How to get to Antarctica
Whether you’re visiting the Antarctic Peninsula or heading for the South Pole, discover the different routes by sea and air to visit the Seventh Continent.
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Expert impartial advice at no extra cost: no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships
The Antarctic Experts. No Compromises: there’s no question we can’t answer
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist: so your adventures can be a force for good
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct: we leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip
Special Offers Available: Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost: no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships
The Antarctic Experts. No Compromises: there’s no question we can’t answer
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist: so your adventures can be a force for good
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct: we leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip
It’s easy to decide you want to go to Antarctica, but it’s less obvious what you’ll do when you get there. From zodiac safaris and continental landings to adventure activities and expert lectures, there’s never any risk of boredom on our expedition cruises.
Cruises to Antarctica are active experiences, offering a fully immersive encounter with the 7th Continent. Whether you’re travelling on a small expedition ship, a luxury craft or a larger vessel, you can expect daily excursions to step foot on Antarctic shores, trips around bays full of sparkling icebergs, adventure and education activities – and of course, epic wildlife safaris with penguins galore.
The unpredictable polar weather means that flexibility is at the heart of every trip, but with an expert guiding team leading the way, the magic of Antarctica is always waiting to be discovered.
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.7 out of 5
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…
4.7 out of 5
Looking for an Antarctic adventure without compromising on comfort and service? This stylish 139-passenger ship, with its cavernous suites, fine dining and compelling itinerary, offers a polished Southern Ocean adventure at a fair…
4.8 out of 5
Travel with the pioneers of fly & cruise Antarctic voyages, flying in both directions and bypassing a 2-day sail on the Drake Passage. Regular departure dates (Dec - Feb) to choose from. Explore Antarctica aboard a trusty 67 passenger expedition…
Don't overpack, be open-minded for operations changes and try to write a journal. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2024
Gabriel Eduardo Cortez Chávez - Chile
I was very excited for Antarctica, but until I arrived, I wasn't sure how prepared I really was. My main concern is that I didn't bring the right clothes but turns out I did. As for being prepared for what I saw and what I did, no amount of reading about Antarctica or watching videos of other peoples' trips could have prepared me for the wonders of that most extraordinary continent. This trip exceeded all of my expectations! Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Shirley Sutton - USA
Excursions were marvellous. Opportunities to experience the landscape and wildlife up close were unforgettable. Expedition leaders were knowledgeable, experienced, and full of great stories and suggestions for making the most of our time on the zodiac and on land. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Jennifer Webb - Canada
Plan on early wake up calls. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Matthew Gillette - USA
Last-minute planning might be normal, but for expeditioning, especially in Antarctica, spend the time to learn about the area, the reality of weather changes, and have a very open mind to changes in plans during the day. Add time on each end to buffer for delays, but spending time on departure and arrival ports can lead to unexpected experiences. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Michael Iezzi - USA
Be prepared to be flexible. I know the websites all stress this. It's so true. Weather in Antarctica is very unpredictable and storms and high winds can change in a flash and interrupt or force cancellation of plans. However, there is always a Plan B, C... etc. which could lead to a new and sometimes equally exciting experience. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Lynn Guterman - USA
The ice was the best part. The wildlife of course was super fun, like the baby penguins and hundreds of humpback whales feeding, but to see ice so blue, so vast, so grand - breathtaking. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Deborah Gasser - USA
I felt very prepared in terms of having the proper clothing and equipment. I was not prepared or sufficiently excited for the wonder and beauty that we would be experiencing. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Jeffrey Siegel - USA
Unplugging from technology and absorbing the natural world was an amazing gift. There are no words to describe the environment and how it will touch you. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Becky Ahern - USA
We discovered something different and amazing on each zodiac cruise. The crew always made sure we were safe and as comfortable as possible and that we all had the chance to witness wildlife. We also were educated on everything we saw. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Kelli Alexander - USA
The zodiac drivers were also the scientists, explorers, etc, so every trip was full of interesting and exciting information. They would not only take you to your destination but cruise to where the action was: whales, seals, etc. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Joanne March - USA
Forget about everything else in the world. Antarctica deserves your undivided attention and I can bet it will take your breath away. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Ankita Gupta - India
Never ever EVER skip an excursion. No matter how tired you are, do it all! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Anthony VanTreeck - USA
Enjoy being unplugged! It helps to really immerse yourself in the land and wildlife. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Patty Hultquist - USA
Don't hesitate, do everything regardless of whether you are tired, come fully prepared for the Drake Passage: patches, medicine bands and you will be ok! Don’t overpack! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Edward Moder IV - USA
Be ready to do and see things you never dreamed were possible! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Marilyn Burbidge - Canada
Be flexible and open minded. Bring the right gear. Be prepared for long days and some sleepless nights (they are worth it). Take it all in. Appreciate the opportunity to experience a place that fills you with wonder and awe. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Lindsay Wilson - Canada
My expectations were through the roof. They were not only met but exceeded. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Patti Shelton - USA
Be flexible: That’s one of the first things they tell you because everything is dependent on the weather. You have to trust the crew and when you do, magical things will happen! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Vera Hui - USA
Go with an open mind and don’t plan on checking off boxes on a list. Weather dictates what you can do and see. Enjoy the experience and it’s not necessary to photograph every moment. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2023
Craig Murata - USA
You are at the mercy of the weather, so you must be prepared to take the daily activities as they come. Believe me, though, you will have more than enough opportunities to live out the adventure! Read the full review
Travelled: November 2023
Greg W Muldrew - USA
The experience of being in Antarctica cannot be fully described on paper or even told. All five senses are stimulated as you walk on this continent. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2023
Karen Yamamoto-Fosberg - USA
You need to be flexible as schedules and plans will change quite a bit. My motto about Antarctica was "never a dull moment". Read the full review
Travelled: March 2023
Sarah Larson - USA
Read ALL of the information carefully - do not speed-read it. Ask questions, if you require additional information. Do not assume anything or have expectations that cannot be guaranteed. The weather & wildlife may have other ideas. It is a cruise, but nothing like the cruises most people experience. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2023
Cecilia Griffin - UK
Be present and take in all the beauty! All of it is magical. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Tara Kacmarcik - USA
Read as much as possible so you are prepared. Surprisingly, there is not much spare time with all of the visits, etc. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Mike Howie - UK
The more flexible you are the more fun you will have. Something on the trip may change (for good reason), just accept it and enjoy. We had a zodiac cancel due to weather, but we got to see orcas... which we would have missed if the zodiac cruise wasn't cancelled. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Chris Poli - USA
Keep an open mind, just take a day at a time, as each and every one will turn out unique. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Umesh Patel - UK
You should go with the thought of "expedition" in mind. This is not a Rhine cruise or a Maui beach. Your expectation of some discomfort will not be disappointed. Cold, wind, water, and pitching seas will add impression to your memories of what is certainly one of the most beautiful and awesome places on earth. It is a gift to be able to experience it. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Thomas Goodman - USA
Having seen the variability of the weather, sea, wind and wildlife conditions, I see that the itinerary writeups are appropriate with terminology as to 'may land', 'possible number of landings' as to where, when and number of landings will be done. Being a very scheduled type of person I had to let go and take each day as it came and the expedition leader managed to pull off almost ALL the landings that he had in mind. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Elizabeth Griffiths - Canada
You will be at the mercy of Mother Nature and being flexible with changes coming your way will make the trip memorable. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Lawrence Hudson - USA
Take some time to enjoy the peace and quiet as it is incredible. There are so many things to take pictures of, but enjoy the experience with your senses as well! Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Ryan Heyrana - USA
Disconnect from the world, be flexible and let the experience happen! Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Neil Jacobson - USA
Expect an adventure not a vacation! Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Jesse Kehoe - USA
Be present. Go out on all shore excursions. Participate in the lectures. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Lisa Bandola - Canada
I felt well prepared with the right kinds of clothes, though I did overpack, for the excursions and on board. I was not prepared for the jaw dropping scenery and the feeling I experienced when landing on the continent. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Mary Engebreth - USA
Make sure you go knowing that the itinerary may change at a moment's notice and that the weather and ice may prevent you from doing things or going places you had hoped to see. That is part of the experience. Don't forget to put your camera down and just look and smell and take it all in. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Rebecca Klein - USA
Bring lots of layers and sunscreen. I was coldest when I was out and about on the decks because there was lots of wind and I wasn't as layered up as I would be on an excursion. Be prepared to go with the flow and I highly recommend not purchasing the internet if possible - it was great to disconnect and fully immerse in the trip. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Lucia Marie Casella - USA
Be prepared for some rough seas and itinerary changes due to weather. Pay attention to the guidelines on what to bring. Be flexible and patient. It's an 'adventure', not a trip to the spa. It is totally worth going. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Michael Cox - USA
I learned that pushing myself to step outside my comfort zone can have an amazing payoff! Sharing this trip with my son was something I’ll treasure always. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Mary Cunningham - USA
Come with an open mind and heart, and take advantage of every opportunity to get to know Antarctica. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Mary Cunningham - USA
Make sure to take every opportunity offered to you. You don’t know when the weather will be good. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Michael Bucher - USA
Literally everyone on the ship were kindred spirits. Most were world travelers and Antarctica was the last continent. We made new friends on the trip. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Natalie Dewberry-Moore - USA
Be flexible and expect the unexpected! So much of the trip is dependent on the weather and it changes very quickly. Enjoy the wonders of what you see and take lots of pictures and videos! Bring a good camera with a good telephoto lens and a good binocular! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Alex Chou - USA
Keep an open mind, be prepared for bad weather but know that it could also be beautiful each day (as our trip was). If you don't like breathtaking scenery, once-in-a lifetime experiences, making new friends, learning extraordinary things about all things Antarctic and how they relate to you individually and to this world we live in, then maybe this isn't for you. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Mary Buchino Johnson - USA
Most memorable moment: Waking up the first day in Antarctica with the sun shining, surrounding mountains covered in snow, porpoising penguins, and beautiful blue waters. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Charlie Barchett - USA
Make sure to tailor your expectations. Since the weather is a determining factor of how your trip may go, make sure to keep a positive attitude that what you planned may not go as expected. Also, listen to what advice the team gives you about preparing for the trip. I felt that I was well prepared for my trip and did not need anything extra once I got there. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Akilah Hugine - USA
Use your sunscreen! I underestimated the effect of sun reflection off the snow and ended up badly burnt. Bring lotion. You will be very very dry (Antarctica is absolutely a desert) and with the cold this can lead to skin splitting and scarring. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Matt Martin - USA
The first sight of the Antarctic islands was overwhelming and such a great feeling that we had actually made it! Then stepping foot on land! So epic! I very much enjoyed daily zodiacs to land and the hikes we were able to do. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Kelly DeBey - USA
10 - It was so much more than "just a cruise." Activities were safe and allowed for participation regardless of your age, ability, etc. The educational aspects of the region, the wildlife, the history, the current processes in place to "manage" the area and preserve its unique wild state - everything was phenomenal !!! Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Shelley Springer - USA
Zodiac excursions were very fun, you literally feel so close to everything around you and can truly experience Antarctica. They’re safe and cruising around with your new boat friends definitely added to the overall experience. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Amanda Colarossi - Canada
10 - As a professional writer, I take no pride in saying words fail to describe the majesty of Antarctica. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Scott Hogenson - USA
We’ve been to Alaska several times, as well as Africa and some of the great deserts, but this is a different kind of awe inspiring experience…really impossible to grasp…even with prior research. Favorite encounters were watching the penguins from a respectful distance…..amazing. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Joe Brubaker - USA
The crew worked closely with the ship’s captain to make sure we were safe and made the most of every opportunity. Plans changed day to day and we learned to go with the flow! Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Jennifer Crews - Canada
Be flexible. The weather is king in the Antarctic. Read the full review
Travelled: October 2022
Virginia Kramer - USA
Plan early and make sure you prepare for rough seas. I did and never got sea sick ... most people on the ship didn't seem prepared for some reason. We definitely got the Drake Shake and even worse seas leaving South Georgia heading for Uruguay. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2022
Barrett Weiss - USA
Loved the zodiac excursions. The zodiacs provide intimate access to locations the ship cannot reach. Zodiacs and shore excursions make all the difference in an Antarctic journey. I couldn't imagine simply viewing just from the ship. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Scott Hunter - USA
The wildlife lectures were my favourite and one on krill stands out as I didnt think it could be so interesting. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Sue Gatenby - UK
Just do it! Be prepared to be amazed, stunned even by the whole experience but also not to be disappointed when nature doesn't oblige. Some passengers appear to expect everything to go to a schedule, and are not prepared to get cold and wet. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Sue Gatenby - UK
The zodiac trips were great and safety was stressed; both ours and the wildlife's. Most memorable was probably the first time stepping on shore amongst penguins. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Ron Hart - USA
Expedition team were extremely knowledgeable and on task with any inquiries you might have. There were years of experience as the team had been in Antarctica a number of times. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Tom Crowley - USA
It's hard to choose from so many memorable moments; every day I thought it was the best ever but I think I will say that the zodiac excursion across Paradise Bay with the whales right in front of us, or the cruise through Spert Islands channels and the iceberg graveyard with it all set off by the amazingly blue water. Also getting to 68 degrees south was incredible! Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Jennifer Ruth - USA
I expected it to be an amazing trip and it was even better than expected. I don't think you can really be prepared for the experience. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Jennifer Ruth - USA
I loved all the zodiac trips; the landings were incredible too but I could do zodiacs all day every day. The zodiac across Paradise Bay and Spert Island were the best; we used the term "white water zodiacing" at Spert and it was so much fun! Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Jennifer Ruth - USA
Take advantage of all the floor to ceiling windows - whales and seals just slide by when you're not expecting it! Do all the things you possibly can and be open to all the experiences, ask questions: the expedition crew is so passionate and knows so much. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Jennifer Ruth - USA
Antarctica exceeded every expectation! The overwhelming grandiosity is difficult to put into words. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Michael Bilheimer - USA
Expedition team members were uniformly friendly, approachable, helpful, and full of knowledge related to what we were seeing or could see. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Fred Delcomyn - USA
I have been on (much larger) cruise ships before, so I did have some general idea of how being onboard would be. My experience with Magellan Explorer was a step up from my previous experiences. Partly this was due to the small size of the ship, but even taking this into account, I found staff extremely friendly and helpful throughout the voyage. In addition, I found the food excellent, with great variety and ample portions. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Fred Delcomyn - USA
Temper your expectations. Don't think every day is going to be filled with gorgeous sunshine, as photos tend to suggest. If you concentrate on the incredible landscapes and fantastic wildlife, you will have an unforgettable adventure even if the weather is not the best. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Fred Delcomyn - USA
If I have to pick one moment, I’m going to pick the bum-slide down a steep slope overlooking a calving glacier and a tranquil, iceberg-filled bay that followed a lovely hike past a penguin rookery. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Stephanie Krolick - USA
The orcas appearing during the whale talk, the baby humpback breaching off the bow of the zodiacs, the polar plunge, watching from the outriggers as the the boat cut through the ice, drinking Macallan with ice fresh from a berg, having an impromptu dance party with my husband on top of a volcanic cinder cone. It was just a super trip from beginning to end. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Stephanie Krolick - USA
We were lucky regarding weather and conditions but the team helped make the luck by monitoring the weather and adjusting the schedule to maximize the experience. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Mark Golan - USA
Antarctica is such an alien place that it truly makes you feel like you've left the planet. The days were amazingly long, in a good way. Each day felt like two given the amount of activity and their length. Just a wonderful experience. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Mark Golan - USA
The excursions sites were great with a nice variety of penguin colonies, historical sites, landscapes, ice, and volcanoes. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Mark Golan - USA
Most memorable moment: clear blue skies, zero wind, flat ocean with icebergs floating around everywhere, in a zodiac with penguins popping up all over us, and a seal belly-flopping up on an iceberg 20ft from us Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Todd Mackey - USA
Most memorable moment: walking amongst the penguins and the incredible landscape. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Doug Behan - USA
The seal and penguin species were well documented by the expedition staff and I felt that they did a great job with educating us before arrival in Antarctica from various speeches and learning opportunities to know about what we'd encounter. There were numerous great photo opportunities daily! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Christopher Norton - USA
The daily expeditions were well run, adventurous, and led by amazingly insightful, patient, and FUN expedition staff. There was no one moment that was great, they were all great. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Christopher Norton - USA
Most memorable moment: hard to choose just one! Penguins swimming underwater en masse. A huge, unusually large pod of orca feeding. The magnificent mountain peaks and sunlit valleys beneath them, and on and on. Truly something I will remember every day of my life! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Kent Kimball - USA
We dressed most warmly, and that was a good idea because of the wind off the water. We managed the getting onto and off the Zodiacs with no problems. The crew was great at always emphasizing the sailor's grip and taking the steps slowly, then sitting down and sliding along the Zodiac. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Mike Walcher - USA
The zodiac excursions were great-lots of icebergs, seals, penguins, and whales. We even cut the engine to enjoy the "silence" of the ice - magnificent. We always felt safe; they explained what to do (and why), and reminded us how to enter and exit the craft. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Diane Walcher - USA
I enjoyed learning about the history of discovery, women in Antarctica, the birds, mammals and bathymetry. The glacial lectures were very informative. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Diane Walcher - USA
Most memorable moment: polar plunge in Deception Island/Bay. Weather was beautiful. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Zach Sandler - USA
Being open to changing plans and a little bit easygoing is a better attitude for this type of trip (as for any travel). The weather did impact some of our plans, but Sara, the Expedition Crew Leader, made tweaks and changes so that we were still busy and enjoying our trip. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Claire Torrey - USA
The expedition team, lead by Sara, was exceptional. Sara kept us informed on the activities of the day, and had multiple backup plans in case the weather did not cooperate for what was planned. The lectures were very informative. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Mohit Kallianpur - USA
My favorite encounter was having a very curious penguin come up and bite my camera lens. Wow! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Gordon Pickering - USA
Know that the staff will guide you, it’s not a test, it’s there to be enjoyed at any level. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Chris Dixon - UK
Come with an open mind because Antarctica can be totally unpredictable. If you have the chance to go, do it while you can. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Jade Griffin - USA
We did plan well for the zodiac trips which can be splashy and sometimes downright wet, depending on conditions. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2021
Paul Parris - USA
The zodiac excursions felt very safe and in general we managed the periodic "bath" from the process of traveling in zodiacs pretty well. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2021
Paul Parris - USA
I felt completely safe getting on and off the zodiaks. Staff were completely helpful and did a good job training us. A couple memorable moments: 1 was Coming back in from a ride in Wilhelmina Bay once the wind picked up and the seas suddenly became incredibly rough. We were completely drenched (except for the parts covered by the coat/pants/boots) and had a wild ride. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2020
Kathleen Walton - United States Of America
Our guide, Steffie, told us to put down our cameras when we were on an outing on the zodiac, and just listen! It was surreal - the peace that surrounded us, the sound of the whales, blowing through their blowhole, the water lapping around us - I realized, I have not actually been listening for years! Read the full review
Travelled: February 2020
Rosarii Nuala Falvey - United States Of America
The humpback whales in Charlotte Bay, they were ALL around us in our little Zodiac! Absolutely epic experience! Read the full review
Travelled: February 2020
Patty Hunt - United States Of America
Enjoyed all the zodiac cruises, but they could be chilly at times so wrap up! Getting up close to icebergs and wildlife was amazing. Always felt safe getting on and off the zodiacs and while whizzing around too. The first zodiac cruise was spectacular, in an iceberg graveyard. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2020
Ann Freeman - United Kingdom
The Expedition Team were fabulous. They were excellent at giving briefings and keeping us posted on what was happening at all times. The other members of the team were so knowledgeable. Some great lectures on subjects that I really didn't think would interest me but absolutely did. Sarah on icebergs, Anthony on photography and the whaling industry, Scott on birds, Chris on botany and Julia on the Port Lockroy Post Office. The Expedition Team were about the ship all the time, on the lookout for wildlife, happy to chat. They really were fabulous. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2020
Ann Freeman - United Kingdom
It was refreshing to know that everyone onboard was an expert in some way on Antarctica, the wildlife, the ocean / climate, etc. We had really good lectures during times we were sailing, which helped to pass the time but also was very informative. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2020
George Parson - Australia
You have this idea that you’re going to freeze to death before you go but that’s not the case. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Donald Emeigh - United States Of America
Ice climbing; camping, especially the feeling when our zodiac pulled away and I found myself somehow connected with Shackleton and the seabirds flying overhead; seeing a dozen or more Elephant Seals woven together in the pebbles surrounded by penguins; and the sheer exhilaration of participating in the polar plunge with like-minded thrill seekers! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Rex - Len Hunt - United States Of America
The Zodiac rides were safe (aided by calm seas) and usually took us to places that we couldn't travel to on the ship. I especially liked it when the guides took us out a little further to see if there was any new wildlife that we could interact with. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Steve Kelemen - United States Of America
I loved our cruise to Antarctica. Every landing was a highlight and it is definiely the best place I have ever visited. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Sabine - Austria
The Zodiac rides were definitely fun excursions, as this was our best chance to see wildlife up close. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Mark Jongewaard - United States Of America
The expedition staff far surpassed all my expectations. My favourite moment was just sitting with the penguin colonies and watching them interact with each other. An absolutely incredible experience! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Jill Pickett - United States Of America
Whenever we went out, I always felt extremely safe and happy, whether that be in zodiacs, kayaking, mountaineering or snow shoeing. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Sarah Gillett - Switzerland
I traveled alone, so I didn't have a group as others did; however, I met very nice people from the US, Hong Kong, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2019
Dennis Roy - United States Of America
The scenery, wildlife, the ship crew, the adventure guides and most of the guests on board. Magical was when the zodiacs were zig zaging through the loose ice floes. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2019
Annuar Faisal - Malaysia
Take every opportunity to go up to the bridge and even on the days through the Drake passage, go outside if possible to take in the whole experience. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Gill & Richard Starling - United Kingdom
The zodiac excursions and shore landings are what makes Antarctica special. This is what brings you to nature. You get to see the rawness of icebergs up and wildlife up close. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Terrie Mandina - United States Of America
There was bad weather, it was a bit cold but that’s what you get for going to the bottom of the earth! The cruise itinerary did change and we got to go to the Falkland Islands as well, what a lovely surprise. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Raquel & David Shulman - Canada
Hubby even went for the Polar Plunge and when I put it on Facebook had rave comments about his daring & courage...very appreciated when you are 75 years old!
Travelled: January 2018
Lucien & Marie-Eve - South Africa
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! Read the full review
Travelled: January 2018
Zoltan & Stephen Nemeth - Florida
What I enjoyed most about the landings was walking around the animals. There was one morning on Danco Island where the snow was fresh, so I laid in it for a long time while watching the penguins waddle around.
Travelled: December 2017
Christine & Rollence - California
I really enjoyed the amount of time I spent walking around amongst the penguins, seals and birds. There were times where I would just sit on a rock (or in the snow!), close my eyes, and absorb everything. I'll never forget the feeling of the first time I stepped on land and saw the penguins. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2017
Christine & Rollence Patugan - United States Of America
Zodiac excursions were the best of the trip. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2017
An & Houmin Xiao (Luo) - United States Of America
Zodiac cruises and landings were great. The ability to land and spend a decent amount of time ashore among the wildlife and scenery was fantastic and provided time to absorb the experience.
Travelled: March 2017
Erika - Australia
I cannot say enough about the abundance of amazing wildlife and the phenomenal encounters we had. The icebergs were breathtaking and awe inspiring.
Travelled: February 2017
Karen - Pennsylvania
I thoroughly enjoyed the landings and the zodiac rides. We landed safely every time thanks to the experience of the expedition leader and guides.
Travelled: February 2017
Patricia - Canada
I learnt a lot more about polar history than I thought I ever would thanks to Katie, the onboard historian. The wildlife experts, Dick, Jacque and Bruce are very knowledgeable and were always on hand to point out and explain about the animals sighted.
Travelled: February 2017
Chow - Singapore
The excursions were terrific being so close to the birds, seals and penguins and the landscape simply breath taking. As George Carlin says, 'Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away' - Antarctic certainly took my breath away.
Travelled: January 2017
Gary - USA
Even when it was time to go back to the boat, when magical moments happened (which was often), the expedition team stopped the zodiac - we were never rushed through experiences, and in fact, we were encouraged to experience as much as possible.
Travelled: January 2017
Colette - California
The whales took our breath away. We all froze when one went under our Zodiac.
Travelled: January 2017
Nancy - Texas
We saw both humpback and minki whales from the zodiacs. It was truly amazing. I especially liked cruising through the ice floes and seeing all the lounging seals.
Travelled: January 2017
Nicole - Illinois
Landing on ice floe we saw a elephant seal and could hear him breathing. The icebergs were surreal. A bird hovered over our zodiac, loved it! Each time out was a unique experience like no other.
Travelled: January 2017
Mary and John - New York
When we did not have excursion or landing, we still had a lot to do on board. The lectures taught us a lot about everything in Antarctica. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2017
Feng Zheng - China
The lectures and talks we had from the expedition staff, were great - and a wonderful way to pass the time on the long sailing days across the Drake Passage.
Travelled: December 2016
Declan - UK
It's hard to say which excursions were my favorite, but our Top 3 zodiac experiences were to Paulet Island, Cuverville Island and our last day on Spert Island. Our best landings were on Brown Bluff and Cuverville Island.
Travelled: November 2016
Ryan - Massachusetts
Review:
The daily landings offered by Antarctic expedition cruise ships are an unbeatable immersive experience, from the crunch of snow underfoot and the sounds (and smells) of a penguin rookery, to the humbling feeling of being dwarfed by such epic landscapes.
Every landing is unique. Some offer the chance to see the wildlife up close, others are sites of historic significance, while some locations are chosen purely for their astonishing natural beauty. With expert guides showing the way, wherever you land in Antarctica is unforgettable.
Zodiacs are at the heart of every Antarctic expedition cruise. These ice safaris are always exhilarating. Expert guides pilot you on a constant watch for wildlife and spectacular views. Being flat bottomed, zodiacs are very stable and practical (they’re a great platform for photography) as well as huge amounts of fun.
The flexibility and spontaneity of a zodiac cruise means that one minute you can be zipping through a bay of millennia-old ice, and the next you’ll be surrounded by porpoising penguins or even holding your breath in awe as a whale surfaces close by.
Antarctica is one of greatest wildlife watching destinations on the planet, and the wildlife here is quite unafraid of people, which can lead to some truly extraordinary encounters.
Come to Antarctica for charismatic penguins, seals on ice floes and whales showing their flukes. At times, you won’t know where to point your camera, but the expert naturalist guides will always be on hand to point out what you’re seeing – and recap and review the day’s wildlife tally when you’re back on board.
From kayaking and snowshoeing to snorkelling, camping and more, adventure activities can take your Antarctic experience to another level. After all, how many people ever get to sleep out in a snow hole like an explorer, falling asleep to the sound of distant glaciers and penguins?
These optional activities normally carry an additional charge and are booked when you secure your cabin, but some ships also offer basecamp trips that include a variety of activities in the price, allowing you to get a taste of Antarctica in as many ways possible.
Flexibility is at the heart of every Antarctic cruise, and plans can change as quickly as the unpredictable polar weather. However, your expedition team are masters of adaptation, so whatever the conditions, they'll always ensure you get the best that Antarctica has to offer.
Antarctica offers an extraordinary canvas for the photographer. The scenery is astonishing, the wildlife is everywhere and the golden hour light at the end of the long polar day can be truly astonishing.
All expedition teams include at least one photography guide to help you get the most out of your trip. For those who take their hobby seriously, most ships also run dedicated photography zodiacs on excursions to allow passengers to maximise their photographic opportunities.
Educating guests about Antarctica is a key element of polar expedition cruising. Your guides are experts in their field, with many having worked on the ice for research programmes before joining your ship.
This expert knowledge is shared with guests through a series of onboard lectures. In the field, they become teachers in an extraordinary outdoor classroom. When your guide stops the zodiac near an iceberg to deliver a talk about glaciology, it’s easy to understand why a polar education is like no other on Earth.
Many expedition cruise ships offer guests the chance to get involved in citizen science projects collecting data for some of the most respected research institutions in the world.
Projects on offer include sampling phytoplankton to look into the effects of climate change, surveying seabirds and whales, and even helping NASA train their weather satellites. Citizen science projects are not only great fun but unparalleled in helping travellers connect with Antarctica's wider environmental issues.
The polar plunge is a long-standing tradition among Antarctic cruising, and is guaranteed to raise admiring (or incredulous) looks when you get back home.
The polar plunge is normally offered once on all voyages, and there’s always something of a party atmosphere on board when it’s announced. Even if you’re not taking part, it’s one of Antarctica’s great spectator sports.
The sudden immersion in the sea is a shock, but the buzz afterwards is simply fantastic – as is the camaraderie of your fellow plungers. It's an optional activity, but we always recommend packing a swimming costume even if you don't think you'll be tempted ahead of time – just in case!
Most people are fit enough for an Antarctic cruise. The distances you’ll be walking during the landings tend to be quite short (under half a mile or 1 km) and even when longer walks are offered, there are always shorter alternative routes.
To get the most from your time in Antarctica it's definitely well worth making sure you’re in good physical shape and capable of walking across uneven ground that may be covered in snow or ice. A walking pole is a useful third point of balance for anyone to pack, though most ships also carry spare poles for guests to use.
The Antarctic visitor season follows the Austral summer, running roughly from the last October to the last week of March. Antarctica is spectacular throughout this period: there is no 'best' time to visit, but different months offer slightly different experiences.
The early season through to the end of November has the crispest snow left over from winter, and penguins starting to nest. December into January are the peak months, with penguin chicks arriving and high demand for cabins meaning that early booking is essential. February and March are the best months for whale watching, with the very end of the season also bringing spectacular sunsets due to the shortening days.
For more information, see our page about the best time to visit Antarctica.
Antarctica demands that you dress for cold and wet weather. For a detailed packing list, see our guide on what to wear to keep you warm and dry.
You won’t need to bring any specialist equipment to take part in any of the adventure activities such as camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, paddleboarding: this will all be provided for you on the ship. Exceptions to this are the more specialist activities such as scuba diving or mountaineering; you'll be given a full packing list of what to bring when you book.
Under normal weather conditions, it takes about two days to sail across the Drake Passage to Antarctica from Ushuaia in the southern tip of Argentina, the starting point for almost all Antarctic cruises. See our dedicated page for more information on crossing the Drake Passage,
If time is a concern, it's also possible to fly direct to Antarctica to join a Fly & Cruise trip. Flights depart from Punta Arenas in Chile, taking just two hours to get to King George Island, where you join your cruise ship.
Yes. The weather always has the final say in Antarctica, and it's one reason why itineraries are never set in stone. Your expedition team leader works closely with the ship's captain to best arrange the day's activities taking the weather into consideration. There is always a Plan B, and frequently a Plan C and Plan D.
Expedition leaders are experts in improvising in unpredictable conditions to show you the best of Antarctica, and while the weather might influence your trip, it's incredibly rare that it would affect it to the point that all landings are missed.
Getting from the ship into a zodiac or vice versa isn’t challenging at all, and you'll quickly be getting in and out of them as if you'd been doing it for years. To help assist, there are always crew members on hand to lock arms with you in a ‘sailor’s grip’ to help you safely get in and out of the craft. Your guides will also help during landings, when zodiacs pull up on a beach.
For more information on how zodiacs operate see our dedicated zodiac cruising page.
There is no set length of the time you'll spend on shore during landings, but it can range from between 45 minutes to over two hours. Factors that influence the length of a landing include the size of your ship (only 100 people may be onshore at any one time during a landing), the weather conditions and the nature of the landing site you're visiting.
Antarctica's wildlife has no natural fear of people, so it's possible to get far closer than in many wildlife watching destinations. However, strict guidelines are in place to avoid disturbing the animals you've travelled so far to see.
During any landings, it's not permitted to get closer than 16 feet (5m) to any wildlife or within 33 feet (10m) from the edge of a penguin colony. The wildlife isn't aware of these rules however, so you must always be prepared to quietly retreat to a safe distance if any animals approach you too closely.
On zodiac cruises or kayaking excursions, it's not uncommon to have close encounters with groups of swimming penguins or even humpback whales: truly magical experiences.
In general no experience is needed for the majority of adventure activities in Antarctica. Kayaking required some basic experience to take part and a good level of fitness, but many ships also now offer introductory paddling options for beginners.
The major exception to this is scuba diving, which requires proof of extensive cold water diving experience.
Anyone in good health can do the polar plunge – all it takes is a little bravery.
If you have been in poor health prior to your trip or have a heart condition, we recommend getting a medical opinion before taking part. The ship's doctor always attends polar plunges.
Absolutely. The 'Serengeti of the Southern Ocean' is a popular feature of many cruise itineraries due to its extraordinary king penguin colonies, wild mountains and association with the polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Voyages that take in South Georgia are typically twice the length of a regular cruise. It takes two days just to sail between South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, with the itineraries also including time in the Falkland Islands.
For more information, visit our South Georgia cruises page.
Whether you’re visiting the Antarctic Peninsula or heading for the South Pole, discover the different routes by sea and air to visit the Seventh Continent.
Discover MoreMonth of travel, length of trip, whether you fly or sail, and the level of comfort will have an influence on the end price. Let Swoop's deep knowledge guide you.
Discover MoreWe'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.
Discover MoreChoosing 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 MoreOur team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.
Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.
We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.
We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
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.
1-888-970-4570We don’t charge a commission and there are no hidden fees. Just impartial, expert advice from the leading Polar cruise agent. Schedule a call with our Antarctic Experts today.
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