A guide to Antarctic travel
Extending almost 14 million square kilometres, the Antarctic ice sheet is the largest single mass of ice on Earth and is twice as big as Australia, with ice up to 2.5 miles thick …
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Things to consider
- There are up to 8 whale species to encounter in Antarctica. Humpbacks are the most sighted, followed by Minke.
- February and March are best months for sightings.
- Watching from the ship gives you a better viewing angle, but small guided zodiacs could get you that little bit closer to the action.
- If you join a kayak program, there's a chance you'll encounter whales at water level, where you can observe their gentle moves in complete silence.
A pod of whales, Antarctica
Humpback whale and zodiac, Wilhelmina Bay
Orcas and icebergs, Antarctica
Humpback whale shows a flipper in Antarctica
Photographing whales from a zodiac boat
A humpback flukes in Antarctica
Spy hopping Orcas in February
Dominican gulls circle as a humpback whale feeds
Whale watching during a zodiac excursion
Whale watching in Antarctica
Best time to go whale watching in Antarctica
February and March are the best months to see whales in Antarctica. Whale numbers are at their peak, and more importantly for visitors to the area, this is when they are at their most curious.
The behaviour change in these months comes from their seasonal feeding pattern. After a long fasting period in warmer waters, whales spend the summer months gorging on food, and by February and March they are satiated, full of energy and ready to play. They begin to be far more interested in interacting with their human visitors, having fun, and putting on a bit of a show.
Diving humpback whale, Melchior Islands
Whale behaviour
Diving: Although having whales close to the surface is the best time to see them, catching them diving is the best opportunity for that perfect whale tail picture.
Breaching: Ejecting themselves out of the water, and sometimes twisting before smashing back down. Theories are it's done simply for fun, or a way to scratch their itchy bodies due to parasites.
Spyhopping: Lifting their heads out of the water to have a better view of what's around. Having a humpback spyhopping next to your zodiac boat is a guaranteed wow moment!
Lobtailing: Slapping their flukes against the water to create noise. Thought to be a form of communication.
Whale protection & research
As an Antarctic traveller, you're in a unique position to help with scientific research on whales. The ground covered by tourist ships is far more extensive than individual research ships can cover, so visitors have many more opportunities for whale sightings. Many voyages run Citizen Science programs, where travellers can help collect data during their trip, and share that data with research teams.
One of the main projects is Happy Whale. Get involved by uploading your whale fluke pictures to help researchers identify different individual whales and track their migration.
Loli says
We saw some blows in the distance, approached gently in the zodiac and turned off the boat engine. We drifted slowly and silently, just waiting for the next "pppppffffff", which could happen anywhere. There was more suspense in that moment than in any movie I've seen.
Loli Figueroa Polar Specialist
Our best whale watching voyages to Antarctica
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.8 out of 5
South of the Antarctic Circle
By including optional kayaking and diving, these late season voyages offer the chance to maximise your polar crossing experience by exploring Antarctica both on and under the water. Travelling at that time provides excellent photographic and whale watching conditions, alongside…
- 12, 13 or 14 Days
- $10,000
4.5 out of 5
66 Degrees South Fly Cruise
By offering time saving flights, extended time in Antarctica and the chance to reach the Polar Circle, this 10-day voyage maximises the polar experience. Minimum travel time and maximum exploring time and all the benefits of only 73 people…
- 10 Days
- $15,995
4.6 out of 5
Antarctic Peninsula Classic
Travelling on board this extremely comfortable ship, explore the highlights of the peninsula with a top class expedition team. Spacious cabins, delicious cuisine and optional adventure activities all help create this ideal marriage of comfort and…
- 12-13 Days
- $10,145
4.8 out of 5
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Aboard a very capable and spacious 134-passenger vessel, spend 7 days exploring the Peninsula with the planned highlight being reaching the Polar Circle. This 14-day trip benefits from spacious cabins and outer decks, and the option to camp out or…
- 14 Days
- $10,199
4.3 out of 5
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands In Style
Voyage south in Shackleton’s footsteps, exploring the Southern Ocean's highlights as part of this expansive 20-day adventure. A well-balanced itinerary gives plenty of time in each jaw-dropping location. Explore from the comfort of your sleek purpose-built expedition ship, accompanied by…
- 20 Days
- $25,495
What our customers think of Whale Watching in Antarctica
The highlight was kayaking alongside a humpback whale in stunning scenery. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Gill & Richard Starling - United Kingdom
My wife and I were amazed at the amount of wildlife we got to experience (Adelie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins; Leopard, Crabeater, Weddell and Elephant seals; Humpback whales and a pod of over 20 Orcas that swam right by the ship). Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Terrie Mandina - United States Of America
We loved the antics of the penguins and the curiosity of the chicks. Up close viewing of seals and whales was awe inspiring. Our outstanding leaders helped to deepen our understanding and appreciation of this amazing world.
Travelled: February 2018
Sue - Australia
We were privileged to see a large pod of humpback whales in a feeding frenzy one evening; the captain stopped the ship for an hour or so and the whales were feeding all around us.
Travelled: February 2017
Steve and Tina - UK
The whales took our breath away. We all froze when one went under our Zodiac.
Travelled: January 2017
Nancy - Texas
Review:
Types of whale
Baleen whales (Mysticete)
Baleen whales have an upper jaw equipped with a row of long baleen plates made of keratine, which are used as a strainer. Taking huge mouthful of water, they expand their ventral pleats before pushing the water out with their giant tongue. With this technique they capture tonnes of krill as well as other zooplankton, small fish and organisms. The average baleen whale can eat between 2,000 to 4,000 krill a day in feeding season!
Humpback whale
This majestic beast of the seas is recognised by its huge pectoral flippers which can reach a third of its total body length, and as long as a zodiac boat. They are normally black but the undersides of flippers and flukes have varying amounts of white and can be used as aids for individual recognition. They measure 11-19 metres and weigh 25.4-35.5 tonnes, males being usually slightly shorter than females.
Their notorious hump, together with its long pectoral flippers, makes them easy to recognise. Being a baleen whale, they have 2 blow holes, which you'll see if one dives close to your boat. They often work co-operatively to hunt, sometimes by 'bubble-net feeding'.
Acrobatic Humpback whale, Wilhelmina Bay
Minke whale
The second smallest of the baleen whales and the most abundant in the Southern Ocean, Minkes have a maximum length of 10.7 metres and weigh up to 9 tonnes. They are usually spotted around the edges of the pack ice during Antarctic summer, with pairing and calving taking place during the winter.
Minkes largely escaped hunting in the first half of the 20th century due to their relatively small size but are now targeted in their hundreds each year by Japanese whalers.
Toothed whales (Odontocete)
As their name suggests, these whales have teeth rather than baleen plates. Their diet typically varies from fish to other marine mammals, depending on the species.
Orca
The Orca, or Killer whale (named because one of the three types of Orca does actually hunt and kill certain types of whale), is the largest member of the dolphin family and can be spotted by its enormous dorsal fin, which can grow to 2 metres high in males.
Orcas have a striking black and white pattern, from throat to abdomen, some of their flanks and an oval blaze behind the eye white, with the rest mainly black. They measure from 3 to 9 metres and weigh three to ten tonnes, males are larger than females. Orcas are found throughout the Southern Ocean, with an estimated population of 80,000.
What other whales might I see?
Although lots of other species frequent these waters, they're a lot rarer to spot. The golden ticket sightings include Sperm whales, which have some of the deepest and longest dives of any whale, only returning to the surface every few hours. They've been recorded to dive to 2,000 metres in search of giant squid and large fish. Southern Right whales are also sometimes spotted.
Others to look out for are Blue, Fin and Sei whales, the three largest whales. Blue whale numbers, in particular, are picking up recently after a long period of being endangered, and seeing one is a real cause for celebration.
A humpback whale tail in front of the ship
Swoop says
Our ships adhere to IAATO guidelines on watching whales respectfully, by keeping their distance and letting them carry on with their activities. If the whales are curious and approach, they can get really close.
Whale watching in Antarctica
Discover Antarctica
The Best Time to Visit Antarctica
Choosing the best time to visit Antarctica is an essential part of the planning process. Each month's distinctive weather and wildlife offer a different side of the region.
Discover MoreFly & Cruise Antarctica
A short two-hour flight quickly and comfortably transports you to the White Continent. On arrival, you then switch to an awaiting ship that acts as your floating hotel.
Discover MoreWhat else happens on an Expeditionary Cruise?
Read Swoop’s Guide to find out more about what you’ll do on an Antarctic cruise.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
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Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
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We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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