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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Ocean Cruise Active Polar Antarctica Explorer +2
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
Destinations
Punta Arenas, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
18 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
25% Off
Duration
8 days
From $18,995
US$14,246
$5,949 now + easy payments of $1,983
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 04 Jan 2026
Pay today$5,949
9 easy payments$1,983
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 04 Jan 2026
Pay today$5,949
9 easy payments$1,983
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Polar Active Antarctica
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
4.3 (13 traveler reviews)
"The Quest for the Antarctic Circle trip was life changing and sooo worth it."
JoAnn, traveled in February
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
up to 90 year olds
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
Duration
14 days
From
US$11,799
$2,700 now + easy payments of $831
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 21 Dec 2025
Pay today$2,700
13 easy payments$831
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 21 Dec 2025
Pay today$2,700
13 easy payments$831
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Polar Family Antarctica
Polar Circle Quest - 12 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
10 to 80 year olds
Ship
MV Ushuaia
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
25% Off
Duration
12 days
From
US$10,485
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Polar Antarctica Ocean Cruise Christmas & New Year +1
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula - Ocean Victory & Ocean Albatros vessels
5.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"The food was good, the lectures were informative, the equipment was great."
Christina, traveled in December
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
12 to 80 year olds
Ships
Ocean Victory Ocean Albatros+1 ship
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Albatros Expeditions
25% Off
Duration
10 days
From
US$8,095
$2,449 now + easy payments of $735
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 23 Jan 2026
Pay today$2,449
10 easy payments$735
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 23 Jan 2026
Pay today$2,449
10 easy payments$735
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Polar Active Family Antarctica
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
up to 100 year olds
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
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Polar Family Antarctica Sightseeing +1
Antarctica: The White Continent (Buenos Aires to Ushuaia)
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage,South Shetland Islands+1 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
10% Off
Duration
12 days
From
US$6,399
+$1,500 upfront costs
$349 now + easy payments of $879
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 13 Jan 2026
Pay today$349
12 easy payments$879
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 13 Jan 2026
Pay today$349
12 easy payments$879
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Polar Family Antarctica Christmas & New Year +1
Best of Antarctica In Depth
2.0 (1 traveler review)
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
12 to 99 year olds
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
Duration
13 days
From
US$11,695
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Ocean Cruise Active Family Polar Antarctica Wildlife +3
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
Destinations
Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, King George Island
Age Range
up to 100 year olds
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
10% Off
Duration
12 days
From $11,795
US$10,616
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Polar Antarctica Ocean Cruise
Antarctica - The Polar Circle
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
up to 80 year olds
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
World Expeditions
10% Off
Duration
15 days
From
US$13,195
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Explorer Polar Antarctica Ocean Cruise +1
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands (Start Buenos Aires, End Buenos Aires, 2024-2025)
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island,Antarctic Peninsula,Ushuaia+2 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Ship
Scenic Eclipse
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
10% Off
Duration
22 days
From
US$55,990
$500 now + easy payments of $9,248
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 22 Oct 2025
Pay today$500
6 easy payments$9,248
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 22 Oct 2025
Pay today$500
6 easy payments$9,248
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Polar Antarctica Ocean Cruise
Antarctica Classic
4.6 (25 traveler reviews)
"All went smooth no troubles."
karl, traveled in December
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
up to 90 year olds
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
Duration
11 days
From
US$8,399
$2,040 now + easy payments of $583
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 02 Jan 2026
Pay today$2,040
14 easy payments$583
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 02 Jan 2026
Pay today$2,040
14 easy payments$583
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Polar Active Antarctica Ocean Cruise +1
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: Explorers and Kings, Operated by Quark
4.4 (19 traveler reviews)
"Once youy have seen Antarctica, you understand the importance of conserving and protecting it."
Teresa, traveled in March
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands England Chile
Age Range
18 to 99 year olds
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% Off
Duration
20 days
From
US$33,395
$8,349 now + easy payments of $5,009
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 13 Nov 2025
Pay today$8,349
5 easy payments$5,009
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 13 Nov 2025
Pay today$8,349
5 easy payments$5,009
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Polar Family Antarctica Christmas & New Year +1
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
Destinations
Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, King George Island
Age Range
10 to 80 year olds
Ship
MV Ushuaia
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
10% Off
Duration
10 days
From
US$6,055
$400 now + easy payments of $579
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 16 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
14 easy payments$579
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 16 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
14 easy payments$579
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Polar Antarctica Wildlife
King Penguins of the Falklands and South Georgia - Expedition
Destinations
Uruguay Falkland Islands Chile Argentina
Age Range
16 to 99 year olds
Ship
MS Expedition
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
10% Off
Duration
22 days
From
US$16,270
$1,627 now + easy payments of $2,092
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 22 Oct 2025
Pay today$1,627
7 easy payments$2,092
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 22 Oct 2025
Pay today$1,627
7 easy payments$2,092
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Polar Family Antarctica
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"Great trip. One of best ones ever."
Sam, traveled in January
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
12 to 99 year olds
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
Duration
11 days
From
US$10,075
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