Embark on this unique small-ship whale watching trip to Antarctica, in search of pinnipeds, penguins, and numerous whale species, including blue, fin, humpback, minke and orca, to name a few.
During the Antarctic summer months (October–March), an impressive array of majestic whale species grace these waters. However, it's during February and March that their presence truly intensifies, as whale numbers peak and their behaviour changes. After feasting on the abundant krill throughout summer, these magnificent creatures are full of energy and are preparing for their impending migration north. This period offers an exceptional opportunity to witness nature's spectacle, with large pods of whales frequently spotted engaging in a variety of captivating behaviours such as breaching, diving, lobtailing, and spyhopping.
During this time, you're likely to encounter a diverse range of cetaceans. Possible sightings include the awe-inspiring blue whale, the elegant fin whale, the elusive sei whale, the formidable orca, and the iconic humpback whale. Additionally, sightings of dwarf and Antarctic minke whale further enrich your experience. Hourglass, Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphins often accompany the vessel, their playful antics and friendly demeanour showcasing the rich marine life that thrives in these pristine polar waters.
With Zodiacs at your disposal, you take to the water to view the wildlife at closer quarters. You can expect to see a variety of pinnipeds including fur, leopard, crabeater, and Weddell seals, in addition to numerous penguin species, such as chinstrap, Adelie, and gentoo, and a particular highlight at this time of year are the curious and playful penguin chicks, with their moulting feathers.
As you traverse the wild Antarctica Peninsula, you can uncover the region's unique ecosystem and learn about the majestic creatures that call this wilderness home. During this ‘late season’ as the night hours start to draw out, you can enjoy long magical sunsets, and are likely to have most landing sites to yourself during daily excursions.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Arrive in Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Make your way across the Drake Passage to the great white continent. Your days at sea are filled with presentation led by your expert expedition team, or spend time on deck looking for wildlife. Enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds following the vessel, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels, and keep watch for dolphins, often seen swimming alongside the ship.
Day5: South Shetland Islands
Discover the unique landscape of the South Shetland Islands by Zodiac. You can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, including chinstrap and Adélie penguin, Antarctica tern and giant petrel. At this time of year, fin and humpback whales can often be found feeding here, so keep your eyes peeled while you're enjoying your day's adventure.
Days6-8: Antarctica Peninsula
Welcome to Antarctica! You spend the next few days exploring any number of picturesque bays and famed harbours, manoeuvring through majestic channels as you travel the wildlife-rich waters. During daily excursions, you're likely to encounter a variety of penguin species, including gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie, plus numerous seal species, such as Weddell, crabeater and leopard seal. It's thought that these waters are home to more whales and dolphins than anywhere else on Earth, so look out for the impressive population of humpback, minke, fin, sei, and orca whales feeding and playing in the icy waters, with hourglass, Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphins also possible. Enjoy observing an array of seabirds, gracefully navigating the icy winds and vast ocean expanses, including several species of albatross, prions, petrels, shearwaters, and skuas.
Days9-10: Drake Passage
Make your way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. Once again, presentations will fill your days, in addition to wildlife watching on deck, or perhaps join the captain on the bridge to learn about the vessel operations and navigation.
Day11: Disembark in Ushuaia
After breakfast on board, bid farewell before disembarking in Ushuaia.
Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your chosen vessel, departure date and local conditions.
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 11 daysfrom £9,410 pp
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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Ideal for viewing: humpback whale, minke whale, orca, South polar skua, Adélie penguin
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
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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