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
Journey to the Antarctic Circle
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
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
Duration
14 days
From
US$12,445
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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
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
20% Off
Duration
14 days
From $12,699
US$10,159
$2,032 now + easy payments of $677
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 20 Feb 2026
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12 easy payments$677
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Polar
Crossing 66º South Latitude
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The best adventure ever."
Nataly, traveled in January
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
10% Off
Duration
15 days
From $15,295
US$13,766
$3,246 now + easy payments of $2,164
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Polar
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula - Ocean Victory & Ocean Albatros vessels
5.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"It's a different world down there. It's a different world down there."
Jose, traveled in November
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ships
Ocean Victory Ocean Albatros+1 ship
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Albatros Expeditions
10% Off
Duration
10 days
From
US$8,095
$2,024 now + easy payments of $759
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Polar
Polar Circle Quest - 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
10% Off
Duration
12 days
From
US$10,485
$400 now + easy payments of $1,009
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Polar
Antarctica: The White Continent (Buenos Aires to Ushuaia) (2025)
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage,South Shetland Islands+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
2% Off
Duration
12 days
From $6,899
US$6,749
+$1,500 upfront costs
$349 now + easy payments of $755
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Antarctica: The White Continent (Buenos Aires to Ushuaia) (2026)
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
2% Off
Duration
12 days
From
US$8,999
+$1,000 upfront costs
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Ocean Cruise
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
Destinations
Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, King George Island
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
10% Off
Duration
12 days
From $10,695
US$9,626
$2,759 now + easy payments of $1,380
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Explorer
Life Returns - Springtime Expedition to Antarctica
Destinations
Argentina Chile Antarctica
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
MS Fram
Regions
Pampas ArgentinaCentral ChileAntarctica / South PoleAtlanticFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+5 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Hurtigruten
10% Off
Duration
23 days
From
US$17,118
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Polar
Crossing the Circle via Buenos Aires, Operated by Quark
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"we loved our crossing the circle via Buenos Aires trip, we had greattest expenerices in Antarctica."
Shauna, traveled in January
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, King George Island,Antarctic Peninsula,Hornos Island+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
19% Off
Duration
14 days
From $20,990
US$17,031
$4,258 now + easy payments of $1,825
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 28 Feb 2026
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7 easy payments$1,825
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Polar
Antarctica Classic
4.6 (25 traveler reviews)
"It is hard to put into words how absolutely amazing Antarctica is. G Adventures did a marvelous job of getting us there and providing a marvelous experience."
Kevin, traveled in March
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
Duration
11 days
From $9,299
US$6,974
$1,680 now + easy payments of $480
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Polar
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: Explorers and Kings, Operated by Quark
4.4 (19 traveler reviews)
"A truly wonderful experience. It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to visit such an awe inspiring part of the world."
Norman, traveled in February
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands England Chile
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
15% Off
Duration
20 days
From $33,395
US$28,385
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Ocean Cruise
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake, Operated by Quark
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"The pristine environment in Antarctica needs to be seen and felt to be appreciated. Quark provided a platform to conduct the trip in a sustainable manner."
CK, traveled in February
Destinations
Punta Arenas, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
30% Off
Duration
8 days
From $21,495
US$15,046
$3,762 now + easy payments of $1,411
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 08 Mar 2026
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8 easy payments$1,411
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Polar
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"The ship crew and expedition crew were wonderful and helpful. It was an unforgettable experience."
Aaron, traveled in January
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
30% Off
Duration
11 days
From
US$11,195
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Polar
Classic Antarctica - 10 days
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Excellent service, great communication and friendly staff."
Inga, traveled in December
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
30% Off
Duration
10 days
From
US$6,055
$400 now + easy payments of $564
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 26 Mar 2026
Pay today$400
12 easy payments$564
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 26 Mar 2026
Pay today$400
12 easy payments$564
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