Antarctica in January

January is the peak of the Antarctic summer, so you'll enjoy magical 20+ hours of sunlight each day. These extra daylight hours gives you more time each day to explore,…
Whether you're considering the prospect of a 2022 trip to Antarctica or pretty much ready to go, we hope this page brings you closer to your visit to the frozen continent. Explore the trip dates released so far and get in touch to discuss your hopes and plans.
Deciding when you wish to travel is an important consideration as there are amazing, distinct highlights each month. High season is from December to February; temperatures are at their mildest and wildlife at its most abundant. During long days of daylight in December, you can expect to see penguin chicks hatching and humpbacks arriving from their time in the tropics. Encouraged by the 'warm' Antarctic weather at the height of the summer, penguin chicks acquaint themselves with their new home throughout January, while seal pup colonies are equally busy with activity. The continuing melt of the sea ice opens up the greatest access along the Peninsula in February, with wonderful opportunities to see whales as you venture far into the region.
January is the peak of the Antarctic summer, so you'll enjoy magical 20+ hours of sunlight each day. These extra daylight hours gives you more time each day to explore,…
February's the time for sailing all the way to the Polar Circle, the Sun's rays through December and January having weakened the pack ice significantly enough to allow for …
The summer sun bathes the continent in 20-24 hours of daylight in December, making it a popular time to visit. It's also a busy time for the penguin rookeries as the chicks begin …
4.2 out of 5
The ultimate Antarctic adventure, this trip is specifically for the active traveller. Spend 6 days kayaking, hiking, camping, mountaineering and snowshoeing, all included in the price. A medium-sized expedition ship acts as your floating ‘basecamp’. Great value for money backed…
4.6 out of 5
With four medium-sized expedition ships and regular departure dates throughout the season, this well priced voyage is a popular option. Across striking landscapes and icy seas your company will include penguins, seals, whales and skuas. For the adventurous, optional kayaking…
4.4 out of 5
A classic 10-day voyage to the Great White Continent. Perfect for those wanting great value and comfortable accommodation. Sailing onboard a stable 198 passenger vessel that has recently been fully refurbished.…
4.7 out of 5
Sail to the White Continent aboard one of the most luxurious ships currently available. Unsurpassed comfort and true 5* service are this operator’s hallmarks. From the discreetly attentive, Relais & Chateaux cuisine and 24/7 butler service to the beautifully appointed…
4.4 out of 5
On a long voyage with so many days at sea, the journey is made more enjoyable aboard this comfortable, well appointed 4* ship with its capacious cabins and dedicated staff. Choice of 17-23 day departures per season, with optional kayaking…
4.4 out of 5
Explore the White Continent onboard one of the newest additions to the Polar fleet, a state-of-the-art expedition vessel combining adventure with comfort. Limited to only 132 passengers, there’s also a wide range of optional adventure activities on this classic Antarctic…
4.8 out of 5
Sail south to the iconic Polar Circle spending 7 full days exploring the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula as part of this epic 14-day adventure. Pre voyage hotel night and parka jacket included. Short paddle and full kayaking program…
Looking to climb the highest peak of the Great White Continent? Over 12 days, this expertly guided trip will help you complete your 7 Summits challenge, beginning and ending with flights between Chile and Antarctica and everything taken care of…
2 out of 5
The history, the exclusivity, and the isolation. Join the small handful of adventurers to have checked off the mythical South Pole. Traversing Antarctica in hours by plane with magnificent views, you'll spend 4 whole days camping at the heart of…
Embark on this 28-day epic voyage to The Ross Sea, the 'Heart of Antarctica', experiencing the immensity of the Ross Ice Shelf and remoteness of this little-visited region. Includes privileged visits to Scott's and Shackleton's historic huts and research bases…
4.5 out of 5
A cost-effective Antarctic adventure. This itinerary is also ideal for those with limited time wanting to combine Antarctica with time exploring Patagonia. Sailing one way and flying back, you get to combine two iconic places: Antarctica and Cape Horn. Note,…
4.5 out of 5
Fly over the Drake Passage in just 2 hours, both to and from Antarctica. Ideal for those wanting a high comfort level, but who have limited time or are anxious sailors. An outstanding program, successfully operated for over 15 seasons.…
4.3 out of 5
A rare and popular voyage which flies one way and sails the other, maximising both expediency and experience. Spend 5-7 days exploring Antarctica on a small, newly-built expedition ship, with kayaking & snorkelling available. January - March…
An epic 23-day voyage which packs in an astonishing 7 days in Antarctica, 4 days in wildlife-rich South Georgia and the Polar Circle at 66 degrees south. It's very rare to find a trip combining all three places. Limited departure…
4.4 out of 5
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 & maximum exploring time and all the benefits of only 73 people…
4.1 out of 5
For maximum time in Antarctica with flights both ways, this trip really stands out. An extended fly & cruise voyage spending eight full days actually in Antarctica onboard a small, state-of-the-art expedition ship. Optional kayaking & polar…
4.5 out of 5
Travelling aboard a state-of-the-art small ship and accompanied by unparalleled onboard expertise, expeditionary cruising doesn’t get much better. Regular departures throughout the season and a choice of three outstanding ships renowned for their comfort, enhanced safety features and spirit of…
4.3 out of 5
Travelling in January, at the height of the Austral summer, when weather and wildlife are arguably at their optimum, spend 15 days aboard a comfortable 114-passenger expedition ship as you make your way south to bisect the intangible Polar…
4.6 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…
4.5 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 very polished Southern Ocean adventure, at a fair…
3.7 out of 5
This classic Peninsula trip stands out for its generously proportioned cabins, value for money and stylish 114-passenger ship. Spend 4-5 days experiencing Antarctica’s highlights, with optional camping and kayaking. Complimentary hotel stay in Ushuaia and a parka jacket are nice…
4.2 out of 5
The great strength of this trip is choice - a wide selection of departure dates and optional adventure activities available across two comfortable ice-strengthened ships (either 128 or 189 guests). Spend a minimum of four full days exploring Antarctica. Enjoy…
Travelling aboard a modern, luxury, custom built expedition ship offering cabins with private balconies, excellent amenities, speed through the water and outstanding food, all you’ve got to do is sit back and enjoy the adventure. The all-inclusive price provides very…
4.2 out of 5
Spend 6 full days exploring Antarctica with the Polar Circle at 66 degrees south as your most southerly objective, on board one of the most exciting new vessels. Limited to only 132 passengers with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology and optional…
4.1 out of 5
This unique express trip saves time by flying to Antarctica, cutting out 2 sailing days and skipping the Falklands. Maximising your time amid the spectacular wildlife and scenery of Antarctica and South Georgia is the focus of this voyage. The…
Welcome in the arrival of the summer in November, experiencing the most snowy and icy landscapes of the season. You'll have the privilege and joy of watching male penguins impress their female interests and see how elephant and fur seals mark their breeding spots. Getting ashore on South Georgia is also still possible this early in the season, as prime mating time hasn't begun. March presents opportunities for great encounters with satiated whales who, now less focussed on hunting, are inquisitive and calm with visitors. Grown penguin chicks are in full moulting mode, large colonies of fur seals are playing on the Antarctic Peninsula, and returning home with a collection of mesmerising sunset and night sky photographs is very likely.
March marks the end of the travel season to Antarctica. You'll be able to enjoy the mesmerising colours of blooming green and pink algae against the water and ice, as well as …
In November Antarctica opens its arms to the season's first visitors. You'll not only enjoy the excitement of walking on virgin snow, but you'll also appreciate its beauty as you …
4.2 out of 5
Start your adventure in Puerto Madryn, a mecca for southern right whales and then sail to the wildlife paradise of South Georgia, stopping off at the Falkland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula en route. This three week odyssey on a stylish…
4.3 out of 5
Purpose-built to tackle polar waters, an eco-minded vessel makes the ocean crossing between Antarctica and the wildlife Eden of South Georgia as comfortable as possible. Traverse the breathtaking Antarctic Sound where huge tabular icebergs dwarf the ship and immerse yourself…
Setting sail early in the season, be aboard one of the first ship's to head south as the Southern Ocean re-opens for business. It's a special time in South Georgia with the beaches packed with breeding elephant seals, while Antarctica…
Travelling aboard a modern, luxury, custom built expedition ship offering cabins with private balconies, excellent amenities, speed through the water and outstanding food, all you’ve got to do is sit back and enjoy the adventure. The all-inclusive price provides very…
4.4 out of 5
Explore the White Continent onboard one of the newest additions to the Polar fleet, a state-of-the-art expedition vessel combining adventure with comfort. Limited to only 132 passengers, there’s also a wide range of optional adventure activities on this classic Antarctic…
5 out of 5
For those travellers prioritising real comfort and ease of travel logistics, this is a great option. Travel in style aboard a state-of-the-art expedition ship, with heli-sightseeing available on select departures for a unique bird's-eye view of Antarctica. Plus the comprehensive…
5 out of 5
A truly unique opportunity to immerse yourself in an Emperor penguin rookery. Flying into the Interior, you'll enjoy 3 whole days with the penguins, camping close-by on the Weddell Sea…
4.5 out of 5
Few other voyages offer 6 full days on the Peninsula. You'll have time to really absorb the incredible glacial landscapes, unique wildlife & the history; whilst options for kayaking & camping offer another perspective. The large & stable vessel softens…
4.4 out of 5
On a long voyage with so many days at sea, the journey is made more enjoyable aboard this comfortable, well appointed 4* ship with its capacious cabins and dedicated staff. Choice of 17-23 day departures per season, with optional kayaking…
4.3 out of 5
Voyage south in Shackleton’s footsteps, exploring the highlights of the Southern Ocean as part of this ‘classic’ 20-day adventure. A well-balanced itinerary and the choice between 2 well-appointed expedition ships (capacity 128-199 guests) really marks this trip out. Plus, you…
4.5 out of 5
The iconic emperor penguin is the goal of this expedition for wildlife enthusiasts, as your ice-strengthened ship sails into Antarctica’s challenging and little-visited Weddell Sea. Delve deep into historically significant and ice-laden waters, heading for the remote emperor rookery…
4.1 out of 5
This unique express trip saves time by flying to Antarctica, cutting out 2 sailing days and skipping the Falklands. Maximising your time amid the spectacular wildlife and scenery of Antarctica and South Georgia is the focus of this voyage. The…
4.6 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…
4.4 out of 5
A classic 10-day voyage to the Great White Continent. Perfect for those wanting great value and comfortable accommodation. Sailing onboard a stable 198 passenger vessel that has recently been fully refurbished.…
5 out of 5
Travelling aboard this modern 134-passenger ship with its 200-degree observation lounge and spacious cabins, spend 4 full days exploring Antarctica’s extraordinary icebergs and wildlife. Optional camping and kayaking, while Ushuaia hotel accommodation and a parka jacket are included in the…
4.1 out of 5
With a good choice of departure dates through the season across four medium-sized ships, this 19-23 day trip stands out for its value for money and the broad range of cabin categories available, including Quads, which are…
4.2 out of 5
The ultimate Antarctic adventure, this trip is specifically for the active traveller. Spend 6 days kayaking, hiking, camping, mountaineering and snowshoeing, all included in the price. A medium-sized expedition ship acts as your floating ‘basecamp’. Great value for money backed…
4.2 out of 5
The great strength of this trip is choice - a wide selection of departure dates and optional adventure activities available across two comfortable ice-strengthened ships (either 128 or 189 guests). Spend a minimum of four full days exploring Antarctica. Enjoy…
4.4 out of 5
This voyage stands out by visiting the Antarctic Peninsula first and keeping the wonders of South Georgia for the second half. Plus you’ll be travelling on board one of the most exciting new Polar ships with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology…
4.7 out of 5
Sail to the White Continent aboard one of the most luxurious ships currently available. Unsurpassed comfort and true 5* service are this operator’s hallmarks. From the discreetly attentive, Relais & Chateaux cuisine and 24/7 butler service to the beautifully appointed…
4.5 out of 5
Travelling aboard a state-of-the-art small ship and accompanied by unparalleled onboard expertise, expeditionary cruising doesn’t get much better. Regular departures throughout the season and a choice of three outstanding ships renowned for their comfort, enhanced safety features and spirit of…
4.5 out of 5
A cost-effective Antarctic adventure. This itinerary is also ideal for those with limited time wanting to combine Antarctica with time exploring Patagonia. Sailing one way and flying back, you get to combine two iconic places: Antarctica and Cape Horn. Note,…
Ensure your favourite pick of vessel and cabins by booking early, as well as accessing the best availability of flights.
Polar operators typically release their forthcoming departure dates and prices at least 18 months or so in advance, some even earlier. This is great news for travellers who like to plan ahead and get their cabin reserved early on, particularly if you can take advantage of an early booking incentive.
Given that there is only a finite number of places available on each departure, it really is a case of 'the early bird gets the worm' - or in this case the best dates and the widest choice of cabins - so early booking is strongly recommended.
Trips which include time-saving flights to Antarctica and avoid the Drake Passage are incredibly popular and are the earliest of all voyages to become booked up.
Due to strong demand and the relatively modest number of ships, particularly during High Season, to be confident of securing your first choice we would strongly urge that you begin planning at least 12 months in advance. December and January are particularly busy times and typically are fully booked up 10 months ahead.
For the most popular Fly & Cruise trips or those incorporating South Georgia, 18 months ahead isn't too early.
Yes it's true, the Shoulder Season months of November and March tend to be priced approx. 10-15% less than during the High Season (December - end February) and as a result are a good place to look for the budget-conscious or bargain-hunter.
The reason for this is partly the less predictable weather and slightly lower wildlife numbers, but it's also simply the case that many who live in Northern Hemisphere countries like to holiday during their worst winter months.
In our opinion a great time to travel is in early December when it's still Shoulder Season pricing but you get all of the benefits of High Season.
There certainly are: as well as securing your first choice, with many of the ships offering really quite generous early booking incentives of up to $1,500 per person to those willing to commit early, getting organised can really pay dividends.
Given the strong demand for Antarctic cruises boat operators rarely need to resort to offering any late availability discounts - particularly on the more popular ships and voyages - as cabins are normally all booked months ago in advance.
Any remaining unsold cabins tend to be left on the shelf for a reason and choice will be poor at best, so it's not an approach we advocate.
However, if you're flexible on dates and don't mind paying a last minute premium for your flights, there are normally odd cabins available.
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
The highlight was watching a leopard seal peeping up to check the icebergs, diving back in, swimming under our zodiac and eventually deciding on a flattish iceberg. Rolled on its back to give himself a good scratch, then fell asleep in the sun!
Travelled: January 2018
Lucien & Marie-Eve - South Africa
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 trip was amazing. Michael particularly liked the whales that were diving within 10-15 feet of our zodiac; my favorite was seeing all the penguins and, in particular, the chicks.
Travelled: January 2018
Joan & Michael - New Jersey
Very happy with the wildlife we saw - the best thing was the killer whales hunting a seal by creating waves and breaking the ice from below.
Travelled: November 2016
Anna - UK
The cruise is almost over and was absolutely fantastic. We were blessed with beautiful weather and saw incredible wildlife and scenery. I can't say enough about the entire expedition team and crew. After two weeks on board, I am so incredibly spoiled.
Travelled: December 2015
Phil - Texas
Review:
Read Swoop's guide on choosing the best month and year for you, with advice on how to plan your perfect Antarctic voyage.
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 50 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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