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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10 best Antarctica tour packages

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Polar
Antarctic Peninsula: Crossing the Circle, Operated by Quark
5.0 (2 reviews)
"it was fantastic, exceeded my expectations. We had a very unique experience."
Lily, traveled in January
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% Off
From $30,742
US$27,820per person
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Polar
Extended Antarctic Circle Crossing (Ocean Nova)
5.0 (2 reviews)
"The trip crossed the Antarctic circle. We saw many glaciers and wildlife."
Walter, traveled in February
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Drake Passage,South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+2 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% Off
From $13,825
US$10,369per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Ultimate Chilean Fjords, Glaciers & Antarctic Wildlife Explorer
Duration
31 days
Destinations
Chile Argentina Falkland Islands
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ship
Scenic Eclipse
Regions
PatagoniaAndes Mountains+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
19% Off
From $107,915
US$86,965per person
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$Patagonian Adventure and Antarctica\'s Weddell Sea - Cruise & Land Journey Tour$
$Patagonian Adventure and Antarctica\'s Weddell Sea - Cruise & Land Journey - 13 destinations$
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Polar
Patagonian Adventure and Antarctica's Weddell Sea - Cruise & Land Journey
Duration
23 days
Destinations
Chile Argentina Antarctica
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ship
Scenic Eclipse
Regions
PatagoniaAndes Mountains+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
11% Off
From $44,600
US$39,679per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
The Grand Tour: The Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Orkney Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands Antarctica
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ships
MV Hondius MV Ortelius MV Plancius+2 ships
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
11% Off
From
US$16,569per person
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Polar
Explorers and Kings: Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica
Duration
20 days
Destinations
Argentina Chile Antarctica
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
11% Off
From
US$29,528per person
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Polar
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
4.3 (13 reviews)
"A brilliant trip with a wonderful staff."
Dave, traveled in February
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park,South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $14,999
US$11,249per person
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Polar
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent (Ultramarine), Operated by Quark
5.0 (2 reviews)
"Excellent! Tour, Quark Expedition staff, hotel, Food, Daily programs all thumb up."
YILIANG, traveled in March
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands,Tierra del Fuego National Park+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Regions
PatagoniaAndes Mountains+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
14% Off
From $18,592
US$16,030per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
14% Off
From
US$11,795per person
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Polar
New Year in Antarctica
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park,Tierra del Fuego Island,South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+3 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
10% Off
From $16,295
US$14,666per person
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Polar
Antarctica Classic
4.7 (33 reviews)
"The beauty of Antarctica, the utter strangeness - there is nothing anymore to relate to. G Adventure and the amazingly competent crew made the impossible possible."
Michèle, traveled in January
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park,South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From $9,399
US$7,519per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
5.0 (1 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 Antarctica Argentina
Age Range
Ages 10+
Ship
G Expedition
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From
US$17,899per person
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Polar
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent (Ocean Explorer), Operated by Quark
4.8 (20 reviews)
"Antarctica is definately a place you should experience a once in a lifetime experience."
Antoinette, traveled in February
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% Off
From $13,495
US$12,145per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Christmas in Antarctica
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
25% Off
From $16,595
US$12,446per person
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Polar
Crossing 66º South Latitude
5.0 (1 review)
"The best adventure ever."
Nataly, traveled in January
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula,Crystal Sound+1 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
25% Off
From
US$15,295per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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