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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Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent (Ultramarine), Operated by Quark
5.0 (2 reviews)
"Expedition team were good. Food was very good."
Jhansi, traveled in December
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
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
14% Off
From $18,592
US$16,030per person
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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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Ultimate Chilean Fjords, Glaciers & Antarctic Wildlife Explorer
Duration
31 days
Destinations
Chile Argentina Falkland Islands
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ship
Scenic Eclipse
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
14% Off
From $54,275
US$46,700per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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$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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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
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
11% Off
From $44,600
US$39,679per person
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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$16,555per person
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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$29,503per person
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Quest for the Antarctic Circle
4.3 (13 reviews)
"Excellent trip. Great on shore landings and zodiac cruises."
Andrea, traveled in February
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
30% Off
From $14,899
US$10,429per person
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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
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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Highlights of Antarctica, Argentina and Brazil - Cruise & Land Journey 2026-2027 - 22 Days
Duration
22 days
Destinations
Argentina Antarctica Brazil
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ships
Scenic Eclipse Scenic Eclipse II+1 ship
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
15% Off
From $31,545
US$26,840per person
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Antarctica Classic
4.7 (33 reviews)
"Extremely well organized, safety conscious, and the guides/naturalists had infectious enthusiasm."
Mark, traveled in February
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
20% Off
From $9,399
US$7,519per person
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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
35% Off
From $20,999
US$13,649per person
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Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent (Ocean Explorer), Operated by Quark
4.8 (20 reviews)
"The glaciers and the thickness of the snow cover was simply mind boggling. Listening to the occasional 'calving' glacier making a noise like 'gun fire' sometimes startled you."
Elfyn, 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
Classic Antarctica - 10 days
5.0 (4 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, South Shetland Islands, Deception Island,King George Island,Livingston Island,Paradise Harbor,Paulet Island,Melchior Islands,Cuverville Island,Neko Harbor,Pléneau Island,Petermann Island,Antarctic Peninsula+10 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Ship
MV Ushuaia
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
25% Off
From
US$7,285per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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