When to go to Antarctica
Choosing when to go to Antarctica is a key part of planning a cruise, with each month of the season offering a different side of the continent.
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Our most popular Antarctic cruises for 2028
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What our customers think of Antarctic cruises
Planning your Antarctic cruise
Antarctic Peninsula Cruises
The Peninsula is the classic way to experience Antarctica. Some of the best wildlife and most dramatic scenery can be found in this part of the Frozen Continent.
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What to expect on an Antarctic cruise
From stepping foot on polar shores to zodiac cruises, and wildlife encounters to adventure activities, here’s what you can expect from an Antarctic cruise.
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Antarctic Cruise Ships
We work with a range of different Antarctic vessels, with expertise across the entire polar fleet, to give you the best choice of ship, cabin and departure date.
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Swoop says
Choose from more than 80 voyage types on 35 expedition ships. We can help you book your trip ahead of the crowd!
High Summer Antarctic cruises
The Antarctic cruise season peaks in December and January, when the ice breaks up further, allowing easier access to landing sites. By February, the penguin rookeries are dominated by plump, growing chicks, while whale sightings become increasingly common in the icy waters.
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 …
Discover MoreAntarctica 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,…
Discover MoreAntarctica 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 …
Discover MoreLate Summer & Early Spring Antarctic cruises
November is a thrilling time to visit Antarctica, heralding the start of summer as the continent wakes from its dark winter. Penguin rookeries buzz with life, and on South Georgia Island, elephant seals fight fiercely on the beaches. By March, as winter approaches, whale encounters peak and penguin adolescents waddle around in groups.
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 …
Discover MoreAntarctica 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 …
Discover MoreAntarctic cruises in 2028: FAQs
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Where should I stay in Antarctica?
The vast majority of people who visit Antarctica do so by cruise ship and sleep aboard each night. There's a huge range of choice to suit every taste, from compact expedition vessels with under 70 guests to larger options featuring multiple dining options and social areas.
Your Swoop specialist will help to whittle down the options and find the ideal match for your time exploring the White Continent.
A select few choose to fly to Antarctica and stay in one of the exclusive ice camps. Spaces for these land-based trips are limited and the cost is considerably higher than most ship-based voyages. For more information, please see our South Pole and Antarctic Interior expeditions page.
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Will I get to leave the cruise ship on an Antarctic voyage?
Yes, you will be able to leave the ship on our cruises and immerse yourself in Antarctica’s spectacular wildlife and scenery. Swoop only works with vessels carrying under 500 passengers, as this allows the crew to run expedition activities where you can head on land to properly experience the White Continent.
There are some larger, more traditional cruise vessels operating in Antarctica, but these exceed passenger size limits and so guests can't get off. Though often cheaper, we don't believe this offers a true experience of Antarctica and are not great value for money.
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How much will an Antarctic trip cost in 2028?
The cost of an Antarctic cruise tends to start from around $6,000 for the shortest express Peninsula voyage to approximately $100,000 for an exclusive South Pole expedition. Discover more about budgeting for a trip to the White Continent on our Antarctic costs explained guide.
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How many days do I need for the ideal Antarctic voyage?
Generally, you will need to set aside at least 10 days for a classic voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Alternatively, you can save a little travel time by flying to the White Continent, which takes just two hours compared to two days' sailing on the Drake Passage.
Another option is to lengthen your expedition by choosing exhilarating destinations such as wildlife-packed South Georgia (18+ days) or the wonderfully remote Ross Sea (21+ days).
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Is it safe to go on a cruise in Antarctica?
All the vessels we work with are staffed by experts who have spent multiple seasons operating in Antarctica. Expeditionary cruising to polar destinations comes with challenges, but the safety of guests is always the most important consideration for the crew onboard the ships.
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When is the best time of year to cruise to Antarctica in 2028?
The best time of year to cruise to Antarctica depends on multiple factors, including cost. High season is December, January and February, in part because the weather tends to be slightly more predictable during these months.
November and March are shoulder season yet still offer an incredible experience, not to mention typically cheaper prices. To weigh up when to go to Antarctica, take a look at our guide.
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How cold is it in Antarctica?
With average temperatures in Antarctica varying from 28F to 44F (-2C to 6C), people are often surprised how mild the Frozen Continent can be. Expedition ships only visit during Austral summer, so it's a much more hospitable climate than during winter. You can often find yourself overheating when walking uphill through the snow!
That said, Antarctica is a continent of surprises and strong winds can create a wind chill factor that cools you down quickly. This is especially true if you're out on deck whale watching or admiring spectacular icebergs. Luckily, with the right waterproof and windproof clothing, and while using layers to trap heat, it's easy to stay warm and dry. You can find out more in our guide to what to wear in Antarctica.
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Where do Antarctic cruises leave from?
Expedition cruises sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula generally leave from the southern tip of South America. Ushuaia in Argentina and Puerto Williams in Chile are the two most commonly used ports. If you're skipping the Drake Passage crossing and flying to Antarctica, your plane will generally depart from Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales in Chile.
A small number of expeditions heading to the little-visited Ross Sea side of Antarctica will depart from Australia and New Zealand.
For more information, read about how to get to Antarctica.
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Antarctic Adventure Activities
Picture a humpback whale gliding past your kayak or sleeping out in the pristine snow of a polar campsite. An adventure activity can take your Antarctic cruise to the next level.
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Antarctica & South Georgia Cruises
A jewel in Antarctica's crown, South Georgia is one of the world's great wildlife destinations: the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean
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Antarctic Peninsula Wildlife
The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the best wildlife watching destinations on Earth, with a host of penguins, whales, seals and more to discover.
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Fly & Cruise Antarctica
Fly & Cruise trips offer the best of Antarctica in one simple package: flying to the Peninsula in two hours to join an expedition cruise ship for a classic polar adventure.
Discover MoreReady 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 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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