How to get to Antarctica
Discover how to travel to the most remote continent on earth. Study the various adventurous routes, the best way to travel and how long it will take to get to Antarctica.
5 reasons to visit the Antarctic Peninsula
- Ludicrously beautiful, the Peninsula has some of the most dramatic scenery in the whole of Antarctica
- Home to the greatest collection of Antarctic wildlife, a veritable menagerie of penguins, seals and whales
- The most accessible and popular part of Antarctica to visit from Patagonia, with the widest choice of voyages and ships
- Traverse ice-choked channels by zodiacs, experience the cacophony of penguin rookeries, camp out on the Continent
- Visit the Peninsula's highlights - Deception Island, Port Lockroy, Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel to name but a few
Watch our introduction to the Antarctic Peninsula
Our most popular Antarctic Peninsula Cruises
Visiting the Antarctic Peninsula
What to expect
Prepare for sensory overload. By day you'll take to rubber zodiacs to cruise amongst towering icebergs, visit vast penguin rookeries and cruise ice floes for wildlife, whilst at night you'll anchor up in a quiet bay ready for the next day's adventure.
Each day after breakfast you'll set out for your first landing, always accompanied by your expedition leaders. After 2-3 hours of exploring, you'll return for lunch, and the ship may reposition before you get back into your zodiacs to cruise past icebergs, or to patrol the ice edge for basking seals. It's then back to the ship for a well-deserved drink, and to share stories with your fellow travellers.
Approaching ice in a zodiac
How to get there
The Antarctic Peninsula lies a short two day journey by boat from the toe of Patagonia, across the narrow neck of the infamous Drake Passage. As it is the most easily accessed part of Antarctica, and one of the most popular due to the scenic beauty and extraordinary menagerie of wildlife, there is a wealth of choice of ways to get there. From authentic expeditionary ships to luxurious vessels, there's something to suit every traveller and their budget.
For those for whom time is more limited, you can save days by avoiding the Drake Passage altogether and taking a flight to Antarctica. In just two hours you'll touch down on the white continent, ready to start exploring.
Swoop says
The peninsula is actually a continuation of The Andes, which makes the scenery amazing. The Lemaire Channel is only half a mile wide and the peaks rise straight up out of the water on either side as you sail down it.
When to visit
Cruises operate between late October and the end of March. Each month has its own characteristics and nuances, so there's no real 'best time' to visit, however there is a high season and shoulder season.
High season is late December to early February when days are long, the weather is the most stable and wildlife the most active. However, spring (late October and November) has lots of offer, with heavier ice and the chance of being one of the first down to Antarctica for that year. Later in the season, the softer light of March is excellent for photographers, and you've got higher chances of whale sightings.
Entering the Lemaire Channel
What route will I take?
A Peninsula cruise typically begins by exploring the South Shetland Islands, and may include Half Moon Bay, Deception Island and Livingston Island. From here, you may continue on to Hope Bay and the Antarctic Sound (filled with tabular icebergs) before heading south along the Gerlache Strait and through the Lemaire Channel to Paradise Bay.
Ultimately your route will be heavily influenced by the weather and ice conditions. The expeditionary leader and captain will decide where best to go to get you the best landing sites, so no two Antarctic cruises are ever the same. Flexibility is a key feature of any Antarctic cruise and is very much all part of the adventure.
Gentoo penguins in Antarctica
What our customers think of Antarctic Peninsula Cruises
Antarctic Peninsula Cruises trips scored 4.3/5 from 474 reviews
Swoop are very good and John's advice and chats that we had, made what could have been a difficult decision easy.
Travelled: March 2018
Mick - UK
I could not have asked for better service than Swoop provided. You answered all my questions and concerns and provided me with all trip details and requirements.
Travelled: January 2018
Al & Natalia - Florida
Excursions were the highlights of the trip. I can't point a finger to any of them saying that one was the best. They were all fantastic!
Travelled: January 2018
Zoltan & Stephen Nemeth - Florida
It was an incredible experience. Antarctica is unlike any place I have ever visited, totally unspoiled by human influence aside from the few research stations dotted here and there. The raw beauty and remoteness is impossible to describe.
Travelled: January 2018
Tony & Penny - Mississippi
We saw much more wildlife than expected, including humpbacks swimming around and under our kayaks, as well as visiting the boat on several occasions; an unusual visit from a large pod of orcas; lots of seals; birds and, of course, highly entertaining penguins.
Travelled: December 2017
George & Kate - Connecticut
We booked with Swoop because it was evident in the first phone call that Swoop knew far more about Antarctic travel than an agent recommended by friends. Book through people who have been there repeatedly; Swoop was an excellent choice.
Travelled: December 2017
Marc - Florida
Lemaire Channel was spectacular even though we had to turn around at the end due to iceberg blocking the way. Saw so many whales - fin, humpback, and orca.
Travelled: March 2017
Nathalie - California
Seeing astounding small blue crevasses among the vast white background, watching sea-ice form, witnessing icebergs calving and crashing into the sea, unexpectedly coming across lush green algae and blue copper staining on the rocks are all experiences that we will never forget.
Travelled: March 2017
Graham and Angela - UK
My highlight was landing on the continent in Paradise Bay and going to Deception Island. We repeatedly said we felt like we were on an ocean safari, we saw so much wildlife every day.
Travelled: March 2017
Barbara - California
Review:
Zodiac cruising in Antarctica
Authentic Expeditions
These voyages are expeditionary at heart - expect a strong focus on adventure, and getting out and about in Antarctica.
Fly & Cruise
The ultimate shortcut to Antarctica, bypass the Drake Passage and touch down in Antarctica in just two hours. Less sailing, more icebergs.
Luxury & Fine Dining
Opulent adventuring awaits. Return from a day's exploring to your luxury cabin, private balcony and 5* gourmet meals. The highest levels of service and quality of ship anywhere in Antarctica.
Alex says
In Wilhelmina Bay a humpback twice the length of the zodiac swam directly beneath us. It then exhaled so close I got a mouthful of shrimp-infused whale 'blow'. It's a taste you don't forget!
Alex Mudd Polar Specialist
The Antarctic Peninsula: FAQs
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How will I get there?
The majority of cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula set sail from the Argentine city of Ushuaia. You can fly to Ushuaia direct direct from Buenos Aires (3hr 40min duration) - both LAN and Aerolineas Argentinas run several flights per day.
After a night in Ushuaia you embark your Antarctic ship and head out along the sheltered waters of the Beagle Channel. The crossing to Antarctica takes around two days, although this will very much be influenced by weather conditions. As you get closer to Antarctica, icebergs drifting north out of the Weddell Sea will start to be sighted.
Most cruises first reach the South Shetland Islands, which are part of Antarctica but lie 75 miles west of the Peninsula. This is also where the landing strip is on King George Island for those flying direct from Punta Arenas.
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How many days is a typical Antarctic Peninsula cruise?
These Antarctica voyages are typically 10 to 12 days in duration, giving you 4-5 actual days in Antarctica exploring. Some itineraries include a night's hotel accommodation in Ushuaia prior to embarkation on Day 2.
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Will there be experienced guides and naturalists on board?
Yes, definitely. Your expeditionary staff are a crucial part of your Antarctic experience, accompanying you throughout. They not only provide set lectures during your voyage, but also add immense value with information and context during actual landings. They're always on hand to answer any questions and are a mine of information on all related subjects.
Each member of the expeditionary team is an expert in their respective field, many having spent literally years in Antarctica. They report to the expeditionary leader, who along with the ship's captain is responsible for the whole voyage.
Find out more about what you will do on an Antarctic cruise
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How much does an Antarctic Peninsula Cruise cost?
A classic Antarctic Peninsula cruise sailing from Ushuaia typically costs from around $6,000 USD to over $30,000 USD per person based on a twin cabin and depending on the size of ship, category of cabin and comfort level of your ship which you decide upon, and the month in which you travel. If you prefer to fly to Antarctica, you pay a premium for this, with prices from around $11,600 USD per person based on a twin cabin for a similar amount of time in Antarctica.
Read Swoop's guide to Antarctic costs
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How far in advance should I start planning my trip?
Typically you should be looking to book your Antarctic trip at least 12-18 months in advance to be confident of securing your first choice of ship, voyage date and cabin. Many people are surprised by this, being used to booking their holidays with a far shorter lead time, however Antarctic is different and with a finite amount of cabins and boats, those booking late will find their choice significantly reduced from those who plan ahead.
Find out about early booking incentives
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What is the weather like on the Antarctic Peninsula?
The Antarctic Peninsula has it's own climate region which is milder than the rest of Antarctica. Winter temperatures drop to around -10°C while summer highs, generally in January, see temperatures just above freezing. The eastern coast is the driest area of the peninsula and the western coast sees the highest rainfall. During the peak of summer sunlight shines for 20+ hours of the day, winds calm, and skies are often clear – but conditions can always change quickly.
Perhaps more valuable to know is how the weather lends to distinct experiences of the Peninsula throughout the season. Define when your best time to visit Antarctica might be here.
Discover more about Antarctica
Luxury Antarctica Cruises
A luxury Antarctica cruise means uncompromised, first-class adventuring. From the comfort of the cabins to the expertise of the expedition leaders, luxury Antarctica cruise ships …
Antarctica Cruises
We've teamed up with some of the best cruise operators so that you can choose from over 80 cruise itineraries based on your dates, budget and appetite for adventure.
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.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1
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
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 150 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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