Antarctica has staggeringly beautiful landscapes of sculpted icebergs and rugged mountains which can have a humbling effect on visitors. This powerful connection hits new heights when added to the unparalleled birdwatching, seal and whale-watching opportunities.
10 recommended locations.Please contact us for further suggestions.
The Antarctic Peninsula is the most accessible part of the great white continent with some of its best wildlife and scenery. Ice-choked waterways, sculpted icebergs, imposing glaciers and rugged mountains provide the backdrop to an area with more whales and dolphins than anywhere else on earth.
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The Ross Sea is the southernmost sea on Earth and one of the most pristine environments in the world. The landscape is varied and unique, with key aspects including the Ross Ice Shelf and over 4,000 kilometres of coastline. There is an array of fascinating wildlife with 11 bird species, five seal species and 12 whales species.
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South Georgia is a remote, rugged and hauntingly beautiful sub-Antarctic island. Its scenery ranges from impressive mountains and mighty glaciers to deep fjords and low-lying grassland. Renowned as an excellent birdwatching destination, it has more wildlife than virtually anywhere else on the planet.
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Ideal for viewing: wandering albatross, elephant seal, king penguin, macaroni penguin, sperm whale
The South Shetland Islands are situated north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Most of the land is permanently glaciated yet, despite the harsh conditions, the islands do support a large variety of seals, penguins – including Adelie and chinstrap - and seabirds – including Antarctic terns and giant petrels.
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Ideal for viewing: Adélie penguin, elephant seal, chinstrap penguin, gentoo penguin, southern right whale
The remote eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the white continent's hidden gems. A deeply incised, 2,000-kilometre wide bay, the upwelling of cold water provides food for any creature hardy enough to withstand the intense cold. It is also famed for its huge ice shelves and flat-topped icebergs.
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Located in the South Pacific, over 800 kilometres east of New Zealand, lies the Chatham Islands. This archipelago consists of about 10 islands and of all the Antipodean Islands south of Australia and New Zealand, the Chatham Islands are the only island group to have permanent human settlement.
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Where: South Pacific
Ideal for viewing: magenta petrel, black robin, grey warbler, Chatham Islands pigeon, storm petrel
The Lemaire Channel is an 11 kilometre strait off Antarctica leading to a jigsaw of jewel like islands. Filled with icebergs and hemmed in by steep glacial cliffs, the waters are calm and passing through it makes for an unforgettably scenic journey, upon which orca or humpback whales may be seen.
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Paradise Harbour is surrounded by heavily glaciated mountains and ice cliffs, which protect and shield this part of the bay and reflect in the ice-cold waters. Its mind-boggling array of icebergs are a highlight, enhancing the wildlife viewing experience which includes whales and abundant birdlife.
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If you long to visit Antarctica to see emperor penguins, the largest of the penguin species, then Snow Hill Island is one of the best locations to view these fascinating sea birds. This snow-capped island is home to a colony of around 4,000 pairs of breeding emperor penguins and their offspring.
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Ideal for viewing: emperor penguin
Excellent for: Penguin watching, Wildlife cruises
Lying like stepping stones to the Antarctic continent are the little-known Subantarctic Islands. They're home to some of the most abundant and unique wildlife on Earth, and are renowned for the diversity and large number of penguins and seabirds. They're all National Nature Reserves.
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Where: Southern Ocean
Ideal for viewing: wandering albatross, southern royal albatross, rockhopper penguin, erect-crested penguin, storm petrel
Visiting Antarctica is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our expedition voyages echo the journeys of great explorers such as Shackleton and Scott, where vast colonies of penguins, seals and seabirds populate a wilderness of soaring glaciers, cliffs and icebergs, while the icy waters are home to whales.
15 recommended trips.Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
This voyage is a perfect introduction to the Antarctic, visiting prime wildlife sites along the Peninsula and in the nearby South Shetland islands. Encounter huge rookeries of gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguins, beaches adorned with wallowing elephant seals, and whales and dolphins along the way.
Find out more about Classic Antarctica
Price
(exc. flights): 11-13 days
from £7,700
Trip type:
Voyage
When to go:
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Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the icy wilderness of Antarctica in search of cetaceans, pinnipeds, and seabirds, including numerous species of penguin. This whale watching voyage is perfectly timed during peak season, when the whales are most active and sightings are at their best.
Find out more about Antarctica Whale Safari
Price
(exc. flights): 11 days
from £9,410
Trip type:
Voyage
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Our Festival of Wildlife 2025 takes us on an epic voyage to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia where one of the world’s most impressive wildlife spectacles awaits. Voyage on the Magellan Explorer with a leading team of naturalists, photographers, and artists as we watch penguins, whales and more.
Find out more about Festival of Wildlife Falklands & South Georgia
Price
(exc. flights): 17 days
from £11,250
Trip type:
Voyage
When to go:
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This ultimate Antarctic experience marries the phenomenal wildlife of the sub-Antarctic islands of the Falklands and South Georgia to the pristine beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore dramatic wilderness areas and visit huge penguin colonies, all amongst hauntingly beautiful polar scenery.
Find out more about Great Antarctic Voyage
Price
(exc. flights): 19-22 days
from £12,095
Trip type:
Voyage
When to go:
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An extraordinary opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle, a polar achievement few have the privilege to experience. Discover a rarely seen, isolated world, littered with gigantic icebergs, snow-clad mountains and swathes of pack-ice, whilst being followed by an array of seabirds and several whale species.
Find out more about Crossing the Polar Circle
Price
(exc. flights): 11-15 days
from £7,215
Trip type:
Voyage
When to go:
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This trip takes the easiest way to Antarctica and flies from Punta Arenas in southern Chile, to save time and enjoy an aerial view of the Drake Passage. This active adventure involves daily landings by Zodiac inflatable, and with ever-changing ice and weather conditions, each voyage is unique.
Find out more about Classic Antarctic Fly-Sail
Price
(exc. flights): 8 days
from £11,330
Trip type:
Voyage
When to go:
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The Subantarctic Islands are tiny sanctuaries for some of the most abundant and unique wildlife on the planet. This epic expedition provides a rare opportunity to discover these wild islands, perfect for pelagic enthusiasts, penguin fanatics, and those interested in island endemics.
Find out more about Birding Expedition Down Under
Price
(exc. flights): 17 days
from £13,500
Trip type:
Voyage
When to go:
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A land of icebergs, volcanic islands and year-round sea ice, the Weddell Sea has played a pivotal role in Polar exploration. A haven for birdlife and a feeding ground for migrating whales, this voyage offers the opportunity to discover the less-visited side of the Antarctic Peninsula and icy perimeter of the Weddell Sea.
Find out more about Weddell Sea Explorer
Price
(exc. flights): 12 days
from £12,165
Trip type:
Voyage
When to go:
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One of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth, South Georgia is overflowing with an abundance of wildlife. This incredible expedition combines wildlife-rich South Georgia with the remote Falkland Islands, home to vast numbers of seabirds and mammals, making this the ultimate wildlife extravaganza.
Find out more about South Georgia & Falklands Wildlife Extravaganza
Price
(exc. flights): 17 days
from £8,060
Trip type:
Voyage
When to go:
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This voyage to the Weddell Sea offers a unique highlight - three days are reserved to visit, by helicopter, an emperor penguin colony, situated south of Snow Hill Island. Getting close to these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a unique and memorable once in a lifetime experience.
Find out more about Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea
Price
(exc. flights): 11-14 days
from £11,285
Trip type:
Voyage
When to go:
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Flying to the South Shetlands over Cape Horn and avoiding the rough waters of the Drake Passage, this itinerary offers the easiest way to travel to Antarctica. Sailing down the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, the voyage passes spectacular icebergs in the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales.
Find out more about Polar Circle Fly-Sail
Price
(exc. flights): 9-11 days
from £14,700
Trip type:
Voyage
When to go:
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This voyage takes you further south than any other sea route to discover the remote Ross Sea. Locked under ice for most of the year, few people visit this unspoiled part of the world. Complimented with the little-known Subantarctic Islands south of New Zealand, this is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition.
Find out more about Ross Sea Expedition Voyage
Price
(exc. flights): 28 days
from £25,500
Trip type:
Voyage
When to go:
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Set sail on the ultimate expedition through the pristine wilderness of Antarctica. Spanning 23 days, your adventure will take you from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia and onward to the Antarctic Peninsula, surpassing the Antarctic Circle – an achievement few have the privilege to experience.
Find out more about Ultimate Antarctica
Price
(exc. flights): 23 days
from £27,665
Trip type:
Voyage
When to go:
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South Georgia offers unparalleled biodiversity and stunning landscapes. This bucket list wildlife expedition showcases penguins, wandering albatross, and elephant seals. Explore towering peaks, cascading glaciers, and pristine fjords guided by expert naturalists, on board a comfortable expedition vessel.
Find out more about South Georgia Discovery
Price
(exc. flights): 15 days
from £10,445
Trip type:
Voyage
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When to go
Antarctica can only be visited in the Austral summer which runs from October through to March. Once the ice begins to melt and air begins to warm slightly, summer arrives quickly.
Seasons
Winter
Apr to Sep: As the continent re-freezes much of the wildlife has migrated north in search of food and warmth.
Spring
Oct to Nov: The onset of spring brings new life and the start of the mating season in South Georgia and the Falklands.
Summer
Dec to Feb: The warmest months when wildlife activity is at its peak.
Autumn
Mar to Mar: Winter begins to approach.
Wildlife events
Feb to Mar: With less sea-ice around, this is an excellent time for whale watching.
Oct to Oct: Pack ice starts to melt and the first whales arrive.
Oct to Nov: Penguin and seabird courtship is at its height.
Oct to Nov: Wildflowers bloom in the Falklands and South Georgia.
Oct to Nov: Beginning mid-October elephant seals court in South Georgia.
Dec to Dec: Many seal pups cover the beaches of South Georgia.
Dec to Dec: Penguin chicks hatch in South Georgia and the Falklands.
Jan to Jan: Antarctica’s penguin colonies are full of chicks.
Wildlife cruise vessels
Shackleton and Scott were not fortunate enough to sample the well-equipped ice-strengthened vessels of today. Our recommended cruise vessels in Antarctica are built especially for the extreme conditions in this region, have first-class crews and some even have facilities to rival land-based hotels and spas!
13 recommended wildlife cruise vessels.Please contact us for further suggestions.
The Greg Mortimer introduces an exciting new generation of ship for cruising in the Polar regions. Purpose-built for expedition cruising with a uniquely designed ice-strengthened hull to provide a more comfortable voyage, this small ship can venture into remote areas that larger vessels cannot reach.
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The Heritage Adventurer was purpose-built in Finland in 1991 for polar & Pacific voyages. Her impressive pedigree includes having navigated the most northern and southern regions, as well as crossing both the North-west and the North-east Passages, and we are delighted to include her to our fleet of vessels.
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With decades of experience in polar expedition cruising, this vessel is purpose built for enjoying polar wildlife highlights. Every aspect of this innovative ship has been considered to make your polar voyage an incredible experience, from beautiful, comfortable rooms, to the excursions and everything between.
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The Magellan Explorer journeys to remote and spectacular destinations in Antarctica. Purpose-built, its modern design and innovative technologies include an accessible bow which allows guests near the water level for exceptional photographic and wildlife viewing opportunities.
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The Ocean Adventurer is an ice-strengthened ship and is one of the most comfortable expedition vessels to navigate the polar seas. An aspect of this ship which sets it apart from other expedition ships is the substantial outdoor space – spread over four decks - for observing wildlife.
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The Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant, and purpose-built for polar exploration. It features spacious and luxurious cabins, ample outdoor viewing areas, and the latest sustainability technology. The ship offers a luxurious and comfortable sailing experience, allowing you to intimately connect with the polar wilderness.
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An extremely comfortable and well-equipped Polar expedition vessel, Ocean Nova is one of the leading vessels classified to operate in ice-filled waters. Accommodating around 60 passengers, cabins are outside facing and there is an excellent glass-enclosed forward observation lounge on the top deck.
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The ice-strengthened Ortelius is an excellent vessel for expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic. With the highest ice-class notation, it offers possibilities to travel to remote locations such as the Ross Sea and Franz Josef Land. Flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities.
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The Plancius accommodates a maximum of 108 passengers in cabins ranging from triple to superior, all with outside view and private facilities. She offers a range of itineraries in Antarctica and the Arctic, and the large open deck spaces offer excellent opportunities to watch wildlife.
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MS Seaventure is a spacious cruise ship, which not only meets the highest standards of safety for polar expeditions – 1-A Super Class Ice Vessel - but also offers fine cuisine and comfortable accommodation for its guests, with the option for numerous additional activities during Antarctic voyages.
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Described as ‘a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet’, the brand new, purpose-built Sylvia Earle combines the latest in cutting-edge technology with maximum comfort for polar exploration, and was named after the world-renowned marine biologist and oceanographer.
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Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters plus 20 quick-release Zodiac boats, Ultramarine offers passengers the next level in polar exploration. The opportunity to view frozen landscapes from above and to take impromptu wildlife viewing excursions speedily and efficiently, set it apart from other polar vessels.
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The M/V Janssonius exceeds all requirements set out in the Polar Code for ice-strengthened cruise ships, making her arguably one of the most advanced vessels on which to explore the polar regions. The latest sustainable technology also ranks her alongside the most environmentally friendly ships in the world.
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