Polar

Antarctica Cruises & Tours

Adventures in the World’s Last Frontier

Antarctica is like nowhere else on the planet, where towering blue-white icebergs loom and phenomenal wildlife abounds—to experience its ethereal splendor is a rare privilege to savor for a lifetime. The nutrient-rich waters of this magnificent, uninhabited continent host humpback whales and orcas, countless seabirds including massive albatross, seals, and huge colonies of penguins. A voyage to Antarctica is one of the most memorable adventures one can have, an experience like no other on Earth.

Tourists on a boat in Antarctica near icebergs.

What Makes Our Antarctica Trips Special?

Enjoy the Absolute Best of Antarctica — Wilderness Travel has over 30 years of experience in Antarctica. We know this continent intimately and have carefully selected the best-designed itineraries and the most comfortable and well-run expedition vessels—true to our active, expert-led style of travel.
The Wonderful Advantages of Small Expedition Ships — The relatively small size of these vessels (just 65 to 123 passengers!) translates to superb maneuverability, with the ability to venture into secluded coves that larger ships just can’t enter, and give you more time on shore to explore.
Stellar Team of Onboard Expert Lecturers — Each of our expedition ships offers an expert team of world-class naturalist guides who will accompany you on the twice-a-day shore landings. The team of experts also provide fascinating presentations on their fields of expertise, from marine biology and environmental science to tales of the incredible historic expeditions undertaken by Antarctic explorers.
Expedition Ships that Meet Rigorous Safety & Environmental Standards — All of the ships we have chosen feature ice-strengthened hulls with the proper safety rating for Antarctica’s waters, advanced stabilization systems, and state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment.
Comfort & Personal Service — The trips we offer are aboard the world’s finest expedition ships. They feature ocean-view staterooms with en-suite bathrooms throughout, state-of-the-art amenities, and delightful touches of elegance.

Experience Antarctica

Everything You Need to Know

A couple of young gentoo penguins are kept warm by an adult in their nest at the Plenau Island, Lemaire Channel, Antarctica.

The Antarctica expedition cruising season begins in late October (the Antarctic spring) and continues through mid-March (the Antarctic fall). Throughout this period you will be surprised with how mild the weather can be, with average daytime temperatures in the mid-30s°F ranging to highs in the 50s°F. While there is an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty throughout this time, there are differences in what wildlife is present through the Antarctic summer season.

Best Time to Visit Antarctica

An expedition ship cruises along the Lemaire Channel, Antarctica.

Operating in Antarctic waters responsibly and comfortably requires an expedition ship specifically outfitted with an ice-strengthened hull, state-of-the-art navigation technology, and a crew of officers and naturalist guides who are experts in their fields. We feel confident we have selected the finest expedition ships exploring Antarctica. Our Expedition Cruise staff here in our office can help you find the itinerary that best fits your interests and schedule, or compare some of the ships we use below to decide for yourself.

Compare Antarctica Ships

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

This trip is an adventure of a lifetime. The crew really knows what they are doing; their passion and dedication to the environment makes the experience fabulous. Everyone on the ship loves what they do and it shows—they really do care about your experience and want you to have the best trip possible. I would recommend this trip to anyone as my words and pictures can’t convey what a truly amazing experience I had. Every time I think of Antarctica, I smile!

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

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.

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

I wasn’t sure what to expect on the trip, the only certainty was penguins and icebergs. There were lots of both! The pristine beauty of Antarctica has to be seen to be believed. I always had a smile on my face and didn’t want to return to the ship. We have been all over the world and this has to be in the top three of favorites.

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

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.

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

This was an excellent, well-run trip that met the high standards that I have come to expect from Wilderness Travel after many trips over the years. It fully met my expectations. In addition to the trip leader and assistant leader, there were eight naturalists/experts with different specialties who gave presentations and guided activities. They were all very knowledgeable, professional, and excellent speakers. They also all had congenial personalities and sense of humor.

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

This trip is an adventure of a lifetime. The crew really knows what they are doing; their passion and dedication to the environment makes the experience fabulous. Everyone on the ship loves what they do and it shows—they really do care about your experience and want you to have the best trip possible. I would recommend this trip to anyone as my words and pictures can’t convey what a truly amazing experience I had. Every time I think of Antarctica, I smile!

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

I wasn’t sure what to expect on the trip, the only certainty was penguins and icebergs. There were lots of both! The pristine beauty of Antarctica has to be seen to be believed. I always had a smile on my face and didn’t want to return to the ship. We have been all over the world and this has to be in the top three of favorites.

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

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.

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

This was an excellent, well-run trip that met the high standards that I have come to expect from Wilderness Travel after many trips over the years. It fully met my expectations. In addition to the trip leader and assistant leader, there were eight naturalists/experts with different specialties who gave presentations and guided activities. They were all very knowledgeable, professional, and excellent speakers. They also all had congenial personalities and sense of humor.

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

This trip is an adventure of a lifetime. The crew really knows what they are doing; their passion and dedication to the environment makes the experience fabulous. Everyone on the ship loves what they do and it shows—they really do care about your experience and want you to have the best trip possible. I would recommend this trip to anyone as my words and pictures can’t convey what a truly amazing experience I had. Every time I think of Antarctica, I smile!

Learn More

Talk to an Expert

Our Polar Specialists know every detail about our Antarctica trips. 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!

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