Antarctica, at times an unforgiving continent marked by harsh temperatures and rugged terrain, is home to a rich diversity of wildlife that inhabits the glaciers, mountains, bays, fjords, inlets, pebble beaches and rugged coastlines. The Antarctic Peninsula, for instance, is abundant with minke, humpback, right, blue, sperm and killer whales. Snow Hill Island, in the ice-choked Weddell Sea, is the site of one of the world’s largest colonies of Emperor penguins. The sub-Antarctic destinations of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia are equally rich with wildlife.
Antarctic Destinations
What You Need to Know
What to Expect
What you see and do during your Antarctic expedition will depend on when you go. From October to December, the 7th Continent is ice-covered and penguins are busy laying their eggs. If you visit December to late-February, you can see the penguins hatch. Mid-February to March is an ideal time to see whales as they return to the region to feed. Talk to your Polar Travel Advisor about the best season for your Antarctic voyage.
How to Get There
Some transfer flights are included in your package. Speak to a Polar Travel Advisor who can explain where your voyage will embark and the nearest airport. Some embarkations require passengers to book flights at preferred times.
Visas & Passports
Pack your passport, ensuring it’s valid for at least six months. Since Antarctica doesn’t belong to anyone country, however, no visa is required. You still need to verify visa requirements for any country you may pass through en route to your embarkation point or ones you visit before or after your expedition.
Antarctic Destinations
Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula is an 800-mile (1,300 km) stretch of land and ice extending northward from the Antarctic continent towards South America. First-time visitors are typically overwhelmed by the staggering beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula: glaciers, snow-covered mountain tops, deep blue waters and icebergs of every conceivable shape and size.
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
The sub-Antarctic archipelago of the Falkland Islands, or Islas Malvinas, is known for its wildlife—penguins and bird species are plentiful—as well as its dramatic history. Sovereignty disputes between the United Kingdom and Argentina led to the 1982 Falklands War. There’s everything from Magellanic penguins to military history to pique the interest of polar travelers.
South Georgia
South Georgia, which is 1,300 km (800 miles) south-east of the Falkland Islands, has a handful of temporary human inhabitants. The crescent-shaped, mountainous island is known for its diverse wildlife (including a massive king penguin colony at Salisbury Plain), glaciers and fjords. South Georgia is often called the “Galapagos of the Poles” because of its biodiversity.
Snow Hill Island
Snow Hill Island, off the east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, is home to a colony of 4,000 pairs of breeding Emperor penguins. Reaching Snow Hill is challenging. Travelers must navigate the icy Weddell Sea by icebreaker and then take a helicopter flight before completing the trek on foot to reach the penguin rookery.
Popular Expeditions in the Antarctic
Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle
11 day itinerary
Starting from
USD13,495
USD12,145
USD (per person)
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
11 or 12 day itineraries
Starting from
USD7,995
USD7,195
USD (per person)
Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands and South Georgia
23 day itinerary
Starting from
USD16,495
USD (per person)
Special Insights from Our Guests
Every aspect of this journey has been outstanding. I feel privileged to have been able to experience Antarctica alone, but in the company of such passionate, energetic, capable, and talented staff I am honored and feel immensely grateful.
— Guest
Title
Discover Your Antarctic Adventure
Description
The Antarctic is waiting to be explored. Browse all of our expedition options to the Antarctic.