Antarctica Cruises & Tours from Antarctica / South Pole
Explore a wide diversity of Antarctica cruises from Antarctica / South Pole. We have 55 adventures that vary from 8 days to 26 days. With the greatest number of departures in December, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Compiled by

MelissaAntarctica / South Pole travel expert at TourRadar
- Quest for the Antarctic Circle
- Extended Antarctic Circle Crossing (Ocean Nova)
- The Grand Tour: The Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Orkney Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula
- Explorers and Kings: Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica
- Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
- Antarctic Peninsula: An Immersive Odyssey (Ocean Nova)
- Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill, Operated by Quark
- Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North via Buenos Aires, Operated by Quark
- Antarctic Wildlife Adventure (23 Days)
- Antarctica's Whale Season (Ocean Albatros)
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
“Go! Mind blowing scenery in an amazing place. G Adventures were fantastic in all regards.”
Isabelle, traveled in February
G Expedition sails beyond the Antarctic Circle into polar landscapes few visitors reach. Zodiac landings bring you close to Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguin colonies. Expert guides lead excursions through South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
Duration 14 days Destinations Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $14,899
30% Off- US$10,429
Extended Antarctic Circle Crossing (Ocean Nova)
“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
Ocean Endeavour navigates Drake Passage toward Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Zodiac landings at Neko Harbour and Port Lockroy offer chances to spot Adelie penguins and Weddell seals. The ship continues south beyond Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S.
Duration 14 days Destinations Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $13,825
25% Off- US$10,369
Duration 19 days Destinations Argentina, Falkland Islands, Antarctica Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
25% Off- US$16,535
Duration 20 days Destinations Argentina, Chile, Antarctica Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
25% Off- US$29,467
M/V Sea Spirit carries passengers through Antarctic waters, from South Shetland Islands to Gerlache Strait. Peak whale-watching season coincides with thriving penguin colonies in the stunning Lemaire Channel. Kayaking polar waters and overnight Antarctic camping provide optional adventures.
Duration 12 days Destinations Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Poseidon Expeditions From
25% Off- US$11,795
Duration 13 days Destinations Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $12,995
25% Off- US$9,746
Snow Hill Island hosts 8,000 breeding emperor penguin pairs in this ultimate Antarctic adventure. Helicopter transfers from Ultramarine provide exclusive access, while Brown Bluff's volcanic cliffs and Paulet Island's historic expedition huts tell tales of polar exploration.
Duration 14 days Destinations Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Paulet Island, Seymour Island, Tierra del Fuego National Park Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
25% Off- US$23,390
Duration 10 days Destinations Chile, Antarctica, Argentina Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $18,382
10% Off- US$16,615
The M/V Sea Spirit sails through pristine Antarctic waters, visiting South Shetland Islands where gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins thrive. Four days in the Antarctic Peninsula reveal humpback whales, crabeater seals, and spectacular glaciers. Zodiac excursions bring close wildlife encounters during 14+ hours of daylight.
Duration 23 days Destinations Argentina, Antarctica, Falkland Islands Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Poseidon Expeditions From
10% Off- US$17,195
Duration 11 days Destinations Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- US$9,895
Antarctica Tours & Trips from Antarctica / South Pole Reviews
- Quest for the Antarctic Circle
excellent in each and every aspect
- Antarctica Classic
Enthusiastic tour guides, very well planned programme, comfortable ship with fantastic hotel staff. Went in early April and the weather and wildlife experiences were second to none: great tour
- Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer's Expedition (Ocean Nova)
The trip was incredible! The ship crew and expedition crew were wonderful and helpful. They were kind and accommodating. We got to explore the area and see some amazing animals. It was an unforgettable experience.
What our customers ask about Antarctica Cruises & Tours from Antarctica / South Pole
When is the best time to visit Antarctica for wildlife viewing and more favorable conditions?
The Antarctic travel season runs from November to March during the austral summer. This period brings milder temperatures and extended daylight hours sometimes lasting up to 24 hours. Late summer (February-March) draws visitors interested in whale watching around the Antarctic Peninsula where humpback minke and orca whales are frequently spotted. This timing also coincides with penguin chicks taking their first steps. As one TourRadar traveler observed "We spent two days south of the Antarctic Circle where we saw amazing wildlife including whales feeding and penguin colonies."
What wildlife can I expect to see on an Antarctic tour?
The Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands host an abundance of wildlife throughout the summer season. Visitors regularly spot Gentoo Adelie and Chinstrap penguins particularly at colonies on Cuverville Island. Seals including Weddell crabeater and leopard species frequent Paradise Bay while whale watching in the Gerlache Strait often yields sightings of humpback minke and orca whales. Ships like the Ocean Endeavour provide dedicated viewing areas with naturalist guides. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The wildlife exceeded all expectations - we saw thousands of penguins multiple whale species and even had a curious leopard seal follow our Zodiac!"
What type of accommodation is available on Antarctic cruises?
Antarctic expedition vessels offer varied cabin configurations to suit different preferences and budgets. The Ocean Victory features 93 staterooms from Premium Suites measuring 45m² to standard cabins all with ocean views and most including private balconies. Before departure guests typically stay at properties like the Arakur Resort in Ushuaia or Cabo de Hornos Hotel in Punta Arenas. According to one TourRadar traveler: "The Ocean Victory's cabins were surprisingly spacious and comfortable with amazing views of passing icebergs from our private balcony."
How rough is the Drake Passage crossing?
The two-day Drake Passage journey each way between Ushuaia and the Antarctic Peninsula varies in intensity. Modern ships like the Ocean Victory use X-Bow technology to improve stability through the often-challenging waters around Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands. While conditions range from calm to very rough vessels come equipped with stabilization systems. A TourRadar traveler reported: "The Drake Passage was manageable thanks to the ship's excellent stabilization systems and the crew provided great seasickness prevention advice."
How many passengers are typically on an Antarctic cruise?
Antarctic vessels carry smaller passenger counts than standard cruise ships to ensure intimate experiences and meet regional tourism guidelines. The Ocean Victory accommodates 175 guests while the Ocean Endeavour hosts about 200 passengers. These numbers allow efficient Zodiac operations since landing sites like Paradise Bay limit visitor numbers to 100 at once. One TourRadar traveler commented: "The smaller ship size meant we could access more remote locations and spend more time ashore at amazing sites like Neko Harbour."
What kind of weather conditions should I expect in Antarctica?
Summer temperatures in Antarctica (November-March) typically range from -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F) along the coast. The Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands experience quick-changing conditions with wind chill and precipitation often making it feel colder. Ships like the Ocean Victory provide daily weather updates to adjust activities as needed. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Weather varied dramatically - we had beautiful sunny days in Paradise Bay and snow squalls at Deception Island but the ship's flexible itinerary meant we always made the most of conditions."
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