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,…
Swoop says
2023 dates and prices are now available for those who like to plan ahead, which we always recommend when it comes to Antarctica. There's a wide range of voyages to choose from on 27 different expedition ships.
High Season Antarctic Cruises 2023
Between December and February, Antarctica's wildlife and weather are both at their best. December has warmer temperatures and longer days with the austral summer being in full swing, which means more sightings of seals and the arrival of humpbacks. In January, penguin chicks chase their parents along the shoreline, where baby seals are enjoying the 'warmth'. Great numbers of humpback and minke whales and orcas also frequent the waters. February is also a very active month, with penguin chicks learning to swim, leopard seals predating, and whale spotting season at its height.
Antarctica in February
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 …
Antarctica in December
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 …
High Season Antarctic Cruises 2023
Shoulder Season Antarctic Cruises 2023
November is an exciting time of year to be in Antarctica as it's the start of summer when everything seems to be waking up from the long and dark winter. Penguin rookeries are a hive of activity whilst elephant seals are busy battling on South Georgia Island. Come March, as the winter draws closer, you can expect the closest encounters with whales. Watch waddling groups of penguin adolescents and experience an increase in predator activity.
Antarctica in March
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 …
Antarctica in November
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 …
Shoulder Season Antarctic Cruises 2023
When should I start planning my Voyage?
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When are departure dates normally released?
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.
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When should I start to plan my Fly & Cruise trip?
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.
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Is it less expensive to travel in November & March?
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.
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Are there any advantages in booking early?
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.
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Can I wait until the last minute for a late deal?
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.
What our customers think
We are back and are slowly getting back to earth! As for the Polar expedition it was "Wow!" everyday. Truly an experience of a lifetime. We were blown away by the calibre of the people taking us around, so very knowledgeable and yet very approachable. Even the captain of the vessel was amazing, turning around the ship to allow for a closer view of whales!!!
Lucien & Marie-Eve South Africa January 2018
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.
Graham and Angela UK March 2017
Undecided on When to Travel?
Read Swoop's guide on choosing the best month and year for you, with advice on how to plan your perfect Antarctic voyage.
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 50 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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