Journey to the White Continent at the End of the Earth
Antarctica
Choose from a Variety of Ships
We offer several exciting voyages to Antarctica aboard a variety of ships. This is the general information for Antarctica. Please contact our Polar Specialists for details about each departure, itinerary and ship.
We offer several exciting voyages to Antarctica aboard a variety of ships. This is the general information for Antarctica. Please contact our Polar Specialists for details about each departure, itinerary and ship.
Booking Offers
- Sea Spirit: 15% off all cabins on the Dec 16-27, 2024 departure for new bookings confirmed by Sep 30, 2024 + complimentary gear rental package
- Sea Spirit: 10% off Triple, Main Deck, Single and Classic Cabins, 15% off Superior, Deluxe, Premium and Owner's Suites for 2025-26 departures for bookings confirmed by Oct 31, 2024
- Seaventure: 10% off all cabins on 2024-2025 departures. 20% off all cabins on 2025-2026 departures
- Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle: 10-20% off all cabins and $2,000 air credit on 2024-2025 departures; Save 15-20% off all cabins on 2025-2026 departures
Overview
With sculpted blue-white icebergs, mountains jutting from the sea, and a spectacular pageant of wildlife, Antarctica is hypnotically beautiful. Walk among throngs of penguins, look for spouting whales, and watch soaring Antarctic seabirds, including the wandering albatross. You'll explore by Zodiac, learn about daring Antarctic explorers, and photograph towering icebergs in the sublime austral light—there are even options to sea kayak or camp overnight on many journeys. We've selected the finest expedition cruise companies, so you'll travel in comfort and safety, with expert naturalists by your side.
Arrive: Ushuaia, Argentina
Depart: Ushuaia, Argentina
Highlights
- Active expedition cruise to a breathtaking wildlife paradise
- Cruise past icebergs of the South Shetland Islands and Paradise Bay, take a dip in the thermal waters at Deception Island, see the stunning Lemaire Channel
- With expert naturalists, hike amid colonies of penguins and explore ice-strewn bays by Zodiac
- Voyage aboard the finest expedition ships exploring Antarctica
Itinerary
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
From Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina, your expedition ship navigates the Beagle Channel, named for Darwin's historic journey aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835. As you make your way ever closer to “the white continent,” the expedition team will prepare you with presentations on all things Antarctic, from its wildlife wonders to its storied expedition history. Albatrosses and Cape petrels soar above the wake of the ship as you cross the Drake Passage, the famed body of water between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands.
Arrive at the mountainous, ice-covered Antarctic Peninsula, the most wildlife-rich part of the continent. With five exciting days here, you'll take walks among chattering penguins, visit historic Port Lockroy, a British station “frozen in time,” look for humpback whales, and cruise by Zodiac alongside massive icebergs, each one a different size and shape. Typical destinations include the South Shetland Islands, home to chinstrap penguins, Paulet Island, home to thousands of Adélie penguins, Paradise Bay, where Chile and Argentina maintain research stations, the spectacular Lemaire Channel, and the sea-flooded crater of Deception Island—here, hardy souls can take a dip in a small natural hot spring on the shoreline. Landings depend upon weather and ice conditions (landings may even be offered before breakfast or after dinner, as there are nearly 24 hours of daylight!). On Days 10-11, keep an eye out for whales and seabirds as the ship crosses the Drake Passage, returning to Ushuaia. Disembark on Day 12 and depart.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is rated Level 1+, Easy, according to our trip grading system. It can be enjoyed by anyone in reasonably good health. You need to be able to walk on uneven surfaces and feel comfortable on your feet for multiple hours a day. You must be able to complete on board safety drills and emergency evacuation procedures without the assistance of others.
Rolling seas and windy conditions require you to be stable on your feet, especially when walking on slippery decks or up and down steep gangways. Some agility is required for getting in and out of the Zodiac landing crafts. While a couple of Zodiac landings are dry, most will require that you step into calf-high water on rocky or sandy beaches to get ashore. your walks onshore will be over sandy or coarse gravel beaches or snow and often require hiking over uneven terrain without the benefit of a developed trail.
The Antarctic summer begins in November and ends in March—no tourist ships visit in the winter. December through February are the best times to visit as they bring long daylight hours and milder temperatures. You'll experience a variety of weather conditions including rain, snow, sleet, and sunny skies no matter when you visit. Temperatures can change quickly and range from the high 30s to below freezing, sometimes with a significant wind chill.
All meals will be taken on board. All ships we offer have the capacity to seat everyone at a single, open seating in the main dining room. In some cases outdoor buffet breakfast and lunch options are also available. Please let us know of any special dietary needs; the ship will accommodate as best as possible.
Having the right clothing and gear is vital to the enjoyment of your trip to Antarctica, layered breathable clothing is best with a fully waterproof jacket and waterproof over-pants (required). Note that ponchos are NOT recommended as wind makes them less useful. A polar jacket is included on most voyages; waterproof boots are available to borrow on all cruises.
Visit wildernesstravel.newheadings.com to begin shopping. Be sure to check out our Get Ready Packages, which features 3 Polar Packages that provide excellent value for the gear necessary to keep you warm and dry. Polar gear is available to rent or buy and it may be possible that rental gear can be delivered to your hotel in South America prior to your cruise.
Antarctica is an extremely remote and isolated region of the world. In the case of serious illness or injury, medical attention and swift evacuation are not always available. Once you sail from Ushuaia, you are far away from towns and medical facilities. In the case of serious illness or injury, the cruise ship will make every effort to reach medical facilities as soon as possible, but be aware that it may take several days to get you to a hospital. If you have health or medical issues of concern, please discuss them with your physician before considering this trip.
Due to the remoteness, emergency evacuation insurance is required for all voyages to Antarctica.
Client Testimonials
"This was an awesome trip. The scenery was astounding and just kept coming! Whales, seals, penguins, penguins, penguins (did I mention penguins?!) were our constant focus. The educational lectures from staff naturalists and guest whale researchers really added to the experience. The ship captain took the time to change course to seek out whales and then slowed down to stay with them without getting into their way."
Alan and Marilyn C.
Appleton, WI
"We enjoyed the trip immensely, and it exceeded our expectations."
Bruce B.
Ventura, CA
"The cruise was fantastic, and the boat, crew, and staff were absolutely great! Can’t imagine how it could have been better. We loved every minute of the adventure."
Dallas & Karen I.
Seabrook, TX
"Best trip ever—but then I say that about every trip I go on with you."
Elizabeth J.
Olney, MD
"This was probably the best trip in all my years of travels."
Elizabeth L.
Manchester, CT
"Where do we start to retell our odyssey? This adventure explored the fascinating history of the area, was surrounded by picture-perfect scenery, and had extraordinary cuisine, unequaled service, and breathtaking nature and geology."
Gus & Christine H.
Meeker, CO
"The expedition team was outstanding. Very knowledgeable, friendly, concerned for preserving the natural environment and passenger safety while having a lot of fun."
Kim C.
Chicago, IL
"The Cruise Director was phenomenal, and the knowledgeable, extremely friendly, and upbeat Expedition staff made the trip even more enjoyable."
Lesia B.
Metairie, LA
"The expedition team was phenomenal! We were truly blessed with the best."
Linda P.
Ann Arbor, MI
"The Antarctica cruise was fantastic and the quality of the ship and staff exceeded my expectation. I was especially impressed by the experience and friendliness of the expedition staff."
Lynn T.
Raritan, NJ
"What an amazing adventure to the Polar Region! Loved the size of our ship with 114 passengers and large staff. It really was the trip of a lifetime. Another world with humpback whales, orcas, penquins—gentoo and chinstrap, elephant seals, fur and leopard seals, too. The ice is majestic in splendor with the roar of calving glaciers and shades of blue as you paddle in your sea kayak. All expedition leaders were terrific, no matter from what country! The talks, interaction with passengers, dining with us, was special."
Paula C.
Mount Arlington, NJ
"The trip was absolutely fantastic! The crew was fabulous: friendly, smart, encouraging, and a blast to spend New Year's with. The service was spot on and the food was amazing."
Reade L.
Los Altos, CA
"The trip exceeded my expectations. The presentations were not only excellent but the passion and enthusiasm of the people was magnificent."
William R.
Camp Hill, PA
FAQs
October, November, Early December (late spring-early summer)
The pack ice begins to break up, creating new landscapes of sculpted ice and pristine icebergs with plenty of fresh snow. It's mating season for the penguins and other birds with whole colonies in spectacular displays of courtship rituals. You're also likely to witness nest building and egg tending. Adélie, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins and other seabirds return to their breeding sites.
Mid December - January (full summer)
These are usually Antarctica's warmest months — the height of the Austral Summer when the sun is up 18 to 20 hours a day. Longer days create great light conditions for fabulous photo opportunities. Wildlife in full swing as temperatures warm and activity levels rise. Penguin chicks are hatching, and you'll likely see them chasing after any adult penguin that is carrying food. Whale sightings of baleen and toothed whales along the Antarctic Peninsula increase and seal pups can be sighted on the beaches. Some 30 days after hatching, penguin chicks can be found in "crèches," resembling a nursery of sorts, which leaves both of their tired and hungry parents free to rest and hunt for food.
February - March (late summer)
Whale sightings are at their peak. Fur seals are increasingly common along the Peninsula and offshore islands. Penguin chicks begin to fledge, losing their fuzzy down and developing their adult plumage. In some breeding colonies parents are starting to abandon any remaining chicks, to go out to sea to feed and fatten up for their own molting stage.
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
Submit the form below to download itinerary
Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.