High Season Antarctic Cruises in 2024

January is the peak of the Antarctic summer, with penguin rookeries heaving with newly hatched chicks and their harried parents. By February, the rapidly growing chicks dominate the rookeries and whale sightings intensify.

Antarctica in January

Emperor penguin & chick, South Georgia - Antarctica trip cost

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,…

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Antarctica in February

Majestic iceberg in the Crystal Sound, Polar Circle, Antarctica

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 …

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Antarctica in December

Viewing humpback whales off the Melchior Islands, Antarctica

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 …

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Shoulder Season Antarctic Cruises 2024

November is a month of awakening in Antarctica, it's the arrival of summer after the long and dark winter. Penguin rookeries are a hive of activity and elephant seals are busy battling on South Georgia Island. March offers spectacular skies for photographers, with soft golden light and pink hues staining the ice. Fledgling chicks are hugely inquisitive as they begin their independent lives, and whale encounters abound.

Antarctica in March

Taking a Zodiac ride to Pleneau Bay, 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 …

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Antarctica in November

Viewing Antarctica from the expedition ship's bow

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 …

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Shoulder Season Antarctic Cruises 2024

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Original Fly & Cruise Luxury Adventure

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.​…

  • 8 Days
  • $12,995
Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination

A rare and popular voyage which flies to Antarctica in just two hours, then sails back across the Drake Passage, maximising both expediency and experience. Spend 5 to 7 days exploring Antarctica on a small, purpose-built expedition ship, with kayaking…

  • 9-13 Days
  • $11,695
Crossing the Circle in Style

Journey beyond the Antarctic Circle in real comfort aboard a state-of-the-art expedition ship. Spend an extended period of 7 action-packed days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Attractive comprehensive transfer package from Buenos Aires available on select departures. Wide choice of optional…

  • 14 Days
  • $18,990
Classic Peninsula Voyage

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…

  • 11 Days
  • $7,399
Fly & Cruise Polar Circle

This impressive voyage combines all the comfort and speed of flying in both directions with extended time in Antarctica (7 full days), allowing you to head south towards the remote Antarctic Circle. Explore from the comfort of your outstanding purpose-built…

  • 10 Days
  • $14,295
Antarctic Basecamp Adventure

The ultimate Antarctic adventure, this trip is specifically for the active traveller. Spend 7 days kayaking, hiking, camping, mountaineering and snowshoeing, all included in the price. A medium-sized expedition ship acts as your floating ‘basecamp’. An excellent deal backed up…

  • 13 Days
  • $8,400
Ultimate Luxury Antarctic Fly & Cruise

For those travellers looking for seamless travel on a trip that is hassle-free and all-inclusive, this is the perfect option. Skip over the notorious Drake Passage on a comfortable two hour flight to Antarctica, then travel onboard a state-of-the-art mega…

  • 10 Days
  • $21,176
Antarctic Explorer Refined

With a wide range of departure dates and a great choice of optional adventure activities to choose from, this itinerary offers flexibility and variety. Spend 4 full days exploring Antarctica with your experienced team of naturalist guides from the comfort…

  • 11 Days
  • $7,178
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
  • $7,550
Crossing the Antarctic Circle

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. A maximum of just 130 passengers, with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology and…

  • 13-14 Days
  • $16,195
Discover South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands

This voyage stands out by visiting the Antarctic Peninsula first and keeping the wonders of South Georgia for the second half. You’ll travel on board one of the most exciting new polar ships with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology and optional…

  • 19-25 Days
  • $23,595
South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Voyage

A classic 10-day voyage to the White Continent. Perfect for those wanting great value and comfortable accommodation. Sail aboard a purpose-built X-bow expedition ship with an average of 175…

  • 9-12 Days
  • $6,990
Antarctic Peninsula Explorer

Explore the White Continent aboard one of the polar fleet's newest additions, a state-of-the-art expedition vessel combining adventure with comfort. As well as being limited to only 130 passengers, there’s a wide range of optional activities on this classic Antarctic…

  • 12-15 Days
  • $12,395
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What our customers think of Antarctica Cruises 2024

10/10 - From beginning to end, Swoop were amazing! Answered all of our many, many questions, helped us hone in on exactly what type of tour, what type of ship would be right for us. I liked that Swoop reps many different ships, thus providing us with an array of choices. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Shirley Sutton - USA

This was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip that exceeded all of my expectations. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Shirley Sutton - USA

10/10 - Booking our expedition with Swoop was a pleasure from start to finish. Agents were friendly, knowledgeable, listened well and were responsive to our questions, and provided accurate information about every aspect of the cruise. Absolutely would use Swoop again and recommend it to others. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Jennifer Webb - Canada

If anyone needed help creating an Antartica experience I would definitely recommend Swoop - they were great in analysing our needs / preferences and time availability and selecting great options for us to choose from. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Louise Johnston - UK

10 - The expedition leaders, crew and staff were phenomenal. Everything was geared to the passenger: safety, comfort and being able to have the best possible experience. Add to it the incredible breadth of knowledge the expedition leaders had and shared greatly enhanced the experience of Antarctica. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Lynn Guterman - USA

Any advice? Go now. It is a trip of a lifetime. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Lorraine FitzGerald - Australia

If you are even considering taking an Antarctic trip, do it! Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Elaine McClure - USA

Swoop's guidance helped me chose the perfect ship for my trip, and I was well prepared. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Becky Ahern - USA

10/10 - Swoop was amazing and so easy to work with. Anytime we had a question, we were able to email our travel planner and they would respond quickly and with all of the information we needed. They were clear and communicative and by the time our trips arrived, we felt comfortable and confident. We also LOVED the webinars, they were a very helpful and informative way for customers to ask questions. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Elyse Doherty - USA

Swoop understood what we were looking for and directed us to the perfect expedition team. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Morris Guy - Canada

10/10 - All my interactions with Swoop were positive and helpful. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Diane Alexander - USA

I am having trouble re-entering the world, honestly. The sheer expanse of Antarctica, the remoteness, the icebergs, the animals – from krill to whales – feels more important to protect and honor than ever. It was a sacred experience. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Courtney Caldwell - USA

Most memorable moment? I don't know if I can pick one. The BBQ on the deck, the zodiac tour in the snow with humpbacks, polar plunging, the penguins, the Lemaire Channel for sure! Every day had something shocking and wonderful and glorious and we really tried to just experience each day. We lucked out with weather and lack of motion sickness, so the entire trip felt charmed. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Courtney Caldwell - 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

Using Swoop took the guesswork out. Resulted in a trip of a lifetime! Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Anne Kinzie - Canada

10/10 - Swoop knitted together all of the details of the trip: transfers, included meals, excursions, etc. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Ordean Oskvig - USA

10/10 - The Swoop staff were very helpful and responsive through the whole process of selecting and booking the adventure. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Nathalie Parent - France

Swoop really helped me plan my trip and what to expect on the adventure. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Carole Gates - USA

I just again want to mention how fantastic this entire experience has been on all levels. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Aaron Moskal - USA

10/10 - Every interaction was great! Swoop was more on top of our trip than us. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Parvathi Nackeeran - USA

The expedition team were very fun, friendly and knowledgeable, not to mention incredibly safe. Safety was always an underlying part of every trip out on the water or land. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Eric Gabel - USA

Swoop was so helpful in the initial planning. The staff was on multiple calls with me helping me to decide which tour and boat was right for me. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Jessica Spangler - USA

10/10 - It was amazing and the expedition trip and crew on board went out of their way to make sure we had the best experience. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Rozini Binti Mohd Amin - Malaysia

Swoop help me feel prepared and excited about the trip. Even with all the preparation, being there was so much better and beautiful than I could have expected. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Deb Smith - USA

You have to go to Antarctica; while I have enjoyed documentaries and films about the southern continent, only by going to Antarctica can you see what it is all about. My only disappointment was having to depart the ship all too soon. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Stephen Rathbun - USA

Don’t wait! Go as soon as you can! Choose a ship that goes farther than the end of the peninsula. Every landing will be precious and you want as many of them as you can get. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Patti Shelton - USA

10/10 - Swoop made the whole booking process very easy. They kept me informed of due dates for various commitments, kept me informed of items required for the expedition and the representative was always available to answer questions for us. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

David Wall - Canada

I found the Antarctic to be a place of "solitude". It was quiet in its own way, peaceful, untouched and allowed me to become happily detached from the real world for the several days there. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

David Wall - Canada

The Swoop team was excellent! Helped us navigate many questions and really streamlined our planning. Thank you! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Heather Jane Chadwick - USA

10/10 - You gave me the chance to experience one of the least visited and most amazing continents. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Daniel Hopping - USA

This experience has given me so much more love and respect for nature. I have been so awestruck by the beauty and insanity that it has to offer, I can't believe I got to experience this magical place. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Sarah Yip - USA

An unparalleled life experience, save money from between your teeth and go once! Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Liu Haibin - China

Most memorable moment? Cruising down the Neumayer Channel, sunny, no wind, surrounded by absolutely breathtaking beauty, snow-covered peaks reflected in the calm waters. Nature at her best. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Penelope Simcox - New Zealand

Don’t hesitate to book this trip! It was one of the most amazing experiences in our life and we were not disappointed in any way. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2023

Cris Flippen - USA

The first wake up call, opening the windows to see Antarctica for the first time.. it felt like being a kid at Christmas! Read the full review

Travelled: March 2023

Libby Chamberlain - UK

10/10 - Antarctica is the most wild place I have been on this planet. The scale of it is mind-boggling. We were lucky with the weather too, so had some fabulous zodiac outings and whale and other wildlife viewings and seascape with the beautiful icebergs. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2023

Marian Fowler - UK

The awesome beauty of Antarctica is difficult, if not impossible, to put into words. My wife, Laura, and I read several books prior to the expedition, but nothing matched the experience. The most memorable moment was probably standing on the land for the first time. Everything there seemed larger than at home . . . and a great deal colder! A thought that struck me several times was that the Earth was its own and not necessarily meant for man. I was strictly a visitor to this creation. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Thomas Goodman - USA

Setting foot on the Antarctica continent for the first time at Brown Bluff with huge blue and white icebergs all around and Adele and gentoo penguin colonies and fur seals and the glaciers and ice shelves all around. It was everything and more than I expected. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Jana Dreyzehner - USA

The overall experience of visiting such pristine and beautiful continent was absolutely amazing and awesome. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Evelyn Martinez - USA

Just a thank you for one of the best, if not the best experience we have had. We travel extensively and this was one we will remember for the rest of our lives. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Robert Wenze - USA

The last night we dropped anchor in a sun lit bay and had the BBQ outdoors on deck, we were able to reflect on an amazing expedition, with the friends we'd made and then some humpbacks turned up and showed us their tails reflecting the setting sun - magic. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Rick Greer - UK

The experience has left an indelible mark with me. It is a more complete feeling of a majestic understanding shared by those explorers who have touched Antarctica. David, expedition leader, coaxed us constantly with that adventurous look at all we saw. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Daniel Alsaker - USA

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Awesome, incredible, amazing, wonderful, perfect, great response to my questions, emails, telephone calls. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2019

Catherine Macwillie - United States Of America

Wildlife is OMG and landscapes are breathtaking! The most magical moment was when we saw the penguins in action on their natural habitat. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2018

Josie & Carmen Castro - Canada

It far exceeded my expectations. To go to a place so remote and so untouched by the rest of the world truly shows how beautiful the planet really is! Read the full review

Travelled: November 2018

Kaitlyn Rye - United States Of America

There are no words to describe how it feels once you have accomplished a life-long goal. I have now been to South Georgia Island and nothing can take that away from me. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2018

James Jarman - United States Of America

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I was pleased with the services from Swoop. The most important of these being the cruise that was recommended, which was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to maximize the opportunities to go onshore and we did. The Swoop staff were very organized and followed through on everything, ensuring that I knew what and when things needed to be completed.

Travelled: January 2018

Karyn & Richard - California

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I wish to say how grateful we are now for the phone call you made way back last year...you gave us that little push we needed to make up our mind. Swoop service was outstanding and I would highly recommend you anytime.

Travelled: January 2018

Lucien & Marie-Eve - South Africa

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Glad we were on a smaller ship with only around 120 guests so we never felt overcrowded on any of the shore landings. You could feel close to nature all the time.

Travelled: January 2018

Zoltan & Stephen Nemeth - Florida

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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. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2018

Al Carzoli - United States Of America

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It was a fabulous trip, something I had dreamt of doing since the late 1960's. I was absolutely thrilled by the whole package and experience. A personal experience of exploration and learning which I will always treasure.

Travelled: December 2017

Rae - New Zealand

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Do not miss the opportunity to visit Antarctica. The quiet. The pristine nature. The fresh and unpolluted air. The clear crystal water. The penguins....I mean where to begin and finish....I am simply speechless. Most of us left crying! Heck I am even going to mention it in my resume.

Travelled: December 2017

Yiheli - Chile

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Amazing and surreal. The trip would not have been the same without the myriad of wildlife seen on South Georgia. The landscapes in Antarctica are beyond amazing; they are serene and humbling. It was a pleasant surprise to see four different species of whales, including killer whales.

Travelled: December 2017

Krystal - California

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The travel experience on the boat was mind-boggling, so many great stories and interesting people and backgrounds. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2017

Travis & Kalli Walthall - United States Of America

Review:

Why our customers love Swoop

The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises

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Our 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.

Expert impartial advice at no extra cost

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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.

The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist

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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.

A full concierge service, unlike booking direct

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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.

When should I start planning my voyage?

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

Reserve

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.

1-855-369-8288