What is the best time to visit Antarctica?

The Antarctic travel season runs from November through March during the Southern Hemisphere's summer. December and January give you almost 24 hours of daylight and temperatures between 20-50°F (-6 to 10°C). Each month offers something special: November and December have pristine snow and penguin courtship displays, while February and March are perfect for whale watching and seeing penguin chicks. As one TourRadar traveler puts it, "You will get 4 seasons in one day in Antarctica, so be prepared for changing conditions." The conditions during these months also make it easier to navigate the Drake Passage and do shore landings at places like the Antarctic Peninsula.

What wildlife will I see in Antarctica?

You'll see an amazing variety of Antarctic animals, especially around the Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Expect to meet several types of penguins - Adelie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap - in their natural colonies. Whales are common too, particularly humpback, minke, and orca. You'll also spot different seals (Weddell, crabeater, leopard, and fur seals) and seabirds like wandering albatross. One TourRadar traveler shared: "We had amazing encounters with whales swimming right next to our Zodiac boats and spent time observing over 100,000 penguins at their rookeries." The ship's wildlife experts will help you spot and identify animals throughout your trip.

How rough is the Drake Passage crossing and how long does it take?

The Drake Passage crossing between South America and Antarctica takes about 48 hours each way. The conditions can vary from perfectly calm (called "Drake Lake") to very rough ("Drake Shake") with waves up to 30 feet high. Today's expedition ships come with stabilizers to help smooth out the ride. You'll cross between Ushuaia and the South Shetland Islands. As one TourRadar traveler noted, "Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance."

How many people are on an Antarctic expedition?

Ships traveling to Antarctica usually carry between 100 and 200 passengers. This smaller size makes everything run more smoothly - from wildlife watching to getting on and off the ship. For example, the Ocean Nova takes 80 people while the Ultramarine carries up to 200. Antarctic rules only allow 100 people on shore at once, so smaller groups mean more time exploring. You'll also get more personal attention from the expedition team when you visit places like the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia Island.

Antarctica Tours & Trips

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Polar
Highlights of Antarctica (MS Roald Amundsen, 2025)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
MS Roald Amundsen
Operated in
English
Operator
Hurtigruten
From
US$8,414per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Crossing the Circle via Buenos Aires, Operated by Quark
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"it was fantastic, exceeded my expectations. We had a very unique experience."
Lily, traveled in January
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, King George Island,Antarctic Peninsula,Hornos Island+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
5% Off
From $23,090
US$21,995per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Antarctic Circle Expedition (2026)
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
MS Roald Amundsen
Regions
AtlanticNorthwest ArgentinaAntarctica / South Pole+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Hurtigruten
5% Off
From
US$12,708per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Antarctic Voyage with South America and Galápagos Islands Guayaquil → Rio de Janeiro (2026)
Duration
36 days
Destinations
Ecuador Peru Argentina Antarctica Brazil
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
APT
5% Off
From
US$33,972per person
+$5,702 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
The Highlights of Antarctica
Duration
23 days
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands Chile Antarctica
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MV Hondius
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Inventia
5% Off
From
US$22,999per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Extended Antarctic Circle Crossing
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"This trip was an 'excursion', not a 'cruise', so do not sign up if you are expecting multiple restaurants, live entertainment, or other such luxuries."
Jana, traveled in December
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
5% Off
From
US$12,445per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
4.3 (13 traveler reviews)
"excellent in each and every aspect."
arindam, traveled in February
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $17,599
US$13,199per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Antarctic Explorer, Operated by Quark
4.8 (20 traveler reviews)
"The most amazing trip, far exceeding the expectations that I had held for a lifetime! Each experience seemed to surpass the last."
Enid, traveled in March
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula,Hornos Island+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
25% Off
From $13,195
US$9,896per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Ocean Cruise
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake, Operated by Quark
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"This trip surpassed ALL of our expecations. If you are looking for a high quality experience with like-minded individuals who love nature, wildlife viewing and adventure, Quark is definitely the company to sail with."
Savannah, traveled in January
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Punta Arenas, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
15% Off
From $23,092
US$19,705per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Antarctic Explorer via Buenos Aires, Operated by Quark
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Excellent! Tour, Quark Expedition staff, hotel, Food, Daily programs all thumb up."
YILIANG, traveled in March
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, King George Island,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
14% Off
From $16,867
US$14,575per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Antarctica Classic
4.6 (27 traveler reviews)
"Amazing wildlife. I got seasickness from the Drake's Passage but otherwise extremely well run, good food, and great wildlife sightings."
Jakob, traveled in November
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $8,699
US$6,524per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Classic Antarctica - 10 days
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Antarctica is a breathtaking experience we would recommend it to everyone. The penguins are super cool and elephant seals were hilarious."
Clarence, traveled in March
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, King George Island
Age Range
Ages 10+
Ship
MV Ushuaia
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
25% Off
From
US$10,035per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Superb staff at every level. The itinerary was always subject to the weather but there was always a plan 'b' or even 'c'."
JackWalton, traveled in October
Duration
22 days
Destinations
Uruguay Falkland Islands England Argentina
Age Range
Ages 10+
Ship
G Expedition
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From $16,999
US$13,599per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Polar Circle Quest - 12 days
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 10+
Ship
MV Ushuaia
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From
US$17,015per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Crossing 66º South Latitude
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The best adventure ever."
Nataly, traveled in January
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Deception Island,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
15% Off
From $19,095
US$16,231per person
Price based on Shared Room
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