The Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost part of mainland Antarctica, and the only part of the continent that extends beyond the Antarctic Circle.
Essentially a rugged mountain chain, at approximately 2,000 metres high, the Peninsula experiences a summer melting season, which results in a number of isolated, snow-free areas forming habitats for many primitive plants, microbes and inverterbrates, and offering breeding grounds for a variety of marine mammals and birds.
In particular, southern elephant and southern fur seals are found in the ocean around the Peninsula, and native crabeater, Weddell, and leopard seal are all ice-breeding species. Dusky dolphins play alongside majestic humpback whales, while minke and orca feed among the icy paradise. Several species of bird breed in the ice-free summer months, such as southern fulmar, blue-eyed shag and Antarctic tern. Playful colonies of chinstrap and gentoo penguins frolic amidst rocky shores, while petrels such as Wilson’s storm petrel and snow petrel, burrow into the ground to build their nests.
Set sail on this unique Penguin Safari, exploring the untamed beauty of South Georgia and Antarctica. Witness majestic albatross, playful seals, and up to five species of penguin amidst incredible scenery. With state-of-the-art facilities and superb excursions, prepare for an unforgettable adventure. Find out more about Antarctica Penguin Safari
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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. Find Out More about Greg Mortimer
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. Find Out More about Hondius
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. Find Out More about Magellan Explorer
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. Find Out More about Ocean Explorer
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. Find Out More about Ocean Nova
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. Find Out More about Ortelius
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. Find Out More about Plancius
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. Find Out More about Ultramarine
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. Find Out More about Janssonius
