for how you can plan your own Antarctica vacation of a lifetime. In the meantime, here are a few more pictures of incredible Antarctica.

Related Posts

Ready to plan your Antarctica adventure? Here are a few more posts to help you get started!

What to Put on Your Antarctica Packing List

10 Tips on How to Plan an Antarctica Cruise

Antarctica: Zodiacs, Camping, Polar Plunge, & More

* From time to time, our travels are directly impacted by a service or company. In this case, we booked a cruise to Antarctica. We selected this trip independently and based on our own research and travel needs. We were not offered and did not receive compensation of any kind from the cruise company, or any other party in exchange for our review.

Share This!

TRAVEL to ANTARCTICA – Tips and Information Guide (2024 Update)

Here is our complete guide to tell you everything you need to know to travel to Antarctica, based on our experiences of visiting and working on the White Continent six times. 

It may just be the number one bucket list adventure for millions of people around the world – travelling to Antarctica!

The remoteness and expense of this incredible destination makes it an unrealised dream for many, but we’re here to help you on your journey to experience it for yourself!

The White Continent is a truly unique place. From its phenomenal landscapes to diverse wildlife, nowhere else on the planet comes close to its beauty.

And that’s not the only things that make it unique. From a political point of view, did you know that there it is the only continent on earth with no official government and no permanent residents?

That’s because in 1959 a couple of countries signed a treaty that over 40 nations follow to this day.

Visiting Antarctica is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime.

Whether you would love to hang around with emperor penguins or go  kayaking in the company of humpback whales , or perhaps even climb one of the world’s seven highest summits, there are plenty of reasons to want to pack your bags and  t ravel to Antarctica !

So read carefully and find out why you should stock up on chocolate, what you should bring on your expedition and how to make the most of your trip!

Antarctica Travel Guide

We’ve been lucky enough to travel to Antarctica 6 times, with more trips booked in the near future, and we can safely say it was by the far the most incredible place we have ever visited.

That being said, it’s not an easy trip to make, and it’s especially not a cheap one, so if you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to embark on a voyage, you’ll be one of only 100,000 people a year that actually visit!

In order to get the most out of your trip you need to be well prepared, so make sure to read through our detailed and informative  Antarctica Travel Guide .

After our very successful tour to Antarctica this season, we are going to be running another exclusive adventure down to the Peninsula in 2025, this time crossing the Antarctic Circle! Check out the  tour page  if you’d like to learn more.

Planning on exploring other parts of the polar regions? Don’t miss our brand new complete guide to help you  travel to South Georgia !

Best Antarctica Cruise – Ultimate Guide to Who & How [2024]

17 awesome things to do in antarctica (2024 guide), quark ultramarine review – best polar expedition ship [2024], travelling in antarctica: at a glance.

Here are the basics about travel to Antarctica.

Main Destinations

South Shetland Islands, Port Lockroy, Errera Channel, Lemaire Channel, King George Island

Primarily USD on ships.

ENTRY / VISA:

Visitors to Antarctica do not require a visa, however permits are necessary. These will be acquired on your behalf by the tour operator you are travelling with.

English, Spanish, Russian and others depending on the bases.

Travelling to Antarctica comes with inherent risks such as cold weather exposure and possible wildlife encounters. The remoteness of the destination means medical assistance is not instant. All tour operators have trained medical professionals onboard and will mitigate risks to the best of their ability.

ELECTRICITY:

Depends on the ship you are travelling on.

TRANSPORTATION:

The only commercial airport is on King George Island, with charter flights available from Punta Arenas, Chile. Transport around the continent for tourists is primarily done onboard expedition ships and zodiacs.

Don’t Forget to Pack the Most Important Thing: Travel Insurance !

TOP 5 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN ANTARCTICA

With so much to see and do in Antarctica, it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate Antarctica you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Step Foot on the Continent

The quintessential experience for anybody visiting Antarctica is to officially step foot on the seventh continent. Make sure you book a tour on a ship that carries less than 500 people (less than 200 ideally) to ensure you can do this.

See our recommended Antarctica cruise operators here .

Go Kayaking or SUPing

Zodiac cruises and shore landings are incredible, but nothing quite beat the silence and connection to nature that you get from kayaking!

Read about how to go kayaking in Antarctica .

Camp Under the Stars

If you love adventure and want real bragging rights, you need to experience the fun of camping the night amongst penguins and icebergs.

Learn about camping in Antarctica .

Do the Polar Plunge

Who would jump off of a perfectly good ship into the frigid Southern Ocean? You, you absolute badass! And you’ll get pictures to prove it.

Zodiac Cruise with Whales

In our opinion, the zodiac cruises you take in Antarctica are often better than the shore landings, particularly if you have epic wildlife encounters. Travel late season for humpback whales!

How to Get to Antarctica

EXCLUSIVE – We have partnered with the world’s top polar tour operator, Quark Expeditions, to offer readers of NOMADasaurus a very special deal on any trip to Antarctica or the Arctic! Contact us ([email protected]) if you’d like to learn more.

READ MORE: Check out our latest guide on how to choose the  best Antarctica cruise !

Departures from South America

• Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands
• Puta Arenas in Chile
• Buenos Aires in Argentina
• Santiago in Chile

Departures from New Zealand & Australia

Can you fly to antarctica.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE  OTHER AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN ANTARCTICA

READ MORE...

What to Wear in Antarctica – Ultimate Travel Packing List

Sea kayaking in antarctica – the ultimate guide for 2024, the ultimate guide to camping in antarctica (2024), crossing the drake passage to antarctica (how bad is it), how to travel to antarctica responsibly (must read), best places to visit in antarctica.

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Antarctica, and while you are limited to where the ship can go based on weather conditions and permits, every location is sure to blow your mind.

At just 1600m wide, the Lemaire Channel is one of the most spectacular vistas on the entire Antarctic Peninsula. Navigating through is never guaranteed, but if conditions allow, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Cuverville Island

Cuverville Island lies between the Errera Channel and the Gerlache Strait, and is home to over 7,000 breeding pairs of gentoo penguins.

Deception Island

Deception Island is the caldera of an active volcano, and skilled captains can sail their expedition ships right into the heart of it. It is home to an old, abandoned whaling station.

Hanusse Bay, Antarctic Circle

Hanusse Bay lies south of the Antarctic Circle, and is a wintry, iceberg-riddled and wildlife-dense location on the Peninsula.

Visa Requirements for Antarctica

Antarctica doesn’t belong to any one government or jurisdiction, and for that reason, no visas are required.

That being said though citizens of nations that have signed the Antarctica Treaty’s Protocol on Environment Protection (USA, Canada, EU and Australia) are required to get prior permission before visiting.

Don’t worry though, as this is organised through your licensed tour operator.

5 Interesting Facts About Antarctica

• It’s the coldest continent in the world, with the temperatures in wintertime dropping below -73°C (-100°F). The lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth was in Antarctica, and it was a very balmy -89.2°C (-128.6°F).
• There are no permanent residents of Antarctica, only transit residents (around 1,000), that are usually scientists or workers living in different research stations spread all over Antarctica
• Since Antarctica is situated in the southern hemisphere, winter is from May to October, and summer is from November to April.
• Antarctica is actually a desert! That might be surprising to a lot of people, because when we think of deserts we think of hot, dry, large sand surfaces. Since it doesn’t rain or snow in Antarctica it’s considered a polar desert.
• Antarctica holds 90% of the world’s fresh water!

Keen to learn more? Check out our full list of our favourite  facts about Antarctica !

The Best Time to Travel to Antarctica

Unless you are working for a government organisation, the only time to travel to Antarctica is in the summer.

But what month should you visit in? Well that depends on what you want to see, and what your expectations are.

Read our complete guide on the  best time to visit Antarctica , or read on for more information.

Some may argue that early season is actually the best time to visit Antarctica, because you can see it in its most undisturbed form.

After the long, cold winter, the landscape is covered in a fresh blanket of snow and ice, leaving everything looking clean and pristine (and quite other-worldy).

In terms of wildlife it’s possible to see whales, but not as much as later in the season as the water temperatures are still too cold.

If you visit at this time of year though expect to see lots of penguins, seals and birds.

The main downside to coming in November is that the temperatures are lower and polar ice is still breaking up, which means some areas of the continent are not accessible.

Peak Season – December to February

The peak season coincides with the brief summer, and is by far the most popular time to visit the continent.

Temperatures are at their highest and you get up to 20 hours of sunlight a day!

Whales are starting to visit the waters, baby penguins are plentiful, the birdlife is incredible and you’ll have a much better chance at seeing Antarctica with blue skies.

When we say it is the most popular time to visit though, we mean it. While the tour operators are strictly controlled to where and when they can visit certain areas, you may see other ships around and the foot traffic at the popular spots like Deception Island is much higher.

March to Early April

Late summer in Antarctica is the best time for whale spotting, and while a lot of the other animals have started their migration, you’ll see huge amounts of humpbacks, whales and minkes frolicking in the waters.

This time of year you will have access to almost all areas as the polar ice would have melted.

But with the temperatures slowly starting to drop as the season transitions to winter, it can be unpredictable, and snow storms are more frequent.

We personally believe travelling in the shoulder season is best!

Travel Itineraries Suggestions

When you book your trip to Antarctica your itinerary is more or less determined by whichever journey you sign up for. You can’t deviate from this, so it’s important to pick an itinerary that encompasses everything you’d like to see and do.

Most standard Antarctica itineraries start and finish in Ushuaia, and go for 10 days. This includes 2 days each way to cross the Drake Passage, and a few days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.

If you have more time, and would like to see extra places, we recommend looking for a voyage that visits the Falkland Islands and South Georgia as well. These kind of trips usually last for around 17-20 days.

These archipelagos have tremendous wildlife viewing opportunities, and are filled with fascinating history, such as the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

If you want a very in-depth Antarctic Peninsula adventure, you can look at crossing the Antarctic Circle, but only a few select companies do this mission.

We crossed the Circle in 2024 with Quark Expeditions and it was an incredible experience.

Budget for Travelling to Antarctica

We’re going to level with you – A tour to Antarctica is not cheap.

But when you compare everything you get to see and do, as well the remote location of the destination and just what is involved on an expedition, it is actually quite fair.

You can expect to spend anywhere from USD$500 per day right up to $3,000 per day, and this depends completely on the itinerary, the company and the type of berth you want to sleep in on the ship.

If you’re looking to save money on an Antarctica tour, the only way you can do this is to book a ticket last-minute.

Different Styles of Antarctica Tour Packages

When you’re doing your research on trips to Antarctica you might be amazed to see a huge difference in price from one company to the next. So why the fluctuation?

This often comes down to two things – the quality of the ship you will be travelling on, and the reputation of the company.

Cheap Antarctica Tours

Not all companies are created equal, and you need to take this into consideration when booking your trip. If a tour company is super cheap, there’s probably a reason for that.

The service of leaders and staff might not be as good, the ship might be much older, and you might only get a limited number of days on the actual continent.

We’ve seen trips for as cheap as USD$5000. Remember though, you get what you pay for.

Our Secret Tip –  Want to go with a reputable and responsible company to Antarctica, but aren’t ready to pay huge amounts? Book the cheapest cabin on the ship.

You still get the exact same service, same guides, same destinations, same activities, except you’re not paying a huge amount for a fancy room. And the truth is you won’t be spending much time in your cabin anyway, so save your money and just book a cheap berth with a good company.

There are plenty of luxury cruise ships that visit Antarctica, and if this is what you’re into, then perfect.

These ships will have all the creature comforts you’d expect to find on a high-end cruise ship, with hot tubs, swimming pools, masseuses, elevators, etc.

Luxury Antarctic cruises might include charter flight tickets to the Ushuaia too, so you can avoid any complicated flight itineraries and add maximum comfort during your trip.

Sometimes they are part of longer South America trips that start in places like Montevideo in Uruguay or Buenos Aires, and finishing up in Valparaiso in Chile.

But these tailor-made experiences comes at a hefty price, which can go up to $25’000 (or more)!

Is this the best way to visit Antarctica? In our opinion, sometimes – it depends.

You do get what you pay for. You’ll have a newer, better ship with nicer cabins, higher quality food and potentially more experienced expedition staff.

We’ve travelled at both ends of the spectrum – on super budget trips with companies like Intrepid, and high-end luxury ships with Quark Expeditions.

Both had their pros and cons. It comes down to your budget.

Last Minute Antarctica Cruises

So what about these last minute Antarctica cruises that people talk about? Is it really possible to cruise to Antarctica for less than USD$5000?

Short answer, yes. However last minute means last minute, and you’ll often have to travel to Ushuaia and register your interest with a number of tour operators in the town.

If an opening comes up (such as someone cancelling their trip) you’ll be on a waiting list to join the tour. But you may only be given a day or two’s notice, and you may end up spending a week or more down in Ushuaia waiting to hear.

A family we met managed to score some last-minute Antarctica tickets after waiting more than 3 weeks in Patagonia, and when they got the word that it was happening they had 36 hours to drop everything and get to Ushuaia in time to jump onboard.

If you have the time and funds to stay down in southern Patagonia for a few weeks this can be a viable way to visit Antarctica cheaply.

Can I Work on a Cruise Ship to Antarctica?

Yes, you absolutely can. But the idea that you can literally just show up at the dock and get a job cleaning rooms or working in a kitchen is unfortunately not true.

The employees of these companies have months of training and maritime-grade certifications before they are sent on a trip to Antarctica and often have to sign long contracts.

Sorry, to be bearer of bad news, but no, y ou can’t show up in Ushuaia and get a one-off job on a cruise to Antarctica.

Insider’s Tip – Book A Small Group Expedition

Very few people know this when booking their travels to Antarctica, but if you end up on a ship that has more than 200 passengers onboard, your time on the continent is severely limited!

That’s because IAATO rules states that no more than 200 people from any one voyage can get off the ship at any one time, and no more than 100 people can step foot on the continent at once, so if your tour has more than this, you’ll end up spending a lot of time waiting on the ship while the other group is off exploring.

If you have between 100-200 people onboard, you do what’s known in the industry as a ‘split landing’ – basically half the group go ashore while the other half zodiac cruise, then you swap midway through the excursion.

In our expert opinion this isn’t a bad thing. We personally prefer zodiac cruising anyway.

Even worse though, if you end up booking a large cruise ship with more than 500 people onboard, IAATO regulations mean nobody gets off the ship.

That means you won’t even get the chance to do anything more other than simply look at the landscapes from afar.

And while this is still pretty amazing, in our opinion you’re paying all this money to go there – you may as well actually step foot on Antarctica!

Here’s an article to give you some more  tips on how to choose a tour.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Antarctica

Antarctica is one of the most isolated places in the world and as such it has managed to maintain its pristine nature with minimum human impact (although climate change is reeking havoc down there).

For anyone wishing to enjoy the dramatic landscapes covered in polar ice and beautiful wildlife, make sure your cruise includes our top places to visit in Antarctica!

The Lemaire Channel

The Lemaire Channel is a narrow passage on the Antarctic Peninsula that is stunningly beautiful to navigate. On all sides you’ll be surrounded by towering peaks, tumbling glaciers and glistening icebergs.

It’s also a dream come true for marine life lovers, as you can spot all kinds of seals and even whales, including humpbacks and orcas!

No matter how cold it gets, we guarantee you won’t go below the deck in fear you might miss something!

Deception Island always proves to be a highlight of people’s travels to Antarctica as it is incredibly beautiful, and has a human element to it with the old whaling station.

But why the name Deception Island? That’s because even though it looks like just an island, it’s actually a caldera of an active volcano!

The waters here are a tad warmer than the rest of the seas around, making it a popular spot for people to do the polar plunge.

Vernadsky Research Station

No trip to Antarctica would be complete without spending some time at a functioning science base, and luckily you can do just that at Vernadsky Research Station!

This Ukrainian-run base has a lot of history, and today the scientists working there open their doors to visitors.

It’s even home to the southern-most bar in the world! Read all about it in our article about  Vernadsky Research Station.

South Shetland Islands

The South Shetland Islands are a small group of islands about 120km north of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Their location makes them one of the most visited places on the peninsula, and they are a great place to visit in Antarctica because of the huge population of elephant seals and penguins.

South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands

While  South Georgia  and the Sandwich Islands don’t actually belong to Antarctica (they are part of the United Kingdom), we couldn’t write a list about the top places to visit without mentioning this place.

It has been called the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean due to the abundance of wildlife that congregates there.

You can see hundreds of thousands of king penguins hanging out on beaches, 4-tonne elephant seals battling each other for mates and the largest bird in the world, the Wandering Albatross.

South Georgia can be included on a few Antarctic cruise itineraries, so if you have the time we highly recommend visiting.

Top 5 Travel Experiences in Antarctica

So what exactly is there to do in Antarctica? Plenty!

We wrote this comprehensive guide on the  best things to do in Antarctica , but let us break down some of the highlights here.

Camping Under the Stars

Yes it is entirely possible to go  camping in Antarctica , but only if you join the right tour operator that provides the right gear.

It might sound risky because of the extreme weather conditions, but that’s why you should only do it with a company that takes all safety measures seriously.

You will sleep in winter-grade bivvy sacks with high-quality sleeping bags, and the expedition leaders will monitor the weather systems closely to make sure that it’ll be the optimum evening to do so.

The adventure won’t seem as challenging once night sets and you get thrown into a daze by views of the open sky and stars, with zero light pollution around to hide the universe.

Laying under the stars and waking up to the sun rising over the vast snowy landscape will be etched into your mind forever.

Take the Polar Plunge

How does swimming in the world’s coldest place sound to you? Well you can do just that in Antarctica, and it’s an experience that’ll give you the ultimate bragging rights.

Whether you’re jumping from a boat or do a sprint into the icy waters at the beach on Deception Island, it’s going to be frigidly cold. But the pain only lasts a minute, and you’ll have expert guides around you to warm you up with blankets and hot chocolate.

Climb Mount Vinson

For those that want a serious adventure, and have the skills to go with it, why not consider climbing the tallest mountain in Antarctica, Mount Vinson!

The mountain is 4897m high, but of course this isn’t for the average traveller to Antarctica, and you won’t find a standard cruise ship that goes there.

It’s one of the world’s seven highest summits, making it a must-do for any mountaineer looking to achieve the Holy Grail.

Kayaking With Whales

Sea kayaking in Antarctica is one of the best adventure activities on the continent, and it’s easy to see why.

Surrounded by icebergs, calm waters and huge glaciers, you can spend hours paddling around, being constantly amazed at the scenery.

This is the best way to get closer to Antarctica’s rich marine life, and if you’re really lucky, you might even have a close encounter with a humpback whale!

Hanging Out With Penguins

Hanging out with penguins is everyone’s number one item on their Antarctica bucket list.

There are six types of penguins living in Antarctica and they are one of the few animals on the continent that is pretty much a guarantee to see no matter when you go!

The guideline on interacting with wildlife on Antarctica is that you have to keep your distance, at least 5 meters away from all wildlife, but if they approach you that’s no problem!

These friendly birds are very unfamiliar with humans, so chances are they will come right up to you if you just hang out and wait.

Transport in Antarctica

Unless you’re working on a research station, the only form of transport you’ll get to experience in Antarctica is the floating kind.

Cruise or Expedition Ships

The main mode of transport in Antarctica is by ship, and you have a couple of different options – A luxury cruise ship, or a research expedition ship.

Cruise ships are comfortable and luxurious, but they might also lack the character and sense of adventure that you’d expect from a place like Antarctica.

We most recently travelled on a  polar expedition vessel called the Ultramarine , and it was amazing in that they were conducting real-life science research as we went.

Zodiacs (Inflatable Rubber Boats)

This is the most common, and fun way, to get your way around Antarctica.

They are used for getting from your ship to shore, or for just exploring around the gorgeous seas. They are open-air, which means you’re exposed to the elements, so make sure you wear plenty of protective gear.

We’ve already spoken about kayaks before, but if you have the chance to paddle around the continent you should definitely take it!

Safety in Antarctica

While Antarctica truly delivers on the promise of untouched nature and rich wildlife, one should seriously prepare to be exposed to the harsh climate and one of the most dangerous environments in the world.

But don’t stress too much about it – Chances are you’ll only be travelling to Antarctica in the summer, where the temperatures are warmer anyway.

Plus all Antarctic tours have qualified and experienced medical staff onboard, so you’ll be in safe hands.

Rough Sea Weather

When crossing the Drake Passage, which is a gruelling 48-hour journey, there’s a chance that you will encounter some rough sea weather.

Don’t worry though, because expedition ships are designed to charge through even the most turbulent of seas, so even though you might feel scared, the boats are absolutely fine.

If you’re prone to sea sickness you can take strong medication to help, or if you’re absolutely petrified we suggest booking a trip that has a flight to King George Island instead of boarding the cruise ship in Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.

Walking On Ice

The key to crossing the icy sections of the continent are to have good quality boots.

Sometimes the tour operator will supply you with these boots, but make sure you do your research before you show up.

The guide will offer you some practical advice how to walk across icy sections. Usually those instructions consist of keeping a slow pace and short, confident steps where you plant your feet.

Harsh Climate

The main issue travellers to Antarctica will come across is the harsh climate, so make sure you come prepared.

You need to pack all the necessities before you come, because the right clothing is the most important factor in whether you will have a good time or not.

Learn to layer up, because the temperature can change rapidly, and the last thing you want is to have one giant, warm coat on when the sun comes out, meaning all you have underneath is a t-shirt.

The expedition leaders will keep an eye on the weather to help keep you safe in Antarctica.

Cruise Ship Safety

Most incidents that happen to cruise ships in Antarctica involves the pack ice, but this is an extremely rare occurrence in this day and age.

It’s important to know that your tour operator evaluates all risks and manages the trip around perceived hazards. Safety is their number one priority.

Today we’re able to predict icebergs, pack ice and unexposed hazards with forward-scanning sonar and ice radars, and all cruise ships have them in use.

Medical System in Antarctica

All tour operators have a medical team on-board for any possible health issues you may encounter.

The only thing up to the traveller to take care of is to make sure you get the proper vaccinations before the expedition.

The vaccines that you should be up-to-date on are:

• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Diphteria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine
• Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
• Polio vaccine

The risk of acquiring of any of those diseases comes from the fact that they’re easily spread from person to person, and the close living quarters.

You will be sharing same space with people from many different parts of the world which carries an increased risk of contracting a disease.

Packing List for Antarctica

Making sure to pack everything you need for your Antarctica travels is the most vital part of your travel preparations.

Some of the tour operators will supply you with adequate waterproof jacket, pants and boots, but make sure to check with them.

Check out our detailed guide on  what to wear in Antarctica  to get you prepared.

Men And Women

• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof pants
• Boots (with the most grip)
• Thermal underwear
• Thermal socks x2
• Merino wool socks x3
• T-shirts x4
• Long sleeve shirt x1
• Hooded jumper x1
• Down jacket x1
• Wind/rain jacket x1
• Glove liners x1 pair
• Ski gloves x1 pair
• Buff bandana x2
• Sunglasses x1

Miscellaneous Items

• Camera (here’s  our list of the absolute best travel cameras on the market )
• Wide angle & zoom lens
• Spare batteries x4
• SD memory cards x4
• Waterproof cases for electronics

Travel Tips To Antarctica

• Wear layers! In some moments when you physically exert yourself you will start feeling a bit hot so then you should take off a layer. Later on when you feel cold again just put it back on – it’s important to regulate the body temperature.
• Invest in your camera equipment! This is a trip that most people only take once in their lifetime – you want to be sure to  make memorable photos of it.
• When booking your cruise make sure that somewhere it says ‘step foot on the continent’ because some cruise ships don’t allow passengers to leave the vessel!
• Think of flying to Buenos Aries before connecting to Ushuaia. It might end up a cheaper and you can arrive a day or two earlier to explore Buenos Aries.
• Buy a  good travel insurance policy ! Antarctica is so isolated and unpredictable that your travel policy should always include an emergency evacuation charge!

Table of Contents

Read our antarctica blog posts, the best time to visit antarctica – month by month breakdown.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Tips

How to Visit Antarctica

From how to get there to what to pack, here's what you need to know about visiting Antarctica.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

There is at least one place left on earth where you really can disconnect: Antarctica.

There is no mobile phone service. There are no town squares, no restaurants, and no tourist traps. The local "airports" are really just ice or gravel landing strips.

Antarctica is nearly twice the size of Australia and mostly covered with a thick sheet of ice. It's one of the most remote destinations in the world and the trip of a lifetime for many travelers. It's also easier to travel to Antarctica than one might think.

Lars-Eric Lindblad first took a group of 57 visitors to Antarctica in 1966. "At that time it was more or less like accomplishing a moon landing," his son Sven-Olof Lindblad said. "In those days, we were not as prepared as we are now. There were no satellite ice charts. You were not that different navigationally from the early explorers."

Even now it can be hard to really understand Antarctica. It is the coldest and windiest place on earth and, by some measures, the driest. It has no currency of its own. It is a desert with no trees, no bushes, and no permanent residents. More meteorites are found in Antarctica than in any other place in the world.

"Antarctica is about the wildest place you can go on the planet," Lindblad said.

It's also an increasingly popular place to visit. According to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators , tourism more than doubled from 2010 to 2020.

"The conversation around climate change has elevated people's interest and created a sense of urgency," Lindblad said.

The Best Times to Go to Antarctica

The Antarctic travel season lasts from November through March, the Antarctic summer. Temperatures are often below freezing at this time of year, especially in the continent's interior, but they can reach as high as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

The best time for penguin spotting is late December or early January. Wait too long and previously pristine penguin colonies get dirty and smelly, said Nik Horncastle , a regional specialist with Audley Travel. For peak whale watching, try February or March.

Other activities, including snowshoeing, kayaking, skiing, camping, snorkeling, diving, and visits to historic sites from earlier expeditions, can be experienced throughout the season.

How to Get to Antarctica

One of the more common routes to Antarctica is by ship via Ushuaia, a city at the southern tip of Argentina. Several companies, including Hurtigruten Expeditions , Quark Expeditions , and Lindblad's namesake Lindblad Expeditions , specialize in Antarctic and polar cruising, offering journeys that range in length from just over a week to a full month and beyond.

On board, expect to mingle with scientists, naturalists, historians, and underwater specialists. "The onboard experience is a conversation around where you are and what does this place mean," Lindblad said. Internet service via satellite is available but comes with a hefty price tag.

Antarctica is one place where smaller boats offer a big advantage. "We don't recommend a boat over 200 people," Horncastle said. "Big boats can only stop at a few sites."

That said, if you want to visit Antarctica on a traditional cruise line, many major carriers can get you there — often on vessels that adhere to that fewer-than-200-guests rule of thumb. Some more affordable lines, like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean , stick to "cruise-only" itineraries, which sail along the Antarctic coast (and offer great views in the process) but don't allow disembarkation on the continent. A number of others, though, from Viking Cruises and Disney Cruise Line to Ponant and Silversea , take passengers right into the Antarctic interior, thanks to on-shore excursions and ships with icebreaker capabilities.

Booking an Antarctica Expedition

Expect to spend between $6,000 and $50,000 to visit Antarctica, depending on the length of the trip and the level of luxury you seek.

"It's an expensive trip," Horncastle said — but there are options if you're traveling on a budget.

Intrepid Travel and G Adventures both specialize in affordable trips to Antarctica, and neither requires single supplements for solo travelers. If you don't feel the need to set foot on the continent, you can also opt for a sightseeing flight. These flights, which cut costs by flying over Antarctica without stopping there, are available from most major cities in Australia at prices that start around $1,200 per person.

To both fly over and step onto the continent, Antarctica21 combines a two-hour flight from Chile with cruises that passengers can board in Antarctica. While this option doesn't give visitors the chance to cruise the famous Drake Passage, it does save time and minimize the risk of seasickness.

"The Drake Passage is a crossing full of unpredictable conditions," said Antarctica21's Francesco Contini. "When the crossing is rough, passengers tend to be not very comfortable."

Packing List for Antarctica

• Knee-high waterproof boots
• Waterproof pants
• A warm parka
• Waterproof gloves
• Warm base layers
• Extra socks
• A tight-fitting beanie
• A warm scarf
• A camera and lenses
• Seasickness medication

Antarctica Cruises, Ships & Tours

10 top antarctica cruises & tours for 2024-2025, classic antarctica air cruise, antarctica - basecamp, antarctic express: fly the drake, antarctic small ship expedition, south shetland islands and antarctic peninsula, antarctica express air cruise, antarctic explorer: discovering the 7th continent, epic antarctica: crossing the circle via falklands & south georgia, 8 antarctica cruise deals for 2024-2025, find the perfect antarctica trip, cruise one way & fly one way, adventure expeditions, luxury cruises, our most remote antarctic expeditions.

• South Georgia

Falkland Islands

Weddell sea, tips for planning your antarctic cruise, how to choose an antarctic cruise.

• Book early! Fewer than 60,000 people step foot on Antarctica each year and many ships fill up many months or even years ahead of time. Plan your trip at least a year ahead of time, or even earlier if you can, for the best prices and selection.
• Choose a smaller ship, preferably with less than 200 passengers. By choosing a smaller cruising vessel for your Antarctica cruise, you are guaranteeing yourself a superior on board  experience with more opportunities for daily excursions to small bays and ports. Ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not allowed to land their passengers ashore in Antarctica.
• Choose your cruise based on activities, destinations, and cruise line experience. Use this guide, or contact one of our Antarctica cruise experts  and we'll help you find the itinerary and ship that is best suited to your you. 
• Be prepared for rough seas. If you are affected by motion sickness, then take tried and tested medications or treatments. Consider taking a flight cruise that can fly you either one, or both ways from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island.

Top-Rated Small Antarctic Cruise Ships

Magellan explorer, sylvia earle, ultramarine, greg mortimer, national geographic endurance, ocean albatros, world explorer, ocean adventurer (sea adventurer), ocean victory, ms seaventure, antarctica highlights.

• Zodiac Expeditions: Delve into the heart of Antarctica's icy realm on Zodiac expeditions. Get unbelievably close to massive icebergs and glaciers that defy imagination. Encounter unique wildlife such as seals, penguins, and majestic whales, making every moment a captivating memory.
• Antarctica Camping Trips: For an unparalleled connection with the environment, camp under the starry skies of Antarctica. Some cruises offer camping experiences complete with all the necessary equipment, ensuring your safety while you immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the continent.
• Kayak Among Marine Life: Glide through the pristine waters of Antarctica in a kayak, coming face to face with the remarkable marine life that calls this continent home. Paddle through stunning ice formations and observe seals and penguins in their natural habitat.
• Snowshoeing and Skiing: Embrace the adventure spirit by snowshoeing or skiing on the pristine slopes of Antarctica. Some cruises include these exhilarating activities in their itineraries and provide top-notch equipment for guests seeking an adrenaline rush.
• Glacier Hikes: Embark on glacier hikes through awe-inspiring white landscapes, all while spotting the incredible wildlife that inhabits this unique region. It's an opportunity to stay active and witness wildlife thriving in their natural habitat.
• Scientific Explorations: Visit science research stations and onboard science labs to delve into the cutting-edge research conducted in Antarctica. Learn about the history of exploration in Antarctica and gain insights into the current challenges facing the continent.
• Breathtaking Sceneries: Be prepared to be mesmerized by the inspiring and breathtaking sceneries of Antarctica. Marvel at the incredible species that call this pristine wilderness home every step of the way.
• Relaxation and Luxury: Amidst the adventure, take time to unwind and pamper yourself. Enjoy moments of relaxation as you tour or sail through the blue waters of Antarctica. Many cruises offer onboard services like spas, massages, fine dining, hot tubs, and more, ensuring you have the best of both worlds during your expedition.

Antarctic Wildlife

Top places to visit in antarctica.

• Antarctic Peninsula : This is one of the most visited regions in Antarctica and is known for its stunning landscapes, research stations, and abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. Cross the Lemaire Channel back or from notable visitor sites along the Antarctic Peninsula include Paradise Bay , Deception Island , Neko Harbor, Cuverville Island, Half Moon Island, and Petermann Island.
• East Antarctica: The vast and largely unexplored eastern portion of Antarctica contains the coldest and driest areas of the continent.
• West Antarctica: This region is characterized by its massive ice sheets and glaciers, including the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. It is an important area for scientific research on climate change.
• Ross Sea : Located in the southernmost part of the Pacific Ocean, the Ross Sea region is home to the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice shelf in Antarctica. It is a critical area for studying the continent's marine ecosystem, Visit Brown Bluff (Tabarin Peninsula) or sail to the remote Peter I Island and Macquarie Island as you approach New Zealand .
• Weddell Sea : Situated off the eastern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea is known for its diverse wildlife and historic significance, including the famous Shackleton expedition.
• South Orkney Islands: These islands are a sub-Antarctic archipelago located in the Southern Ocean, not far from the Antarctic Peninsula. They are home to various bird species and marine life.
• South Shetland Islands : This archipelago is a popular stop for Antarctic cruises, serving as a gateway to the continent. It is known for its research stations and wildlife, including penguins and seals. Notable visitor sites within the South Shetland Islands include Livingston Island, Hannah Point (Livingston Island), Elephant Island , and Aitcho Islands.
• South Sandwich Islands : This group of uninhabited islands located in the South Atlantic Ocean is home to a variety of seabirds and marine mammals, including chinstrap penguins, fur seals, albatrosses, and orcas.
• Sub-Antarctic Islands: These islands are scattered throughout the Southern Ocean and are known for their unique ecosystems, including various bird species and marine life. Sail to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island . Explore visitor sites such as Port Stanley (capital), Saunders Island, Carcass Island, West Point Island, and Sea Lion Island.
• Scotia Arc: This chain of islands and undersea ridges connects South America with the Antarctic Peninsula. It is an important migratory route for marine animals.
• Balleny Islands: These remote sub-Antarctic islands lie in the Southern Ocean and are known for their isolation and unique geology.

Antarctica Travel Guide

Ushuaia airport & transportation, antarctica fly + cruise, best time of year to travel to antarctica, antarctica weather.

• November: This is when tourism to Antarctica begins to kick off. Days start to lengthen, and sea ice retreats, marking the Antarctic "spring" in full force. While temperatures are still chilly, it's a great time for those seeking pristine landscapes and wildlife, including penguin mating rituals and seals having pups. Skiers and snowshoers will find ideal conditions in November and early December
• December: Among the most popular months for visiting, December offers optimal weather, long days, and access to stunning scenery and wildlife. It includes the austral summer solstice, providing extended daylight and relatively warmer temperatures. Penguin hatchlings and chicks are a highlight, and it's a great time for various activities, including kayaking and camping.
• January: Another prime month for tourism, January features ideal weather conditions, long daylight hours, and extensive access to the mainland and coastline. Temperatures are at their warmest, and there's an abundance of wildlife to observe, including penguins and increasing numbers of whales.
• February: Although tourist numbers start to decline from the December/January peak, February continues to offer fine weather. Daylight remains ample, and sea ice is at its yearly minimum, allowing for deeper exploration into the Antarctic wilderness. Whale-watching is particularly rewarding during this time. Scuba divers may prefer mid-December through mid-February
• March: The tail-end of the austral summer provides less-crowded sightseeing opportunities, minimal sea ice, and the chance to experience the "Antarctic fall." While temperatures cool off, March offers lower cruise prices, clearer waters for diving, and unique wildlife experiences, such as leopard seals hunting penguin chicks.
• Don't introduce any non-native species that could become invasive species.
• Always listen to your guides and the ship's crew while on day-trips.
• Make sure to observe animals from a safe distance and never try to touch them (at least 15 feet is a good recommendation).
• Don't feed any animals.
• Stay on designated walking paths.
• Allow animals enough space to make their own navigation decisions. 
• Do not surround any animal or go between baby animals and their mothers.

What's it like on an Antarctic Cruise?

A Typical Day on an Antarctica Cruise

Expeditions to the south pole, south pole expeditions.

• The cruising season in the Arctic is from May to September, while in Antarctica it runs from November through March.
• While temperatures in Antarctica can be more extreme than in the Arctic, the cruising season tends to stay between 20-30 degree Fahrenheit, with plenty of sunny days (sometimes with 24 hours of sunlight each day). 
• A trip through the Arctic might bring you through any of the following countries: Canada, the US, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and Finland. Longer comprehensive cruises might do the whole Northwest Passage or cruise almost all of the Arctic Circle. Cruises board either in Scandinavia, Russia, or Canada.
• Antarctica trips either start in Ushuaia, Argentina for cruises or Punta Arenas for the fly cruises over the Drake Passage . 
• Polar bears or Penguins - While penguins are so prolific in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean that the idea of not seeing hundreds on your cruise seems absurd, the polar bears of the Arctic can be much harder to spot (though some feel that they are more majestic and rewarding when you do spot them). NOTE: Polar bears live in the Arctic and penguins live in the southern hemisphere, so there is nowhere (other than perhaps a zoo) where you will see them both living in their natural habitat on the same trip. 
• Wildlife in Antarctica features more whales and many different types of seals. 
• Active travelers might prefer Antarctica for the chances to do activities like camping, kayaking, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, paddleboarding or scuba diving, which aren't included on Arctic tours for safety reasons.
• Ice vs. Land: Antarctica is aptly named the White Continent because its landmass is almost entirely permanently frozen ice and glaciers with towering rocky mountains, while the Arctic Circle goes through a summer season of lush vegetation when its icy coat melts away.

Antarctica Cruise Lines

Penguins of antarctica.

• Adelie Penguins - are common along the entire coast of the Antarctic continent and is the most widely-spread penguin species.
• Emperor Penguins - the tallest, heaviest and perhaps most famous of the penguin species.
• King Penguins - the second largest penguin, and similar in appearance to the Emperors, King Penguins live in the sub-antarctic islands and northern regions of Antarctica.
• Rockhopper Penguins  - get their name because they are found jumping from jagged rock to rock instead of waddling like most penguins. 
• Chinstrap Penguins - are easily distinguishable by their black chinstrap, which makes it look like they're wearing a bicycle helmet!
• Gentoo Penguins  - are related to the Adelie and Chinstraps, and perhaps the speediest of the penguins in the water. 
• Macaroni Penguins - with their distinctive spikey orange crests, are perhaps the world's most abundant penguin species, though they only visit Antarctica part of the year.

Antarctica Travel FAQ's

Fun facts about antarctica, real antarctic traveler stories & reviews, antarctica - pure awe for 19 days, antarctica air cruise on the ocean nova, top antarctica travel destinations, antarctica trips by departure date.

• 2024 Antarctica trips (111)
• 2025 Antarctica trips (142)
• 2026 Antarctica trips (53)
• November 2024 (52)
• December 2024 (68)
• January 2025 (66)
• February 2025 (50)
• March 2025 (34)
• November 2025 (29)
• December 2025 (31)
• January 2026 (30)
• February 2026 (24)

Top Experiences in Antarctica

• Antarctica Cruises (199)
• Antarctica Wildlife & Safari Exploration (172)
• Antarctica Luxury (56)
• Antarctica Solo Travel (25)
• Antarctica Active (13)
• Antarctica Family (11)
• Antarctica Land Tours (9)
• Antarctica Scheduled Group Tour (4)
• Antarctica Most Popular (3)

Antarctica Trips by Duration

• 6 day trips (4)
• 8 day trips (7)
• 9 day trips (6)
• 10 day trips (15)
• 11 day trips (17)
• 12 day trips (35)
• 13 day trips (22)
• 14 day trips (12)
• 15 day trips (11)
• 16 day trips (4)
• 17 day trips (6)
• 18 day trips (9)
• 19 day trips (10)
• 20 day trips (12)
• 21 day trips (11)
• 22 day trips (10)
• 23 day trips (7)

Antarctica Trips by Activity

• Antarctica wildlife viewing (204)
• Antarctica small ship cruises (164)
• Antarctica whale watching (138)
• Antarctica adventure options (101)
• Antarctica kayaking (94)
• Antarctica camping (36)
• Antarctica photography seminars (35)
• Antarctica hiking (29)
• Antarctica snorkeling (19)
• Antarctica fly cruises (16)
• Antarctica stand up paddle boarding (9)
• Antarctica skiing (8)
• Antarctica land & sea exploration (7)
• Antarctica helicopter tours (6)
• Antarctica spa relaxation (6)
• Antarctica scuba diving (5)
• Antarctica wilderness lodge exploration (4)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

Search the Site

• Accommodation

How to plan a trip to Antarctica – EVERYTHING you need to know

Want to book a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica? You’ll find the best prices and offers here  🙂

Truly once-in-a-lifetime! They say you should only see Antarctica after you’ve seen everything else because nothing else will ever compare – that’s truly how beautiful it is!

But let me start by saying Antarctica is not just a trip that you plan like a honeymoon in Paris or even a road trip in Iceland . Firstly, visiting Antarctica is very expensive, which is why most people (including us!) plan this trip for years before finally taking the plunge and actually undertaking it. Secondly, you can expect extreme temperatures and the turbulent Drake Passage , which boasts of some of the choppiest waters in the world.

It takes approximately 2 days to cross Drake Passage and the turbulence can make even the most well-travelled people sea-sick or worse! So 4 days of this entire journey is spent in that state crossing Drake Passage from South America to Antarctica and back! These factors make Antarctica a location where a visit needs to be “earned” both literally and metaphorically.

Having said that, its remote location and incredible panoramas makes it a very SPECIAL place, unlike any other. Here we will tell you everything you need to know for planning a trip to Antarctica – The White Continent

Visa for Antarctica

You do not need a visa for Antarctica. However it is best to combine this visit with 1-2 countries in South America such as Chile or Argentina, for which you might need visas.

Currently Argentina issues evisas for Indian Passports holders with a valid US or Schengen visa (The eVisa costs $200 at the time of writing and is much more expensive than applying at the consulate, but definitely comes with a LOT of convenience) and Chile doesn’t need a visa if you have a valid US visa. However these rules keep changing, so it’s best to check for updates before booking anything.

Flights for Antarctica

Most polar expeditions and cruises for Antarctica start in Ushuaia, Argentina. For this, it is best to fly from your home town into Santiago (Chile) or Buenos Aires (Argentina). And then onto Ushuaia, Argentina

If you are flying from US or UK or Europe, you can opt for direct flights to Santiago (Chile). If you are flying from one of the bigger cities in India, the shortest option is to take a flight with a short stop over in Europe. We took an Air France flight (Delhi-Paris-Santiago) for our trip. It involved a long stopover in Paris but this was the most convenient connection for us.

If you’re flying from anywhere in Asia or Australia, we suggest keeping a few days to explore Santiago, before flying onto Ushuaia, Argentina. This will help you work off the jet lag and regulate your sleep cycle before you board your polar expedition. Because you don’t want to be constantly tired on your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica 🙂

Budgeting for your trip to Antarctica & tips on choosing the right expedition for you

It is easy to estimate an approximate budget for your trip to Antarctica as everything from accommodation to all meals are usually included in the cost of polar expeditions. This is one of the most expensive trips in the world as flights alone cost $3000 or more and most polar expeditions start at $10000+ per person.

However instead of going in for a cheaper expedition, I would personally suggest waiting a few years and saving for a better polar cruise . Not just us, but most people we met on this trip (ages ranging from 25-75) had opted for this option due to 2 reasons.

Firstly, larger ships might be slightly cheaper but they are more polluting and also unable to go to some of the most scenic places in Antarctica due to their size and make (more on this below). Secondly, when the temperatures are extreme outside, you will appreciate luxuries on board a more expensive polar expedition such as heated rooms, gyms, hot showers, relaxing spas, and plenty of fresh healthy food. For these reasons, we booked our Antarctica Odyssey on Ponant’s Le Commandent Charcot . Another great option is also Ponant’s L’Austral which ticks a lot of these boxes and tends to be more affordable than Le Commandent Charcot

But no matter how your book your trip, make sure you have a clear list of ALL inclusions before you pay for your polar expedition. Try to get a package that includes everything from meals and accommodation to expeditions and even airport transfers as costs can really add up while paying separately.

Responsible travel in Antarctica

The cost factor and remoteness make Antarctica hard to get to. But that can be a good thing for its fragile ecosystem. Before we go onto the details of our trip, I wanted to share the sheer importance of responsible travel in Antarctica. Of course, travelling responsibly is important everywhere in the world, but it is especially important in remote Polar regions.

We had the fortune of being on a Polar Odyssey that had a lot of scientists, naturalists, and researchers amongst the passengers and crew. They told us that while tourism is the continent is often dismissed, the profits help fund a lot of important research work and preservation efforts in Antarctica.

And the right kind of travellers, focussed on responsible tourism & conservation management can truly make a difference. IAATO regulations are very strict in Antarctica and rightly so. They make sure wildlife is preserved and allow travellers to enjoy responsibly. This means only small groups of visitors can see penguin colonies etc at a time now. Make sure you follow these protocols when you are informed about them. Due to this & many other reasons many recent studies, including reports of Lynch and LaRue, found the global population of Adelie penguins has actually increased in the past few years.

So without further ado, here are a few things to keep in mind whenever you plan a trip to Antarctica, straight from the experts we spoke to

• Never keep anything (clothes, shoes, bags) on the ground when you’re outside in Antarctica. Leave nothing, take nothing
• Carry reusable water bottles when you go ashore for expeditions
• Boots have to be disinfected every time you leave and come back on board so you don’t carry traces to or from the continent
• Always check the carbon emissions of the vessel you choose before booking – there are many green options available these days. In fact the reason we had so many scientists and researchers on board is because we were on Le Commandent Charcot which is a hybrid electric vessel, the first of its kind in the world, which has been designed to minimise the environmental impact of travel to the furthest latitudes. It is also an ice-class vessel, meaning it has the capability to visit many remote polar regions, where most cannot go, making it important for researchers
• Make sure all your clothes are bio-decontaminated before going ashore for expeditions. Most packages these days have this facility but you should check ahead
• As all of you know, we’ve organised various anti-littering drives as I really hate tourists littering beautiful places. But be extra careful about stray masks, shoe laces, sanitizer bottles etc and never leave any waste behind on land in Antarctica
• Always listen to what the Naturalist guides have to say and don’t go near wildlife or disturb them in any way. This is their home & we are just visitors
• Every expert we spoke to mentioned how every traveller to Antarctica becomes more conscious in their daily life after witnessing its fragile beauty firsthand. And now that we’ve seen it for ourselves, we can see why they say that. Make sure you carry the lessons you learn in Antarctica back to your home country too 🙂

Our Polar Odyssey – inclusions, facilities, expeditions, and details

Now I wanted to touch upon all the details of the facilities and inclusions on our Polar Expedition so you have a clear idea of what to expect and what to check for before booking

Le Commandent Charcot is an extremely modern but intimate vessel . Every passenger is given personalised attention and I cannot say enough good things about the staff. Everyone from the housekeeping staff to the sommelier to the expedition guides to the Naturalists went above and beyond for every single guest on board.

Staterooms represent the understated French luxury Ponant is famous for! They are designed in neutral tones with comfortable beds and plush bathrooms, equipped with Diptyque toiletries as well as a Nespresso machine. But most of all they are truly well-equipped for a polar expedition – well heated, with large wardrobes, lots of strorage space for bulky woollens, and non-slip drawers for those choppy days at sea. Every stateroom has a private spacious balcony to enjoy the gorgeous vistas (believe us, you’ll be spending quite a lot of time here :)).

In terms of dining options, there are two restaurants on board with menus designed by the iconic Michelin Starred Chef Alain Ducasse. There is one casual buffet-style restaurant and one restaurant for sit-down dinners. There is also:

• An open air stall with international food options
• 1 detox bar with a huge selection of smoothies and cold pressed juices
• An observatory lounge with all-day drinks and snacks at tea time
• Bar with light nibbles and music for sundowners
• Complimentary 24 hour in-room dining

This diverse range of dining options ensures you will not be hungry at all, no matter what time of the day it is. Food is so fresh and cooked so well, that we truly enjoyed every meal – be it a simple pan-fried fish or a more elaborate truffle ravioli, the quality of the food will leave you impressed. There are lots of vegetarian and vegan options at every meal. And since this is a French ship, the desserts, breads, and cheeses truly steal the limelight.

Passing time indoors is easy. There is a scenic gym and a gorgeous spa which pampers guests with iconic Biologique Recharge facials and massages. There is an indoor pool and outdoor pool, which is heated using recycled energy from the ship. There are board games on board, live music, and also lots of lectures by naturalists, researchers, and scientists educating everyone about Antarctica and its wildlife. Upon reaching Antarctica, there are exciting expeditions each day, so time indoors is often limited to meals and entertainment.

Polar Expeditions & Excursions in Antarctica – what to expect

Antarctica is an unpredictable destination. This is why landings vary from day to day. The reason we had so many researchers and wildlife photographers on board with us is because Le Commandant Charcot is an ice-class vessel, meaning it can go to places most others can’t. This ensured we saw things we couldn’t even dream of, such as penguin colonies with more than 10,000 Emperor penguins, all under the supervision of experts of course.

Landings in Antarctica depend on the weather conditions and wind conditions, so it is hard to write down exactly what you will see on your trip to Antarctica here. But here are some things you can definitely expect:

• Witnessing glaciers, ice sculptures, and floating ice bergs
• Polar Hikes
• Adélie, Chinstrap, and Emperor penguins in their natural habitat. The exact number of course will depend from day to day, but November and December are the best months to spot them
• Seals in their natural habitat
• Polar Birds in their natural habitat
• Killer Whales in their natural habitat

Needless to say, each of these sights left us spellbound. All passengers get a super warm Parka and snug snow boots for excursions.

Packing for your trip to Antarctica

Packing for a polar expeditions to Antarctica or any extreme winter destination can be daunting. If you are planning a polar expedition, make sure you read this packing guide for Antarctica & extreme winter holidays so you go well-prepared for your Polar Odyssey. It has everything you will need – from winter wear and tech gear to medicines and toileteries – that you will need to pack for Antarctica.

And that’s it – everything you need to plan a trip to Antarctica, with tips on budgeting, visas, flights, and actual excursions . We hope you come away from this polar expedition, having learnt many lessons that you can implement in your daily lives – we definitely did! As mentioned above, stay responsible, follow the experts’ guidance and enjoy yourself as much as you can.

You may also like...

Exploring the surreal arctic north on ponant’s l’austral.

It is not often travellers get to experience unparalleled luxury in remote panoramas. To us, that unique combination is something…

10 Tips For Planning A Winter Road Trip in Iceland and Seeing the Northern Lights

Iceland – the land of myths and folklore, scenic drives, and magnificent shows of Aurora Borealis. Also the country we…

Planning The Perfect Safari Holiday to Maasai Mara, Kenya & visiting the no 1 hotel in the world

Planning The Perfect Safari Holiday In Kenya is harder than it sounds because there are so many options! But we’re…

Previous Post

The Ultimate Packing Guide For Antarctica – EVERYTHING you need to pack for extreme winter holidays

6 Must Do Winter Experiences In Ladakh, India

17 thoughts on “ how to plan a trip to antarctica – everything you need to know ”.

Was waiting for this really long. Thanks foe such a detailed one. Just wanted to check what you mean by Local Travel Agents who should give better rates than the official website

thanks again !!

Hey Arka – yes that’s right. Companies like Ponant have various travel agents in India. Let us know if you need any details or phone numbers- will try to help if we can ?

Hi Savi, firstly, a big hug for making travelling seem less daunting by putting all the details out here. Me and my fiancé started travelling to different countries last year and you guys have been our biggest inspiration to do so. About this trip, could you please provide more details about the travel agent to contact them? Thanks in advance <3

Hey Keerthana – our personal travel agent isn’t comfortable with his number being online! However we do have some good news! We were recently appointed Ponant’s ambassadadors in Asia Pacific. So the first thing we had to do is make sure our readers benefit from this alliance. So now you can email [email protected] with your query 🙂 And quote the code BPVIP_PONANT – a travel agent will get back to you on your number and also provide you with some add-ons such as €250 per person that are exclusive to Bruised Passports readers only ???? You can compare with others in the markets before booking, but we have made sure this will give you the best possible value 🙂 I hope this will help you plan the most memorable holiday ever

Hey Savi , Can you please share those connects who can assist with booking the cruise

Hey Sarita – we have great news! We were recently appointed Ponant’s ambassadadors in Asia Pac. So the first thing we had to do is make sure our readers benefit from this alliance. So now you can email [email protected] with your query. Just use the code BPVIP_PONANT – a travel agent will get back to you on your number and also provide you with some add-ons such as €250 per person that are exclusive to Bruised Passports readers only 🙂 You can compare with others in the markets before booking, but we have made sure this will give you the best possible value. Have fun on your cruise

Hi Arka – Ponant has various local agents in every area (depending on where you stay) 🙂 Also wanted to tell you – We were recently appointed Ponant’s ambassadadors in Asia Pacific 🙂 So the first thing we had to do is make sure our readers benefit from this alliance. So now you can also email [email protected] with your query. Just use the code BPVIP_PONANT – a local travel agent will get back to you on your number and also provide you with some add-ons such as €250 per person that are exclusive to Bruised Passports readers only ???? Hope this helps

This is such a helpful post. Probably the first time that I’m reading an Indian’s account of the trip. Bookmarking this for my future trip which would hopefully happen in a few years. Your pictures look so gorgeous 🙂

So happy to hear this – yes we really wanted to write this for this exact reason ?

Suggest contact for Antarctica trip in November 2033

sure – please allow me a day or two to check and get back to you 🙂

I spoke to ms. Molly and requested for update on mail. Sadly nothing in 15 days. Please send details of cruise in November/December 2023

Hey Rajendra – we have great news! We were recently appointed Ponant’s ambassadadors in Asia Pacific

As a few others had the same complaint as you, we had to do is make sure our readers benefit from this alliance. So now you can email [email protected] with your query. Just use the code BPVIP_PONANT in your email – a travel agent will get back to you on your number asap and will also provide you with some add-ons such as €250 per person that are exclusive to Bruised Passports readers only 🙂 Hope this helps

Hi Savi and Vid Thanks so much for this. We booked our trip in Jun23 before you guys were appointed as ambassadors. Will it be possible for you to please help us get these benefits….we tried reaching out to the Ponant and Q/Experiences team but they weren’t helpful. Just feeling bad that we lost out on these benefits just because we planned and booked in advance 🙁

We also need your help with a travel agent for Chile please- brilliant idea of combining this with Argentina. Also, do you recommend staying back in Ushuaia for the ‘End of the World’ train- or is it just a hype?

Hey Smita – unfortunately this exclusive offer is available only to customers who book using Bruised Passports’ coupon at the time of booking the Antarctica Voyage. However as a thank you for being a Bruised Passports reader, we will definitely try our best to get you onboard credit vouchers to spend on Spa, shopping, or anything else of your choosing – will email you 🙂 Have the best voyage and enjoy yourselves

Thank you both ???? will await your email. In the meanwhile, pls do also share your experiences for getting the yellow fever vaccination- not the most friendly process in Delhi, so your readers may benefit from this guidance. Love everything that you are, you do and you aspire to be❤️

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Yes, add me to your mailing list.

No products in the basket.

A complete guide to Antarctica

Updated On 9th March, 2024

Antarctica is a remote, precious and pristine continent. A place untouched by humans, pure to the core and like no other I’ve witnessed on this planet.

Antarctica was the experience of a lifetime and I will never forget it. I jumped onboard a ship operated by Albatross Expeditions and in this blog post, I will share my experience of Antarctica with you. I will share the best things to do in Antarctica along with my top tips and honest review of this adventure.

Honestly, it was  ‘Am I here?’  moments over and over again. As I hiked across the thick compacted snow on the Antarctic Peninsula, I continued this surreal conversation with myself, rhetorical questions; ‘Am I here? Yes, Is this Antarctica? Yes’. 

‘Am I actually in one of the remote places on the planet? Are those real whale blows on the horizon amidst the 100 or so icebergs?’

An epic adventure; each day was greeted by iceberg castles outside the porthole window, each evening dinner accompanied by tail flukes from humpbacks and each beautiful day was filled with zodiac cruising and treks amongst Earth’s precious wildlife.

So, if you’re a nature or wildlife enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. My name is Kate from  Catch Cait  and I’m here to share with you some of the most beautiful moments as well as key tips and tricks for your journey down south to the phenomenal wonder that is Antarctica.

Getting to Antarctica

The best / easiest way depends really on your budget and your exact location. I had been travelling from Texas, United States for literally a year before I even arrived at ‘fin del Mundo’, quite literally, the end of the world. I have been backpacking and hitchhiking for a long time, so below is an insight into how I did it.

The town I bought my ticket in was Ushuaia, Argentina and while I sat for days looking at departing ships, wondering how would I get there without spending thousands, I eventually concluded, it’s either now or never. I was banking on a possible marriage with a captain, however that never came to fruition so I just bit the bullet and bought the ticket.

I spent a few days shopping around at different operators in the small town of Ushuaia. I eventually found a great deal, for a 17-day trip, which would stop at South Georgia, also known as The Galapagos of the Polar region. Your choice of itinerary depends on your desires. I chose this one as I am super passionate about wildlife, therefore South Georgia was the place to go. However, you can choose other voyages like crossing the circle, that one is really if you are an iceberg fanatic.

Budgeting for Antarctica

Ok, so yes, you must have savings to get to Antarctica. This is a must. Most voyages set you back thousands, anywhere from 6000-20000 and above. This is influenced by expedition type, operator, and how far in advance you buy your ticket. The best thing is, once onboard, food is inclusive and the company I took even included boots, a stunning Antarctica jacket and a memoir book for capturing all those amazing moments. 

Just be sure to read the small print beforehand.

The expedition included stops at the Great Wall Chinese Base Station, 3-4 days in the Antarctic Peninsula and a final 3-4 days in South Georgia & the Sandwich Islands. The ship was the Ocean Atlantic, with an ice-class rating of 1B, operated by Albatross Expeditions. 

An amazing crew, a stylish ship, huge buffets; deserts, sushi, homemade cakes each day and would you believe, a champagne celebration on entering the Antarctic circle. I couldn’t quite get the swing of this luxurious style. I had been staying in hostels for so long and then landed on this sort of titanic feel of an atmosphere; lounges, dining rooms, piano bars, beautiful clear windows where one could watch the diversity of wildlife from their dining table. It was all a bit surreal, to be honest. 

We had a sauna, gym and teatime with delicious scones each day at 4 pm, oh and not to forget the surprise chocolates on the bed at night. It felt super cosy to be wrapped up in white robes amid Antarctica eating handmade chocolates. 

As I think back, I am smiling, it was full of those moments, you know, where you have to pinch yourself over and over again.

Accommodation on board:

Before you choose your accommodation, consider what your priorities are if you are prone to seasickness.

The travel agencies will normally offer different types of berths and cabins, however, be assured that the more choosy you get, the more you pay. I wanted the most economical option so I took a two-berth cabin on the lower end of the ship. Please also remember you spend very little time in the berth, so I didn’t see a point in forking out loads of money when all I would do is sleep there. On another side note, they may pop you in with a random stranger, so again, make sure you are comfortable sharing. Ask all these questions beforehand.

Regarding bedding and comfort, I loved my cabin; had a view of icebergs and whale blows at the base of the ship, it was epic. The days were long and exploring/adventuring was the highlight each day. One day, we did get really bad weather and had to abort a mission. The weather is quite temperamental on that side of the world. See the photos below. We had to make it back to the ship real quick. Hot showers and warm blankets made the frozen continent’s weather doable and comfortable.

The berth was super luxurious, with plenty of comforts; robes, slippers, nice lighting and TV which played beautiful wildlife documentaries. There was also a speaker in each cabin,

Where our expedition leader would wake us each morning with our itinerary for the day. I always remember that, the morning call, the daily temperatures, the lectures, the crossing distance overnight and the fun adventures of the day. I smile remembering this.

Getting around Antarctica

This is an interesting topic, as you pretty much are ship-bound for most of the journey. However, depending on your expedition, you will more than likely have 1-2 outings each day, along with lectures and fun events. There is so much to do onboard, you most certainly will not be bored. There is even a library, plenty of books 🙂

The transport for the adventure outings was done by zodiacs, and small powerboats, ideal for navigating the icy waters of the Southern Ocean. If we were travelling long distances on particular days, there were plenty of wildlife lectures organised, including games nights, and karaoke and you could even pop to the sauna, gym or yoga sessions.

The Zodiacs are very comfortable boats. You would depart the ship on the lowest level, boots on, and down the stairs into the polar paradise. There was a structured system for leaving the ship to ensure the full safety of all passengers. We also had ship ‘identity’ cards whereby we would scan on each departure and entry. This ensures we don’t leave anyone on the white continent. Although I quite liked the idea of staying amongst the cute penguin colonies.

Eating and drinking whilst in Antarctica:

If you’re anything like my mum, who had no idea about Antarctica, and her first reaction was ‘What are you going to eat ?’, then not to worry, there is so much food on board, you might even have trouble coming off the ship. I can honestly tell you, the majority of us were on diets by the end of it. We had huge buffets, endless choices, and the most diverse array of flavorful desserts. We also had an a la carte menu to celebrate the journey at the end as well as an outdoor BBQ, (yes it was pretty cold) and a cooking class. It was amazing and the food was top quality. You could also bring snacks if you wanted but there were strict regulations about what you could and couldn’t bring onto the Antarctic Continent. 

We attended mandatory briefings several times throughout the expedition to ensure no flora or fauna would be disturbed. After all, it is the only continent worldwide where indigenous humans have never inhabited. Some scientists live there during the summer months. Fortunately, we did have the opportunity to visit the Chinese base station and it was super cool to view their housing, land vehicles and artefacts. I even got my passport stamped. That was amazing!

Top things to do in Antarctica…

1. swim. do the polar plunge..

Jump from the maiden ship into the iceberg-rich waters. An unforgettable moment and a shot of vodka once back on board.

2. Get a picture with the most epic, vibrant coloured King Penguin. 

Tip : Don’t ever approach wildlife, just bend down, stay still and allow them to come to you.

3. Do some yoga on the top deck.

Whilst you may think being on a ship for three weeks is lovely and relaxing, I also craved movement. Gym and Yoga sessions set me up for the day. Also, it’s pretty cold down there, so you have to find ways to heat up.

4. Make friends with the people around you.

This journey is once in a lifetime. I was a solo backpacker, so it was nice to spend some precious moments with like-minded folk. The crazier the company, the more fun, I believe.

5. Slide down the Antarctic Peninsula.

The location we docked had some beautiful mountainous terrain and a perfectly laid-out snow slide. It was epic, give a little scream and it’s that much more fun.

6. Attend a church service in South Georgia, Grytviken.

This was an unplanned event. We landed when the local navy was docked in the harbour. I went straight to the old Norwegian church to hear the male choir songs. It was a rather unusual experience, although I did enjoy it, I just didn’t expect to be on a Sub-Antarctic Island listening to the navy sing such beautiful melodies.

7. Visit the captain’s deck, if permitted, to whale watch.

Luckily on our trip, the captain was super kind and invited passengers to observe the oncoming whale flukes, blows and many birdlife, including albatrosses.

8. Have a drink/cocktail in the piano bar and listen to some harmonious melodies.

The rocking motion, iceberg views and feeling within your soul will not be beaten.

9. Visit the whaling station, and old ruins and take a guided tour of Grytviken.

So much history lies here and it is vitally important that we, as humans, dependent on the ocean, understand the implications the whaling years had upon our marine life. It is quite eerie to visit a place where thousands of whales were slaughtered, however super extraordinary to experience it and learn from it.

10. Attend a cooking class, or whatever is on schedule on the ship’s itinerary.

Not every day will you have the opportunity for an outdoor adventure, so take up the other ones on offer. This one I try to make dumplings, but the ladies just laugh. They said it didn’t appear to be a dumpling, although I’m still quite proud and you know, the movement of the ship had an influence.

11. Get a seal Selfie.

Millions of seals line the coasts of South Georgia, so it’s a must to get a selfie with one. Be aware though, these seals are not as friendly as they look. They do chase you, don’t worry though, we had some pre-training on how to defend ourselves should one approach us in a non-friendly manner.

12. Make friends with the dining staff on your boat

Imagine, these guys are working season round, so maybe 6 months plus away from their families at sea. It’s such a nice gesture to be amicable and it made the journey more enjoyable for them too. This was Alvin, he used to sing songs at dinner, and this one was dedicated to me. Oh my, I was a bit shy, if I’m honest.

13. Pretend you’re a penguin. 

These memories will last for a lifetime so why not smile and be a bit playful? Here is me, pretending to be a real-life penguin. Can you tell the difference?

14. Whale watching is a MUST.

To be honest, I didn’t sleep a whole lot of hours on board. I was too excited. I wanted to capture as many moments as I could. When the sun was rising, I was making my way to the upper deck and boy did I get a good glimpse of wildlife. Sometimes, there was not a soul to be seen, just the captain’s crew. Oh my, lots of snoring below, hehe.

15. Be present.

This expedition flew by and like time, it did not stop. It’s so important to practice mindfulness, especially when experiencing such life-changing experiences. I took some moments once docked on the islands to fully appreciate what was in front of me; eyes, ears, nose, all senses engaged. I still can feel the presence and power behind each one of these photos. I hope that you can too 🙂

16. Record, write, and document as much as you can.

This is essential, otherwise, where would memories go? So much of life gets buried within the busyness of our minds. I made it a priority of mine to write in my diary each night; experiences, wildlife encounters, feelings and of course, gratitude. We also had no access to the internet, however, sometimes there was a WhatsApp connection, so, at a very odd time, I would update my status there.

“If Antarctica were music it would be Mozart. Art, and it would be Michelangelo. Literature, and it would be Shakespeare. And yet it is something even greater; the only place on earth that is still as it should be. May we never tame it.” ― Andrew Denton

Have you ever been to Antarctica?

What questions do you have? Any tips? We’d love to hear from you.

Love Kate  from  Catch Cait

You can see more of Kate’s adventures on her Instagram  here.

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it with me.

I can’t do this without you.

Pin and save this blog post for later…

IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

Shop the google map legends

Search by adventure type, active travel, backpacking, budget travel, love and relationships, once in a lifetime, packing tips, solo travel, weekend getaways, where's mollie newsletter, travel shop, search by destination, other posts that you may like....

An epic road trip bucket list for the UK & Europe

The best things to do in Costa Rica

12 things I learnt above love from a broken heart

A complete guide to Snowdonia National Park, Wales

A guide to Gili Trawangan Island, Indonesia

A 4-day Switzerland mountain road trip itinerary: Montreux, Evolene, Saint-Luc and Veyonnaz

How to plan for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand

RECIPE: Sweet potato, lentil and turmeric stew

Bestival with STA Travel, Isle of Wight – #STAtravelhostel

Privacy overview.

Dreaming of Antarctica: How to book the trip of a lifetime

On Earth Day, April 22, 2020, we are publishing several environmentally themed stories. They're a reminder that it's possible to travel and minimize the impact on the environment at the same time. In this story about travel to Antarctica, we are highlighting the special care that travelers must exercise there.

Antarctica, the fifth-largest continent on the planet, is the most remote, mysterious and unknown territory on earth. Constituting approximately 20% of the Southern Hemisphere, it is larger than Europe, yet unique in that it has neither a native population nor a government. Instead, portions have been claimed by seven countries: Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom.

Unfortunately, climate change has affected Antarctica significantly (as it has many other parts of the world) . Who knows if it will still exist as we know it in a few years? It's the only continent I haven't visited and I want to see it before it is unalterably changed. However, it will also require budgeting well in advance -- a trip there can easily cost $15,000 or more.

Here's how I'm planning my bucket-list trip to Antarctica, hopefully for the end of 2020 or early 2021 — at the peak of summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

There's no quick way to get there

This is one trip for which there are no shortcuts , especially for travelers from North America. Most Antarctica expeditions originate in the Southern Hemisphere, so get your stash of miles ready to help offset the overall cash cost you're almost inevitably going to incur.

Where should you travel from?

Antarctica is also an inconvenient destination. (It's even inconvenient for airplanes to overfly, let alone land, which is partly why there aren't that many flights that cross oceans in the Southern Hemisphere .) The main jumping-off points for Antarctica are Patagonia, the southernmost region of Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.

Ushuaia, Argentina

Ushuaia, nicknamed the "End of the World," is the capital of the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego, which, in turn, is part of the region of Patagonia. The city is also the port from which most cruise ships depart for Antarctica. If you prefer a little less hassle, you may be able to book some luxury cruises out of Buenos Aires.

There are direct flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Many flights to USH depart from Buenos Aires' Aeroparque airport (AEP) instead of Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) -- the usual arrival airport for flights from the U.S. Buenos Aires is a wonderful city with so much to explore, and so much delicious food and wine that I highly recommend a stopover of a day or two, just to rest and stretch your legs before continuing on. As an added bonus, your dollar will stretch quite far against the Argentine peso, and your tourism dollars will help boost the struggling economy.

Flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia are typically $200 to $300 one-way, although with the coronavirus pandemic, prices have dropped as low as $67 one-way during summer peak season (November through February). The main airlines serving the route are Aerolíneas Argentinas, which is part of the SkyTeam alliance, and LATAM, which leaves the Oneworld alliance on May 1, 2020, to begin its partnership with Delta Air Lines.

Once you arrive in Ushuaia, you can board a cruise you've already booked or wait to see if a last-minute cruise cabin opens up. If you have more free time than money, waiting for a last-minute deal is a one of the most affordable ways to get to Antarctica for a fraction of the usual price.

Punta Arenas, Chile

You can fly, drive or bus down to this southern Chilean city. The main airport is Aeropuerto Presidente Ibáñez (PUQ), and you can fly direct from Santiago, the capital of Chile. If you feel like adding some extra sightseeing, there are restaurants, museums and walkable options within the downtown area. Taxis are relatively cheap and easy to hail. You can even sail from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia via cruise ship — it's a three- to four-night trip one-way.

Invercargill/Port of Bluff, New Zealand, or Hobart, Tasmania, in Australia

These cities are the jumping-off points for incredibly scenic cruise routes to Antarctica. It takes about seven days of sailing to get to Antarctica, but where's the fun in that? Cruises from Tasmania take about 23 to 35 days in all, stopping at beautifully remote spots such as Macquarie Island, the Snares and Auckland Islands and Campbell Island, rich with unique wildlife.

What will you pay for a cruise like this? On average, expect to budget a cool $25,000 per person.

Standard ways to get to Antarctica

There's no easy way to get to Antarctica, but the vast majority of visitors get to or near Antarctica by water. There are cruises to Antarctica from Chile, Australia, New Zealand and even South Africa, but most tourist expeditions depart from Ushuaia, Argentina.

Related: TPG readers share their best tips and tricks for getting to Antarctica

Prefer to fly? You can do that, but none of your usual loyalty programs will get you there on points or miles . The majority of aviation into Antarctica is into King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, where you can transfer to a cruise ship for the next few days. A direct flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island takes two to three hours one way, and allows you to skip the Drake Passage .

Unique ways to visit Antarctica

If you are a researcher, extreme marathoner or have other types of special skills or interests, you might be able to get there through some nontraditional routes.

For runners

One option is by participating in the World Marathon Challenge , where athletes run a full 26.2-mile marathon within seven days on all seven continents, including in Antarctica. Heads up: It's not cheap at more than $40,000 per person, and registration slots are extremely limited. In 2020, the World Marathon Challenge chartered a Boeing 757 operated by Titan Airways to ferry marathoners to and from Cape Town, South Africa, to Novo Station, a Russian base on the Antarctic mainland.

For shutterbugs

Some National Geographic explorers have the unique privilege of visiting the North and South Poles as part of their jobs. But Nat Geo has also partnered with Lindblad Expeditions to offer 14- to 24-day cruises for explorers who are looking for more nature-focused experiences.

As with most Antarctica trips, the cruises aren't cheap -- they range from just under $15,000 to a whopping $113,000. But the multi-week itineraries look really exciting, and include adventures such as photography expeditions with hands-on training. As a former full-time photographer, I would find one of these a dream come true.

For geoscience researchers

Scientific researchers also have an inside route to the southernmost part of the world. Geoscientists can visit Antarctica for research purposes , but you'll probably have to be there for a month or two.

For the rich

Is there anything money can't solve, at least where travel is involved? If you've got the dough, skip the plebeian routes and charter a private Gulfstream jet through White Desert Antarctica . As a bonus, you'll also be able to visit one of The Points Guy's favorite countries : South Africa.

You can book "The Greatest Day" package for a one-day trip from Cape Town, South Africa, to Wolf's Fang, Antarctica. It takes five hours one-way to arrive there. You'll pay "just" $13,500 for one person, or $150,000 for the whole jet, which seats 12 — talk about an epic party.

If a single day is too short of a trip for your taste, choose the five-day, $58,000 "Early Emperors" package which also includes round-trip flights. This package allows you to spend some quality time with baby emperor penguins.

Or you could go for broke — literally — and splurge on the "Emperors and South Pole" package, which offers exactly what it suggests: An eight-day luxury trek to the South Pole . I'm not sure how the company is juxtaposing "luxury" with "endless ice," but at $92,500 per person, I hope they have it figured out.

Related: 7 tips for visiting Antarctica before it's too late

If you're the sort of person who likes to plan every detail of your upcoming flight, Antarctica Flights offers an experience that's a lot more similar to a typical commercial travel experience, including seat maps and special flights for significant dates including New Year's. You'll get champagne to ring in the coming year.

The best time of year to visit

The best time of year to visit Antarctica is when it's winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer there. You'll have the best chance of seeing unique animals including baby penguins, whales, seals and a variety of bird life between the months of November and March. If you're sailing to Antarctica, you'll also have the highest likelihood of experiencing a calm Drake Passage in the summertime. Unfortunately, as with any peak season, this is also when you're most likely to run into other tourists.

Can I get there on points?

Use points to offset your cash expenses.

Again, Antarctica isn't a budget trip and most of your big expenses will have to be paid in cash. But that doesn't mean you can't use credit cards to your advantage.

Cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card allow you to use your miles to "erase" charges on your statement, and you can do the same with Chase Ultimate Rewards. Keep in mind that this isn't usually the best use for your hard-earned points, since TPG is all about redeeming points and miles for outsize value . Your best way for determining value would be to use TPG's monthly valuations guide to compare the cost of paying for your trip in cash versus using points and miles to cover those expenses.

One way to knock a few thousand dollars off the cost of your travels is by booking your positioning flights on miles. You can easily get to Argentina, Chile, South Africa or Australia and New Zealand on points. TPG has published an extensive number of deal alerts to all of these destinations in the past, so be sure to sign up for our newsletter to receive alerts , or follow us on Twitter to find out when they are published.

Book your cruise on Hyatt points

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that World of Hyatt partners with Lindblad Expeditions for luxury excursions. Lindblad's smaller vessels are perfect for travelers who want to disembark in Antarctica, because ships with more than 500 passengers aren't allowed to deposit anyone on land. Lindblad partners with National Geographic for its routes, including a handful of Antarctica sailings each year.

Unfortunately, you'll need a lot of Hyatt stays (or spend) to visit on points: Lindblad's Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent cruise costs between $14,940 and $73,100 in cash or a whopping 933,750 to 4,568,750 World of Hyatt points to book — per person.

Even though Hyatt points are worth 1.7 cents apiece by TPG's current valuations, resulting in a very reasonable cash conversion value of $15,873.75 to $77,668.75, I still think I'll be paying for my cruise in cash. After all, my Hyatt points are far more valuable when used toward, say, a stay at the beautiful Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires in the lovely Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires on my way down to or from Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.

As of now, it's unclear whether or not cruise lines will still be operating their Antarctica routes toward the end of 2020. The novel coronavirus has impacted virtually every corner of the world, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Antarctica was no exception. For now, I'll cross my fingers and hope for the best. And it seems that the cruise lines are doing so as well, since you can still purchase passage for 2020 and 2021 cruises on many websites.

Important reminders and tips

Take care of the environment

The pristine environment of Antarctica is vulnerable to climate change and human presence, so be sure to follow the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) guidelines for your visit. If walking on the continent is important to you, book a cruise on a smaller vessel; you won't be allowed to disembark on Antarctic ice if you arrive on most ships carrying 500 or more passengers. Even if you sail on a smaller ship, only 100 people are allowed on shore at any given time, with a 1:20 guide-to-passenger ratio required.

You will also need special permits to enter any protected areas , so be sure to complete any necessary paperwork before departure.

Travel insurance

Even if you never purchase travel insurance and rely exclusively on your credit card's trip protection benefits when you travel, TPG strongly recommends purchasing an independent travel insurance plan for a trip of this magnitude. In the event that you need emergency evacuation or to cancel at the last minute, it will be a relief to know that your finances won't take a hit.

Plan ahead for motion sickness

Last summer, I took a sunset cruise in Santorini with some friends for a post-wedding party. As we were boarding, we heard the captain apologetically telling the previous passengers, "Sorry for the choppy waters today." I don't usually get seasick, but I was really grateful I'd taken some prophylactic Dramamine 45 minutes prior.

As you can see from the video, the motion of the boat was fun for a couple of hours — for some of us — but it would be brutal for two days for any traveler unaccustomed to this amount of motion. I ended up having a great time that evening, but many of the other guests did not and it took them the rest of the evening to recover.

Back on the subject of Antarctica, have you heard of the infamous Drake Passage ? Travelers say that it's no joke. The waters between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, known as the Drake Passage, are the convergence point for the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern Oceans and are unavoidable if you're sailing between South America and Antarctica. The Drake Passage produces some of the choppiest waters in the world. It isn't a quick pass-through, either: The Drake Passage takes about two days to navigate — in each direction . So even though you'll be in a far larger vessel than my small Santorini yacht, it's a good idea to plan ahead for potential motion sickness.

Most reports I've read on the Drake Passage say that it's not that bad if you hit it at the right time. But this is the ocean we're talking about, and two or more days going through choppy waters will take a physical toll on any landlubber.

If you are also unsure of your sea legs, bring whatever works best for you: Medication, motion sickness patches, acupressure point bands. For the amount of money you're spending on getting to Antarctica, the last thing you want to do is feel miserable and exhausted when you get there.

Consider using a travel agent

Many TPG readers pride themselves on pulling together their dream trips on their own. But when it comes to Antarctica, even seasoned travelers can benefit from the services of a professional travel agent.

TPG contributor Daniel Hank told TPG's Melanie Lieberman that "in the case of Antarctica, I totally needed that help." Hank used ExpeditionTrips , which is considered one of the foremost travel companies for Antarctica journeys, although there are many other travel companies and specialists who can help you ensure that your once-in-a-lifetime experience goes without a hitch. Travel Leaders , for example, can connect you with an Antarctica travel specialist near you.

How I want to go, and how I plan to pay for my trip

Personally, I'm planning to keep things simple. I've decided against planning a November trip. My birthday falls at the end of January, so that's probably my top choice for a departure time: What a memorable way to ring in a new year.

I will probably use my United Airlines miles to book a cheap award flight from Texas to Buenos Aires to visit some friends for a day or two, then fly to Ushuaia. Depending on how my finances look at that point, I might try working from the End of the World for a few weeks in hopes of scoring a budget cabin on a cruise ship headed to Antarctica. I'm not planning any activities ahead of time; I just want to be there and experience whatever comes up in the moment — yes, even if it's a choppy Drake Passage.

If I had my choice, I'd love to cruise to Antarctica on one of the National Geographic routes through Lindblad. I was a professional photographer for a number of years before joining TPG, and I would love to dust off my fancy lenses and get some hands-on tutelage from nature photography professionals for a memorable excursion. But regardless of my cruise line, my camera gear will undoubtedly accompany me to Antarctica.

I have an annual travel insurance plan which has treated me very well over the two years that I've had it. I plan to pay cash for most of the Antarctica portions of my trip, using my Chase Sapphire Reserve for its excellent travel benefits. As for lodging on my way down south, I tend to rely on Hotels.com for cheaper accommodations in nonbranded hotels, although I do have a significant stash of Marriott and Hilton points as of now.

Antarctica isn't a bucket-list place for everyone; in fact, I probably wouldn't have considered visiting even five years ago. But it's almost a mythical destination, and I can't wait to go. If you've been, please leave me your best tips in the comments below and if you're also hoping to go sometime in the near future, tell me how you want to get there.

• Work With Me
• Outdoor Guides
• Cold Weather Guides
• Prepared Girls Guides
• US National Park Guides
• Diversifying the Outdoors
• Photography Guides
• Road Trip Guides
• Recommended Outdoor Travel Gear

Antarctica , Cold Weather Guides , Destinations

Where to start with planning a trip to antarctica.

Antarctica is a true bucket list destination that few people will experience in their lifetime. For many, including me, it is the most elusive of continents. It is costly to reach and incredibly remote.

If you are reading this, it’s likely because you also dream about visiting Antarctica someday. It can feel overwhelming to figure out where to start with planning a trip to Antarctica. Here are some key decisions and initial steps to take when planning an Antarctica adventure, based on my own experience.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more info, visit this page .

When is the best time to go to Antarctica?

How do you get to antarctica, 1 | what is your budget, 2 | how many days can i dedicate to this trip, 3 | what do i most want to see in antarctica, 4 | is this experience for you.

• The Prepared Girl's Guide to Packing for Antarctica

The first step towards planning a trip to Antarctica

Travel to Antarctica is possible during the spring and summer in the southern hemisphere, generally between late October and March. This varies depending on weather and conditions from year to year.

There are many factors to consider as far as when is the best time to go to Antarctica, like the wildlife, conditions, and cost. I address some of these in question 3 below. 

But honestly, the best time to visit Antarctica is whenever you are able to! I traveled over the Thanksgiving holiday to minimize my time off of work and because it was best for my personal schedule.

Pro Tip: Departures in the shoulder seasons (October-November and March) are less expensive, though you can find last minute deals in any month if you are flexible.

Unless your budget can accommodate the more than $80,000 per week or $10,000 for a day trip to the White Desert Hotel in Antarctica , you will likely be taking a boat to reach Antarctica.

The most affordable and direct way to reach Antarctica is by boat, leaving from southern Argentina or Chile. This is where the Antarctic Peninsula stretches up towards South America. 

There are now ways to fly to the Antarctic Peninsula and join a cruise ship if you want to avoid the Drake Passage, but expect to pay 20% extra and know that flights are frequently delayed due to the extreme conditions. 

While it may be tempting to bypass the Drake Passage, it is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. If leaving from Ushuaia in southern Argentina, plan to spend a minimum of 10 days on the ship with additional days before or after in Buenos Aires or elsewhere in South America.

Where to start with planning a trip to Antarctica

In order to sift through all of the options, I recommend starting by understanding your boundaries and goals when planning a trip to Antarctica. Here are four questions I recommend asking yourself to begin the planning process.

The cost of cruising to Antarctica starts at $5000 and can exceed $15,000. At the low end of the range, expect budget accommodations, which may include shared bathrooms and bedrooms, or last minute deals. For budget expeditions, pay close attention to what is and is not included such as flights to/from the embarkation location, excursions, drinks, airport transfers and lodging the night before or after. Some budget Antarctica tours may be “cruise-only” meaning they will not have excursions that take you on land.

On average, Antarctica cruises cost between $8-9000. This may include a charter flight within the country of departure, but does not include the flight from wherever you may be traveling from. 

This cost assumes double-occupancy. If you do not share a room onboard, the cost will likely go up significantly (can be up to an additional 75%). There are some expedition companies that have no or lower single-occupancy costs. For a limited time, Hurtigruten is waiving the single-occupancy fee. 

When it comes to budget, also consider whether you have everything that is needed on an Antarctica cruise packing list . If not, build in the costs to purchase necessary gear.

The shortest expedition cruises to Antarctica that allow you to actually set foot on the continent generally start at 11 days to and from Ushuaia. With travel time, the journey is at a minimum about 2 weeks. 

If you would like to explore more of the Antarctic region, including places like South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, there are itineraries for several weeks (21+ days). The cost for these will obviously be much higher than the shorter expeditions. 

There are so many different reasons to visit Antarctica . If there is something in particular you want to see or experience, be sure to plan your visit around that. Here are a few tips for what to expect in each season in Antarctica.

Spring in Antarctica begins in October and goes through November. During this time expect significant sea ice coverage and colder temperatures. The ice can restrict where ships are able to land for excursions, but also makes for dramatic photography opportunities of the landscape. Penguins will begin building their nests and elephant and fur seals will be starting their courting and mating rituals.

Summer in Antarctica runs from December through January. This is the most popular time to visit Antarctica. Some of the sea ice has melted, allowing better access to landings for ships. There is less likelihood of spring storms and greater possibility of a calmer Drake Passage crossing (no guarantees!). During this period, penguins and other wildlife are the  most active. Penguins will lay eggs in early summer and by mid-summer (late December, early January) they will be hatching. Seals are on land to give birth and whales are more predictably active. This is also a great time to see glaciers calving.

Fall in Antarctica begins in February and goes through March. February is when you will see baby penguins and seals most active as they prepare for their first winter. This is also the best time to view whales predictably, including the potential to see large pods. Expect the temperatures during this time to be dropping and the ice coverage to be at its lowest. 

If you have your heart set on experiences such as camping, kayaking, polar plunging, or snowshoeing, make sure your expedition company offers those. Many expedition companies limit the number of passengers who can participate in these activities and use a lottery system to fill the spaces. 

Pro Tip: To protect the environment, only 100 people are allowed on land at a single site in Antarctica at a time. For this reason, smaller ships may offer more or longer opportunities to be on land. Hurtrigruten’s MS Fridtjof Nansen has capacity for up to 500 passengers, but generally operates around 300. Despite the larger size, they are very efficient with managing the excursions and maximizing passenger’s time off the ship.

Traveling to Antarctica is one of the most incredible adventures of my life, but after experiencing it I will say that it is definitely not for everyone. Be honest with yourself about whether this adventure is for you!

Temperatures generally range from the teens to 30’s Fahrenheit during the daytime. This is comparable to a relatively warm winter day in Minnesota . On land, the time is spent being active which makes it easier to stay warm. On the ship, time spent outdoors can be limited to what you’re comfortable with.

Crossing the Drake Passage is unlike anything I’ve experienced. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the calm waters called the “Drake Lake” but most likely you’ll get a taste of the “Drake Shake.” There are great options to avoid sea sickness on the Drake Passage , but may not work for everyone.

These are called Antarctica “expeditions” for a reason. This is not a cruise. What’s the difference? Well, expeditions center on education and exploration. There are endless lectures and workshops on board, wellness activities, and outdoor adventure experiences like camping, snowshoeing and kayaking. While there may be a bar (or several) on the ship, it’s likely you’ll be exhausted at the end of each day. 

Some ships and expeditions are more accessible than others. If you have mobility or health concerns, talk with companies before you book to make sure they will work for you. Most landings on my expedition were “go-at-your-own-pace” so you could do as much as you were comfortable with.

The Prepared Girl’s Guide to Packing for Antarctica

Make packing for Antarctica easy with this downloadable and printable packing list.

Once you can answer these four questions, you’ll be well on your way to checking this incredible destination off of your bucket list!

Related content to read next:

What to Wear for Winter Hiking: A Prepared Girl’s Guide

What to Expect on a Bucket Camping Safari – Another bucket list experience!

Check out my Antarctica travel page for even more inspiration and tips!

Did you find this article helpful? Save it for later or share it on social media!

This Big Wild World

Hi! Welcome to This Big Wild World travel blog! I believe that there’s a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. From epic hikes around the world to adventures closer to my home in Minnesota, I’m here to help you discover what adventure means to you!

14 thoughts on “ Where to Start with Planning a Trip to Antarctica ”

So glad you found it helpful! Hope you get to check Antarctica off your bucket list soon!

Antarctica is my #1 bucket list destination, and this is such a useful and informative post!

I understand, Marga! It’s a costly and remote adventure, truly a dream come true. So glad you enjoyed my photos – hope you get to experience Antarctica someday.

I could’ve stared at those cute little penguins forever! It was absolutely incredible to see them in the wild, their natural habitat.

I completely agree, Linda! It’d be sad to pay all that money and make the journey only to find out it’s the wrong timing for wildlife or conditions you really wanted to see. I was pleasantly surprised by how warm the temperatures were. I brought more layers than I needed.

Thank you! Yes, it’s so nice that there’s an option now for those who can’t or prefer not to cross the Drake Passage!

Antarctica was truly a dream come true – I hope you get to visit someday! I’m not sure what temperatures you are used to, but I found it to be warmer than I expected. During the day temperatures were in the mid-30’s (Fahrenheit). I actually laid on a deck chair in the sun on a few days!

The kayaking was absolutely worth the cost! We got to paddle up close to a colony of penguins and watch them from the water. So cool!

Totally agree, it is a significant cost and extended time to be away but so worth it. I think you’d love all of the excursions and even the on-ship workshops. The cost of the White Desert Hotel is certainly not in my budget but I wouldn’t complain if someone offered me a free trip there 🙂

The Drake Shake was pretty bad for the first 24-36 hrs. We had 33 foot (~10 m) swells for most of it and many of the on-ship services were closed or limited during that time (which was fine because most of just wanted to lay in bed). The sea sickness meds I brought worked wonders and after that we had smooth sailing!

What a dream! I really love to visit, but not sure if it’s possible in maze wildest dreams! Your pictures are stunning and really hope to make it someday!

This is a detailed post on planning a trip to Antarctica. The dancing of penguins is so adorable. But I guess it is worth the expense visiting it and seeing all the beautiful wildlife.

I must admit we spent a lot of time thinking and researching when we planned our trip to Antarctica. When I talk to people they start with weather concerns. But time of year, what you want to see and how long you want to go are bigger questions to answer.

Learned a lot, I never knew skipping the Drake Passage was even an option! Loved your photos.

Wow, visiting Antarctica is one of my dreams! It looks so wonderful but also so cold; that is the only thing that worries me, to be honest. And that kayak experience, that must have been wonderful. I definitely have to plan to visit it!

You know, this is the only kind of cruise/expedition I’d be tempted to do (although it is such a huge time and cost commitment!!) I LOVE the idea of all the excisions but I am completely horrified by the idea of $10,000 for staying in the White Desert Hotel!

How was the Drake Shake for you in the end?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Antarctica Travel Tips

• Antarctica / Outdoors

Curious about visiting Antarctica? Here’s everything you need to know.

Stepping foot on our last continent was a dream come true. Thank you, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, for hosting such a memorable trip! 

Before we embarked on our journey, we thought Antarctica was a one-and-done destination, but even during our trip, I started to look up ways I could become a researcher and live there. Penguin counter? Pick me!

Epic doesn’t even begin to describe this frozen wonderland, and if you saw any of my photos and stories, you already know, I couldn’t help but exclaim in ALL CAPS! It was a trip of a lifetime, and I hope it isn’t our last.

Curious about visiting the White Continent? Read our tips to help you plan a trip to the most epic place on earth.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: January 30, 2024

− − Content Menu

• Best Time to Visit Antarctica
• How Bad is the Drake Passage
• How to Choose an Antarctic Cruise

1. How Long Does it Take to Get to Antarctica?

When visiting Antarctica, most people start their cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile. Since we live in Las Vegas, we’ll share our travel times from here (no direct flights from LAS to EZE).

• Vegas to Dallas – 2 h 40 mins
• Dallas to Buenos Aires – 10 h 30 mins
• Buenos Aires to Ushuaia – 3 h 20 mins (left 926 am, arrived 1245)
• Ushuaia Port to Antarctica on the Scenic Eclipse II – approximately two days through Drake Passage. It can sometimes take longer, depending on wind and swells.

See More: 25 Amazing Places to Visit Before They Disappear

2. Best times to Visit Antarctica? What are High and Low Seasons? When Do I Need to Book?

The best time to visit Antarctica is from November to March, their summer.

• October – some cruises start at the end of the month. It’s colder, and the days are short, but you get lower fares, enormous icebergs, and pristine landscapes. If you’re on an icebreaker ship, you can even visit remote emperor penguin colonies, the most elusive penguins.
• November – most cruise lines start their season in November. Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins start mating and laying eggs. You’ll also see breeding elephant and fur seals with aggressive mating rituals. The snow is still pristine, icebergs are massive, and you can see the rare emperor penguins. Photographers also benefit from the sun being low. 
• December – the weather warms, and you get 22 hours of daylight. In late December, you’ll see penguin chicks, baleen whales, toothed whales, and humpback whales on the peninsula. Keep in mind that the holidays are the most expensive time to visit.
• January is peak season with 22+ hours of daylight for maximum wildlife watching. The weather is warmest and most predictable, though never guaranteed, and the ice breaks up for ships to cross the Antarctic Circle. You can visit historic huts during land expeditions. Penguin chicks are hatching, and orcas and humpback sightings are common.
• February – Temperatures are still decent, and it is the best time for whale watching with more humpback and minke whale sightings. Sea ice retreats to open the Ross Sea and East Antarctica for visits. Adult penguins are molting, and chicks are learning to swim, so leopard seals and orcas are on the hunt.
• March – the season starts to wind down with colder and more unpredictable weather, but you’ll get better value fares. It’s too late to see penguin chicks, but it’s an excellent time to see young fur seals and whales. It’s another popular time for photographers as the sun dips lower in the sky.

3. How much does it cost to go to Antarctica?

Most cruises are, on average, $8000 and can go up from there, and pricing depends on your cruise, time of year, how many days, and activities. The cheapest cruises start at $5000 and are sail-by cruises, where you don’t land.

The Scenic Eclipse II is one of the most luxurious vessels traveling to Antarctica and beyond the Antarctic Circle. We did a 16-day cruise that starts at $21,335 (the 13-day starts at $19,225). This pricing includes a chartered flight between Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, excursions (besides helicopter and submarine), 24/7 butler service, nine dining options (three of them set, coursed menu), gratuities, room service, alcoholic beverages with a great selection of wine and top-shelf whiskeys, enrichment lectures, fitness classes, spa facilities. Many other cruises start with a lower base price and offer these additional services a la carte. 

We’ll share a breakdown of these costs across different cruise lines later.

4. How Can I Get to Antarctica? Can you fly to Antarctica? Are There hotels in Antarctica?

Antarctica is inhospitable, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous, making independent travel challenging. Most people visit through guided tours and cruises. If you want to land in Antarctica, only smaller expedition ships can land since IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) rules limit the number of people on land at a given time. On a large cruise ship, you can only sail by.

There are no commercial flights to Antarctica, but certain cruises offer chartered flights from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in Antarctica, where you start your cruise.

No hotels exist in Antarctica. Your options are expedition cruise ships, research stations, and luxury campsites that start at $62,500.

See More: Ultimate Life Bucket List – 1001 Things to Eat, See, and Do

5. How bad is the Drake Passage? Will I Experience Seasickness?

This was the question people asked us most. Antarctic waters are generally calm, but getting there is the challenge. The Drake Passage is known as one of the world’s most treacherous bodies of water. I was worried because I get seasick even on the calmest waters, but the patch combined with Dramamine and the bands did the trick.

We were also fortunate to be on the Scenic Eclipse II, one of the first discovery yachts specifically made for Antarctica. We had up to 23 ft (7 m) swells, and because the stabilizers are 50% larger than any other ship this size, the captain told us we were only feeling 10% of the Drake Shake. Meanwhile, we saw footage of other ship guests being tossed around. I’m not sure I would visit any other way.

The worst Scenic has ever seen was 26.2 ft (8 m) with 72 knots (82.9 mph) winds. We saw a plate or two falling off tables, but for the most part, everything felt stable.

6. Meds to bring?

Always check with your PCP before taking medication.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack Dramamine, Scopapoline patch, motion sickness bands, and/or motion sickness glasses. I used everything except the glasses. I’m unsure which remedy worked best, but I didn’t want to take the chance.

We packed Dramamine and bands, but Scenic Medical also provided motion-sickness meds and patches in limited supply. They ran out on the way back through the Drake Passage, so we had to get some patches from a friend.

We also always pack Imodium and Lactaid for all our travels, which we didn’t need.

7. What Should I Pack For Antarctica? How Should I Dress? Are Life Jackets Provided?

Besides the motion sickness remedies mentioned above, you will need good winter gear, and layering is key (packing list coming soon!). Scenic provided a waterproof winter jacket , muck boots, and life jackets that worked well for all our excursions. All you need to pack are base layers, mid-layers, and a waterproof pant layer . I brought a couple of dresses for dinners, but it wasn’t necessary for this expedition-style trip. If you want to wear cute clothes for the ship, that’s entirely up to you.

Also, pack strong enough sunscreen since Antarctica’s ozone layer is thinner , and fresh snow can reflect up to 90% UV radiation.

Pro Tip: Suitcases larger than 30x21x11 in (76x53x28 cms) or weighing more than 50 lbs (23kg) will have an additional excess baggage fee.

See More: The Best Carry On Luggage + How to Pick the Right Suitcase for You

8. How Cold is Antarctica? What Will the Weather Be Like in Antarctica? What is a Discovery Cruise?

Antarctica is the highest, driest, windiest, and coldest continent, with a record low of -128.6°F (-89.2 °C). Ice covers approximately 98% of the continent. 

You will experience much milder temps since you’re visiting Antarctica in the summer and will be along the peninsula instead of interior Antarctica. During the tourist season, November-March, the temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula are around 34°F (0 °C) and can even be up to 50°F (10 °C). Our friends in Canada and the Midwest had colder temps than we did on our trip.

Antarctica has a very dynamic environment, so it’s essential to be flexible and roll with the punches. Discovery cruises have no set itinerary, and plans may change each day depending on the weather.

Luckily, our discovery leader and captain on the Scenic Eclipse II were great at pivoting to find suitable microclimates to give us the best experience possible each day. I don’t know if we had a unicorn of a trip, but each day, we thought it could not get any more epic, and then the following day exceeded our expectations.

See More: 13+ Best Jackets for Travel for Any Weather

9. What is the Best Antarctica Cruise? How to Choose an Antarctic Cruise

There is a lot to consider when choosing an Antarctic Cruise. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What is your budget?
• Is time off a limitation? When do you want to go? The time of year will dictate what you see and your destinations.
• What type of vessel do you want to be on? What amenities, comforts, and services do you look for? Is environmental responsibility a priority?
• Do you want to step foot in Antarctica or sail by? Is a continental landing important to you vs Antarctic islands?
• Where do you want to go? Do you want to cross the Antarctic Circle? Do you want to include a visit to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands?
• Are you looking for specific wildlife encounters? Do you want to see penguin chicks or seal pups? Do you want to catch them during their mating rituals?
• What about milder temperatures and longer days?
• Are you a photographer looking for pristine landscapes and a lower sun angle?

We loved our Douro river cruise in Portugal several years ago and were excited to travel to Antarctica with Scenic again. Not only is it the most luxurious cruise, but the Scenic Eclipse II has massive stabilizers compared to other ships that make going through the Drake Passage bearable.

We were also impressed with their commitment to sustainability. The Scenic Eclipse II was built with state-of-the-art technology and exceeds all current environmental standards. They already reduced sulfur emissions by up to 95% and are going carbon neutral by 2025 (that’s next year!). 

Besides the reusable bottles, water stations, and refillable toiletries, they have a sustainability officer on board to help further reduce waste. The “smoke” you see is water vapor, food waste gets composted or dehydrated to use as dyes, and gray water is triple-filtered to turn back into clean water. The ship also doesn’t drop an anchor to preserve coral reefs. Whenever possible, they source from local markets and even have an onboard herb garden, which we saw growing microgreens.

See More: What You Need to Know Before Your First Douro River Cruise

10. What is the Currency Used Onboard? Do you need to exchange money? What about tipping?

Antarctica is not a country and doesn’t have its own currency. The currency on board the Scenic Eclipse II was US Dollars. Most Antarctic cruises take US Dollars or Euros.

If you spend extra days in Buenos Aires, it may be worth exchanging your money for pesos to get a better rate, but our guide told us the locals prefer US dollars to pesos right now because of the unstable economy. We only stayed overnight, and the cafe we ate at took credit cards.

11. Do I need a visa When visiting antarctica?

You don’t need a visa for Antarctica, but you must have a valid passport for six months beyond your trip.

12. Vaccines? Is it Dangerous in Antarctica?

During our time in Antarctica, Avian Flu was spreading in the Antarctic Peninsula, mostly among elephant seals. Scenic avoided any areas with known outbreaks, so we didn’t need to worry about it.

When we travel, we like to use Passport Health for vaccines. They have travel clinics in the US, Canada, and UK, and are perfect for what we need.

13. Do I need converters?

We always carry t his power converter and adapter since we have two laptops, two phones, and various other electronics that need charging.

Scenic Eclipse II suites had international power sockets (multi-sockets), USB Type-A sockets, and one 110v 60 Hz United States type power socket with a shaver socket. The onboard electricity is 220 volts and 60 Hz.

For your overnight in Argentina, the standard voltage is 220V. Primary sockets require a Type I or Type C plug.

See More: 15 Carry On Essentials for You to Take On Every Flight

14. What souvenirs to buy when visiting antarctica?

The best souvenirs you’ll bring home when visiting Antarctica are your memories and photos. On our trip, Scenic brought the Point Lockroy team from the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust onboard to share more about their work. They also set up a pop-up post office and gift shop where you can buy souvenirs, with proceeds supporting their research.

We typically only buy consumable souvenirs for friends and family, but since this was such a unique opportunity, we sent postcards from Antarctica .

15. What activities do you do in Antarctica? What is a zodiac?

On our Scenic Eclipse II cruise, they had two daily excursions when the weather allowed. These are the activities on our trip.

• Landings – sometimes included a hike or visits to historic huts.
• Zodiac cruises – you see glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife.
• Kayaking was all tandem. It requires calmer conditions.
• Stand-up paddling – required the calmest conditions. You SUP solo, which can be a quieter, more reflective experience.
• Polar plunge – they made it fun with hot chocolate or alcohol of choice waiting for you when you got out of the water.
• Helicopter ride
• Submarine – this was still being constructed when we were on our trip.

A zodiac is a brand that people now use to refer to a genre of boats. They are durable, inflatable boats we used during our trip to get from ship to land or to view wildlife.

If photographing wildlife is a priority, do a zodiac cruise. It’s easier to get around, and you don’t have to worry about your camera gear as much if you don’t have underwater housing. We preferred to kayak and SUP on days when there wasn’t as much wildlife. 

16. What animals live in Antarctica? Do Polar Bears Live in Antarctica?

Wildlife sightings vary depending on the month and location, but this is what we saw in January.

• Common: Adelie penguins, Chinstrap penguins, Gentoo penguins, Crabeater seals, Weddell seals, Snow petrels, Skuas, Humpback whales.
• Less common: Leopard seals, Antarctic fur seals, Minke whales, Albatross
• Rare: Emperor penguins, Blue whales, South Polar skua, Antarctic petrel, Antarctic fulmar, whole Snow petrel colonies, Ross Sea Killer Whales.

They told us it was rare to see orcas this time of year, but we saw several pods. Polar bears only live in the Arctic.

17. Is there wifi in Antarctica? How is the wifi or cell signal?

We did not have any cell signal, but on the Scenic Eclipse II, we had complimentary wifi, and we were surprised at how good it was throughout the cruise. They don’t guarantee wifi quality because it’s affected by weather and location, but we could access everything we needed.

One of the days we were on the navigation bridge, we saw staff making phone calls, which is crazy to think about because, just over 50 years ago, people were risking their lives to explore the continent. Some guests were streaming Netflix, but others had trouble opening Outlook, which may be because of cyber security protection.

Now, who’s ready for a trip of a lifetime? Do you have any other questions about visiting Antarctica? Any other travel tips you can think of if you’ve been?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

SEE More International City Guides

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

KYOTO, JAPAN

LONDON, ENGLAND

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

NEWFOUNDLAND, CANADA

PARIS, FRANCE

PORTO, PORTUGAL

QUEBEC CITY, CANADA

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

TOKYO, JAPAN

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J) , YouTube , TikTok , and Pinterest.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Polar Tours
• Antarctica Tours

Antarctica Tours and Trips 2024/2025

Known for its vast icy wilderness, its pristine yet rugged landscape, and its carefree marine creatures, Antarctica is equally foreboding as it is inviting. It is a destination reserved for adventurous souls—a traveler’s final frontier. If you love wild, challenging adventures in nature, there is no better way to get your adrenaline pumping than embarking on our  Antarctica group tours . You can also enjoy an opulent cruise alongside a peerless wildlife viewing experience with our Antarctica luxury tours . And if you are worried about the cost of Antarctica cruises, we also offer Antarctica budget tours that will allow you to enjoy the best of the region at affordable rates. Perhaps, you prefer a quiet travel experience. If so, then our Antarctica solo trips and holidays are perfect for you. 

• Antarctica Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Antarctica
• Things to Do in Antarctica

25 Trips in Antarctica with 55 Reviews

• Starts Ushuaia, Argentina
• Ends Ushuaia, Argentina

Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Polar expeditions and cruise & Wildlife Polar expeditions and cruise , Wildlife & Safari 'data-more-tripid='7812'>+1 more
• Accommodation Ship Cabin
• Transport Flight, Boat & Cruise Ship
• Age Range 18-95 yrs
• Operated in English
• Nov 04 Only 8 seats left
• Dec 19 Only 8 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Antarctica Classic Itinerary

• Trip customizable
• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Expedition tours Natural landmarks sightseeing , Expedition tours , Wildlife , Cruise & Safari 'data-more-tripid='27911'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hut & Ship Cabin
• Transport Cruise Ship
• Age Range 12-79 yrs
• Operated in English, Spanish

• Starts Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Ends Buenos Aires, Argentina

Antarctic Explorer via Buenos Aires

• Activities Polar expeditions and cruise & Wildlife Polar expeditions and cruise , Wildlife & Safari 'data-more-tripid='7800'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Ship Cabin
• Transport Flight & Cruise Ship
• Nov 16 Only 8 seats left
• Dec 06 Only 8 seats left

Antarctica Classic

• Activities Photography tours & Wildlife Photography tours , Wildlife , Trekking and Hiking , Kayaking and canoeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Sailing, yachting and motor boating & Safari 'data-more-tripid='5307'>+5 more
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Nov 22 Only 8 seats left
• Dec 12 Only 4 seats left

• Starts Punta Arenas, Chile
• Ends Punta Arenas, Chile

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

• Tour Type Cruise Tour
• Activities Cruise & Polar expeditions and cruise
• Transport Cruise Ship & Flight
• Age Range 8-99 yrs
• Dec 05 Only 4 seats left
• Dec 15 Only 4 seats left

Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

• Operated in English, French, German
• Nov 05 Only 1 seat left
• Nov 14 Only 3 seats left

Antarctica Classic in Depth

• Activities Photography tours & Wildlife Photography tours , Wildlife , Trekking and Hiking , Kayaking and canoeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Sailing, yachting and motor boating & Safari 'data-more-tripid='5301'>+5 more
• Nov 11 Only 6 seats left
• Dec 01 Only 6 seats left

Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

• Jan 24 Only 1 seat left

Classic Antarctica - 10 days

• Activities Polar expeditions and cruise
• Age Range 18-80 yrs
• Nov 03 Only 7 seats left

Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)

• Activities Wildlife & Polar expeditions and cruise Wildlife , Polar expeditions and cruise & Safari 'data-more-tripid='19741'>+1 more
• Brochure Price: US$ 9,250
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 1,388
• Total Price from: US$ 7,862
• Dec 18 10+ seats left
• Dec 27 Only 3 seats left

Quest for the Antarctic Circle

• Activities Photography tours & Wildlife Photography tours , Wildlife , Trekking and Hiking , Kayaking and canoeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Sailing, yachting and motor boating & Safari 'data-more-tripid='5312'>+5 more
• Transport Bus, Private Vehicle & Cruise Ship
• Dec 21 Only 2 seats left
• Feb 08 Only 2 seats left

South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari

• Jan 06 Only 4 seats left
• Feb 16 Only 1 seat left

Spirit of Shackleton

• Activities Photography tours & Wildlife Photography tours , Wildlife , Trekking and Hiking , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Explorer , Sailing, yachting and motor boating , Adventure & Safari 'data-more-tripid='5318'>+6 more
• Jan 11 Only 2 seats left

• Jan 06 Only 8 seats left
• Feb 16 Only 8 seats left

Antarctica Tour Reviews

Antarctica — tour highlights and travel tips.

Nonetheless, there are still plenty of great cruises and expeditions available for those who are brave enough to visit it — and it can be quite exciting to be one of the few people who ever get the chance to explore this ice-covered continent. Check out some of the things you should know before your trip to Antarctica. 

Antarctica Cruise Highlights

• Catch a glimpse of wildlife in their natural habitat like the Emperor Penguins, whales and seals
• Experience the most extreme side of nature, visiting some corners of the Earth that are only accessible by special ice-strengthened boats
• Cross the infamous Drake Passage, or the Sea of Hoces - the world’s roughest sea (brace yourself if you are prone to get seasick)

Antarctica Travel Tips

• There are strict environmental guidelines that you must follow on your visit to Antarctica, and you cannot visit on your own. You will have to explore the region as part of a small group on a cruise ship, accompanied by a guide.
• Antarctica can only be visited during the continent’s short summer months, typically between November and March. Otherwise, the weather is too harsh.
• There are about 24 hours of sunlight in this part of the world, so be sure to pack sunscreen.
• Most trips to Antarctica depart from Argentina and run for multiple days. Expect to be gone for anywhere from 10 days to an entire month. This is a long adventure!

Popular tour types in Antarctica

• Antarctica luxury tours:  Explore spectacular views of the Antarctic Peninsula from the comfort of a helicopter seat while getting rich insights about Antarctic wildlife from renowned polar experts. Our Antarctica luxury tours give you a chance to see exotic species like penguins, seals, and whales up close. Beyond wildlife, you will also get to conquer the Drake Passage and take in some spectacular views of the natural environment on zodiac boats.
• Antarctica budget tours:  Discover a wide range of budget tours to Antarctica that will take you through some of the most popular highlights in Antarctica. Travel to the Falkland Islands to meet hardy locals and watch the unique wildlife up close. You will also get to explore abandoned whaling stations, visit Shackleton’s grave, and stroll quietly amidst penguins.
• Antarctica group tours:  Traverse the ice-covered continent alongside other adventurers while enjoying pleasant views of penguins, seals, and whales as you cruise through the region. See the incredible scenery up close and discover the diverse species of the South Shetlands. Our Antarctica group tours feature a large ship with comfortable cabins run by experienced crew members and tour guides.
• Antarctica guided tours:  Enjoy detailed stories about wildlife, natural formations, and other highlights through our variety of Antarctica guided tours . These tours will be supervised by knowledgeable guides as you visit immense icebergs and magnificent glaciers. If you are feeling very adventurous, you can take a polar plunge, snowboard, and other daring experiences.
• Antarctica solo trips and holidays:  Choose from our range of Antarctica solo trips and holidays that offer an incredible opportunity to explore the ice continent by yourself. Take amazing pictures of the mesmerizing landscapes and chart your trail as you hike icy glaciers and snow-covered mountains. It will be you and nature alone.

Activity-based Antarctica tours

• Cruise tours:  Travel around Antarctica on board exotic cruise ships on our Antarctica cruise tours . Take in the incredible scenery from the deck and check out South Georgia’s incredible wildlife and penguin species. Our cruise tours also provide an insight into the perilous voyages of Sir Ernest Shackleton and a stopover at the great grave site of the legendary explorer.
• Adventure tours:  Hike the undefined trails in Antarctica’s snow-covered landscapes as you unlock your inner explorer on our Antarctica adventure tours . Encounter seal colonies and vast penguin rookeries while traversing the historical sites in South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and Ushuaia. Apart from hiking, our adventure tours also allow you to enjoy activities like snowshoeing, kayaking, and glacier climbing.
• Kayaking and canoeing tours:  Our kayaking and canoeing tours to Antarctica give you a close-up view of Antarctica's enormous waterways. Brace yourself when the chilly water rushes through your hull and the brittle ice clatters against your paddle. You will be floating across sparkling bays and bumping your way through the ice, skipping by the rarest kinds of whales, penguins, and seals.
• Photography tours:  Discover the distinctive terrain and varied fauna of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands on one of our Antarctica photographic tours . Accompanied by fellow photography enthusiasts, you will have the freedom to express yourself as you connect with the region's secluded fauna and natural wonders. In these tours, you will also get plenty of time on land to photograph Antarctica's breathtaking vistas and glaciers.

Popular durations for Antarctica trip

Peak season and low season tours in Antarctica

• Peak season tours in Antarctica:  The Antarctic summer, from November through early February, is the peak period for Antarctica tours. The region is at its warmest during this period, and you can enjoy up to 24 hours of daylight, making it the best time for hiking, photography tours, and other outdoor adventures. This is also the peak wildlife breeding season. But do make sure to book your trip well ahead of time and be ready to part with a significant amount of money.
• Low-season tours in Antarctica:  Mid-February to March is considered the low tourist season in Antarctica. The weather is much colder and there are fewer daylight hours during this time of the year. Still, the overall conditions are much more bearable than in the peak fall and winter seasons. You can anticipate lower prices on Antarctica trips and cruises due to lower tourist arrival. Despite being the low season, February and March is a great time to visit Antarctica if you are a wildlife enthusiast. Penguin chicks leave their nest and the whale numbers are at their peak around this time.

Popular Antarctica trip travel guide

If you are planning a trip to Antarctica, you will want to know about the best time to visit Antarctica  as well as check out all available Antarctica tours. You may also wish to learn more about the top things to do in Antarctica . Once you are sure about some of the activities you wish to experience in Antarctica, along with the destinations you want to visit, you may want to consider how many days to stay in Antarctica. We generally recommend staying at least 14 days in Antarctica, but recommend 10 days in Antarctica or more, to get the most out of your trip to Antarctica.

Next, we recommend you start thinking about the money you can allocate to the trip to know whether you should be looking for a budget tour, a luxury tour, or perhaps a completely customized tour to Antarctica.

Antarctica is an amazing continent to visit, and there may be other key factors that you wish to consider before traveling there. Please check our " Antarctica travel guide " which will give you a lot of relevant information about traveling to Antarctica.

• Eco tours in Antarctica
• Antarctica guided tours
• Antarctica family tour packages
• Antarctica luxury tours
• Antarctica solo trips
• Antarctica tours for senior citizens
• Antarctica tours for young adults
• Antarctica group tours

Popular Destinations

• Antarctic Peninsula Tours

Upcoming Departures

• Spring 2024/2025
• Summer 2024/2025
• Winter 2024/2025
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

Protect Your Trip »

The 7 top antarctica cruises for 2024 + tips from an expert.

Plan your next epic adventure to the White Continent.

The Top Antarctica Cruises

Yuri Matisse Choufour | Courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions

Experience otherworldly beauty on an Antarctica cruise.

An expedition to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for intrepid travelers who want to explore this remote destination at the bottom of the world. The landscapes are surreal, with eerily blue icebergs, towering ice-capped mountains, dramatic weather conditions that change within seconds and species of wildlife that exist nowhere else on Earth – it's hard to imagine until you've made the long journey yourself.

The fifth-largest continent is home to the largest ice sheet on the planet, the Antarctic Ice Sheet, as well as the Transantarctic Mountains, with peaks soaring more than 14,700 feet into the sky. West Antarctica has volcanoes that are part of a tectonically active area around the Pacific Ocean known as the "Ring of Fire." This incredibly diverse and magical part of the world also has the coldest temperature ever recorded at -135.8 degrees Fahrenheit in 2010.

U.S. News has compiled a selection of seven different Antarctic experiences to help you plan your bucket list adventure to the White Continent.

Book an Antarctica cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Atlas Ocean Voyages: 11-night Ushuaia Roundtrip

Courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages

This 11-night expedition with Atlas is available on several dates in 2024. One highlight of the voyage is crossing the Antarctic Circle, along with four days exploring Antarctica and two days spent in the South Shetland Islands. You'll also have two days en route to Antarctica and two days on the return trip on the famed Drake Passage – also known as the "Drake Lake" (on smooth days) or the "Drake Shake" (when the seas are rough).

During your days at sea, take in all the onboard lectures and films about Antarctica, and head outside on the decks to see petrels and albatrosses soaring overhead. This is the perfect opportunity to practice your photography skills before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula, where you want to take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.

Atlas' Jan. 14 expedition is on the line's newest ship, World Voyager. The purpose-built yacht-style vessel features a hydro-jet propulsion system that's quieter and less disruptive to the fragile ecosystem. This feature also provides the opportunity for guests to see more wildlife during up-close encounters. Pricing is all-inclusive on board the ship with free open bars; all meals, wines, spirits and craft beers; a stocked in-room minibar; all landings, Zodiac excursions and lectures; the use of kayaks, walking sticks, knee boots and binoculars; and a souvenir Atlas jacket to take home. Fares also include a one-night pre-cruise stay and private charter jet service round-trip from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Aurora Expeditions: Antarctic Peninsula in Depth

Tyson Mayr | Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

Aurora offers a 14-night Antarctic intensive voyage sailing round-trip from Ushuaia on Nov. 6, 2024, aboard the 132-passenger purpose-built expedition ship Greg Mortimer. This vessel was the first passenger ship to utilize the state-of-the-art Ulstein X-BOW, which provides a smoother, quicker and more efficient transit across the ocean. The ship also incorporates many environmentally conscious features, including low energy consumption and virtual anchoring, which protects the sea floor and minimizes damage caused by traditional anchors.

Guests will find expansive observation decks and hydraulic viewing platforms for optimal wildlife viewing on board. Other highlights of the expedition are nine full days to explore the Antarctic Peninsula in nearly 24 hours of daylight at the peak of summer. During this time, you can expect to see whales arriving to feed on the plentiful krill, fur seal pups and many entertaining penguins.

Prices are mostly all-inclusive, with a one-night hotel stay before boarding the ship; all meals, snacks and complimentary nonalcoholic beverages; beer and house wine at lunch and dinner; the use of Muck Boots for the expedition; all shore excursions and Zodiac cruises; educational lectures; and more. Adventurous explorers can add on activities (at an additional cost) such as sea kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, and skiing or snowboarding. The line also offers longer 20- to 24-day expeditions that include South Georgia Island.

Read: Sustainable Cruises: The Top Lines Making Progress

Hurtigruten Expeditions: Antarctica, Patagonia and Chilean Fjords Expedition

Dan Avila | Courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions

For an extended adventure that includes crossing the Drake Passage twice, spending up to five days in Antarctica and then landing on Cape Horn in Chile (weather permitting), consider the 25-night grand expedition cruise aboard the Hutrigruten Expeditions' MS Roald Amundsen. Additional highlights are scenic cruising in Garibaldi Fjord in Alberto de Agostini National Park to see the Garibaldi Glacier; visiting the town of Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park ; and seeing the longest Southern Hemisphere glacier outside of Antarctica (which grows by as much as 150 feet a day), the Pio XI Glacier in Bernado O'Higgins National Park. This epic adventure begins March 9, 2024, in Buenos Aires and ends in Valparaíso, Chile.

The ship for the voyage, MS Roald Amundsen, is a hybrid vessel that reduces CO2 emissions by using electrical propulsion – and it's designed specifically for use in polar waters. The vessel carries just 500 guests (to adhere to regulations for visiting Antarctica) and features all exterior cabins with Scandinavian inspired decor. Guests will also find an Explorer lounge and bar, three dining venues, the Science Center, a sauna and spa, and other amenities. Fares are mostly all-inclusive, covering a complimentary expedition jacket; the use of expedition equipment like boots and trekking poles; landing activities; most dining options; and wine, beer and soft drinks at meals.

Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic: Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent

Ralph Lee Hopkins | Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions was the first company to bring citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, pioneering travel to this remote destination. The line's 13-night expedition to Antarctica is offered nearly 20 times throughout the summer season in 2024 on one of three ships. Depending on the ship, guests will have one evening in either Buenos Aires or Santiago, Chile , before flying to Ushuaia the next morning to embark the vessel.

With about five days to explore Antarctica, you'll have time to take in the awe-inspiring landscapes and look for seals and blue-eyed shags up close from Zodiacs. On land, watch thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins as they playfully slide down the snow-covered hills on their bellies – one right after the other – diving headfirst into the icy waters. After the adventure, a private charter flight will return you to either Buenos Aires or Santiago before your return flight home.

The line's newest expedition vessel, National Geographic Resolution, accommodates just 138 guests – and there are two new cabins for solo cruisers . Guests on the Polar Class 5 vessel will have a National Geographic photographer and a Lindblad-National Geographic-certified photo instructor and video chronicler documenting the trip. Onboard amenities include a yoga studio, a wellness specialist, infinity-style hot tubs, two restaurants and a chef's table, and plenty of indoor and outdoor viewing areas. This ship also carries an ROV (a remotely operated vehicle) for underwater exploration and other high-tech video gear.

You can even book an overnight stay in an igloo (on a first-come, first-served basis) and spend the evening under the polar sky. Fares are mostly all-inclusive and include all onboard meals and most meals ashore; nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages; transfers; excursions; a complimentary jacket; and more.

Silversea: King George Island to King George Island (Antarctica Bridge)

Courtesy of Silversea

Silversea's six-night Antarctica Bridge expedition takes guests round-trip by a business class flight directly to the Antarctica Peninsula, flying into King George Island from Punta Arenas, Chile. This itinerary is offered several times throughout the season for guests who don't have extensive time to travel – or are nervous about sailing the Drake Passage. Silversea 's pricing is all-inclusive, and guests can choose between door-to-door or port-to-port fares.

While the weather determines the specific itinerary in Antarctica, guests can expect to have several excursions in the Antarctic Sound and as many as nine excursions on the Antarctic Peninsula that include hiking, kayaking and scenic Zodiac cruises with the expedition team. There's also one excursion in the South Shetland Islands, where you can look for massive elephant seals. There will be an abundance of bird and animal viewing on wildlife-rich King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, which is home to Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins as well as Weddell and leopard seals.

Oceanwide Expeditions and Swoop Antarctica: Quest for the Emperor Penguins of Snow Hill Island

Getty Images

Swoop Antarctica's 10-night adventure-filled journey takes wildlife and history enthusiasts into the ice-choked waters of the Weddell Sea, past towering tabular icebergs, in search of the emperor penguin's rookery on Snow Hill: one of the most remote penguin rookeries on the planet. The incredible itinerary also sails through the same waters where famed Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship, the Endurance, sank in 1915 – and to the rarely seen west slopes of the Antarctic Sound.

Other highlights include Zodiac and helicopter landings (weather permitting) to additional remote locales, including Seymour Island, where the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901 to 1904 spent a winter season; Brown Bluff, one of the most scenic places on the northern tip of the Antarctic Continent and home to a large Adélie penguin rookery; and the volcanic crater of Deception Island.

There are two sailings in November 2024 on board the 1A-class, ice-strengthened Oceanwide Expeditions' Ortelius: a 108-passenger former Russian research vessel. Fares includes all meals and nonalcoholic beverages, all Zodiac and shore excursions, educational lectures, helicopter transfers, and group transfers. Optional adventure activities, alcoholic beverages and other personal expenses are at an additional cost.

The onboard helicopter pad is one of the features of the vessel and is used on select expeditions in the Weddell and Ross seas. It's important to note that very few companies offer expeditions to the Weddell Sea that include Snow Hill Island. While Ortelius is not a luxury vessel like other ships mentioned in this list, it is a stable expedition-style ship built for these icy – and at times treacherous – waters and weather conditions.

Viking: Antarctica & South Georgia Island

Courtesy of Viking

Viking's 18-night Antarctica and South Georgia Island expedition begins with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires followed by a flight the next morning to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The first two stops on the expedition are in the Falkland Islands, where you'll find beautiful scenery with imposing cliffs, many types of marine birds and five species of penguins. In South Georgia, watch for king penguins and seals. Then, it's on to Antarctica for days 12 through 16. Guests will have the option to reserve a spot on the Viking DNV-classed submarine for a thrilling journey into the depths of the frigid waters in Antarctica. The return sailing, by way of the Drake Passage, disembarks in Ushuaia.

In 2024, this itinerary is available Jan. 31 and again Dec. 15 on Viking Octantis. The purpose-built Polar Class 6 vessel accommodates up to 378 guests and offers many of the same venues found on Viking's ocean ships, including the Explorers' Lounge, World Café, Mamsen's, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and the Nordic Spa. There are also expedition-specific features, such as Expedition Central, the Science Lab and – for educational lectures and briefings – the Aula theater. Viking's fares are mostly all-inclusive, with all meals and wine and beer served with lunch and dinner; 24-hour specialty teas, coffees and nonalcoholic beverages; a keepsake Viking jacket; complimentary use of the excursion gear; and more.

Find an Antarctica cruise on GoToSea.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Expert tips on Antarctica expeditions

There are many factors to consider when planning an Antarctica expedition, including where you want to travel to, the length of the trip and whether you want to sail the famed Drake Passage twice.

To provide helpful insights and information to plan your trip, U.S. News reached out to an expert in the region, Aurora Expeditions' expedition leader, Ashley Perrin , for tips on planning your adventure to the White Continent. Perrin has degrees in both geography and oceanography from the University of Southampton. She was appointed as the first woman boating officer in Antarctica by the British Antarctic Survey in 2009, and has led multiple expeditions to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands.

Which month is best (in your opinion) to travel to Antarctica and why? 

Perrin: "My favorite time to travel to Antarctica is the end of December or beginning of January, because the penguin chicks are starting to come out and you get the most wildlife spotting opportunities, with marine mammals, penguins and albatross – on top of the spectacular scenery."

What length of trip do you recommend for first-time visitors?

Perrin: "The 10- to 12-day Spirit of Antarctica or Antarctic Explorer (with Aurora Expeditions) is a fantastic introduction to the Antarctic Peninsula. If you had the additional time and opportunity, ideally you would also opt for a voyage that visits South Georgia. For many travelers, this is really the jewel in the crown of the Antarctic experience because of the incredible wildlife opportunities here."

What should you look for in an expedition ship/tour when planning a trip to Antarctica?

Perrin: "Travelers should look for a high-quality educational experience, including lectures and opportunities for Citizen Science. This is such a fascinating and important destination, and you want to ensure you can learn and take as much in as you can. A pivotal factor in this is also choosing a company that offers low passenger numbers.

"Travelers don't have enough of an understanding of the impact of this on their voyage. In the Antarctic Peninsula only 100 people are allowed on land at one time, while at some sites it is 30 to 50 people. Having smaller groups enables passengers to have more time off ship exploring and connecting with nature, and this has such a significant impact on your experience.

"If you like to be a little more active, I would also highly recommend an operator that offers activities, such as kayaking in Antarctica. This allows you to see Antarctica from a different viewpoint and the silence is amazing. You still have opportunities to do landings as well, so I think it's the best of both worlds."

Do you prefer the combination fly/sail for the Drake Passage or sailing the Drake Passage both ways?

Perrin: "I prefer to sail both ways as it's how you earn your right to get to Antarctica! You also get more opportunities to see wildlife like seabirds, and it gives you extra time to prepare for the Antarctic experience through pre-lectures and education. Travelers arrive with more of an understanding of what to expect."

Any other tips, advice or comments you'd like to share?

Perrin: "Do your research into the operator you are choosing and their different offerings – things like passenger numbers, expedition team experience and off ship activities – as these can all have a significant impact on the travel experience. There is also a big difference between traditional cruise operators and expedition operators and what travelers can expect. We ensure that our passengers are exploring and getting off the ship as much as possible.

"I would also add that it's important to do your research into the areas that you're most interested in. For example, it could be history, exploration and walking in someone's footsteps (such as Sir Ernest Shackleton), or the types of wildlife you might see. Having a deeper understanding of the history and the region really does enhance the experience once you are there."

Frequently Asked Questions

An expedition where you get off the ship and make landings on the Antarctic peninsula typically costs about $10,000 per person for a 10-night voyage. However, depending on the cruise line, the ship and dates of travel – and whether you sail or fly the Drake Passage – you could spend as much as $29,000 per person for a 12-night expedition or more. There are slightly lower prices for some expeditions, such as a few with Hurtigruten Expeditions, and you can find reduced fares and deals with lines like Atlas Ocean Voyages and Quark Expeditions. In addition, there are extended polar expeditions that range from a 14-night trip to the 94-night Pole-to-Pole Ultimate Bucket List Expedition Cruise with Hurtigruten Expeditions, which is priced at close to $48,000.

If you're not interested in getting off the ship in Antarctica to see penguins and seals up close (but no closer than 15 feet, according to the Antarctic Treaty), you can opt for a voyage on a large cruise ship that sails around the continent for a much lower cost. Just know that you won't be able to disembark at any point in Antarctica. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line has a 14-night Antarctica and South America voyage that makes a round trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina, for as low as $999 per person. You may be able to find even cheaper fares from lines such as Celebrity Cruises or Princess Cruises.

It's important to note that by the rules set forth in the Antarctic Treaty, only ships carrying 500 or less passengers are permitted to make landings on the Antarctica peninsula. The Antarctic Treaty, along with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, has strict conservation protocols and regulates that no more than 100 passengers are allowed to go ashore at one time. The IAATO works with more than 100 Antarctica outfitters to create the guidelines and safety procedures to protect the fragile environment and wildlife in this remote part of the world.

The following cruise lines offer small ship expeditions in Antarctica with no more than 500 passengers. You can also look at tour companies – such as Abercrombie & Kent, G Adventures, Adventure Life and Swoop Antarctica – that exclusively charter ships or help navigate the decision-making process for their clients and book individual expeditions with the cruise lines.

• Atlas Ocean Voyages
• Aurora Expeditions
• Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
• Hurtigruten Expeditions
• Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic
• Quark Expeditions
• Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• Seabourn Cruise Line

These larger cruise lines offer sailings around the Antarctic Peninsula, which may include scenic cruising in and around the Gerlache Strait, Elephant Island, Paradise Bay and Schollart Channel.

• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Royal Caribbean International

The answer depends on the expedition. The majority of passengers will depart from South America in either Ushuaia, Argentina – which is also known as the "End of the World" – or Punta Arenas, Chile. Then it will take approximately two days to cross the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula. Some lines also offer chartered flights from Punta Arenas to Antarctica, which only take about two hours. Some passengers who have taken the flight say it can be as unnerving as sailing the Drake Passage, since weather conditions can delay the flight for up to several days where you could potentially miss the trip.

Cruises on larger ships that only sail around the Antarctic Peninsula may embark in Buenos Aires; Santiago, Chile; Puerto Williams, Chile; Rio de Janeiro; ports in Florida or New Zealand; or even the South Shetland Islands.

The expedition and cruise season to Antarctica extends from November to March, which is during the austral summer in the Southern Hemisphere. But Antarctica is still the windiest, coldest and driest continent on Earth, so weather conditions are unpredictable and can change quickly – even during the summertime. One minute the sun may be out, and the next minute it can be snowing and extremely windy and cloudy.

Visitors in November can expect temperatures between a low of 25 degrees to a high of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest temperatures are typically in January, when you'll find days ranging between 33 to 36 degrees before they start to drop again in February.

Most expedition companies provide jackets that you can take home, so you won't need to bring a heavy parka if it's given to you on board. They may also provide waterproof boots that you'll need to use for wet landings. It's best to check with your expedition line to see what's available on the ship, what you can rent or buy, and what you'll need to pack and bring with you. Due to the unpredictable weather, it's advisable to bring different types of layers.

Here are some of the items you'll want to pack:

Layers: Pack at least two top and two bottom quick-drying base layers (or more, depending on the length of your expedition) that wick moisture, such as those made of silk, wool or bamboo. It does get toasty when you're layered up and moving around ashore, so choose lightweight options that will layer easily under the rest of your clothing and keep you warm and dry. For your mid-layer top, go with a lightweight polar fleece or vest; for the bottom, quick-drying warm tights or fleece pants are a good option.

You'll also want to layer what's on your feet, starting with a wicking pair of socks made from silk or synthetic polypropylene, followed by a good pair of merino wool socks from a brand like Smartwool. Glove liners are another must, especially if your hands tend to get cold. If you can, buy insulated waterproof gloves with removable liners to save packing an extra item. You may also want to toss a few hand and foot warmers in the suitcase in case you need extra warmth. Bring a lighter pair of insulated gloves for warmer days off the ship.

And don't forget a lined wool beanie, a set of earmuffs, and a balaclava or fleece neck gaiter to keep your ears and face warm and your nose and mouth protected from the cold air and wind.

Waterproof gear: The parka and tall waterproof boots may be provided on the ship, but if they're not, you'll need to bring your own. You'll also need wind- and waterproof pants to go over your base layer and mid-layers. If they're tapered at the bottom, you should be able to tuck them into your boots. Perrin says this is one of the most important items you should purchase and pack for your expedition.

Comfy clothes ­and shoes for around the ship: Most people dress casual on Antarctica cruises, so bring clothes that will be comfortable for days and evenings around the ship. It can get rough when crossing the Drake Passage, so you'll want flat or low-heeled shoes for those days at sea.

Other items you'll want to pack:

• Waterproof dry pack
• Sea-Bands and medications for motion sickness
• Camera and accessories with a waterproof cover
• Hiking poles (unless the ship has them available)
• Swimsuit (you may want to take the polar plunge!)
• Other necessary medications
• Hydrating lip balm and a good protective moisturizer
• Polarized sunglasses
• Books on the history of early exploration in Antarctica and the incredible wildlife

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi River, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a traditional masted sailing ship and on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List
• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 17 best costa rica tours.

Lyn Mettler April 12, 2024

Hard vs. Soft Luggage

Rachael Hood April 12, 2024

The Best Kauai Boat Tours

Lyn Mettler April 11, 2024

The Top-Rated NYC Food Tours

Ann Henson April 11, 2024

The Best Things to Do in Maine

Mariya Greeley and Nicola Wood April 10, 2024

The Best Pearl Harbor Tours

John Rodwan and Amanda Norcross April 9, 2024

The Best Pigeon Forge Dinner Shows

Korrin Bishop April 9, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 8, 2024

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

The Best Charleston Tours

John Rodwan April 4, 2024

Here's how to experience Antarctica in a single day

Dec 22, 2019 • 2 min read

The mere mention of Antarctica conjures up wanderlust in any traveller with a bucket list of visiting all seven continents. And while it’s more accessible than ever (around 50,000 people travelled there in 2018), it’s still quite the journey – generally a lengthy cruise from Chile or Argentina across the famous Drake Passage. But for the first time ever you can visit this enviable locale in one incredible single day.

Naya Traveler has just launched an ultra-luxe single-day getaway to Antarctica. The trip starts with a four-and-a-half-hour flight departing Cape Town, South Africa on White Desert's Boeing 787 with just 33 seats. After flying over majestic calving icebergs, guests will touch down on one of the most remote places on earth.

During a four-hour stay on Antarctica visitors will have a choice of activities including ice treks and 4x4 explorations Or they can choose to simply relax, snap some photos and enjoy a gourmet aperitif on the ice while spotting some of the wildlife that’s truly unique to this challenging environment.

“Antarctica is quickly becoming one of our most in-demand destinations, not for the usual 'bucket-list' type trips, but in fact, as the result of a growing sense of urgency in response to the detrimental effects of global warming,” says co-founder Marta Tucci. “People not only want to visit the remote Antarctic continent but are more than ever looking for unique experiences that will enable them to become as much a witness as an active player in [its] history.”

Naya Traveler will be offering exclusive day trips during summer in Antarctica in January and February, which is the optimal time to visit. After the penguin chicks hatch in mid to late December, the feeding frenzy occurs in January, while February to early March is the best time to spot whales and fur seals. The one-day getaway starts at $13,500 per person.

For those who want to linger longer, the company offers a private yacht charter with six staterooms aboard the Hanse Explorer with the option to extend the trip to the Falkland Archipelago and South Georgia Island , or a private jet flight from Cape Town and a stay at state-of-the-art camps where you can partake in kite skiing, ice cave exploring and giant abseiling. 

If the seventh continent has eluded you, make this the year you add it to your travel map,

See the 2021 total solar eclipse from an Antarctic cruise

Explore related stories.

Wildlife & Nature

Dec 1, 2023 • 6 min read

How about chilling out – truly – on your next big trip? These are the coldest, most beautiful places to visit in the world.

Sep 21, 2023 • 7 min read

Aug 3, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 28, 2022 • 6 min read

Aug 24, 2022 • 5 min read

Apr 5, 2022 • 7 min read

Apr 4, 2022 • 17 min read

Mar 28, 2022 • 6 min read

Feb 2, 2022 • 6 min read

Jan 18, 2022 • 13 min read

Antarctica Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 129 most popular antarctica trips. compare tour itineraries from 62 tour companies. 83 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating., popular antarctica tours.

Christmas in Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula

• Celebrating Christmas amidst fantastic rugged mountains, cascading glaciers, crystalline icebergs and clear waters abounding with whales and seals.
• Countless penguins and endemic Antarctic birdlife - true memorable lifetime moments
• Possibility for kayaking and camping under the southern stars in a world of ice and snow.

Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)

• Explore an unspoiled wilderness, uninhabited by man, where penguins, seals, whales and seabirds in their abundance are the true rulers.
• Emerging from winter, the density of wildlife is increasing, and penguin rookeries are at full capacity with penguin chicks beginning to hatch from mid-December.
• Seal and whale sightings become more frequent as minke, southern right and humpback whales return to Antarctic waters to feed, ensuring extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions, onshore landings and take advantage of a range of adventure options during the voyage such as kayaking, camping, photography and snowshoeing.
• Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology, and ecology by the expedition team.

Antarctica Expedition & Wild Patagonia

• Torres del Paine Luxury Camp
• Walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier
• Explore the "End of the world"
• Nature at its best at the Small Luxurious Expedition Cruise to Antarctica.
• Adventure in Antarctica: Ice-Camp and Kayak

Antarctic Explorer

• Explore the remarkable Antarctic Peninsula
• Incredible wildlife viewing including seabirds, penguins, seals and whales
• Travel on a small expedition vessel
• Accompanied by extremely qualified Expedition Staff

Classic Antarctica - Fly and Cruise - M/V Ocean Nova

• Fly to Antarctica - maximising your time on the White Continent and with the wildlife
• From South America to Antarctica - in just two hours
• Explore the South Shetland Islands - enjoy the surrounding ice-choked waterways
• Incredible wildlife - see penguins, seals and sea birds up-close on land and from your Zodiac
• Visit an array of islands - on the Antarctic Peninsula

Antarctic Wildlife Adventure: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

• The greatest concentrations of seabirds and marine mammals on the planet.
• Astounding abundance of penguins at huge breeding colonies
• A rare view of albatross family life
• Fearless marine wildlife and scenery beyond belief on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Epic Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle Crossing via Buenos Aires

• Explore the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
• See the incredible wildlife
• more than 30 species of breeding birds, including four species of penguin—of South Georgia, often called the Galapagos of the Poles
• Follow in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyage to South Georgia and visit his gravesite
• Cross the Antarctic Circle and celebrate with a toast

Classic Antarctica - Expedition

• Join this classic expedition voyage - exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
• Superb wildlife viewing opportunities - on land and at sea
• Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - enjoy the vast, ice-sculpted, Antarctic wilderness
• Join expert naturalist guides - learn about the wildlife and history of the region
• Astonishing wildlife - see whales, sea birds and abundance of penguins

All Antarctica , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Antarctica

Small Group Antarctica Tours

Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings

• Discover the fascinating history of the Falkland Islands
• Explore South Georgia, with its remarkable history and spectacular wildlife
• Visit the stunning Antarctic Peninsula

Across the Antarctic Circle - M/V Greg Mortimer

• A classic expedition voyage - exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
• Delight in observing young penguins - leaving the nest for the first time
• Celebrate the crossing of the Antarctic Circle - at latitude 66°33' South
• Penguin rookeries - see Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguin
• Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - being in the vast, ice-sculpted Antarctic wilderness

Classic Antarctica - M/S Ocean Endeavour

Antarctic Explorer via Buenos Aires

• Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
• Enjoy helicopter flightseeing from Ultramarine for a unique perspective of the Antarctic Peninsula
• Enjoy talks about the environment and wildlife from our onboard Polar experts
• Experience abundant wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales

Best Antarctica Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Antarctica Tours by Price

Top Antarctica Attractions & Experiences

Top Antarctica Experiences

• Stepping out of your Zodiac and setting foot on the world’s most remote continent, something only a tiny percentage of people worldwide can claim.
• Spotting a humpback or minke whale breaching a few hundred yards from the deck of your ship.
• Marveling at the aggressive tactics of elephant seals and fur seals during mating season on South Georgia Island.
• Kayaking through near-frozen waters, making sure to steer clear of passing icebergs.
• Visiting one of the Antarctic research bases staffed by scientists from around the world.
• Standing on your expedition cruise ship’s deck after dark, basking in the solitude of the world’s
• last wilderness.
• Training your lens on an albatross as it soars overhead while en route to Antarctica.
• Trekking , skiing or just going for a walk across a vast white landscape.

Antarctica Tours & Travel Guide

Antarctica Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Ever since Lars-Eric Lindblad built the first expedition-style cruise ship to take passengers to visit Antarctica in 1969, adventurous travelers have aspired to follow in their wake. Today about 40 vessels – mostly expedition-style vessels but some yachts as well -- make the run to the White Continent, leaving primarily from Argentina or the Falkland Islands, carrying as few as six and as many as 500 passengers.

Most of the Antarctic-bound ships, though, carry fewer than 100 passengers. Visitors go in search of the last real wilderness on earth, whose sole permanent residents are penguins, whales, seals, albatrosses and other abundant marine and bird life.

Besides the stunning array of wildlife, you’ll see glaciers, snow-covered mountains, icebergs, and, on some tours, historic sites (such as early Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton’s huts) and perhaps one of the 20 scientific research stations that have welcomed visitors since 1969.

Why Visit Antarctica? 

“Why not” should be the better question! Antarctica can be considered the “last frontier” of the travel world. There are only a select few travel companies offering cruises and tours of Antarctica. Most people will never have the chance to experience this remote and secluded location. 

You’ll be able to see whales and penguins just off your boat, kayak next to whales, and be able to learn about the importance of Antarctica to the rest of the world. Antarctica isn’t for everyone though. You’ll have to be prepared for the cold, lack of proximity to hospitals or major cities, and dealing with occasional uncomfortable travel. If you are able to get through all of these things, you’ll find that you'll never be able to forget the experiences you’ve had on the Ice Continent.

Antarctic Peninsula

The most common destinations on sea tours leaving from South America are the Antarctic Peninsula , the South Shetland Islands , South Georgia Island, and the Falkland Islands -- all havens for wildlife. (The latter two are not part of Antarctica.) The primary destination in Antarctica itself is the Antarctic Peninsula, which juts up from the rest of the mainland and is closest to South America .

A few icebreakers challenge the often frozen Weddell Sea in search of emperor penguins to the peninsula’s east. And some ships make the journey from Australia , New Zealand and South Africa to the Ross Sea on the other side of the continent; emperor penguin colonies are accessible from there by helicopter.

While some 100 tourist sites have seen landings in Antarctica over the years, fewer than 10 receive the bulk of the visitors. Port Lockroy, site of the British Antarctic Survey, is the most visited site, drawing more than 10,000 visitors per year. Passengers board Zodiacs (rubberized rafts) to go ashore, with most ships making one to three landings per day on the mainland.

Top Things to See and Do in Antarctica

1. Kayaking

Top activity for any Antarctica tour is kayaking through the cold waters around the continent. Paradise Bay and parts of the South Shetland Islands provide opportunities for you to kayak next to large icebergs and possibly even above the colossal whales that pass through these waters. 

2. Zodiac Tours 

Another opportunity to get a hands-on experience of Antarctica is going on Zodiac tours. A Zodiac tour takes you on small inflatable boats out into the channels and smaller waterways of Antarctica so you can stand below the Ross Ice Shelf or see a whale breach the surface only feet away. 

3. Ross Ice Shelf 

One of the most stunning sites in all of Antarctica, the Ross Ice Shelf is a natural wonder that reminds us of the effects on the natural world. Created by floating ice from other parts of the Southern Pole, the Ross Ice Shelf is a massive area of ice that towers 160 feet above the water. 

4. Deception Island  

A prime destination in the South Shetland Islands off of Antarctica, Deception Island is where you can interact and catch a glimpse of the penguins of Antarctica. Deception Island is one of the nesting grounds for the penguins and a great spot to explore Antarctica’s landscape and animal life. 

Wildlife in Antarctica

Many may think that Antarctica is a desolate and uninhabited piece of land. In some areas, they may be right, but Antarctica is also home to a wide variety of land and sea life. 

On an Antarctica cruise, you’ll be able to see the whales that migrate through these polar waters, see thousands of penguins on the mainland and surrounding islands, catch a seabird flying above your ship, or kayak next to some sleeping sea lions. 

In most countries, wildlife is remote and you aren’t able to be near the animals. Antarctica offers the chance to be feet away from a yawning walrus or a colony of penguins. However, it is important to maintain somewhat of a distance to not interfere with the animals.

Protecting the Ecosystem

Strict standards Antarctic tour operators must follow strict environmental protection guidelines mandated by the international Antarctic Treaty as well as the voluntary guidelines of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO); all itineraries must be approved in advance so they don’t harm the wildlife or the fragile ecosystem.

The Antarctic tourist season runs from late October or early November to March or early April, the summer months when the waters off Antarctica are comparatively ice free. The earlier months bring penguin and elephant seal courtship rituals, while the later months see the birth of penguin chicks and seal pups. By March the adult penguins are mostly headed out to sea, but whale and seal sightings increase. December and January bring the most daylight hours, prime time for photographers.

With so many variables in itineraries, vessels, levels of luxury, price, and trip lengths to wrestle with, it makes sense to let Stride help you sort through all the possibilities. And sooner than you may think, you can experience the same wonders that have captivated polar explorers for more than a century.

Snow, Ice, and Wildlife Photography Tips

Antarctica is made for stunning photos. Around every bend of the sea, you’ll be able to capture landscapes only seen in movies. Like with any remote location or harsher climate to get those photos you want, here are a few tips you can keep in mind: 

• Protect your gear . Bring along ziplock bags to keep your gear dry and protect against the cold. If you are carrying around a lot of camera gear, it’s suggested to bring a dry bag to protect against water landings and occasional whale sprays. 
• Bring different cameras . If you’re going from animal portraits to landscape photos, bring different cameras so you don’t expose your lenses to the cold. Remember, Antarctica is VERY cold. 
• Using a scale for ice photos . To show the magnitude of the Ross Ice Shelf or an iceberg, incorporate people or ships to show the scale of the objects. This can help capture the difference in size.  
• Wildlife photos . Some wildlife will be just photogenic (penguins), others you may have to wait for to move or go swimming. Patience is key to capturing wildlife in Antarctica. Always remember though - do not disturb the wildlife and do not force them into getting a nice shot. 
• The dreaded grey snow . Anyone who has tried to shoot snow scenes will have had the unfortunate grey snow effect. This happens when your camera tries to adjust the amount of light reflecting off of the snow and turns the snow grey. Adjusting your settings, check out your camera’s meters to counteract the light, and photoshopping help make a difference.

Travel to Antarctica: Before you go

Warning: obvious statement ahead. It gets cold! So pack very warmly. Consider thermal undergarments, and breathable layers. Some excursions will involve being out on the water among icebergs, so also consider waterproof outer-layers. Cold can be alarmingly disorienting, so if you get cold easily, talk to your doctor about any precautionary measures or tips they recommend.

You may also want to consider any anti seasickness measures. Waters can be unpredictable, and you’ll be spending a lot of time aboard ship. Some tips to keep in mind: eat lot’s of crystallized ginger! Dramamine is also extremely effective for some. Talk with a doctor to figure out what will work best for you.

Antarctica does not have a governing body, and no permanent residents. All visitors, whether business or pleasure, are temporary. For this reason, you only need to ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months prior to your trip. No visa is required if you plan to stay less than 90 days.

Safety Considerations When Traveling to Antarctica

Safety when traveling to another country is never a guarantee. Antarctica has one of the harshest climates and is extremely remote. Medical services won’t be as readily available as if you are traveling to other parts of the world. 

However, the cruises are well-equipped for any issues. Many also offer water-resistant clothing and additional warm clothes. The guides are always aware of the weather and potentially dangerous temperatures. The staff on Antarctica cruises are experienced guides, scientists, and travelers who will be able to offer any support.

Keep in mind is that there are no public hospitals, pharmacies, or doctors offices in Antarctica. If you get sick or hurt, you will be relying on your cruise’s available resources, which while sufficient for normal ailments, will be minimal for anything extreme.

As mentioned above, be prepared for the cold and bring any anti seasick measures.

As highlighted by the CDC , you will be traveling with people from all over the world, in close quarters, and for an extended period of time. The risk of influenza, measles, and mumps is increased because of this, so especially for older travelers and children it will be important to ensure you are up to date on all these vaccines.

Antarctica Reviews & Ratings

Antarctic explorer.

Exodus and Quark had the perfect recipe for the&nbsp;adventure of a lifetime. Helpful and efficient&nbsp;pre-trip planning. The Vavilov,&nbsp;a great vessel for th...

What can I say?! The most amazing trip, far exceeding the&nbsp;expectations that I had held for a lifetime! Each experience seemed to surpass the last , and I hold...

Our trip to the Antarctic Peninsula was simply 'mind-blowing' Any description&nbsp;of Antarctica is always full of 'expletives'. Quite honestly where do you start? ...

WE had a wonderful experience in the Antarctic and also spending&nbsp;a few days in Ushuaia before our departure on the Clipper Adventurer.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...

An unforgetable trip, can't begin to really describe the Antarctic, it has to be seen to be believed.&nbsp; The Minke whale who decided to investigate 3 of the 5 Zo...

See all Antarctica reviews

Related Trips & Tours

Antarctica tours faq.

1. Does Travelstride have all the tour operators?

2. How does the Member Savings program save me money?

3. Can I trust the tour operator and trip reviews on Travelstride?

4. What does ‘Stride Preferred’ mean?

How to Visit Antarctica for Just 1 Day

Antarctica usually falls into the “epic big trips” category of travel, but a new package from cape town’s ellerman house can turn that dream adventure into a day trip..

• Copy Link copied

Courtesy of White Desert Experience

Travel to Antarctica for the day? It sounds like a bonkers idea, like something that could only happen on The Bachelor . But thankfully, you don’t need to be on reality TV to explore the icy tip of the Earth’s southern pole for a couple of hours. Cape Town’s swanky Ellerman House hotel recently teamed up with White Desert , Antarctica’s first and only luxury camp, to offer a day trip from the southern tip of Africa to the southernmost continent. The experience is (unsurprisingly) called the “ Greatest Day ” and gives guests the incredible opportunity to spend an afternoon in one of the world’s most untouched places.

How is a quick trip to such a remote and inaccessible place even possible? It’s a feasible question given that the most common way to reach the continent is by cruise ship. But when you consider that the flight time from South Africa to Antarctica’s shore is under six hours, it doesn’t seem so unreasonable after all. Even better, you don’t need a visa and White Desert will take care of securing the permits you do need.

An Antarctic arrival

The Ellerman House can arrange for a Gulfstream private jet for up to 14 people ($210,000 for the entire plane). The flight is five-and-a-half hours of unadulterated luxury, complete with an in-flight meal of sushi and wagyu beef tartare and cocktails prepared with thousand-year-old glacial ice from Antarctica—because regular ice just won’t do. Once the plane touches down on a specially prepared Novo ice runway near the White Desert camp, guests have five hours to explore as much of Antarctica as they can.

Whichever way you choose to get there, once you hit the ground, there are myriad activities on offer: treks through mazes of iridescent blue ice grottoes, visits to frosty lakes and cliffs, or highlining—the extreme version of tightrope walking—between two ice peaks. Never tried highlining? Expert polar explorers are available to guide you through your ultimate extreme sport experience.

The wonders of the White Desert

Those more interested in simply soaking up the unfamiliar landscape can visit Adelie penguins, follow a walking trail, explore in a 4x4 vehicle, or visit the nearby research stations. No matter what you do, the day culminates in a champagne dinner prepared by White Desert’s resident chef, followed by a flight back to Cape Town. Before you can say “I went to Antarctica for the day!” you’ll be sitting on a terrace at Ellerman House, gazing over the Atlantic Ocean, thinking, did that just happen ?

If a day trip experience doesn’t seem like enough of an adventure, White Desert offers longer journeys that go deeper into Antarctica to see emperor penguin colonies and ice tunnels. Guests stay in cozy, heated, fiberglass sleeping pods kitted out with beds, desks, and private bathrooms, in the carbon-neutral camp, which operates on a zero-impact policy. If ever there was a time to explore the Earth’s most far-flung icy regions, it would be now, because in a matter of time, there may be no more icy regions to explore.

>>Next: Coolest Travel Jobs—What It’s Like to Be a Polar Scientist

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

Dreamlike sights, such as the Uyuni salt flat in Bolivia, were a highlight of author Andrew Evans's magic bus ride to Antarctica.

Bus2Antarctica

Backstory: Bus2Antarctica began simply: Travel writer Andrew Evans decided he was going to Antarctica, but wanted to get there without spending a boatload of money. So he came to us with a proposal: He’d take the bus—a guaranteed adventure—and post entries to our Intelligent Travel blog en route. We loved the idea—and the story that came out of it.

I forget which birthday it was, but I do remember that I wished for Antarctica when I blew out the candles on my cake. Impossible dreams make good birthday wishes, and I used mine silently hoping that somehow, someday, I would make it to Earth’s frozen continent.

I had wanted to travel to Antarctica ever since I learned such a place existed. I craved the haphazard polar voyages of men before the era of airplanes and travel brochures. Those early travelers seemed so sincere as they set off for the bottom of the world with their optimism, simple dogsleds, and year’s supply of stationery. In pursuit of my dream, I auditioned for scientific internships on research ships and applied for menial jobs on American polar bases. I wrote elaborate proposals for special grants that were never granted and made wild attempts to win Internet contests. None of those efforts bore fruit. So I decided to just go.

I traced an imaginary path on a map, from Washington, D.C., where I live, down to the seventh continent. Where there’s a road there’s a way, I figured, and much of the distance to Antarctica was paved with roads. All I had to do was head south some 10,000 miles until the road ended in Tierra del Fuego. From there it was less than a knuckle’s width of mapped sea to Antarctica. The catch was to figure out an affordable way to travel. My research revealed there were public buses in every country I’d pass through to the frozen continent. If I made no reservations and had no daily itinerary, bus travel would approximate the journeys of early explorers. For the spots of water I’d cross—the Strait of Magellan and the Drake Passage—it looked like I’d have to forsake bus for boat.

I eagerly mapped out a rough ten-week plan, arranged to post entries to Traveler’s blog from the road, bought my first bus ticket—and embarked on my one-man polar expedition from a sidewalk bus stop outside National Geographic’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. It was New Year’s Day, and all I carried was a backpack stuffed with clothes, a camera, and a new National Geographic flag. I paid $1.35 to ride the S2 Metrobus down 16th Street past the White House. An hour later I boarded a Greyhound bus to Atlanta, nervously anticipating the long road ahead. The bus driver took my ticket and asked routinely, “Your final destination, sir?” “Antarctica,” I mumbled. Greyhound wouldn’t get me all the way there, but it could take me at least a thousand miles closer to my dream.

After three days of riding silver buses across the American South I found myself at a roadside rest stop in northern Mexico at midnight. While the other bus passengers slept, I ventured out into the cold, dry air and stretched my legs, kicking holes in the dust while the bus driver had a smoke. Aside from the glowing tip of his cigarette and some vague white stars, the only light flickered from a pile of orange embers on the ground, where a lone Indian woman wearing a red wool cap squatted and shaped tortillas, pat-pat-pat. I felt overwhelmed by the obscure scene and the utter darkness. I’d been to Mexico before, but not like this. The bus had delivered me to an invisible part of the world.

I hopped from one bus to the next over the coming days, grabbing any seat that was going south. In Guatemala, my ride was a reincarnated Blue Bird school bus painted with a rainbow of trim and with unhappy chickens wedged beneath the seats. A bus attendant hung from the open door with one hand and announced the destination, Huehuetenango, by shouting “Hué, Hué!” to everyone waiting. Any spot where a person stood waving became a bus stop. A hundred heads bobbed in time with the road. When the bus cruised around mountain turns, our jam-packed bodies slid from side to side. Audio speakers blared a sound track for the jungle landscape, but the CD skipped every time we hit a bump, turning sappy Latin love songs into thumping Spanish rap and back again.

After Guatemala’s hairpin-turn highways, the bus careening along the edge of every mountain, we trailed through El Salvador’s smoky backyards and the hacienda-feeling countryside of Honduras. The giant volcano hovering in the distance marked Nicaragua. In Costa Rica, the road became all twisty and pimpled with gaping potholes. We crossed into Panama, then over its famous canal on the mile-long Bridge of the Americas. The next hurdle was the geographical difficulty between Panama and Colombia known as the Darién Gap, a swath of jungle and swamp that forms a tricky hundred-mile interruption in the Pan-American Highway. My options around it: boat or plane. Taking a tip from noted adventurer Paul Theroux, who for his best-selling book The Old Patagonian Express chose a plane ride, I flew to Cartagena, Colombia. There I boarded the next bus and within hours was traveling through the beautiful, and steep, Colombian Andes. These eventually gave way to Ecuador’s endless green banana fields. Then came a jungle road in Peru that turned into a desert track; I tasted the dust on my teeth. Bus by bus I motored on into Bolivia, where, halfway across, the road vanished; the bus just followed tire tracks across the stratospherically high Uyuni plain.

Asphalt, smooth asphalt, returned in Argentina. Eager to catch my boat across the Drake Passage to Antarctica, I raced down these last 3,000 miles—the length of Argentina—in just seven days, watching the landscape transition from Córdoba’s flat green pampa to Patagonia’s dry brown hills, to the snow-sifted mountains of Tierra del Fuego (where we detoured briefly into Chile). The air cooled as we proceeded, and I noticed the austral sun setting later and later.

When nights came, I tried to sleep by folding my six-foot-four body into a bus seat and dreaming of Antarctica. One night, somewhere in Colombia, I was awakened by a loud crash, followed by our bus rumbling off the road. Nobody risked stepping out to see what happened, fearing bandits. I finally got off with the driver—and we discovered the cow our bus had hit and killed. As the sole passenger with a camera, I was enlisted to help document the carnage for the police.

Ironically, accidents and breakdowns offered new opportunities for discovery. Cruising at 12,000 feet along the Peruvian Andes, I’d just noticed that my inflatable neck pillow had sprung a leak when the wheels on the bus went pop, pop, pop. The flat tires occupied our driver for hours, which I spent taking walks across the rock-strewn altiplano, gazing up at the bluest skies I’ve ever seen.

Passenger participation was mandatory in Bolivia. Each time we got stuck in mud—a regular occurrence—the bus driver would fling open the door and motion out our mix of bleary-eyed backpackers and gold-toothed Aymara Indians. Together we built piles of rocks behind each tire, then put shoulder to bumper and heaved. When we finally dislodged the bus, we sloshed through puddles to reboard.

Still, I can’t think of a greater disappointment than rushing a first visit to Bolivia; it’s like taking a kid to Disney World for the first time and telling him it closes in ten minutes—forever. During my week traveling through it, Bolivia delivered some of the most memorable landscapes on a journey through remarkable places. The town of Uyuni, in southwestern Bolivia, for example, gives its name to the largest salt flat on Earth, which occupies a vast, dried-up prehistoric lake. At 4,000 square miles 40 times larger than the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, Uyuni’s arid salt flat gives the odd sensation of standing on a blank piece of paper—a wide-open feeling of nothingness that attracts thousands of sightseers yearly.

The surprise upon our arrival was that heavy seasonal rains had turned the salt flat into a saltwater flat. I found myself walking through six inches of lukewarm brine that crystallized up my leg on contact. Equally curious was the extraordinary way in which the sun reflected off the forever horizon of salt water—which burned my skin to a crisp.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Descending from high-altitude Bolivia into the desert hills of Argentina’s Jujuy region proved another scenic highlight. Drab rock landscapes suddenly turned into pink-tinted rock formations, colored sandstone swirls, twisting mountain streams, and saguaro-like cacti. It felt as if we were driving through the arid reaches of southern Arizona—and it was HOT. How hot? My thermometer claimed the temperature was 48°C. That’s 118°F. Still, traveling in Argentina was a relief because everything was suddenly easy. Need a shower and nap before your next bus? There’s a hotel with rooms for a few dollars an hour around the corner. Plus you can check your e-mail and recharge any batteries.

My last night, on the final bus, it snowed. I used the occasion to mark my progress with a Sharpie on a tattered map, amazed at the distance I’d covered on wheels. Finally, we rolled into a rainy parking lot in Ushuaia. This was it: the end of the road at the bottom of the continent. We stopped next to a dock for ships with reinforced hulls. On board one the next day I would spot my first icebergs.

Looking back now, I see my transcontinental ride as a road for which only I know the directions. My bus fare from Washington, D.C., to Antarctica? A total of $1,102.60—about eleven cents a mile, half the price of a plane ticket for the same distance. The bus took longer, yes, but I got to see everything we miss out on when we choose to fly: The gradual changes from one place to another—and the real size of Earth. Before my trip, I only guessed at the planet’s actual size. Now I’ve felt every inch of my 10,000-mile roller-coaster route in my lower back. I know the rhythm of so many landscapes from resting my forehead against countless bus windows.

On a bus, I can tell you, the world is measured in days. Earth is small—so much smaller than I once believed. Part of me wishes I could go back to the time when the planet felt huge and infinite. We accept intellectually that things don’t become smaller, but secretly we may still wonder. Perhaps travel is the way we check our bearings, just to make sure. Are we getting bigger? Or is the world shrinking? What I do know is that my trip to Antarctica is no longer a dream. It’s now a vivid memory.

Related Topics

• TRANSPORTATION

You May Also Like

The ultimate Andes road trip, from Chile to Bolivia

Where to travel in the U.S. this September

Free bonus issue.

Free roam safari: a self-guided campervanning trip through South Africa & Eswatini

How a commuter bridge turned into a bucket-list experience

How to plan the ultimate campervanning adventure through Australia

An epic rainforest road trip along North Queensland's Cassowary Coast

How to plan an epic road trip through the Canadian Rocky Mountains

• Environment
• Paid Content

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Gory Details
• 2023 in Review
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

6 Best Antarctica Expedition Cruises To Add To Your Bucket List

• Antarctica and Arctic
• Best Of Travel
• Best Of Travel Awards: 2023
• Cruises and Sailing
• Destinations
• News and Tips
• Types of Travel

Expedition cruises have skyrocketed in popularity and interest in Antarctica sailings has never been higher. This must-visit destination attracts numerous world travelers seeking epic lifetime experiences, avid photographers and adventure-seekers, and those on a mission to check off their seventh continent.

The White Continent is a magical destination filled with snow-covered mountains, brilliant electric-blue icebergs, amazing wildlife, and otherworldly landscapes. It’s a place of extreme contrasts and quiet, haunting beauty. In addition to the extraordinary wildlife encounters and immersive experiences, Antarctica’s untamed majesty and indescribable stillness are what I remember most.

Recently, our TravelAwaits readers voted for their favorite Antarctica expedition cruises in this year’s Best Of Travel Awards. Here are their top choices to inform and inspire you when planning your unforgettable trip to Antarctica.

1. Hurtigruten Expeditions (Winner)

Norway-based Hurtigruten Expeditions is celebrating 130 years of voyaging in polar waters. The company has been sailing to Antarctica for over 2 decades and is one of the destination’s most experienced operators. Hurtigruten’s Antarctica expedition voyages top bucket lists for our TravelAwaits readers and other travelers with more than an 800 percent increase in Antarctica bookings over the last 10 years.

Hurtigruten Expeditions operates multiple ships in Antarctica, accommodating 318–530 guests. The company’s wide variety of Antarctica itineraries ranges from 12–23 days in length, enabling explorers to become fully immersed in Antarctica’s icy splendor. As a green energy leader, the ships reflect Hurtigruten’s core commitment to highly sustainable expedition travel. Ships feature exceptional onboard expedition teams, well-equipped science centers, expansive observation decks, spacious staterooms and suites with balconies, restaurants, an explorer lounge and bar, a fitness room, saunas, and hot tubs.

Guests on Hurtigruten’s Antarctica expeditions can participate in many enriching, immersive experiences. Dr. Verena Meraldi, the cruise industry’s only on-staff chief scientist, oversees Hurtigruten Expeditions’ superb Citizen Science Program. You can take part in a variety of hands-on research projects that complement the extensive array of lectures and demonstrations on Hurtigruten’s Antarctica voyages. Additional memorable activities include land and sea adventures such as camping in Antarctica, opportunities for a polar plunge , sea kayaking and Zodiac excursions through Antarctica’s crystal-clear waters, and hiking and snowshoeing treks to rarely visited areas with awe-inspiring views.

2. Adventure Canada

Adventure Canada operates small-ship expedition cruises to some of the world’s most remote places. The adventure cruise line offers two voyages to Antarctica in February aboard Ocean Endeavour — Adventure Canada’s ice-strengthened vessel with a capacity of 198 guests. The ship is equipped with 20 Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, restaurant facilities, and an onboard gym, sauna, spa, pool deck with a hot tub, and other amenities.

Adventure Canada is known for its spirit of exploration and learning, outstanding leaders and experiences, and support for arts, sciences, and scholarship. On Adventure Canada’s Antarctica expedition voyages, guests are accompanied by superb expert leaders and guides who share their knowledge and skills through presentations, programming, and interpretive discussions throughout the journey. Antarctica cruises include ample opportunities for wildlife and polar landscape viewing from the Ocean Endeavour via Zodiac cruises and on guided landings.

The company’s “Journey to the Antarctic Circle” voyage takes guests on a journey of exploration through the Drake Passage, the Shetland Islands, and into Antarctica’s deeper polar areas. This Adventure Canada expedition attempts to cross the fabled Antarctic Circle. Adventure Canada’s “Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey” occurs during peak whale migration season. On this expedition, guests can take part in a whale-related Citizen Science project and view the various Antarctic whale species and wildlife that call this pristine region home for at least part of the year.

3. Lindblad Expeditions

Over 50 years ago, pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first band of “citizen” explorers to Antarctica. Since then, Lindblad Expeditions has brought many adventurers to the White Continent, sharing its exceptional experience and deep institutional knowledge of the region. Lindblad Expeditions’ partnership with National Geographic adds even more enriching benefits for its guests.

Lindblad Expeditions sails an array of 14- to 35-day Antarctica itineraries on three ships accommodating just 138–148 guests. The line’s fully stabilized expedition ships of the highest ice class offer luxuriously appointed interiors, fully equipped staterooms, numerous observation areas, and a number of unique elements. The National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution feature a game-changing patented bow design that provides outstanding stability in all types of conditions — which can be highly valued when sailing through the infamous Drake Passage. Guests on both ships can also soak up Antarctica’s icy splendor in an infinity-edged hot tub, followed by a night of stargazing under the polar sky in a geodesic glass igloo.

Each Antarctica sailing includes a highly seasoned expedition leader, top-notch naturalists, undersea specialists, National Geographic photographers, and other experts. You can enjoy outstanding presentations and participate in an extensive array of immersive experiences including enriching Citizen Science programs, kayaking, hiking, exploring Antarctica’s undersea world with a remotely operated vehicle and underwater specialist, and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at certain times. Select departures also provide exciting activities for kids and teens through Lindblad’s Global Explorers Program . 

4. Viking Cruises

Viking offers enrichment-oriented Antarctica expedition voyages on its two purpose-built polar-class expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris . Both ships accommodate 378 guests and feature extensive expedition equipment, including two submarines for underwater exploration, Zodiacs, and an industry-first hangar for easy Special Operations Boat embarkation and debarkation inside the ship. On Viking’s Antarctica cruises , guests can enjoy landings and scenic sailings around the Antarctic Peninsula while discovering the world’s most remote wild frontier.

Those who have sailed with Viking will recognize some of the Scandinavian design features and amenities on the line’s expedition ships. In a first for polar expedition vessels, all staterooms feature a Nordic balcony — a large floor-to-ceiling window that opens from the top. Viking’s expedition ships also offer a variety of dining choices, the Nordic Spa, an extensively equipped science lab, an expedition central hub for expedition team meetings, and a stunning panoramic auditorium. Guests will enjoy the many indoor and outdoor viewing areas on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris .

Viking has partnered with leading academic institutions to create an exceptional scientific enrichment environment on their expedition ships. You can join visiting researchers and Viking’s Expedition Team in hands-on scientific work and participate in shore excursions and world-class lectures. Other activities include guided kayaking experiences, scenic Zodiac or Special Operations Boat cruises, snowshoeing under certain conditions, and landings to observe seals, penguins, and other wildlife.

5. Abercrombie & Kent Luxury Expedition Cruises

Premier luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) launched its first Antarctica expedition in 1991. The company’s more than 30 years of experience is clearly displayed in its exceptional all-inclusive luxury Antarctica expedition cruises for discerning travelers wishing to explore the remote White Continent. A&K is highly committed to protecting Antarctica’s wildlife and fragile ecosystem, employing cutting-edge technology and supporting non-profit organizations through A&K Philanthropy.

On Abercrombie & Kent’s Antarctica expeditions accommodating just 199 guests, travelers enjoy the luxury of an all-inclusive, small-group experience. The company charters the stylish Le Lyrial — one of Ponant’s finest ice-class expedition ships — for its Antarctica voyages. The intimate guest size means there are no significant constraints on the number of landings in Antarctica, which average twice daily. On the amenity-rich Le Lyrial , all luxurious staterooms feature private balconies and butler services are provided with every suite. A&K’s Antarctica voyages include a pre-cruise hotel stay and excursion, complimentary polar gear for Antarctica expeditions, immersive enrichment programs, Zodiac excursions, a French-inspired culinary program, 24-hour room service, gratuities, free Wi-Fi, and more.

A&K’s outstanding polar expedition teams provide enriching lectures, guidance, and insightful commentary on board and ashore. A&K’s hand-selected teams include research scientists, conservationists, naturalists, historians, wildlife photographers, and highly credentialed polar experts. Families and multigenerational groups will also appreciate A&K’s Young Explorers Program , offering younger guests a wealth of fun, adventurous, and learning opportunities throughout their voyage.

6. Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages offers an extensive array of all-inclusive voyages to Antarctica on their sleek, ice-class luxury expedition yachts. Itineraries range from shorter Antarctica expeditions and 9- to 11-night round-trip voyages to deep polar immersions of 13 nights or more. The line’s new “Fly & Sail” expeditions include private charter flights to Antarctica’s King George Island, enabling travelers to skip the Drake Channel ship crossing. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ vessels carry less than 200 guests and feature numerous dining options, 98 elegant suites, solo suites without any single supplements, and comfortable staterooms.

On Atlas Ocean Voyages , you’ll find a highly inclusive approach to luxury expedition cruising. Antarctica fares include complimentary air transportation via a private charter jet, pre-cruise hotel stays, unlimited beverages, dining venues with a wide variety of menu choices, ship-wide Wi-Fi, gratuities, emergency medical evacuation insurance, and additional amenities. Guests will also enjoy numerous enrichment lectures and destination briefings by the highly experienced expedition team.

Viewing Antarctica’s surreal snow-filled landscapes is always a high priority on voyages to the White Continent. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ ships feature The Water’s Edge Lookout — the industry’s closest-to-the-waterline observation bow area with heated seating perfect for spending time outdoors. Antarctica expeditions include up to two daily Zodiac outings, where guests can observe graceful humpback whales, wildlife seemingly oblivious to your presence, and adorable penguins tobogganing down snowy hillsides. The ships’ nearly 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio helps to ensure a personalized experience on your Antarctica journey.

Read more from our 2023 Best Of Travel Awards .

Nancy is founder of the Family Travel Network, launched in partnership with America Online. She serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association and is a consultant and frequent presenter at top travel industry conferences and events. Nancy is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association. She was honored with the Family Travel Association's Mike Janes Media Member Award in 2022.