best tour companies for antarctica

Antarctica Cruises & Tours

Explore Antarctica on an out-of-this-world adventure 

With us, it’s good trips only. And as far as good old-fashioned adventures go, this is the big one. You’ll cross the infamous Drake Passage and set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore ice-dotted bays by Zodiac. Marvel at waddling gentoo penguins and spot migrating blue whales. The reasons why you should visit Antarctica are endless. By traveling with us, you'll experience this incredible part of the world in a way that builds human connection and gets closer to nature while respecting the environment. 

'Antarctic cruises' doesn't really do it justice. These are Antarctic adventures. 

Our Antarctica trips

The ocean endeavour: inside our expedition ship.

The Ocean Endeavour, is built tough to withstand even the harshest conditions, yet provides additional comforts like warm, 3-course meals, spacious common areas and extra amenities – including our day spa. With an enviable 1:8 crew-to-passenger ratio, you’ll enjoy a more personal, informative and comfortable trip. 

Why choose us

Our Ocean Endeavour is built tough; designed to handle the harsh Antarctic wilderness with ease while ensuring your safety at every step of the adventure.

Our experienced expedition team are at the top of their fields. You’ll find out everything you want to know from our Antarctic experts, including naturalists and ornithologists.  

We don’t call them hands-on, feet-on adventures for nothing. Get closer to the action with, not one, but two daily excursions on land and, via Zodiacs, at sea. 

Our onboard creature comforts will warm you up after your Antarctic outings. Expect 3-course meals, 24/7 tea and coffee and fascinating evening seminars.  

We’re committed to providing the highest safety standards, which is why the Ocean Endeavour, and all our operations teams undergo regular safety audits.

We’re deeply committed to being a responsible business and take considered steps to minimize our impact, support vital research and promote conservation in the Antarctic.  

Antarctica tour reviews

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Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)

12 hours in the shoes (or muck boots) of a traveller visiting Antarctica  

When your day job is leading expeditions to the bottom of the earth in Antarctica 

Globetrotters share what it’s like to spend your birthday with Intrepid

This is what it’s like to collaborate with real scientists in Antarctica

Everything you need to know about the Ocean Endeavour

Arctic vs Antarctic cruises: How to choose your polar expedition

The 10 Antarctica questions you want answered

Pro tips and travel tales from Antarctica photography guide Andrew Miller

Antarctica Optional Experiences

Antarctica citizen science program

Antarctica camping

Polar kayaking adventures

Antarctica snowshoeing

Antarctica photography

Antarctica day paddle

Antarctica stand-up paddleboarding

Extend your adventure

Beyond the Ocean Endeavour

Popular regions

Antarctica at a glance.

(UTC+13:00) New Zealand

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about Antarctica

Eating and drinking.

Eating and drinking in Antarctica is done aboard your expedition ship, with all meals provided for the duration of your journey. Tea and coffee, as well as soft drinks and juices, are ready to greet you when you come back from a shore landing and at meal times, while alcoholic beverages are also available, but for an additional price.

Breakfasts and lunches tend to be buffet style, while dinners are typically served tableside and usually feature three courses. The range of food is diverse, with professional chefs preparing a wide selection of gourmet dishes, and a vegetarian option is always included. Afternoon tea, with pastries or cookies, is also provided every day.

If you have any dietary requirements or food allergies, please let us know before the trip starts. If you have a more restrictive dietary requirement (vegan, gluten intolerance, fructose intolerance, etc) it is likely you can be catered for. Unfortunately, we are unable to cater for a kosher diet.

There may not be any stores on the Antarctic Peninsula, but that doesn't mean you can't do any shopping. The Ocean Endeavour has its very own polar boutique equipped with every little knickknack and thingamabob you might need to help commemorate your journey to the seventh continent (think all the essentials, clothing and souvenirs).

Geography and environment

Encompassed by the Antarctic convergence (an uneven line of latitude where the cold waters of the Antarctic merge with the warmer waters of the world's oceans), Antarctica is both cold and remote, located in the Southern Hemisphere. Due to its south-polar position, the Antarctic continent is covered in ice and experiences very harsh conditions unsuitable for permanent human residency.

While plenty of animals live in Antarctica (such as various species of whale, penguin, seal and bird), there are very few humans that call Antarctica home, instead using the region as a base for research. There are no cities in Antarctica but there are several research stations positioned on the continent belonging to various countries like Russia, the United States and Australia.

History and government

Antarctica was formed around 35 million years ago and remained undiscovered until around 1820 when Russian explorers spotted the mainland. However, this may have only been the first documented discovery of Antarctica, as it's believed that Pacific Islanders may have reached the white continent in 650 AD.

There were many attempts to set foot at the South Pole in the early 20th century, so much so that it was dubbed the 'Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration', with many trying and failing until a Norwegian explorer by the name of Roald Amundsen reached in 1911. Exploration didn't stop there though with a total of 17 major expeditions launched in the following years from 10 different countries, the last one being Ernest Shackleton's last ill-fated voyage in 1917.

Antarctica isn't owned by one single country, instead governed internationally through the Antarctic Treaty system signed in 1959 by 12 countries who had sent scientists to Antarctica during and around that time. These countries included Argentina, Australia, France, Japan, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Further reading

Antarctica travel faqs, where is antarctica.

Antarctica refers to the seventh continent of the world and is largely situated in the Antarctic Circle - a line of latitude sitting at around 66.5° south of the equator - at the base of the globe.

The Antarctic refers to the region made up of south polar zones that include the seas and some outlying islands. 

What country is Antarctica in?

Antarctica isn't part of one single country, rather it is a continent governed under a series of recognized guidelines and agreements called the Antarctic Treaty System.

What are the possible landing sites in Antarctica?

Each expedition includes stops at various landing sites around the Antarctic but when you stop at them and for how long often depends on the weather, as well as sea ice and wildlife movement. 

What types of animals live in Antarctica?

While Antarctica may not be hospitable to human life, there are plenty of animal species that call the seventh continent their home. This includes penguins, whales, sea birds, seals, and more. 

What is it like travelling solo on a cruise to Antarctica?

While you can't embark on an expedition to the world's seventh continent alone, you can travel solo on a group tour to Antarctica.

This means you'll still have plenty of free time to do your own thing (and use the ship's excellent amenities) but also have the comfort of knowing expert leaders are handling the pesky logistics.

You can also choose from a variety of accommodation arrangements, from single cabins to room-sharing, depending on your preference. 

When is the best time to visit Antarctica?

Antarctica is best visited in the summer months from November to March when the weather is warmer and the sea ice has melted enough to get closer to the island shore.

What is the weather like in Antarctica?

The climate in Antarctica is the coldest one on Earth with cold summers and freezing winters. The warmest month is January with averages of around 50°F.

What do I wear in Antarctica?

You have to be prepared and thorough when packing for Antarctica due to its remote location. Make sure you bring lots of layers, gloves, sunscreen, and moisturizer among other items.

Is there internet, wi-fi, email or telephone access available on the ships?

Internet access is available on most Antarctic ships, at a cost. Alternatively, there may be a ship-based email system where you will have an email account to stay in touch with family and friends. Because of the remoteness of Antarctica, connections can be slow, so all ships charge for data used rather than time spent online. Please refer to your detailed pre-departure information for more information on Internet facilities on your ship.

Will my cell phone work in Antarctica? 

Your cell phone will not work during your Antarctica cruise as the continent is still considered extremely remote and doesn't have the right telecommunication infrastructure in place.

Can my family and friends contact me while I’m on board in the case of an emergency at home?

Yes. There is a number to call the ship and you can purchase data for the wi-fi onboard, although the connection is intermittent and not to be relied on.

How do I choose an Antarctic cruise?

Deciding on the Antarctic cruise that suits you best comes down to figuring out the time of year you want to go, the itinerary, and how long you want the cruise to be.

How much does a cruise to Antarctica cost?

The cost of an Antarctica cruise largely depends on the departure date, how long the cruise goes for, and the type of cabin you book on the ship but most cruises start from USD$4,500.

How fit do I need to be to travel to Antarctica?

While the destination itself might conjure up images of nefarious voyages only the fittest can endure, you only need to be in good health and be able to move around freely to participate in and enjoy Antarctica's numerous activities and adventures.

If you have an average fitness level (and above) you are compatible with Antarctica travel, so you don't need to spend hours in the gym before considering booking a trip. 

How do we meet our responsible travel targets in Antarctica?

This question is something we thought long and hard about before deciding to run our own ship in Antarctica. We’re deeply committed to being a responsible business and understanding the impact we have on the places we visit. All Intrepid trips are  100% carbon neutral , but we are driven to do more, from committing to science-based decarbonisation targets to and recently updating our  Seven-point Climate Action Plan . 

We’ve approached responsible travel in Antarctica with three areas of focus that we believe will create the greatest positive impact: inspiring travellers, supporting science and protecting the environment. 

Does my trip to Antarctica support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Antarctica directly support our foundation partner, WWF.

WWF-Australia is a well-established conservation organisation helping protect our natural environment. Donations from our trips help their pioneering whale research and conservation efforts to establish marine protected areas around Antarctica and save whale species from extinction. 

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Want to learn more about Antarctica?

Want more of a taste of what an adventure to the Great White Continent would be like? Our free guidebook shows you what wildlife you might see, the places you might go, how to be a responsible traveler, gives you tips on what to pack and more.  

Full list of Antarctica FAQs

If your question has'nt been answered,   read our full list of Antarctica FAQs   or contact us.

Can’t find what you’re looking for or want to know more? You can  contact us  24 hours 7 days a week, with any burning (or shall we say freezing?) questions. Our Antarctic specialists are here to help.

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The 7 top antarctica cruises for 2024 + tips from an expert.

Plan your next epic adventure to the White Continent.

The Top Antarctica Cruises

Yuri Matisse Choufour | Courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions

Experience otherworldly beauty on an Antarctica cruise.

An expedition to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for intrepid travelers who want to explore this remote destination at the bottom of the world. The landscapes are surreal, with eerily blue icebergs, towering ice-capped mountains, dramatic weather conditions that change within seconds and species of wildlife that exist nowhere else on Earth – it's hard to imagine until you've made the long journey yourself.

The fifth-largest continent is home to the largest ice sheet on the planet, the Antarctic Ice Sheet, as well as the Transantarctic Mountains, with peaks soaring more than 14,700 feet into the sky. West Antarctica has volcanoes that are part of a tectonically active area around the Pacific Ocean known as the "Ring of Fire." This incredibly diverse and magical part of the world also has the coldest temperature ever recorded at -135.8 degrees Fahrenheit in 2010.

U.S. News has compiled a selection of seven different Antarctic experiences to help you plan your bucket list adventure to the White Continent.

Book an Antarctica cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Atlas Ocean Voyages: 11-night Ushuaia Roundtrip

Courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages

This 11-night expedition with Atlas is available on several dates in 2024. One highlight of the voyage is crossing the Antarctic Circle, along with four days exploring Antarctica and two days spent in the South Shetland Islands. You'll also have two days en route to Antarctica and two days on the return trip on the famed Drake Passage – also known as the "Drake Lake" (on smooth days) or the "Drake Shake" (when the seas are rough).

During your days at sea, take in all the onboard lectures and films about Antarctica, and head outside on the decks to see petrels and albatrosses soaring overhead. This is the perfect opportunity to practice your photography skills before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula, where you want to take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.

Atlas' Jan. 14 expedition is on the line's newest ship, World Voyager. The purpose-built yacht-style vessel features a hydro-jet propulsion system that's quieter and less disruptive to the fragile ecosystem. This feature also provides the opportunity for guests to see more wildlife during up-close encounters. Pricing is all-inclusive on board the ship with free open bars; all meals, wines, spirits and craft beers; a stocked in-room minibar; all landings, Zodiac excursions and lectures; the use of kayaks, walking sticks, knee boots and binoculars; and a souvenir Atlas jacket to take home. Fares also include a one-night pre-cruise stay and private charter jet service round-trip from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Aurora Expeditions: Antarctic Peninsula in Depth

Tyson Mayr | Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

Aurora offers a 14-night Antarctic intensive voyage sailing round-trip from Ushuaia on Nov. 6, 2024, aboard the 132-passenger purpose-built expedition ship Greg Mortimer. This vessel was the first passenger ship to utilize the state-of-the-art Ulstein X-BOW, which provides a smoother, quicker and more efficient transit across the ocean. The ship also incorporates many environmentally conscious features, including low energy consumption and virtual anchoring, which protects the sea floor and minimizes damage caused by traditional anchors.

Guests will find expansive observation decks and hydraulic viewing platforms for optimal wildlife viewing on board. Other highlights of the expedition are nine full days to explore the Antarctic Peninsula in nearly 24 hours of daylight at the peak of summer. During this time, you can expect to see whales arriving to feed on the plentiful krill, fur seal pups and many entertaining penguins.

Prices are mostly all-inclusive, with a one-night hotel stay before boarding the ship; all meals, snacks and complimentary nonalcoholic beverages; beer and house wine at lunch and dinner; the use of Muck Boots for the expedition; all shore excursions and Zodiac cruises; educational lectures; and more. Adventurous explorers can add on activities (at an additional cost) such as sea kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, and skiing or snowboarding. The line also offers longer 20- to 24-day expeditions that include South Georgia Island.

Read: Sustainable Cruises: The Top Lines Making Progress

Hurtigruten Expeditions: Antarctica, Patagonia and Chilean Fjords Expedition

Dan Avila | Courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions

For an extended adventure that includes crossing the Drake Passage twice, spending up to five days in Antarctica and then landing on Cape Horn in Chile (weather permitting), consider the 25-night grand expedition cruise aboard the Hutrigruten Expeditions' MS Roald Amundsen. Additional highlights are scenic cruising in Garibaldi Fjord in Alberto de Agostini National Park to see the Garibaldi Glacier; visiting the town of Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park ; and seeing the longest Southern Hemisphere glacier outside of Antarctica (which grows by as much as 150 feet a day), the Pio XI Glacier in Bernado O'Higgins National Park. This epic adventure begins March 9, 2024, in Buenos Aires and ends in Valparaíso, Chile.

The ship for the voyage, MS Roald Amundsen, is a hybrid vessel that reduces CO2 emissions by using electrical propulsion – and it's designed specifically for use in polar waters. The vessel carries just 500 guests (to adhere to regulations for visiting Antarctica) and features all exterior cabins with Scandinavian inspired decor. Guests will also find an Explorer lounge and bar, three dining venues, the Science Center, a sauna and spa, and other amenities. Fares are mostly all-inclusive, covering a complimentary expedition jacket; the use of expedition equipment like boots and trekking poles; landing activities; most dining options; and wine, beer and soft drinks at meals.

Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic: Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent

Ralph Lee Hopkins | Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions was the first company to bring citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, pioneering travel to this remote destination. The line's 13-night expedition to Antarctica is offered nearly 20 times throughout the summer season in 2024 on one of three ships. Depending on the ship, guests will have one evening in either Buenos Aires or Santiago, Chile , before flying to Ushuaia the next morning to embark the vessel.

With about five days to explore Antarctica, you'll have time to take in the awe-inspiring landscapes and look for seals and blue-eyed shags up close from Zodiacs. On land, watch thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins as they playfully slide down the snow-covered hills on their bellies – one right after the other – diving headfirst into the icy waters. After the adventure, a private charter flight will return you to either Buenos Aires or Santiago before your return flight home.

The line's newest expedition vessel, National Geographic Resolution, accommodates just 138 guests – and there are two new cabins for solo cruisers . Guests on the Polar Class 5 vessel will have a National Geographic photographer and a Lindblad-National Geographic-certified photo instructor and video chronicler documenting the trip. Onboard amenities include a yoga studio, a wellness specialist, infinity-style hot tubs, two restaurants and a chef's table, and plenty of indoor and outdoor viewing areas. This ship also carries an ROV (a remotely operated vehicle) for underwater exploration and other high-tech video gear.

You can even book an overnight stay in an igloo (on a first-come, first-served basis) and spend the evening under the polar sky. Fares are mostly all-inclusive and include all onboard meals and most meals ashore; nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages; transfers; excursions; a complimentary jacket; and more.

Silversea: King George Island to King George Island (Antarctica Bridge)

Courtesy of Silversea

Silversea's six-night Antarctica Bridge expedition takes guests round-trip by a business class flight directly to the Antarctica Peninsula, flying into King George Island from Punta Arenas, Chile. This itinerary is offered several times throughout the season for guests who don't have extensive time to travel – or are nervous about sailing the Drake Passage. Silversea 's pricing is all-inclusive, and guests can choose between door-to-door or port-to-port fares.

While the weather determines the specific itinerary in Antarctica, guests can expect to have several excursions in the Antarctic Sound and as many as nine excursions on the Antarctic Peninsula that include hiking, kayaking and scenic Zodiac cruises with the expedition team. There's also one excursion in the South Shetland Islands, where you can look for massive elephant seals. There will be an abundance of bird and animal viewing on wildlife-rich King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, which is home to Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins as well as Weddell and leopard seals.

Oceanwide Expeditions and Swoop Antarctica: Quest for the Emperor Penguins of Snow Hill Island

Getty Images

Swoop Antarctica's 10-night adventure-filled journey takes wildlife and history enthusiasts into the ice-choked waters of the Weddell Sea, past towering tabular icebergs, in search of the emperor penguin's rookery on Snow Hill: one of the most remote penguin rookeries on the planet. The incredible itinerary also sails through the same waters where famed Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship, the Endurance, sank in 1915 – and to the rarely seen west slopes of the Antarctic Sound.

Other highlights include Zodiac and helicopter landings (weather permitting) to additional remote locales, including Seymour Island, where the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901 to 1904 spent a winter season; Brown Bluff, one of the most scenic places on the northern tip of the Antarctic Continent and home to a large Adélie penguin rookery; and the volcanic crater of Deception Island.

There are two sailings in November 2024 on board the 1A-class, ice-strengthened Oceanwide Expeditions' Ortelius: a 108-passenger former Russian research vessel. Fares includes all meals and nonalcoholic beverages, all Zodiac and shore excursions, educational lectures, helicopter transfers, and group transfers. Optional adventure activities, alcoholic beverages and other personal expenses are at an additional cost.

The onboard helicopter pad is one of the features of the vessel and is used on select expeditions in the Weddell and Ross seas. It's important to note that very few companies offer expeditions to the Weddell Sea that include Snow Hill Island. While Ortelius is not a luxury vessel like other ships mentioned in this list, it is a stable expedition-style ship built for these icy – and at times treacherous – waters and weather conditions.

Viking: Antarctica & South Georgia Island

Courtesy of Viking

Viking's 18-night Antarctica and South Georgia Island expedition begins with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires followed by a flight the next morning to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The first two stops on the expedition are in the Falkland Islands, where you'll find beautiful scenery with imposing cliffs, many types of marine birds and five species of penguins. In South Georgia, watch for king penguins and seals. Then, it's on to Antarctica for days 12 through 16. Guests will have the option to reserve a spot on the Viking DNV-classed submarine for a thrilling journey into the depths of the frigid waters in Antarctica. The return sailing, by way of the Drake Passage, disembarks in Ushuaia.

In 2024, this itinerary is available Jan. 31 and again Dec. 15 on Viking Octantis. The purpose-built Polar Class 6 vessel accommodates up to 378 guests and offers many of the same venues found on Viking's ocean ships, including the Explorers' Lounge, World Café, Mamsen's, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and the Nordic Spa. There are also expedition-specific features, such as Expedition Central, the Science Lab and – for educational lectures and briefings – the Aula theater. Viking's fares are mostly all-inclusive, with all meals and wine and beer served with lunch and dinner; 24-hour specialty teas, coffees and nonalcoholic beverages; a keepsake Viking jacket; complimentary use of the excursion gear; and more.

Find an Antarctica cruise on GoToSea.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Expert tips on Antarctica expeditions

There are many factors to consider when planning an Antarctica expedition, including where you want to travel to, the length of the trip and whether you want to sail the famed Drake Passage twice.

To provide helpful insights and information to plan your trip, U.S. News reached out to an expert in the region, Aurora Expeditions' expedition leader, Ashley Perrin , for tips on planning your adventure to the White Continent. Perrin has degrees in both geography and oceanography from the University of Southampton. She was appointed as the first woman boating officer in Antarctica by the British Antarctic Survey in 2009, and has led multiple expeditions to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands.

Which month is best (in your opinion) to travel to Antarctica and why? 

Perrin: "My favorite time to travel to Antarctica is the end of December or beginning of January, because the penguin chicks are starting to come out and you get the most wildlife spotting opportunities, with marine mammals, penguins and albatross – on top of the spectacular scenery."

What length of trip do you recommend for first-time visitors?

Perrin: "The 10- to 12-day Spirit of Antarctica or Antarctic Explorer (with Aurora Expeditions) is a fantastic introduction to the Antarctic Peninsula. If you had the additional time and opportunity, ideally you would also opt for a voyage that visits South Georgia. For many travelers, this is really the jewel in the crown of the Antarctic experience because of the incredible wildlife opportunities here."

What should you look for in an expedition ship/tour when planning a trip to Antarctica?

Perrin: "Travelers should look for a high-quality educational experience, including lectures and opportunities for Citizen Science. This is such a fascinating and important destination, and you want to ensure you can learn and take as much in as you can. A pivotal factor in this is also choosing a company that offers low passenger numbers.

"Travelers don't have enough of an understanding of the impact of this on their voyage. In the Antarctic Peninsula only 100 people are allowed on land at one time, while at some sites it is 30 to 50 people. Having smaller groups enables passengers to have more time off ship exploring and connecting with nature, and this has such a significant impact on your experience.

"If you like to be a little more active, I would also highly recommend an operator that offers activities, such as kayaking in Antarctica. This allows you to see Antarctica from a different viewpoint and the silence is amazing. You still have opportunities to do landings as well, so I think it's the best of both worlds."

Do you prefer the combination fly/sail for the Drake Passage or sailing the Drake Passage both ways?

Perrin: "I prefer to sail both ways as it's how you earn your right to get to Antarctica! You also get more opportunities to see wildlife like seabirds, and it gives you extra time to prepare for the Antarctic experience through pre-lectures and education. Travelers arrive with more of an understanding of what to expect."

Any other tips, advice or comments you'd like to share?

Perrin: "Do your research into the operator you are choosing and their different offerings – things like passenger numbers, expedition team experience and off ship activities – as these can all have a significant impact on the travel experience. There is also a big difference between traditional cruise operators and expedition operators and what travelers can expect. We ensure that our passengers are exploring and getting off the ship as much as possible.

"I would also add that it's important to do your research into the areas that you're most interested in. For example, it could be history, exploration and walking in someone's footsteps (such as Sir Ernest Shackleton), or the types of wildlife you might see. Having a deeper understanding of the history and the region really does enhance the experience once you are there."

Frequently Asked Questions

An expedition where you get off the ship and make landings on the Antarctic peninsula typically costs about $10,000 per person for a 10-night voyage. However, depending on the cruise line, the ship and dates of travel – and whether you sail or fly the Drake Passage – you could spend as much as $29,000 per person for a 12-night expedition or more. There are slightly lower prices for some expeditions, such as a few with Hurtigruten Expeditions, and you can find reduced fares and deals with lines like Atlas Ocean Voyages and Quark Expeditions. In addition, there are extended polar expeditions that range from a 14-night trip to the 94-night Pole-to-Pole Ultimate Bucket List Expedition Cruise with Hurtigruten Expeditions, which is priced at close to $48,000.

If you're not interested in getting off the ship in Antarctica to see penguins and seals up close (but no closer than 15 feet, according to the Antarctic Treaty), you can opt for a voyage on a large cruise ship that sails around the continent for a much lower cost. Just know that you won't be able to disembark at any point in Antarctica. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line has a 14-night Antarctica and South America voyage that makes a round trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina, for as low as $999 per person. You may be able to find even cheaper fares from lines such as Celebrity Cruises or Princess Cruises.

It's important to note that by the rules set forth in the Antarctic Treaty, only ships carrying 500 or less passengers are permitted to make landings on the Antarctica peninsula. The Antarctic Treaty, along with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, has strict conservation protocols and regulates that no more than 100 passengers are allowed to go ashore at one time. The IAATO works with more than 100 Antarctica outfitters to create the guidelines and safety procedures to protect the fragile environment and wildlife in this remote part of the world.

The following cruise lines offer small ship expeditions in Antarctica with no more than 500 passengers. You can also look at tour companies – such as Abercrombie & Kent, G Adventures, Adventure Life and Swoop Antarctica – that exclusively charter ships or help navigate the decision-making process for their clients and book individual expeditions with the cruise lines.

• Atlas Ocean Voyages
• Aurora Expeditions
• Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
• Hurtigruten Expeditions
• Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic
• Quark Expeditions
• Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• Seabourn Cruise Line

These larger cruise lines offer sailings around the Antarctic Peninsula, which may include scenic cruising in and around the Gerlache Strait, Elephant Island, Paradise Bay and Schollart Channel.

• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Royal Caribbean International

The answer depends on the expedition. The majority of passengers will depart from South America in either Ushuaia, Argentina – which is also known as the "End of the World" – or Punta Arenas, Chile. Then it will take approximately two days to cross the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula. Some lines also offer chartered flights from Punta Arenas to Antarctica, which only take about two hours. Some passengers who have taken the flight say it can be as unnerving as sailing the Drake Passage, since weather conditions can delay the flight for up to several days where you could potentially miss the trip.

Cruises on larger ships that only sail around the Antarctic Peninsula may embark in Buenos Aires; Santiago, Chile; Puerto Williams, Chile; Rio de Janeiro; ports in Florida or New Zealand; or even the South Shetland Islands.

The expedition and cruise season to Antarctica extends from November to March, which is during the austral summer in the Southern Hemisphere. But Antarctica is still the windiest, coldest and driest continent on Earth, so weather conditions are unpredictable and can change quickly – even during the summertime. One minute the sun may be out, and the next minute it can be snowing and extremely windy and cloudy.

Visitors in November can expect temperatures between a low of 25 degrees to a high of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest temperatures are typically in January, when you'll find days ranging between 33 to 36 degrees before they start to drop again in February.

Most expedition companies provide jackets that you can take home, so you won't need to bring a heavy parka if it's given to you on board. They may also provide waterproof boots that you'll need to use for wet landings. It's best to check with your expedition line to see what's available on the ship, what you can rent or buy, and what you'll need to pack and bring with you. Due to the unpredictable weather, it's advisable to bring different types of layers.

Here are some of the items you'll want to pack:

Layers: Pack at least two top and two bottom quick-drying base layers (or more, depending on the length of your expedition) that wick moisture, such as those made of silk, wool or bamboo. It does get toasty when you're layered up and moving around ashore, so choose lightweight options that will layer easily under the rest of your clothing and keep you warm and dry. For your mid-layer top, go with a lightweight polar fleece or vest; for the bottom, quick-drying warm tights or fleece pants are a good option.

You'll also want to layer what's on your feet, starting with a wicking pair of socks made from silk or synthetic polypropylene, followed by a good pair of merino wool socks from a brand like Smartwool. Glove liners are another must, especially if your hands tend to get cold. If you can, buy insulated waterproof gloves with removable liners to save packing an extra item. You may also want to toss a few hand and foot warmers in the suitcase in case you need extra warmth. Bring a lighter pair of insulated gloves for warmer days off the ship.

And don't forget a lined wool beanie, a set of earmuffs, and a balaclava or fleece neck gaiter to keep your ears and face warm and your nose and mouth protected from the cold air and wind.

Waterproof gear: The parka and tall waterproof boots may be provided on the ship, but if they're not, you'll need to bring your own. You'll also need wind- and waterproof pants to go over your base layer and mid-layers. If they're tapered at the bottom, you should be able to tuck them into your boots. Perrin says this is one of the most important items you should purchase and pack for your expedition.

Comfy clothes ­and shoes for around the ship: Most people dress casual on Antarctica cruises, so bring clothes that will be comfortable for days and evenings around the ship. It can get rough when crossing the Drake Passage, so you'll want flat or low-heeled shoes for those days at sea.

Other items you'll want to pack:

• Waterproof dry pack
• Sea-Bands and medications for motion sickness
• Camera and accessories with a waterproof cover
• Hiking poles (unless the ship has them available)
• Swimsuit (you may want to take the polar plunge!)
• Other necessary medications
• Hydrating lip balm and a good protective moisturizer
• Polarized sunglasses
• Books on the history of early exploration in Antarctica and the incredible wildlife

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi River, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a traditional masted sailing ship and on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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South Pole / Antarctica Tours

Our trips to the South Pole are unforgettable adventures just waiting to happen. Begin your journey in Argentina and make your way through Antarctic icy waters, discovering the region’s wildlife and sights along the way. The scenery in these parts is unlike anything you’ve seen before.

112 Antarctica / South Pole tours with 83 reviews

• Ocean Cruise

Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness (Ocean Endeavour)

Antarctica Classic

What an experience. G Adventure has mastered the art of making your experience really stand out and they have delivered. G Expedition is an old small ship but really well maintained, upgraded and taken care of. The Crew is absolutely amazing in catering to your every need. Plenty of food to go around every day, drinks were reasonably priced for a ship. There's an on-board sauna which was of great use after a day of excursion in frigid Antarctic weather. There's briefing every day on weather condition, plan, wild life and what to expect. Everyone's extremely punctual and runs all the events on the dot, yet makes it somewhat relaxing somehow. There's an on-board doctor if you need any help. Internet is bit pricy ($40 USD for 2GB) but You are in the middle of Antarctic, so. Camping in a must do experience. So is Kayaking but that happens everyday, so might get a bit tiring. Onboard presentation about the history, wildlife, seals and whales and many other things to keep you busy and engaged. There's on onboard library, games, a polar bar, live entertainment so you'll never get bored. Overall, it's one of the best trip you'll take in life, guaranteed.

Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Go! Mind blowing scenery in an amazing place. We spent two days south of the Antarctic Circle. G Adventures were fantastic in all regards, great ship and incredible crew.

Spitsbergen Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway (2025), Operated by Quark

• Christmas & New Year

Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)

Great trip. One of best ones ever.

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake, Operated by Quark

The trip was amazing and the pristine environment in Antarctica needs to be seen and felt to be appreciated. Quark provided a platform to conduct the the trip in a sustainable manner, impeccable procedures to preserve the environment and also good food to enjoy. Thoroughly enjoyable and unforgettable trip. One suggestion for Quark is to clearly advise future participants to cater 2-3 days leeway to allow for flights delay or cancellation due to the changeable weather conditions. There was a 2 days delay for my trip due to planes being unable to land in Antarctica due to accumulated snow on the runway. This caused a frantic rush to change flights and other travel arrangements for many participants aggravated by the limited internet access in Antarctica which could be avoidable or mitigated if the participants were advised of probable delays prior to the trip.

THE ANTARCTIC ADRENALINE ADVENTURE

Classic Antarctica - 10 days

We can’t say enough good things about this tour, the ship and the crew. Our time on board was fantastic. Our captain had a great deal of experience and we felt completely safe at all times on the ship. The expedition team were knowledgable and friendly, and all the crew from the deck hands to the bridge went out of their way to be helpful and kind. The food was wonderful, the scenery unbelievable and the small passenger group made us all into friends by the end of the journey. If you have ever wanted to visit the White Continent, book your trip on the MV Ushuaia and be prepared to have the experience of a lifetime!!

Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands- Ocean Victory & Ocean Albatros

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica aboard Sea Spirit

King Penguins of the Falklands and South Georgia - Expedition

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Wildlife Adventure

Longing Destination Arctic Circle

On the White Continent up to 90 Degrees South

Antarctica in Depth (Start Buenos Aires, End Buenos Aires, 2025)

Antarctica / south pole tour reviews.

Wonderful crew and staff on board, amazing experience that really can‘t be accurately described. Thank you!

excellent in each and every aspect

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• Best Time to Visit Antarctica
• Antarctic Wildlife: Animals You Can See in Antarctica
• Kayaking in Antarctica: What to Know & What to Expect
• Camping in Antarctica: Everything You Need to Know
• Hiking in Antarctica: What to Know & How to Prepare
• Zodiac Cruising & Shore Landings in Polar Regions
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• Nederlands: Antartica / Zuidpool Rondreizen

• Homeroom Travel

10+ of the Best Antarctica Cruises: Which Antarctica Tour Company Should You Book?

• January 24, 2023

Visiting Antarctica is on many people’s bucket lists, and it can be quite a daunting task to even begin to plan this trip of a lifetime. I know when I started planning, I easily spent months deciding which company to take this trip with. The following post goes over some of the best Antarctica cruises and Antarctica tour companies to use. 

This post hopefully helps take some of the legwork and guesswork out of which company to book and I have compiled reviews of some of the more popular options. This way, you can find the best Antarctica tour company for you! Also, make sure to check out these tips for visiting Antarctica once you book your trip and learn more about the cost of visiting Antarctica .

Table of Contents

Best Time To Visit Antarctica

The best Antarctica cruises run from November to March as this is summertime in Antarctica. Wildlife is most active during this time and it offers the most hours of daylight. The best time to visit during these months depends on what you would like to see. Prices are typically cheaper in November and March. 

• Largest Icebergs: November to December
• Penguins Chicks: December to February 
• Whales: December to April
• Breeding Elephant Seals: November to December 
• Ross Sea: January to February
• Warmest Weather: December to February

What is the Best Antarctica Cruise to Choose?

When deciding on the best Antarctica cruises or Antartica tour company, there are several things you should think about. Knowing what you want for the following questions will help narrow down some options for you. 

• What is my budget?
• How long do I want my Antarctica trip to be?
• How large of a ship do I want to be on?
• What amenities do I want on the ship?
• What excursions do I want to take?
• Do I want flights to Ushuaia included?

The Best Antarctica Tour Companies

Hurtigruten.

Cost: $8000 and up

Length: 12-23 days

Passengers: 500

Hurtigruten is one of the best Antarctica tour companies for those wanting to spend the least amount possible while still being able to step foot on the continent. 

Their cruises range from 12 to 23 days that begin in Buenos Aires and includes a charter flight to and from Ushuaia. Cruises start at around $8000 with longer voyages starting at $17,000. 

Included with your Hurtigruten Cruise are flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, all meals, beverages at meals, a parka you get to keep, boots and hiking poles to borrow for the trip, educational lectures onboard, and photography help. 

There are a lot of pros to traveling with Hurtigruten. The staff was all very friendly and had a lot of knowledge. The educational lectures were very interesting and we learned a lot from them. There were a lot more amenities on the ship since it was a larger ship. The biggest pro for me was it included flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. 

Nevertheless, there were still some cons to booking with Hurtigruten. While it was nice to be on a larger ship, it meant less time on land as only 100 people can get off the ship at once. This also meant it was not as intimate as the staff-to-passenger ratio was about 1:4.

Another con is that all of the excursions are a lottery and you cannot pre-book any of them. Thus, if you have your heart set on camping or kayaking, it is better to go with a company where you can book these excursions from the beginning. This was also not communicated to us upfront. Nevertheless, Hurteigruten is still one of the best Antarctica cruises.

Viking Cruises

By Amanda (a friend I met on a Panama Canal Cruise)

Cost: $12,000 and up

Length: 13-35 days

Passengers: 378

Viking Cruises is one of the best best Antarctica cruises and Antarctica tour companies for many reasons. A Viking cruise to Antarctica is an all-inclusive cruise where you do have to worry about additional costs once on board. They even include activities like kayaking and a submarine voyage. 

They offer three different cruises that range from $12k to $68k depending on the length of time, type of room booked, and the number of people in a room. All three cruises start in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and include a charter flight to and from Ushuaia. 

Viking has two Expedition ships: The Octantis and Polaris. Both ships are exactly the same model and hold up to 378 guests. Each passenger gets an outer jacket to take home. Boots, outer pants, and poles are provided. 

The ships have zodiacs, two special operation boats, two submarines, and pedal “kayaks”. The zodiacs are used to go ashore or just travel around in a smaller area. The Special Operation Boats hold twelve people in shock-absorbing seats and can travel further from the ship. The submarines hold six passengers and a pilot. The pedal kayaks hold two people and are powered by foot power. 

At both lunch and dinner, beer and wine are included; if one wants other alcoholic beverages, there is a beverage package, or you can buy additional drinks. There are three eating areas: World Cafe, Restaurant, and Manfredi’s (an Italian restaurant). Both the Restaurant and Manfredi’s require a reservation.

The cons of Viking Cruises is the selection of activities depending on room classification. Another con, which applies to most cruise lines, is that there is no reduction for a solo traveler. A solo traveler has to pay the price of almost two people. 

G Adventures

By Cherene of Wandering Redhead

Cost: $9400 and up

Length: 11-22 days

Passengers: 130

I did G Adventure’s 14-day “ Quest For the Antarctic Circle ” trip on the MS Expedition ship which holds 130 guests. I chose this trip because of the length (12 nights on the ship and 7 days on Antarctic Peninsula) and because it crosses the Antarctic Circle.

The cost of this trip was $10,000. I saved money by booking a quad room but spent $1000 more by adding kayaking. I received a 5% discount because it was my 2nd G Adventures tour. The prices for 2024 start at $9399 for this exact trip (they offer many other trips). The prices change depending on the time of year and the type of room. 

All meals are included. They provide a parka which you can keep as well as waterproof boots for excursions which you do not keep. There is no single supplement so great for solo travelers.

G Adventures has over 30 years of history of polar expeditions and has strong environmental and sustainability initiatives, thus making it one of the best Antarctic tour companies. They attract a younger and more adventurous type of guest. I honestly cannot think of any cons except it is not THE most luxurious ship in the Antarctic. 

I was pleasantly surprised by how luxurious the MS Expedition ship was! It exceeded my expectations in every way. The crew was excellent and the food was spectacular. There was never a dull moment. 

They had many scientists and we enjoyed presentations by whale and seal experts, bird experts, geology experts, Antarctic history experts, and more. I came away from this trip with so much knowledge. They had fun nighttime activities such as karaoke, a ship musician, and game nights

I enjoyed this trip immensely and cannot imagine how it could have been any better, making it one of the best Antarctica cruises. I am actually planning to do their Arctic trip on this same ship someday.

Oceanwide Expeditions

Length: 10-33 days

Passengers: 100

Oceanwide Expeditions is one of the most experienced and one of the best Antarctica cruises and cruise operators . Based out of the Netherlands, Oceanwide has an international staff of guides, captains, chefs, and support staff. The staff is all very knowledgeable about Antarctica and local wildlife, many having backgrounds in biology or other sciences. 

What really sets Oceanwide apart from other similar operators is their attentiveness to your experience. The guest-to-staff ratio is 2:1 and they only allow slightly over 100 guests on each cruise. The 100 number is significant since in Antarctica, no more than 100 visitors can be on land at each landing point at a time due to regulations. 

There are numerous different Antarctica cruises offered by Oceanwide and just about all of them leave from Ushuaia, Argentina. While the most popular is the “classic” Antarctica cruise, which takes you to the tip of the Antarctic peninsula and back, Oceanwide also offers regular departures for South Georgia Island and the Falkland Islands. This iconic cruise adds these two penguin paradises onto four days in Antarctica. They also offer some other less common cruises that take you much deeper into the White Continent. 

Cruises with Oceanwide start at about $8000 per person for the classic Antarctica cruise and can go up to over $30,000 for the longer cruises. They do, however, participate in the last-minute deals program, where unsold cabins are offered at discount rates in the days prior to disembarkation. So if your dates are flexible you can wait for prices to drop and book last-minute. 

The ships themselves are former research vessels. The downside of Oceanwide is that it’s not as luxurious as some other cruise operators. Cabins are very basic and there is limited entertainment on board. The food is excellent though, and what it lacks in luxuries, it surely makes up with the amazing crew whose one goal is to make sure you have the experience of a lifetime. And when you cruise to Antarctica on Oceanwide Expeditions you certainly will!

Intrepid Travel

By Elli of The Wandering Quinn

Cost: $7340 and up

Length: 11-21 days

Passengers: 200

The well-known tour company Intrepid is fairly new in the Antarctica game but following my recent Antarctica cruise with them, I can’t fault them at all as it was one of the best Antarctica cruises

Their ship is the Ocean Endeavour, and I did the 11-day Best of Antarctica tour. They also do longer expeditions, there’s a 14-day tour available to book which offers more stops on the Antarctic Peninsula, and a 21-day tour visiting South Georgia and the Falkland Islands as well as the Antarctic Peninsula.

Following my trip and how long it takes to get to Antarctica, including time spent in Ushuaia at the start and end, I really think if you can stretch your time and money to go on a longer tour, it would be well worth it 

Our ship the Ocean Endeavour was a great ship to be on. It is not a luxurious ship, but that is reflected in the competitive price, with prices starting from $7400 for an 11-day Best of Antarctica tour, and it still had great facilities such as a hot tub, sauna, small gym, yoga room, library, and many other rooms to relax and socialize in. 

Food is a big part of a cruise, even a cruise to Antarctica, and I was really impressed by our meals on board, which often included a 3-course a la carte dinner.

The Intrepid staff were all really professional, and they tried really hard to get us out on all the excursions and to genuinely give us the best possible experience in Antarctica the staff is a huge asset to Intrepid.

A highlight of the trip for me was the educational program that the expedition staff delivered throughout the trip. The staff was really passionate about their jobs and Antarctica, and it was a real privilege to learn from them as well as to see Antarctica with them.

Quark Expeditions

By Merry of Virginia Vacation Guide

Cost: $5000 and up

Length: 8-23 days

Quark Expeditions is one of the best Antarctica tour companies that specialize in polar voyages to both the Arctic and Antarctica. Quark offers a wide range of trips to Antarctica. Some are as short as eight days, while others are as long as 23 days. 

The longest trip they offer is titled Epic Antarctica and includes two days at the Falkland Islands, four days at South Georgia, and seven days on the Antarctica peninsula, including a trip south of the Antarctic Circle. For travelers with a shorter time frame, Quark offers flying tours that reach Antarctica much quicker by plane from Punta Arenas, Chile. 

Antarctica trips with Quark range in price from about $5,000 per person up to $40,000 or more per person. These prices are based on the type of trip, the length of the trip, and the room type. Some travelers choose to share a room with one, two, or even three other guests to keep costs lower. Quark also offers sales throughout the year. 

The price of the tour generally includes a cabin on the ship, all meals, and complimentary wine and beer. You will also get a free waterproof parka to keep and rental muck boots for traveling by zodiac around Antarctica. Due to the cold climate, you will still want to make sure to bring proper cold-weather travel gear , including wool socks, base layers, and hand and feet warmers.

One of the pros of booking with Quark is the wide range of activities you can book as part of your trip, including kayaking, camping, hiking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Quark is also known for its excellent, knowledgeable guides, many of whom are expert scientists in their field. 

Quark also features excellent ships with extra amenities. The Ocean Endeavor focuses on wellness and has free yoga classes, a fitness center, a spa, and even a pool and hot tub! The newly built Ultramarine features state-of-the-art amenities like a theater, multiple restaurants, a spa, a sauna, and even two helicopters on board to really take your Antarctic adventure to the next level. 

Quark is also known for serving excellent food onboard. The meals feature a wide variety of fabulous meat, vegetable, and fish dishes, along with an assortment of delectable desserts. The food makes it one of the best Antarctica cruises.

One of the major drawbacks of Quark is that they operate some of the bigger expedition ships in Antarctica. Some of the ships have as many as 200 guests on board. This means that you will generally have less time on shore because more groups will need to rotate into zodiacs for landings. Antarctica strictly limits the number of people who can be on land at any given time in order to preserve the environment. 

Albatros Expeditions

By Ruma of The Holiday Story

Length: 10-20 days

Passengers: 186

Albatros Expeditions is a travel company from Denmark famous for its cruise tourism in Antarctica. They specialize in providing sustainable polar expeditions, thus making them one of the best Antarctica tour companies. The company was established in 1986 by Søren Rasmussen. Today, it’s operated by the Rasmussen family, who started the Antarctica expeditions in 2017.

Ocean Atlantic and Ocean Victory are the two ships deployed for these expeditions. Among them, Ocean Victory is a new model with top-notch amenities and a capacity of 186 guests. They offer nine different tour plans to explore the southern polar region. The shortest tour takes ten days to complete. The longest is their 20-day voyage.

This tour includes South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and Antarctica. All trips to Antarctica begin at Ushuaia, Argentina. The price for one varies between $9,999 to $14,999 according to the time of booking.

The booking includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon snacks. Beverage options are tea or coffee. Rubber boots, parkas, and other necessities are provided for all excursions. 

Expeditions are led by an experienced guide who gives a detailed tour of each place. Many of these excursions include hiking and Zodiac boats. Onboard activities include certain workshops and lectures. The need for more entertaining activities onboard might tire the guests on long trips.

Albatros Expeditions takes special care of both its guests and pristine Antarctica, thus making it one of the best Antarctica cruises. Their strive to sustainably educate people about this fascinating White Continent has brought them to the top of their game.

Poseidon Expeditions

By Kay of The Awkward Traveller

Cost: $7000 and up

Length: 11-17 days

Passengers: 111

Poseidon Expeditions offers some of the best Antarctica cruises. Their cruises range from 11-17 days. Depending on the length of the cruise, room prices per person start at $7,000 to $16,000 for triple suites and $15,000 to $30,000 for more luxurious rooms.

All meals, happy hour snacks, 24-hour tea and coffee, and special event cocktails and mocktails are included in the price of the cruise. As far as clothing items, you get a branded parka to keep, excursion boots, and hiking poles to borrow. 

Prior to embarking, you get a luxury hotel night stay in Ushuaia and airport transfers before and after the cruise. After the cruise, you get a USB drive of all professional wildlife and personal photos taken by the onboard photographer and a digital log of every day’s itinerary. 

Poseidon had many pros, which included a small boat that allowed for longer landings (2-4 hours each), complimentary photography lessons (and photography-specific excursions), and language interpreters/translators available. If you have chosen the kayaking add-on, you are able to kayak as often as the weather permits. 

Nevertheless, there are still a few cons when booking with Poseidon. Poseidon does not include the price of extra activities such as camping ($285 USD) or kayaking ($895 USD). Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are also not included.

The Best Scenic Antarctica Cruises

Celebrity cruises.

By Karen of Forever Karen

Cost: $2100 and up

Length: 14 days

Passengers: 2,850

Celebrity Cruises offers an Antarctica cruise on the Celebrity Eclipse for 2024 and Celebrity Equinox for 2025. The 14-day round trip itineraries sail from Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is one of the best Antarctica cruises because of its price.

Expect to pay about $2,100 per person for an inside cabin or $2,900 per person for a balcony stateroom, with taxes and port fees included. All meals, coffee, tea, and juices are included, but alcoholic drinks, WiFi, and gratuities are extra.

The itinerary typically includes four port days in Ushuaia (Argentina), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), Puerto Madryn (Argentina), and Montevideo in Uruguay. But the highlight of any Antarctica cruise is sailing around Cape Horn and to the frozen landscape of the South Pole.

You will enjoy a day savoring the massive icebergs in the Schollart Channel, followed by a day of seeing Gentoo penguins in Paradise Bay. The Gerlache Strait offers whale sightings, and Elephant Island is a wildlife haven for elephant seals and several types of penguins.

Celebrity vessels also have an indoor pool, complimentary saunas, and steam rooms, ideal for cruising to a cold destination.

By sailing with Celebrity Cruises, you will see a bucket list destination at a price you can afford. 

However, guests on a Celebrity vessel will only enjoy views of the frozen landscape from the ship. If you go on a smaller expedition cruise, they will allow guests to take day trips by Zodiac to the bays.

The Best Antarctica Flightseeing Tours

Chimu adventures.

By Alyse of The Invisible Tourist

Cost: $830 and up

Length: 1 day

Passengers: 178

Did you know it is possible to take a day trip to Antarctica from Australia? Yes, it’s true! Departing a few times a year, Chimu Adventures has teamed up with Antarctica Flights and Qantas to bring us specialized sightseeing flights from Australian cities over our icy continent. 

As the sightseeing flight does not actually land in Antarctica, it is considered a domestic journey, so no passport is needed for Australians. Sit back and relax on this 12-14 hour flight, with a good 4 hours flying at low altitude over glaciers, mountain peaks, and icebergs the size of large cities. 

One of the pros of this experience is prices range from $830 for an Explorer Economy seat to $5,530 for Business Class, so there is an option to suit every budget. 

Included in the price is commentary from expeditions, an info pack, and an in-flight auction for artifacts from Antarctica. Meals and beverages are also included and are the same as would be served on a long-haul international flight. You are even able to have a celebratory glass of sparkling wine if you wish.

As mentioned in this Antarctica Flights review , the only downside of this Chimu Adventures/Antarctica Flights trip is if you purchase the cheapest seat. It has no window so it would be difficult to try and see much through other passengers’ windows. Nevertheless, it is one of the best Antarctica cruises by plane!

Final Thoughts on the Best Antarctica Cruises

Other popular Antarctica cruises and tour companies include Lindblad Expeditions, which often partners with National Geographic, Silversea, Heritage Expeditions, and Bark EUROPA. Holland America also does a fabulous scenic Antarctica cruise. No matter which of the best Antarctica cruises or tour companies you choose, it will be the experience of a lifetime and well worth all of the planning. 

Share this lesson!

Great collab! I want to go to Antarctica again! I would definitely do G Adventures again but Intrepid or Quark would be a solid choice for me as well 🙂

Thank you for contributing! Quark and GAdventures sound awesome!

Wow this is such a great guide !! My parents are super interested in these cruises so I can’t wait to share this with them 🙌🏼

Antarctica is truly a bucket-list travel experience. I hope I have an opportunity to visit one day. Your thorough guide will be immensely helpful in choosing a tour operator. Thank you for your thoughtful insights.

As a travel agent, I can attest that Gadventures, Hurtigruten, and Intrepid Travel are all top-notch tour companies. Antarctica cruises are so pricey!

A cruise to the Antartica is so high on my bucketlist. Unfortunately, I’m a solo traveller so I’d have to pay double so I doubt I’ll ever get there. I didn’t realize there were so many cruiselines that went to the Antartica.

I would love to go to Antarctica! I bet the wildlife would be amazing to see

This is so helpful! I’ve been dreaming of going to Antarctica for a long time and now it’s time to start saving to make it happen. These tours aren’t cheap but I’m sure it’ll be worth it

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Hi! I’m Francesca, a native Californian and history teacher who loves to travel. I’ve been to 64 countries across 7 continents and all 50 United States.

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Falkland Islands

Weddell sea, tips for planning your antarctic cruise, how to choose an antarctic cruise.

• Book early! Fewer than 60,000 people step foot on Antarctica each year and many ships fill up many months or even years ahead of time. Plan your trip at least a year ahead of time, or even earlier if you can, for the best prices and selection.
• Choose a smaller ship, preferably with less than 200 passengers. By choosing a smaller cruising vessel for your Antarctica cruise, you are guaranteeing yourself a superior on board  experience with more opportunities for daily excursions to small bays and ports. Ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not allowed to land their passengers ashore in Antarctica.
• Choose your cruise based on activities, destinations, and cruise line experience. Use this guide, or contact one of our Antarctica cruise experts  and we'll help you find the itinerary and ship that is best suited to your you. 
• Be prepared for rough seas. If you are affected by motion sickness, then take tried and tested medications or treatments. Consider taking a flight cruise that can fly you either one, or both ways from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island.

Top-Rated Small Antarctic Cruise Ships

Magellan explorer, sylvia earle, ultramarine, greg mortimer, national geographic endurance, ocean albatros, world explorer, ocean adventurer (sea adventurer), ocean victory, ms seaventure, antarctica highlights.

• Zodiac Expeditions: Delve into the heart of Antarctica's icy realm on Zodiac expeditions. Get unbelievably close to massive icebergs and glaciers that defy imagination. Encounter unique wildlife such as seals, penguins, and majestic whales, making every moment a captivating memory.
• Antarctica Camping Trips: For an unparalleled connection with the environment, camp under the starry skies of Antarctica. Some cruises offer camping experiences complete with all the necessary equipment, ensuring your safety while you immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the continent.
• Kayak Among Marine Life: Glide through the pristine waters of Antarctica in a kayak, coming face to face with the remarkable marine life that calls this continent home. Paddle through stunning ice formations and observe seals and penguins in their natural habitat.
• Snowshoeing and Skiing: Embrace the adventure spirit by snowshoeing or skiing on the pristine slopes of Antarctica. Some cruises include these exhilarating activities in their itineraries and provide top-notch equipment for guests seeking an adrenaline rush.
• Glacier Hikes: Embark on glacier hikes through awe-inspiring white landscapes, all while spotting the incredible wildlife that inhabits this unique region. It's an opportunity to stay active and witness wildlife thriving in their natural habitat.
• Scientific Explorations: Visit science research stations and onboard science labs to delve into the cutting-edge research conducted in Antarctica. Learn about the history of exploration in Antarctica and gain insights into the current challenges facing the continent.
• Breathtaking Sceneries: Be prepared to be mesmerized by the inspiring and breathtaking sceneries of Antarctica. Marvel at the incredible species that call this pristine wilderness home every step of the way.
• Relaxation and Luxury: Amidst the adventure, take time to unwind and pamper yourself. Enjoy moments of relaxation as you tour or sail through the blue waters of Antarctica. Many cruises offer onboard services like spas, massages, fine dining, hot tubs, and more, ensuring you have the best of both worlds during your expedition.

Antarctic Wildlife

Top places to visit in antarctica.

• Antarctic Peninsula : This is one of the most visited regions in Antarctica and is known for its stunning landscapes, research stations, and abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. Cross the Lemaire Channel back or from notable visitor sites along the Antarctic Peninsula include Paradise Bay , Deception Island , Neko Harbor, Cuverville Island, Half Moon Island, and Petermann Island.
• East Antarctica: The vast and largely unexplored eastern portion of Antarctica contains the coldest and driest areas of the continent.
• West Antarctica: This region is characterized by its massive ice sheets and glaciers, including the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. It is an important area for scientific research on climate change.
• Ross Sea : Located in the southernmost part of the Pacific Ocean, the Ross Sea region is home to the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice shelf in Antarctica. It is a critical area for studying the continent's marine ecosystem, Visit Brown Bluff (Tabarin Peninsula) or sail to the remote Peter I Island and Macquarie Island as you approach New Zealand .
• Weddell Sea : Situated off the eastern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea is known for its diverse wildlife and historic significance, including the famous Shackleton expedition.
• South Orkney Islands: These islands are a sub-Antarctic archipelago located in the Southern Ocean, not far from the Antarctic Peninsula. They are home to various bird species and marine life.
• South Shetland Islands : This archipelago is a popular stop for Antarctic cruises, serving as a gateway to the continent. It is known for its research stations and wildlife, including penguins and seals. Notable visitor sites within the South Shetland Islands include Livingston Island, Hannah Point (Livingston Island), Elephant Island , and Aitcho Islands.
• South Sandwich Islands : This group of uninhabited islands located in the South Atlantic Ocean is home to a variety of seabirds and marine mammals, including chinstrap penguins, fur seals, albatrosses, and orcas.
• Sub-Antarctic Islands: These islands are scattered throughout the Southern Ocean and are known for their unique ecosystems, including various bird species and marine life. Sail to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island . Explore visitor sites such as Port Stanley (capital), Saunders Island, Carcass Island, West Point Island, and Sea Lion Island.
• Scotia Arc: This chain of islands and undersea ridges connects South America with the Antarctic Peninsula. It is an important migratory route for marine animals.
• Balleny Islands: These remote sub-Antarctic islands lie in the Southern Ocean and are known for their isolation and unique geology.

Antarctica Travel Guide

Ushuaia airport & transportation, antarctica fly + cruise, best time of year to travel to antarctica, antarctica weather.

• November: This is when tourism to Antarctica begins to kick off. Days start to lengthen, and sea ice retreats, marking the Antarctic "spring" in full force. While temperatures are still chilly, it's a great time for those seeking pristine landscapes and wildlife, including penguin mating rituals and seals having pups. Skiers and snowshoers will find ideal conditions in November and early December
• December: Among the most popular months for visiting, December offers optimal weather, long days, and access to stunning scenery and wildlife. It includes the austral summer solstice, providing extended daylight and relatively warmer temperatures. Penguin hatchlings and chicks are a highlight, and it's a great time for various activities, including kayaking and camping.
• January: Another prime month for tourism, January features ideal weather conditions, long daylight hours, and extensive access to the mainland and coastline. Temperatures are at their warmest, and there's an abundance of wildlife to observe, including penguins and increasing numbers of whales.
• February: Although tourist numbers start to decline from the December/January peak, February continues to offer fine weather. Daylight remains ample, and sea ice is at its yearly minimum, allowing for deeper exploration into the Antarctic wilderness. Whale-watching is particularly rewarding during this time. Scuba divers may prefer mid-December through mid-February
• March: The tail-end of the austral summer provides less-crowded sightseeing opportunities, minimal sea ice, and the chance to experience the "Antarctic fall." While temperatures cool off, March offers lower cruise prices, clearer waters for diving, and unique wildlife experiences, such as leopard seals hunting penguin chicks.
• Don't introduce any non-native species that could become invasive species.
• Always listen to your guides and the ship's crew while on day-trips.
• Make sure to observe animals from a safe distance and never try to touch them (at least 15 feet is a good recommendation).
• Don't feed any animals.
• Stay on designated walking paths.
• Allow animals enough space to make their own navigation decisions. 
• Do not surround any animal or go between baby animals and their mothers.

What's it like on an Antarctic Cruise?

A Typical Day on an Antarctica Cruise

Expeditions to the south pole, south pole expeditions.

• The cruising season in the Arctic is from May to September, while in Antarctica it runs from November through March.
• While temperatures in Antarctica can be more extreme than in the Arctic, the cruising season tends to stay between 20-30 degree Fahrenheit, with plenty of sunny days (sometimes with 24 hours of sunlight each day). 
• A trip through the Arctic might bring you through any of the following countries: Canada, the US, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and Finland. Longer comprehensive cruises might do the whole Northwest Passage or cruise almost all of the Arctic Circle. Cruises board either in Scandinavia, Russia, or Canada.
• Antarctica trips either start in Ushuaia, Argentina for cruises or Punta Arenas for the fly cruises over the Drake Passage . 
• Polar bears or Penguins - While penguins are so prolific in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean that the idea of not seeing hundreds on your cruise seems absurd, the polar bears of the Arctic can be much harder to spot (though some feel that they are more majestic and rewarding when you do spot them). NOTE: Polar bears live in the Arctic and penguins live in the southern hemisphere, so there is nowhere (other than perhaps a zoo) where you will see them both living in their natural habitat on the same trip. 
• Wildlife in Antarctica features more whales and many different types of seals. 
• Active travelers might prefer Antarctica for the chances to do activities like camping, kayaking, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, paddleboarding or scuba diving, which aren't included on Arctic tours for safety reasons.
• Ice vs. Land: Antarctica is aptly named the White Continent because its landmass is almost entirely permanently frozen ice and glaciers with towering rocky mountains, while the Arctic Circle goes through a summer season of lush vegetation when its icy coat melts away.

Antarctica Cruise Lines

Penguins of antarctica.

• Adelie Penguins - are common along the entire coast of the Antarctic continent and is the most widely-spread penguin species.
• Emperor Penguins - the tallest, heaviest and perhaps most famous of the penguin species.
• King Penguins - the second largest penguin, and similar in appearance to the Emperors, King Penguins live in the sub-antarctic islands and northern regions of Antarctica.
• Rockhopper Penguins  - get their name because they are found jumping from jagged rock to rock instead of waddling like most penguins. 
• Chinstrap Penguins - are easily distinguishable by their black chinstrap, which makes it look like they're wearing a bicycle helmet!
• Gentoo Penguins  - are related to the Adelie and Chinstraps, and perhaps the speediest of the penguins in the water. 
• Macaroni Penguins - with their distinctive spikey orange crests, are perhaps the world's most abundant penguin species, though they only visit Antarctica part of the year.

Antarctica Travel FAQ's

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TRAVELLING TO Antarctica

An Antarctica cruise is the ultimate journey. Filled with awe-inspiring wildlife encounters and sensory experiences of indescribable beauty. To see Antarctica is to experience your place in the world from a whole new perspective.

Breathtaking, otherworldly, and life-changing are common phrases travellers use to describe an Antarctic expedition. But when it comes to Antarctica, language fails us. We simply do not possess the capacity to articulate the profound experience of setting foot on the Great Southern Continent. To truly understand, you must see it for yourself.

We have incredible deals available across a wide range of small-ship expedition cruises for both 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 Antarctic seasons, search for your ideal trip in the search filter above or contact us and we'll find it for you. 

WHICH TRIP IS BEST FOR ME?

Once you’ve decided to go to Antarctica, the next step is to determine which trip is best suited to you.

The key considerations are:

  WHICH ITINERARY SHOULD I CHOOSE?

  how do i get there - cruise or fly,   when is the best time to go,   what type of ship is best for me why,   popular cruise itineraries, which itinerary should i choose.

As genuine Antarctica specialists, we have the largest range of Antarctica expeditions on offer, and Chimu staff have first-hand knowledge of the many ways to experience this incredible destination. Depending on your interests, availability, and budget, we can help you decide which itinerary is right for you.

To help get you started, we have listed the 4 main itineraries that operate in Antarctica:

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

(10 - 12 days)

Due to its proximity to South America, the Antarctic Peninsula is the best value and most popular Antarctic destination. The peninsula is renowned for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. View Cruises

ANTARCTIC CIRCLE

(14 - 22 days) 

Cross the fabled Antarctic Circle to the land of the midnight sun. Home to desolate, beautiful landscapes, continually shifting ice, and hardy Weddell seals. View Cruises

SOUTH GEORGIA

(18 - 23 days) 

One of the world’s truly great wildlife areas. South Georgia is home to over 30 million breeding birds, thousands of seals, 4 penguin species including large colonies of King penguins and macaroni penguins rarely encountered elsewhere, plus many more amazing creatures. South Georgia is a must-see for many wildlife enthusiasts. View Cruises

FALKLAND ISLANDS

Often visited alongside South Georgia, the Falklands Islands offers up plenty of natural beauty, wildlife, and intriguing history. View Cruises

ANTARCTICA FLY CRUISES

(5-9 days) 

For the time poor, or those not keen on a crossing of the famous Drake Passage, yet still keen to visit the last frontier of Antarctica. Flying to King George Island to begin your journey to the Antarctic Peninsula is a fantastic option. View Cruises

EAST ANTARCTICA & ROSS SEA

(30+ days) 

Perhaps the ultimate Antarctica experience. Voyages to East Antarctica & Ross Sea embrace an icy world of extreme weather, wildlife, scenery and fascinating history as you visit some of the most remote places on earth. View Cruises

HOW DO I GET TO ANTARCTICA?

Cruise from south america.

Have you heard the phrase ‘getting to Antarctica is half the fun?’ If so, you can bet they were referring to crossing the infamous Drake passage between South America and the South Shetland Islands. These expedition cruises departing from Ushuaia, at the southern tip of South America are the most popular way to get to Antarctica.

FLIGHT & CRUISE OPTIONS FROM SOUTH AMERICA

For those hesitant to cross the Drake, there is an option to fly from Patagonia to the South Shetland Islands. From here you can join an expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula.

PRIVATE JET FROM SOUTH AFRICA

Leaving Cape Town via a Gulfstream private jet, you can fly to the inland of Antarctica landing on Wolf's Fang Runway to experience Antarctica in complete luxury.

EXPEDITION CRUISES FROM AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Antarctica cruises departing from Australia & New Zealand offer the most exclusive and unique journey to Antarctica of all. Departing from Hobart (Australia) and Bluff (New Zealand) these expeditions are usually longer and provide exceptional opportunities to see more remote regions of the peninsula.

SCENIC FLIGHTS FROM AUSTRALIA

Departing from select Australian capital cities, a scenic flight is a fun and easy way to see Antarctica in a day! Travelling aboard a comfortable Qantas Dreamliner, equipped with larger windows than traditional aircraft, you'll fly over vast icebergs, glaciers, and iconic Antarctic landscapes. 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO ANTARCTICA?

The best time to travel to Antarctica will depend on the type of experience you are after. Wildlife highlights, length of daylight hours, and the overall feel of your expedition will change dramatically throughout the cruising season (October to March). Read More

EARLY SEASON

(october - november).

Getting ahead of the pack is a great way to experience the splendour of Antarctica. As an early-season visitor, be rewarded with pristine landing sites, dramatic ice formations, animal courtship routines, and excellent photographic opportunities courtesy of the lightly setting sun. You may see packs of elephant and fur seals marking their breeding territories in the sub-Antarctic islands, and if you’re lucky, you could witness the first major iceberg calvings of the year, a truly breathtaking event.

  Beautiful frozen scenery

  Less Penguin mess

  Affordable pricing

  Ice can sometimes restrict

(DECEMBER - JANUARY)

Mid-summer is the most popular time to visit Antarctica. Temperatures are at their warmest, and longer days means there are more opportunities for landings. Expect to see sunbathing seals, adorable penguin hatchlings, and increasing numbers of whales arriving for the summer. Coupled with calmer seas and less sea ice to prevent you from reaching the shore, you can see why many people choose to travel at this time of year. As the mid-season is the busiest time, booking early is highly recommended.

  Wildlife at its prime

  20 hours of sunlight

  Peak season pricing

  More ships/tourists

LATE SEASON

(february - march).

The weather may be getting colder, but there are plenty of wildlife highlights during the late season. February is peak whale spotting season, seal numbers are up on the peninsula, and penguin rookeries are bursting at the seams on South Georgia. The shorter days provide sensational sunsets, awesome night-time sky gazing and some of the best value-for-money expeditions of all. February is also the busiest month for cruises departing from Australia and New Zealand headed for East Antarctica.

  Peak season for Whales

  Baby penguin & seal pups

  Snow melting - can be slushy on landing sites

  Penguin mess

WHAT SHIP IS BEST FOR ME?

Your choice of expedition vessel will play an essential role in your overall Antarctic experience. For many people setting off on an Antarctic expedition, this is one of the most critical questions. As genuine Antarctica specialists, we have the knowledge and experience to help you get this decision just right.

Arguably, the most crucial consideration for any Antarctic expedition. In our opinion, smaller ships are ideal. There are many restrictions placed on Antarctic expeditions, and the number of passengers on your ship will impact when, where, and how often you can make landfall. For example, vessels carrying more than 500 guests are prevented from landing at all. Being able to get off the ship and experience Antarctica up close and personal offers the most immersive and memorable experience. Read More

SMALL SHIPS (200PAX and under)

•   MORE ACCESS TO REMOTE LOCATIONS
•   LESS TIME QUEUEING MORE TIME EXPLORING
•   MORE INTIMATE
•   BETTER SELECTION OF UNIQUE SHORE TOURS
•   LESS ENTERTAINMENT ONBOARD

LARGE SHIPS (200+PAX)

•   MORE STABILITY IN ROUGH SEAS
•   MORE FEATURES
•   RESTRICTED ON-SHORE TIME
•   RESTRICTED ACCESS
•   CAN BE CROWDED

Want a deeper look - > WATCH THIS VIDEO

POPULAR SHIPS

Ocean Endeavour

With her ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment, the Ocean Endeavour is ideally suited for expedition cruising to the Polar Regions

Ocean Adventurer

This comfortable ship carries a maximum of 132 passengers, accommodated in 66 cabins all with private en-suite facilities. The ship also features a large..

Safe, sturdy and fast, the MS Expedition is amongst the most comfortable and spacious expedition ships in its class, with great stability and performance in..

Sailing under the French flag, Le Boréal is a superb mega-yacht that was built in Italy with a sophisticated French design. With its tasteful décor and discreet elegance..

VIEW All SHIPS

BLOGS ON Antarctica

Whether you are looking for advice on when to travel to Antarctica or the Arctic, which ship to travel on or which itinerary will suit you best, Chimu blogs are likely to have it covered. The range of topics is vast, with new and fascinating blogs being added regularly. There is ship information, guides about the activities you can do in the Polar regions, what to pack and what not to pack, and even blogs on various Polar explorers!

A typical day in Antarctica

What happens every day when you are down in Antarctica? This example is for a two landing day, but please be aware that every day is different..

Antarctica Travel Guide

This is how you make that first step towards your Antarctica travel dream. From the myriad of ways to travel to Antarctica to the costs involved..

10 Best Cruises to Antarctica

Antarctica may be just one continent but it offers avid explorers a nearly endless array of experiences. To narrow down the choices we have..

Why You should Travel to Antarctica… Solo!

At the southernmost tip of the earth lies one of the largest and most mysterious landmasses in the world, the Antarctic Frozen Empire.

Antarctica Photography: 11 Essential Tips

From the right gear to pack to how best to care for it and the most trusted techniques to capture the overwhelming beauty of Antarctica

FEATURED Antarctica TRIPS & DEALS

All inclusive flight package best of antarctica: pristine wilderness.

Buenos Aires, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands

Ship:  Ocean Endeavour

START: Sydney, Australia

FINISH: Sydney, Australia

PRICED FROM

All Inclusive Flight Package Shackleton's Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition

Argentina, Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, South…

USD 14,299*

Antarctica CRUISES

Journey to the antarctic circle.

Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle

SHIP: Ocean Endeavour

START: Ushuaia, Argentina

FINISH: Ushuaia, Argentina

PRICED FROM Was USD 11,099

NOW USD 9,989*

The Great Adventure

Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia & South Orkney…

SHIP: L'Austral

START: Buenos Aires, Argentina

FINISH: Buenos Aires, Argentina

USD 19,470*

Best of Antarctica: In Depth

Antarctic Sound, Lemaire Channel, Antarctic Peninsula and…

PRICED FROM Was USD 10,650

NOW USD 9,053*

Best of Antarctica

Antarctic Peninsula

PRICED FROM Was USD 8,399

NOW USD 7,139*

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

SHIP: Ocean Explorer

START: Punta Arenas, Chile

FINISH: Punta Arenas, Chile

PRICED FROM Was USD 20,295

NOW USD 14,612*

Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

PRICED FROM Was USD 30,095

NOW USD 20,314*

Antarctica REVIEWS

All Chimu Adventures' clients are given the opportunity to review their trip once they return home. These reviews are administered by a third party and as such are unfiltered by Chimu Adventures.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1 . what currency is used in antarctica.

There is no currency in Antarctica but the unit of currency in Argentina is the Argentinian Peso. The main currency at the Port Lockroy Post Office is the US $ although the UK £ and Euro € are also accepted. On all Antarctic cruises meals are included but drinks and souvenirs need to be purchased separately. Most cruise ships accept Euros € and US $. Major credit cards, in particular Visa and MasterCard are also widely accepted on board. If your Antarctic cruise includes the Falkland Islands, the currency of the islands is the Falkland Islands Pound (FK £), although UK £’s are accepted as well.

2 . Will I get sea sick?

It is true that at times the Drake Passage can produce turbulent seas, but our vessels are built for maximum stability and comfort to ensure that even in rough conditions, sea and motion sickness are kept to a minimum at all times. We also have a host of services and facilities available should symptoms befall you. It also might be possible to fly over the Drake Passage, so speak to one of our destination specialists for more information about this.

3 . What do I need to pack for Antarctica?

Antarctica is an extreme environment and although Antarctic cruises depart during the spring and summer months, the weather can change dramatically, with no warning and so you need to be prepared for conditions in this harsh region. When packing, avoid weighing yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire for your trip that can be worn in layers, including: • Parka jacket - lightweight, wind and weather-resistant shell • Warm trousers - ski pants or sturdy trousers • Waterproof trousers - Gore-Tex or similar waterproof and "breathable" fabrics are recommended • Long thermal underwear - silk or polypropylene is highly recommended • Sweaters - wool sweaters or a polar fleece jacket • Turtlenecks • Mittens and gloves - thin polypropylene gloves underneath warm mittens • Woollen cap and a scarf or balaclava • Warm socks - sturdy, long wool socks and thin pairs of silk, polypropylene or cotton/wool socks • A sturdy, lightweight and waterproof daypack for landings or Zodiac excursions • Sunglasses with U.V. filter • Protective sunscreen for lips, hands and face • Swimsuit for hotels, aboard some ships and (maybe) for a polar plunge • Camera with spare batteries and memory cards • Extra pair of prescription glasses • Prescription medicines and other remedies such as seasickness medication • Binoculars • Zip lock plastic bags or dry sacks for carrying camera, batteries, etc. • T-shirts or other casual warm weather clothes • Clothes for gateway cities. For more information on what to pack, read our blog

4 . There are so many different trips and itineraries – how do I pick the right one for me?

We pride ourselves on our customisable range of Antarctica tours that allow you to tailor the perfect Antarctic experience for your own goals and wishes. We also offer a wide range of tours to suit a diverse array of budgets, from 6 day express cruises, to 35 day expeditions. Speak to one of our consultants who can help you plan your perfect Antarctica cruise, which includes all of the elements you’re looking for in your trip.

5 . What is there to do while on the ship?

Whilst some of our Antarctic cruise ships boast a gym, sauna and small pools, this is rare and generally the majority have a lecture theatre, library, bar and restaurant, as well as the main deck. All ships offer a series of lectures focusing on the geology, history and wildlife of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, to help you prepare for what lies ahead. You can interact with the crew and expedition team as well as your fellow passengers in the common areas and either brave the elements to stand on deck taking in the spectacular scenery and wildlife-watching, scanning the horizon for whales, seals and seabirds, or do so from the comfort of the lounges and observation decks.

6 . I want to see Antarctica but not give up my creature comforts – is this even possible??

The remoteness of Antarctica can sometimes deter the adventurous heart, but unlike the famous explorers of the past, you can leave the ration packs at home as Chimu can provide all the modern comfort and luxuries you need after a day of adventure, in a safe and comfortable environment. Quiet, relaxing cabins, beautiful food and wine, and spacious common areas allow you to soak in the picturesque landscapes at your own pace. When it’s time to venture off the vessel, our range of itineraries include activities to suit all abilities and fitness levels.

7 . Can we go on shore in Antarctica?

Shore landings are a feature of our Antarctic cruises and one or two shore or Zodiac excursions are usually planned per day, weather conditions permitting.

8 . What is there to do on shore?

Shore landings are mainly for wildlife watching of penguins, seals and nesting birds although itineraries often try to include a visit to a scientific base. Certain cruises provide opportunities for activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, mountaineering and even overnight camping.

9 . Is there a laundry on board the ship?

Yes, a laundry service at a reasonable cost is included on every ship.

10 . How many people will be on the ship?

The number of people on board varies depending on the ship but the majority of our ships carry between 50 and 150 passengers. A few of the mega-yachts and purpose-built cruise ships carry around 250 passengers.

11 . What is the food like on the ships that go to Antarctica?

Food on board our cruise ships is excellent. Breakfasts and lunches tend to be buffet style, with dinners generally served to your table and featuring 3 and sometimes 4 courses. The range of food is diverse with professional chefs preparing a wide selection of gourmet dishes.

12 . Why should I travel to Antarctica with Chimu Adventures?

Chimu Adventures are the Antarctica specialists and an Associate Member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. We offer the largest range of vessels, an experienced, expert team of travel enthusiasts, and comprehensive, flexible itineraries, tailoring each cruise to your wishes and making your Antarctic Cruise unique and unforgettable.

13 . What language do they speak in Antarctica?

There is no native Antarctic language as there are no indigenous inhabitants. The majority of residents are linked to research stations and so speak the language of their home countries. Scientific research is generally formalized in English, with French where necessary.

14 . Is it safe to go to Antarctica?

All of our tours are 100% tried and tested to ensure that when you travel with us, you’re doing so in a controlled and safe environment with trained experts. We consistently monitor weather conditions and will always provide you with the best possible adventure without risk of injury to you or the vessel. While some activities may need to be rescheduled or cancelled due to weather, every effort is made to have a contingency plan should such conditions become a reality during your expeditions. We’ve been the experts in Antarctic travel for well over 10 years and use our vast experience and knowledge when picking the vessels we sell to provide you with an adventure that’s unforgettable for all the right reasons.

Best Antarctica Cruise – Ultimate Guide to Who & How [2024]

If you’re planning on going on the world’s most epic bucket list adventure by booking an Antarctica cruise there’s a few things you need to know first. In our ultimate guide we draw on our personal experience from multiple trips to share the how, who, when and why of travelling on a cruise to Antarctica!

Whether you’re ready to book, doing more research or simply interested in the idea of visiting Antarctica, there’s some very important things you need to know before dropping your hard-earned money on an expedition to the 7th continent.

We’ve been travelling and working in Antarctica since 2017, first as photographers and content creators, then as tour guides taking our own groups to this beautiful part of the world.

One thing we’ve discovered over the years is that no two Antarctic expeditions are the same – both in experience, and in service.

A quick Google will show that there are over 100 operators registered to IAATO, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, to run trips down here, and then there are a handful of private enterprises and sailers that visit each year as well.

So how do you know which operator to book with? What time of year should you go? Why are some companies more expensive than others? And with so many different itineraries now available, which one should you choose?

That’s what we have set out to answer for you in this comprehensive guide.

By the end of this article you will have a great understanding of the differences between the best Antarctica cruises and which companies we recommend based on personal experience and intimate industry knowledge.

Ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime? Let’s dive into it!

READ MORE: Dive deep into our complete guide on travelling to Antarctica !

Table of Contents

Can You Travel to Antarctica in Winter?

Crossing the drake passage vs flying the drake passage, crossing the antarctic circle, the weddell sea and snow hill, falkland islands (islas malvinas), south georgia, the ‘trio’ – antarctica, south georgia and falkland islands, the ross sea from new zealand or australia, quark expeditions, aurora expeditions, hurtigruten, other operators, navigating antarctic waters, does a more expensive trip mean a better experience, 7 days – express (fly the drake), 10/11 days – classic antarctic peninsula, 14 days – crossing the antarctic circle or visit the weddell sea/snow hill, 20 days – falkland islands, south georgia island and antarctica, 21-24 days – trio and crossing the circle, 28 days – ross sea or ‘sailing’ to antarctica on a yacht, zodiac cruises, landings and hiking, onboard seminars, polar plunge, wildlife watching, sea kayaking, day paddling, mountaineering and climbing, skiing and snowboarding, scuba diving, photography workshops, citizen science programs, environmental responsibility when choosing an antarctica cruise operator, when is the best time to go on an antarctica cruise.

All commercial operators that run trips to Antarctica during the Southern Hemisphere’s spring and summer months, stretching from late October to March, with the majority being between November and February.

Each month offers travellers a very different experience.

In November, as the continent emerges from its icy slumber, voyagers are greeted with pristine and untouched snowy landscapes.

Antarctica is at its most beautiful, but it also brings challenges for expedition teams due to weather, sea ice and snow density, meaning some landings might not be possible.

December and January are the peak months of the Antarctic summer, with the warmest temperatures (sometimes never dropping below freezing except at night), very long daylight hours, and the heartwarming sight of penguins nurturing their freshly hatched chicks.

It’s also the busiest time of year though on the Peninsula.

As the season progresses into February and March, the continent witnesses the awe-inspiring migrations of thousands of humpback whales and penguins shedding their feathers in the molting season.

The Peninsula might look it’s ‘dirtiest’ though, with much of the ground snow melted.

While the scenery is mesmerising throughout, the choice of month can tailor very different wildlife encounters and unique experiences.

We’ve written another full guide on the best time to visit Antarctica , but personally we prefer to travel early season (November) for landscapes and penguins, and late season (February and March) for whales.

After our very successful tour to Antarctica this season, we are going to be running another exclusive adventure down to the Peninsula in 2025, this time crossing the Antarctic Circle! Check out the tour page if you’d like to learn more.

Unfortunately tourists cannot visit Antarctica in winter due to the extremely cold weather and huge congestion in sea ice limiting access.

Antarctic Cruise Itineraries

There are a variety of different itineraries that are available to book for cruises to Antarctica.

Depending on your style, budget, interests and length of time available you’ll find some trips that are common (for good reason), and others that are very unique and only happen once every few years.

Here are the main Antarctic cruise itineraries you can book.

Antarctic Peninsula

The most common itinerary to Antarctica is a trip to the Antarctic Peninsula, most often departing from the port of Ushuaia in Argentina, at the very southern tip of South America.

These trips usually take around 10-12 days, with 5-7 days spent on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula (the rest of the days are travelling over the Drake Passage), and no two trips are the same.

Some of the main destinations that you might visit on an Antarctic Peninsula cruise are:

• Deception Island
• South Shetland Islands
• Vernadsky Station
• Elephant Island
• Paulet Island
• Damoy Point
• Portal Point
• Cuverville Island
• Errera Channel
• Gerlache Strait
• Lemaire Channel

Just because it’s the most common tour doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing. A Peninsula trip is truly mind-blowing, and allows you to officially step foot on the 7th continent.

When researching Antarctic Peninsula cruises you’ll probably see that the majority of the itineraries sail across the Drake Passage , the infamous stretch of sea between South America and Antarctica, while a couple fly over the Drake to King George Island.

Many people are worried about the Drake Passage, which is understandable – it has the reputation for being the roughest sea in the world.

But one thing to keep in mind is that you’re not sailing to Antarctica in a little boat. You’re on a large expedition ship which is designed to handle much worse conditions than the Drake.

Seasickness might be a concern, but there’s medication to help with that and every trip has a doctor onboard.

The alternative is to fly the Drake from Punta Arenas in Chile, and while this is very tempting (it saves 4 days of travel and no rough seas to cross), there’s one very important thing to keep in mind:

Weather at King George Island is very unpredictable, and with just one scheduled flight a day allowed, cancellations are very common.

Visibility needs to be very clear down there and the right direction of wind for the pilots to land safely. If they don’t think they can land safely, they don’t depart Chile.

If your flight to Antarctica is cancelled on one day, the company usually only has one more attempt to get their guests down there before they have to forfeit their spot for the next company’s charter.

So if you’re unlucky and just so happen to get two days of bad weather in either Punta Arenas or Antarctica during your scheduled days of departure, your entire trip can be cancelled.

For that reason we do not recommend flying over the Drake Passage to Antarctica unless you are 110% positive that you mentally cannot handle the sea crossing.

Plus if you do cross the Drake by sea you get that added sense of achievement.

If stepping foot on the Antarctic continent isn’t enough, you can become one of the 0.001% of the human population who will ever cross the fabled Antarctic Circle at 66º southern latitude.

A few companies offer Antarctica tours that aim to cross the Circle (we say aim because nothing is guaranteed down here), and these itineraries are usually around 14 days (with 7-10 days on the Peninsula).

One thing to note is that there isn’t really anything ‘different’ once you cross the circle – the landscapes and wildlife are more or less same.

But you get more time in Antarctica, and get to venture to one of the most remote places on the planet.

Some Antarctica tours go to the eastern side of the Peninsula and enter the Weddell Sea, which promises a different experience again and is not often visited by travellers.

There’s a lot of fascinating history in the Weddell Sea, especially around Sir Ernest Shackleton and his legendary tale of survival from the Endurance with his crew, so if this is of interest it’s worth looking for an itinerary that follows this path.

One unique tour that’s popped up recently, and has been pioneered by Quark Expeditions and now also offered by Ponant, is a trip to the emperor penguins of Snow Hill .

This trip is only offered once every couple of years in the early season (October) and requires either an icebreaker ship or a Class 1A ice-strengthened ship with helicopters, which allows guests to get close to the emperor penguin colony.

It’s known as one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences, and has the price to match.

We’ve never personally done this but hope to one day.

The Falkland Islands, or Isla Malvinas, is a truly spectacular archipelago about 1.5 days cruising from Ushuaia.

You’ll find some fantastic itineraries that include Falkland Islands, either as part of the trio (below), or sometimes starting in the Falkland Islands.

If you love British history, or just want something a little different, it’s worth looking at an itinerary that includes the Falklands.

The wildlife here, while not as dense as South Georgia, is especially fascinating for birdlife like albatross.

Known as the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean, South Georgia is one of the most incredible wildlife destinations on the planet.

Boasting dramatic mountains, huge glaciers and beaches filled with hundreds of thousands of king penguins, elephant seals and fur seals, it really is a sensory overload and we’ve seen quite a few people shed a tear when they’ve seen Salisbury Plain or St Andrews Bay for the first time.

In all honesty, as amazing as Antarctica is, most people who visit South Georgia end up saying that this spectacular island is their real highlight of the trip.

There are a few itineraries that only visit South Georgia (usually after flying into Stanley in the Falkland Islands), but the majority will either include the Peninsula and possibly the Falklands.

Adding on South Georgia adds significant expense to an Antarctic trip due to how remote it is, but it is 100% worth it.

Check out our guide on the best time to visit South Georgia based on our personal experience.

Considered to be the pinnacle of best Antarctic tours is a trip that includes the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, often referred to as the ‘trio’.

These itineraries are usually around 20 days long, with quite a few days spent at sea navigating between each destination, so if you can find a longer itinerary that includes more days at each place it’s worth exploring.

This is the Antarctic cruise itinerary we most recommend.

Our own group tour on the trio includes the most amount of days in each location available.

An Antarctic cruise to the Ross Sea from either New Zealand or Australia is a very rare occurrence, with only a small number of companies making the journey, and is usually booked by people who have been to the Peninsula before and want to see a different side of the continent.

A trip to the Ross Sea involves a lot of sea days and can be very expensive, but they visit very important research bases, follow the explorers Mawson and Shackleton’s history and includes penguin colonies not often seen, or located on the Macquarie Islands in the Subantarctic.

Our Best Tips for Choosing the Right Antarctica Expedition for You

Choosing the right Antarctic cruise is essential for crafting an unforgettable polar experience.

This remote, icy frontier promises unparalleled adventures and sights, but the vast array of cruise options available can be overwhelming.

From the more than 100 different companies that operate down there, different ship sizes and amenities and of course the nuances of itineraries and activities, every detail plays a big part in shaping your journey.

With such a significant investment of time, money, and anticipation, it’s crucial to make informed decisions.

As you dream of gliding past enormous tabular icebergs and observing wildlife in its purest habitat, here are our best tips to ensure you select the right Antarctic cruise and best Antarctica tour company that aligns perfectly with your expectations and desires.

The Best Antarctica Cruise Company – Our Recommendations

With more than 100 operators running trips to Antarctica it’s very easy to be overwhelmed with who to go with.

And if you ask for opinions from a travel agent, they’ll just tell you the one that either a) pays them the most commission or b) is going to offer them a free trip if they sell X number of spots.

Then if you ask in one of the popular Facebook groups, the answer will almost inevitably be whichever company that particular person went with, and they have nobody else to compare them to.

We’ve travelled with a whole variety of polar operators, and here’s our top 5 recommendations and why.

Canadian company Quark Expeditions is one of the true pioneers in polar adventures.

Established in 1991, this trailblazing company has spent decades perfecting the art of delivering unparalleled experiences in the planet’s most remote regions.

They were the the first to organise trips to Snow Hill and revolutionised North Pole tours, so they’re always looking for what’s next in the world of polar voyages.

Quark has an impeccable safety record and has a fleet of ice-class vessels, including the new, luxurious MV Ultramarine , which allows them to execute really unique itineraries.

All of their ships have under 200 passengers too, meeting IAATO regulations for number of people off the ship at any one time.

After lots of research, personal testing, and fielding quite a few (better) offers from competitors, we decided that Quark Expeditions is the company we trust to operate our own group tours to Antarctica.

EXCLUSIVE – We have partnered with the world’s top polar tour operator, Quark Expeditions, to offer readers of NOMADasaurus a very special deal on any trip to Antarctica or the Arctic! Contact us ( [email protected] ) if you’d like to learn more about this exclusive Quark Expeditions discount.

Australian enterprise Aurora Expeditions has carved a niche for itself in the realm of polar travel for being a bit more adventurous than the rest, without compromising safety.

Their focus leans towards a genuine and immersive experience rather than mere sightseeing, with activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving and stand-up paddleboarding available to purchase.

Aurora has a small fleet of luxury ships and a fantastic team of seasoned expedition guides, so travellers are in good hands

Their trips however are on the pricier side, which is something to consider.

For those seeking a thoughtful and authentic polar journey, Aurora Expeditions is a good choice.

One of the most famous names in polar travel, Hurtigruten , hailing from Norway and originally started as a ferry company, offers excellent budget-friendly trips to the Antarctic and Arctic.

Their itineraries are fantastic and the service for guests is excellent. They also have an excellent onboard science program.

However , their ships are very large, with between 250 and 500 passengers on each trip, meaning your actual time spent off the ship is limited.

If price is a major factor for you they are a good option and they do have a great product, but the size of their ships is something to consider. Remember, in Antarctica, bigger isn’t better.

Intrepid is famous around the world for organising amazing small group tours around the world, and as of recently have now moved into the polar regions.

They operate a large, older ship, the Ocean Endeavour, but limit passengers to 199 to skate under the 200 pax limit.

Their trips attract a younger demographic and a lower price point, but they’ve worked hard to secure some of the best expedition team members in the industry.

Jarryd travelled with Intrepid this year as an expedition photographer in partnership with Sony Australia, and absolutely loved their service.

The average age onboard an Intrepid trip is around 45, so it’s an entirely different atmosphere compared to something like Ponant or Lindblad that has an older average age.

Neither is better or worse, just something to consider based on your own style.

Scenic is an old hand in the luxury river cruise industry, they have since branched out into polar tours and are doing an amazing job at it with their beautiful ships and brilliant expedition team.

They have some pretty unique offerings, including a submarine that you can book for seeing Antarctica beneath the surface, and really fun activities.

Many of our expedition guide friends are now working at Scenic as well, and we can vouch for just how good they all are.

Of course that’s just scratching the surface and there is plenty of other operators out there. These are some others worth considering:

• Islands and Ice – Small tour company run by the legendary expedition leader David Sinclair, chartering the MV Polar Pioneer for adventurous trips of less than 50 people.
• Ponant – Uber-luxurious cruise operator. If you like your icebergs with a side of caviar underneath a chandelier, this is the company to go with.
• G Adventures – Similar to Intrepid in that they focus primarily on small group trips in other parts of the world, but their Antarctic product is quite good.
• Oceanwide Expeditions – Small groups with under 100 passengers, operating some cool itineraries.
• Albatros Expeditions – Nice, sustainable operator with great ships and decent expedition team.

Ship Size Matters on Antarctica Cruises

You might be tempted to book a tour onboard a larger cruise ship for a number of reasons.

More space and amenities, cheaper price, familiarity with a particular company such as Carnival, etc.

But trust us when we say bigger is not bigger in Antarctica!

IAATO , the body that regulates tourism in Antarctica, has strict rules around the number of passengers from any one ship that can leave the vessel at any one time.

• Less than 100 passengers – Everybody can leave the ship at the same time and step foot on the continent at the same time
• Between 101-200 passengers – Everybody can leave the ship at the same time, but only 100 people can step foot on the continent at any one time, so the rest of the guests will often do a zodiac cruise
• Between 201-500 passengers – Only 200 people can leave the ship at any one time, so 100 maximum people will land on shore, 100 people maximum will go on a zodiac cruise and the rest waits on the ship for a group to come back.
• More than 501 passengers – Nobody leaves the ship at all.

So as you can see if you are booking a trip to Antarctica on a large ship, you run the risk of not even getting off the ship.

You don’t really want to spend all that money just to get down there and look at the continent from your balcony.

For that reason we don’t recommend booking a trip on a vessel that carries any more than 200 people total, and ideally less than 100 people if you can find one.

Let us say that again;

DO NOT BOOK A TRIP WITH MORE THAN 200 PASSENGERS!

Besides that, there’s other considerations when it comes to ship size and choosing the best Antarctica expedition.

Smaller ships have much better manoeuvrability, which allows them to navigate through narrow channels and into tight bays to allow you to access Antarctica close up.

A smaller ship often means a shallower draft too, so they can get into some areas that may not be deep enough for larger vessels.

This might not be something you think about, but when you book a smaller ship you have a greater sense of intimacy with your fellow guests and expedition team.

There is often just the one dining room and one, maybe two, lounges to relax in. That means everybody congregates in the same areas and it doesn’t take long to start getting to know everybody.

The larger ships can feel like a labyrinth, and we’ve heard of people going entire expeditions and not ever finding the library for example.

Personally, we prefer smaller ships.

How Much is a Cruise to Antarctica?

Heading off on an Antarctic adventure is both a dream and a significant financial undertaking.

With such a wide variety of cruise options, ranging from small, older vessels to high-end luxury ships, it can be hard to determine what is worth spending your money on.

At the budget-friendly end, less extravagant ships may lack the luxurious amenities, but they often deliver an authentic, intimate connection with the Antarctic wilderness.

These ships focus on the adventure and Antarctica expedition with an authentic flare, where you feel encouraged to be out on deck or in the lounge areas when you’re onboard rather than sprawled out in your cabin.

On the other hand, luxury cruises offer plush accommodations, gourmet dining, spa services, and even onboard entertainment.

Some of them even have helicopters and submarines onboard, opening up a whole new world that isn’t possible with other operators.

While these amenities come at a premium, it ensures an unparalleled level of comfort amidst a wild Antarctic backdrop.

Essentially, you get what you pay for when it comes to the ship; the more you pay, the nicer the onboard experience.

So how much should you expect to pay for a cruise to Antarctica?

On average, USD$10,000 per person for the standard itinerary, and around USD$18,000 for a trip that includes the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

Of course you can sometimes find trips for as long as USD$5,000 per person if you book it super last minute on a special deal, and ones as expensive as USD$50,000 or more.

However when you look at the individual itineraries for different operators, you might notice something interesting…

They are often the exact same, whether you’re playing $8,000 or $20,000.

A typical 10-day ‘Best of Antarctica’ itinerary, which actually only includes 4.5 days in Antarctica, has the same number of days and excursions on the continent, often doing the same thing (zodiac cruises, landings, ship exploring, etc).

Adventure activities, such as kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding and camping, usually have an additional cost no matter which company you’re with too.

So really, in most situations you’re paying more money for a nicer ship and cabin.

There are exceptions of course, especially if your ship has helicopters.

But if the company you’re looking at doesn’t have any obvious benefits such as helicopters or more days at sea, most of the price increase is for better food and nicer rooms.

Is that worth it the difference in cost?

That’s a question only you can answer.

Either way, it’s paramount to really look into what’s included in your package. Some voyages may seem very cheap upfront but then charge extra for essentials like shore excursions, gear rentals, or even certain onboard facilities.

All of the operators we recommend though include daily excursions, all meals and gear rental included, regardless of price and itinerary.

And if you have some flexibility in your travel plans, there’s a big potential to lock in some remarkable last-minute deals.

Subscribe to the newsletters of Antarctic cruise operators or follow their social media channels to see what’s available.

Or get in touch with us for the best price possible with our current favourite operator, Quark Expeditions, even better than what they advertise to the public.

How Long Should You Book to Visit Antarctica?

The length of Antarctica cruises vary quite a bit, with options ranging from a week right up to an entire month.

The length of your voyage determines not only how much of Antarctica you get to explore but also how much time you spend on the open sea versus the continent itself.

The sweet spot is the classic 11-day itineraries, which just visits the Peninsula, but let us break down the general ones you’ll find.

One thing to keep in mind though is that the length of time the companies advertise is not how much time you get to spend in Antarctica.

For example an 11-day itinerary often means just 4-5 days in Antarctica, and the rest of the time is spent before the trip in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia and the two days each way on the Drake.

Misleading? Perhaps. But that’s just what it is.

For those that are on a super tight schedule or really, really don’t want to cross the Drake, you can fly down to join your cruise to Antarctica.

You’ll usually have one full day in Punta Arenas, Chile, then schedule to fly to King George Island the next day. Then you’ll have 4 days on the ship, before flying back for another night in Punta Arenas.

This is the trip most people do.

You’ll meet your group in Ushuaia on the first day, then jump on the ship the next day (or start in Buenos Aires and take a charter flight the next morning).

After that it’s two days sailing across the Drake Passage, 4 days to explore Antarctica, then two days back to Ushuaia.

You wake up in Ushuaia and the trip either ends there for you, or you jump on a charter flight back to Buenos Aires.

Essentially the same structure as above, but you’ll have an extra couple of days to travel the distance required to hopefully cross the Antarctic Circle, or sail around to the east side of the Peninsula to get into the Weddell Sea and maybe see the emperor penguins.

Our personal favourite length, as it ticks off all the major highlights.

Starting in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia, you then have one sea day to make it to Falkland Islands, then usually have two days exploring around the British archipelago.

Then it’s two more days at sea to get to South Georgia, with 3 to 4 days spent visiting the most spectacular place on earth.

You’ll then have a massive three sea days to get to the Peninsula for your 4 days hanging around here.

Then back across the Drake you go.

As above, but with a few extra days to cross the Antarctic Circle.

Basically the ultimate Antarctica trip.

If you have a month up your sleeve you can either take the historic Ross Sea trips from New Zealand or Tasmania, or be a real adventurer and jump on tall ship to sail down to Antarctica.

Activities and Excursions on Antarctica Trips

When you’re heading down to the Antarctic region on an expedition cruise ship there’s quite a few activities that you can do.

Some are included in the price for everybody, and others have limited availability for an additional cost.

Here’s what you can expect for what to do in Antarctica :

There are no ports in Antarctica that allows for a ship to dock, so the only way to get off the ship and explore land is on a small, inflatable boat called a Zodiac.

Zodiacs not only allow you to step food on land, but they also let you get up close to icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife.

Zodiac cruises offer an intimate and immersive experience, allowing passengers to navigate through stunning icy waterways.

The frequent Zodiac landings, integral to most Antarctic cruises, transport passengers from the ship to the very heart of the continent.

Setting foot on the Antarctic mainland, or one of its many islands, is an indescribable moment.

Zodiac excursions are included in most small ship cruises.

Once you’ve used a zodiac to get to shore you have a few other included activities – landings and hiking.

You can wander around a predetermined path, set out by the expedition guides, to visit research stations and viewpoints, or get closer to penguin colonies.

Any decent company, like the ones we recommend above, will also have daily onboard seminars from guides, scientists, biologists and historians to share information about the continent.

They fill the sea days and evenings, and you shouldn’t miss any.

If you want the ultimate bragging rights after your trip to Antarctica make sure you don’t miss the polar plunge.

What is it? Well, it’s going for a swim in Antarctica, of course.

You wander down the gangway, strap a harness and rope to you, and literally jump off a perfectly good (and warm) ship into the icy water.

It’s included in most trips, weather permitting, and you’ll get to come home with some cool photos to prove you did it.

Of course Antarctic wildlife watching is always free and included in your trip.

Some of the animals you could see are many penguin species such as gentoos, adélie penguins, Magellanic penguins, rockhoppers, chinstraps, king penguins, emperors (if you’re super lucky) and macaronis.

You can see lots of whales too such as humpback whales, minke whales and orca (killer whales), and occasionally blue or southern right whales in the Southern Ocean.

Sea birds also make part of the abundant wildlife, with albatross, skuas, petrels and terns commonly found.

And if you like seals in their natural habitat, there’s southern elephant seals, weddell seals, ross seals, leopard seals, crabeater seals and Antarctic fur seals.

Sorry, there’s polar bears down here. You’re thinking of the Arctic.

Optional Activities on your Antarctic Cruises

While almost all Antarctic cruises offer shore landings and Zodiac cruises as standard, there’s a whole bunch of optional activities for those eager to try something different down in the continent.

If you’re ready to step up the adventure, here’s a guide on what’s on offer and how to ensure you don’t miss out.

Gliding silently through the icy waters, kayakers get an intimate perspective of Antarctica’s coastlines.

As icebergs loom majestically overhead and seals laze on floating ice, you can navigate through a surreal world rarely experienced by others.

When you book a sea kayaking package you are given a dry suit and instruction from your experienced guides, and the goal is to get out as much as possible during your itinerary.

Most expedition ships that offer kayaking in Antarctica have a limited number of kayaks, so early reservation is crucial.

It’s also only suited for those with some prior sea kayaking experience.

If you love the idea of kayaking but don’t want to do it every single day on your trip, many companies now offer what’s called ‘day paddle excursions’, where you sign up for a once-off and jump in an inflatable kayak for an hour or two.

It’s absolutely beautiful and is perfect for those that just want to try it once.

Imagine sleeping under the Antarctic sky , surrounded by snow and ice, with the distant calls of penguins lulling you to sleep.

Sounds majestic doesn’t it?

Truth is it’s not comfortable at all, most people get anxious about it and there’s the fear of being too cold to sleep, but we’ll let you in on a little secret – Camping in Antarctica is nowhere near as bad as it sounds and is the ultimate experience.

You are given strict instructions on how it works and will be given your own bivvy sack to sleep in (not a tent), which is rated to the temperatures down there so you won’t freeze.

Given the stringent environmental regulations and the limited gear available, only a few spots are open per cruise. Book in advance.

If you’re a hardcore mountaineer or experienced rock climber there are a number of small expedition companies that offer these activities on certain itineraries.

With the guidance of expert mountaineers, you can ascend icy peaks or navigate glacial routes for an epic bucket list adventure.

You must be an experienced climber, and be able to prove it, before a company will accept your booking for these challenging adventures.

A couple of companies now also offer skiing and snowboarding trips to Antarctica.

As above, you need to prove you have backcountry skiing/snowboarding experience, all the right gear and avalanche rescue training before you can sign up.

Fancy doing a bit of scuba diving in Antarctica? Well you can…on the condition that you have the right tickets and experience.

Diving in Antarctica is a very unique experience where you can see marine mammals, krill and ice, but it does require advanced PADI certification, ice-diving certs and at least 20 logged ice dives.

There’s also only a couple of companies that are equipped for this and it’s quite expensive.

While most ships have an expedition photographer onboard whose job it is to document the entire trip, providing the images and videos to the guests at the end, most companies don’t have dedicated photography workshops.

There are some exceptions, Intrepid being a notable one who Jarryd worked with as a photography guide this year, where you join a small group of people to get daily workshops on photography techniques, camera settings, composition, creativity, editing and more.

For those who wish to contribute to our understanding of this remote region, some companies collaborate with research institutions to allow passengers to participate in data collection and other scientific activities.

Details are often available in cruise itineraries, and early registration ensures you’re part of these enriching experiences.

Finally, remember that it’s a privilege to visit Antarctica and you should always make sure you do so responsibly .

Only every book a trip with a company that is registered of IAATO, which is an official organisation that designates Antarctica purely for the purpose of science and research.

Newer ships produce less emissions and are more fuel efficient, so consider spending a little bit more money for a ship that wasn’t built in the 80s.

Protect the unique wildlife, stunning environment and exploration history of one of the world’s most spectacular places by selecting a reputable company to travel with, like the ones we recommended in this article.

About the Author - Alesha and Jarryd

Hey! We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook , YouTube and Instagram .

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• Polar Tours
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Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Antarctica 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Antarctica. Below you will find 7 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in Antarctica offering in total 22 tours and holidays through-out Antarctica. Combined they have received 55 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in Antarctica are: Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife, Wildlife, landscapes and nature & Adventure and sport.

• Tours in Antarctica
• Antarctica Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Antarctica
• Things to Do in Antarctica

7 Tour Operators in Antarctica with 55 Reviews

Beyond BA LATAM

• Address URIARTE 2363 9G, CABA, Argentina
• Response Rate 99%
• Response Time 3 hours

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Quark Expeditions

• Address 3131 Elliot Avenue, Suite 250 Seattle, WA 98121, Seattle, USA
• Response Rate 79%
• Response Time 1 hour

On The Go Tours

• Address 3 Shortlands, 4th floor, Office 19, Hammersmith, England
• Response Rate 88%

Intrepid Travel

• Address 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia
• Response Rate 90%
• Response Time 2 hours

Exodus Travels

• Address Grange Mills, Weir Road, London, England
• Response Rate 85%

Albatros Expeditions

• Address Tøndergade 16, DK- Copenhagen V, Denmark
• Response Rate 100%

• Address Nelson House, 55-59 Victoria Rd, Farnborough, England
• Response Rate 96%

Antarctica Tour Reviews

• Eco tours in Antarctica
• Antarctica guided tours
• Antarctica family tour packages
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Best Antarctica Cruises & Cruise Lines

As a leading authority of  Antarctica cruises , we are often asked “What is the best Antarctica cruise?” Or “What is the Best Antarctic cruise line?” Below is our answer—a list of the best cruise lines that go to Antarctica. We profile each Antarctic tour company and why you should consider cruising with them.

More important than finding the best Antarctic cruise is finding the right operator, ship and trip for you. Our experts know the differences between cruise lines, ships and polar regions. We will help match you with the perfect fit. See our list below then contact us to find the best small ship Antarctica cruise for you.

IN THIS POST – Best Cruises to Antarctica: Antarctica 21 Antarpply Expeditions Aurora Expeditions G Adventures Intrepid Travel Lindblad Expeditions Oceanwide Expeditions Polar Latitudes Ponant Poseidon Expeditions Quark Expeditions Selecting the Best Antarctic Cruise Our Recommendations More Resources

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Jump to the top 6 cruises that showcase these best Antarctica cruise lines, or view them all.

The Best Antarctica Cruises

The logistics of operating cruises in Antarctica are formidable and not to be taken lightly. These Antarctica travel companies are the best in the business. Each cruise company is committed to safety, service, guest experience and environmental stewardship. We are proud to partner with the best Antarctica cruise lines in the world. Wondering what cruise lines go to Antarctica? Your answer is below (in alphabetical order):

Antarctica 21

Antarctica 21 , an Antarctica only cruise line based in Punta Arenas, Chile, pioneered the concept of air cruises to Antarctica . This innovative concept of combining flights from Chile to the Antarctic Peninsula gave birth to an entire industry. Since their first cruises in 2003, many polar operators have copied the idea. In 2019 they applied their cumulative experience to design, build and launch the Magellan Explorer , custom built their Antarctic Air Cruise .

Why Cruise with Antarctica21

The logistics of operating a fly-and-cruise program in Antarctica are enormous. Antarctica21 has the right mix of strategic partnerships, operational experience and exceptional leadership that it takes to be at the forefront of this unique niche in expedition travel. More than an Antarctic cruise line, they are an air cruise institution. Of all the cruise lines that go to Antarctica, they are the fly cruise specialists. A21 is the best Antarctica air cruise option.

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See the full list of itinerary options, plus reviews.

Antarpply Expeditions

Based in Ushuaia, Argentina, and operating only one ship of the same name, Antarpply Expeditions offers some of the most intimate and affordable Antarctic cruises available. Originally built for the United States agency NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), the 90-guest Ushuaia is one of the smallest ships operating in Antarctica .

Why Cruise with Antarpply Expeditions

Antarpply keeps operations simple and straightforward, with one ship currently sailing all their itineraries. This offers guests a consistent onboard experience, with more specialized operational touches that only a small Antarctica cruise company, and a small ship like the Ushuaia, can provide. Antarpply is among the best Antarctica tour companies for affordability.

Aurora Expeditions

With a history of pushing the boundaries of expedition travel, Aurora Expeditions is known for pioneering several activities such as scuba diving and climbing in Antarctica. Indeed, they distinguish themselves from other small cruise lines by their selection and quality of extensive off-vessel activity options. They were the first adventure cruise company to introduce a passenger vessel, the Greg Mortimer , featuring Ulstein X-Bow technology. 

Why Cruise with Aurora Expeditions

Choose to cruise with Aurora Expeditions for more extensive adventure such as camping, sea kayaking, snowshoeing, ski and snowboard touring, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, ice climbing and stand-up paddleboarding. Aurora is also a certified B Corporation, 100% climate neutral, and their Sustainability in Action program features reduced fuel consumption and single-use plastics, women in conservation, environmental volunteer projects, and eco-friendly products aboard and in the office.

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Intrepid Travel

Intrepid has been an industry leader for over 30 years, using travel as a force for good. They are the largest travel industry B Corporation, and they’ve been raising standards since 2018, creating benefits for all stakeholders: travelers, staff, suppliers, shareholders, and the environments and communities they visit. The Intrepid Foundation, Intrepid’s philanthropic non-profit, provides visibility, connection and financial support to various organizations around the world.

Why Cruise with Intrepid Travel

Cruising in Antarctica with Intrepid is a feel-good opportunity. Your Antarctica voyage is carbon-neutral; in fact, 125% of emissions are offset. The company is working toward 100% renewable energy. And in Antarctica, Intrepid partners with World Wildlife Fund researchers, sources sustainable seafood, avoids single-use plastics and provides biodegradable toiletries. Also, they can get 100 guests off the ship via an impressive fleet of 22 Zodiacs.

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Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions is a pioneer in small ship expedition cruises and one of the biggest names in small ship cruising today. The company is synonymous with exploration, education and conservation. Operating under the idea that a cruise is passive but an expedition is active, Lindblad delivers an authentic and exhilarating travel experience through all-five-senses engagement with the world’s most exotic locations worldwide.

Why Cruise with Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad’s reputation for being at the top of the expedition market is well deserved. A cruise aboard any one of Lindblad’s small ships is marked by a top-notch expedition team with some of the best service in the industry. Despite Lindblad’s luxury price tag, the onboard atmosphere is casual and practical in an expedition style. The true value is in the naturalists, historians, undersea specialists, guest lecturers, highly trained guides and partnership with National Geographic. Lindblad Expeditions is the best Antarctica cruise line if you are seeking the highest quality onboard educational programs and intellectual stimulation.

Oceanwide Expeditions

Oceanwide Expeditions is a Dutch vessel operator specializing only in polar cruising. Like the Dutch cartographers of their namesake ships, they follow meticulous attention to detail and refinement because safety and experience depends on it. Their fleet of three expedition ships are not fancy but known for excellent standards of service and comfort. Oceanwide operates a unique Antarctica basecamp cruise which is popular with travelers seeking ample opportunities for active exploration.

Why Cruise with Oceanwide Expeditions

A five-time winner of the World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator award, Oceanwide is passionate about polar expedition cruising. The company distinguishes itself from other operators with an emphasis on educational lectures by experienced guides and by delivering an active shore program.

Polar Latitudes

Founded in 2010 by a group of veteran polar specialists, Polar Latitudes wanted to buck the trend of ever larger ships with more berths. The company aims to preserve the atmosphere and camaraderie, as well as the level of service, that can only be sustained aboard smaller vessels.  

Why Cruise with Polar Latitudes

People and passion distinguish Polar Latitudes. The company only cruises in Antarctica and this singular focus results in a deep knowledge of the continent. They are founder-owned-and-operated and it may be the only Antarctica cruise line where you might find an owner driving you on a Zodiac excursion.

Ponant is the world’s only French cruise ship operator specializing in intimately sized luxurious small ships all flying under the French flag. Their fleet of small expedition ships are the finest available. The “French touch” is exemplified by the presence of French Naval officers, elegant cuisine and internationally recognized interior design. French and English are spoken on board.

Why Cruise with Ponant

If you are seeking to explore aboard the most luxurious Antarctica ships available, Ponant is for you. You will not sacrifice experience for comfort as the off-vessel expedition program is exceptional. Ponant is the best Antarctica luxury cruise .

Poseidon Expeditions

Poseidon Expeditions is one of the leading providers of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. Founded in 1999, the company is a recognized leader in icebreaker cruises. Poseidon is very well known for their Arctic cruises and has successfully navigated to the North Pole well over 100 times. The company brings this expertise to Antarctica with an experienced expedition crew, a luxury expedition ship and a commitment to sustainability. 

Why Cruise with Poseidon Expeditions

Poseidon offers an upscale ship and one of the best staff-to-passenger ratios in Antarctica. Choose this Antarctica cruise line to combine the spirit of adventure with a generous measure of onboard comfort and well-being.

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Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions is a recognized leader in polar cruising and offers the widest array of Antarctic expeditions on the planet. The company boasts a number of firsts including the first non-scientific visits to emperor penguin rookeries, first circumnavigation of Antarctica for commercial passengers, and the discovery of the emperor penguin rookery at Snow Hill Island. In 2015 they were recognized as the World’s Leading Specialty Cruise Line at the World Travel Awards.

Why Cruise with Quark Expeditions

When you cruise with Quark Expeditions, you can rest assured that you are traveling with one of the most conscientious companies in the polar expeditions industry, from safety standards to customer service and sustainability. Many of the most interesting itineraries and routes are offered by Quark Expeditions. 

How Does AdventureSmith Select the Best Antarctica Cruises & Cruise Lines? 

We created this list of the best Antarctica tour companies based on several factors. First and foremost is operational safety and experience in polar cruising. Off-vessel exploration and activity program logistics are an important consideration. Onboard programs, lectures and the experience of the expedition crew are critical for a top ranking.

The ships themselves must be polar class but ship amenities are a secondary consideration. There are ships for every style and budget, from simple research ships to extravagant luxury expedition ships. Take a deep dive to learn more about Antarctica expedition cruise ships . 

We personally inspect every ship and work with Antarctic cruise companies for many years before they make it on our best list.

Which Antarctica Cruise Lines Do We Recommend?

Each of the Antarctica cruise lines on our list is a good choice. We feel it is not our role to play favorites. Our job is to match the traveler with the right itinerary, ship and cruise line for their interests, budget and schedule. We take this commitment to our clients seriously and endeavor to personalize our recommendations. Ultimately the best cruise to Antarctica is the one that fits your style and budget.

View our full selection of partner small ship cruise companies and our full list of small expedition ships . Learn more about choosing a cruise in our Antarctica travel guide .

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MORE ANTARCTICA RESOURCES : Antarctica Travel Guide Antarctica Cruises Luxury Antarctica Cruises Falkland Islands & South Georgia Cruises Cruises with Flights to Antarctica Best Time to Visit Antarctica Antarctica Cruise Cost How to Get to Antarctica Things to Do in Antarctica Places in Antarctica Antarctica Ships Antarctica Cruise Deals Antarctica Cruise Reviews

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Book Aboard the Best Antarctica Cruise Line

Now that you know the best Antarctica cruise lines, it’s time to find the best cruise for your budget and interests. Browse our top Antarctica trips, or follow the link to view all and filter results. Our experts specialize in helping clients find the right trip at the best price, and are standing by to assist you find your match.

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Why Now Is the Best Time to Plan and Book an Antarctica Sailing

With huge pent-up demand after the pandemic, you’d be wise to book sooner than later..

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Go for the penguins, stay for the gorgeous landscapes and first-person education on climate change.

Photo by Fran Golden

I imagined that a trip to Antarctica would be snow and ice and more snow and ice. But instead, when I set foot on the continent for the first time this past January, on a sailing organized by luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent , I disembarked from a bobbing inflatable Zodiac onto rocky beach surrounded by brown volcanic landscapes.

The scene might have been Hawai‘i were it not for a greeting party of Adélie and gentoo penguins set against a backdrop of glaciers and icebergs. Dozens of adult penguins bugled at each other as they waddled into the Antarctic Sound on fishing expeditions—or perhaps cooling off from Southern Hemisphere summer temperatures that were in the high 30s—while their chicks stayed ashore, awaiting their meals. It was noisy, smelly, buzzing, and thrilling.

Antarctica isn’t all snow and ice all the time.

Such amazing moments are among the many reasons for venturing as far south as you can get, to the seventh continent. True to my initial stereotype, Antarctica is full of ice and monolithic icebergs. There are also Weddell seals that live farther south than any other mammal and huge leopard seals that like to feed on penguins. Depending on the polar class of your ship, you may also sail through or land on ice floes in a place where the only humans around are those who reside at country-flagged research stations such as the U.S.’s Amundsen-Scott. Antarctica is one of the most barren and awe-inspiring places I have ever been.

Even on a modern cruise ship, Antarctica is not an easy trip. Travel typically includes several flights to get down to Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego at the bottom of Argentina, and additional hotel nights precruise if you fly first to Buenos Aires; you may have to cruise a full week before you actually get to the continent. Getting there in most cases involves sailing the notorious Drake Passage, so rough at times it’s nicknamed the “Drake Shake” (fortunately on our sailing it was more like the calmer “Drake Lake”).

Regular wake-up calls before 7 a.m. so you can witness penguins and other creatures before exploring the coast by Zodiac in the afternoon, bundling up in polar jackets and boots, and slippery wet landings are all part of the action-packed Antarctica expedition experience. There is plenty of down time too, which travelers can use to recover from all the activity and to reflect on what they’ve seen.

Minimizing your impact on the fragile environment of Antarctica is a requirement for visiting, set by the Antarctic Treaty . Visitors must follow the rules, which include remaining on approved paths and refraining from disturbing the animals or stepping on the precious moss, lichen, or seagrass that grows during the summer.

But it’s all worth it.

Add South Georgia to your White Continent itinerary and you will land among scenes dominated by king penguins the size of three- or four-year-old humans. At St. Andrews Bay, my fellow cruise passengers and I found ourselves mingling in a colony of 100,000 nesting pairs stretching far into the distance. Despite being an experienced adventure traveler, I was completely gobsmacked by what I was witnessing.

Why now is the best time to plan and book an Antarctica sailing

There are many compelling reasons to visit Antarctica now. For one, if you have an expert team of naturalists, biologists, geologists, historians, and ornithologists onboard your ship, as we did with A&K, you will gain a greater understanding of the effects of climate change and the dire warnings presented by the rapidly melting Antarctica ice sheet.

For another, a new flock of expedition ships has launched that are more ecofriendly than their predecessors and also a lot more comfortable than the converted icebreakers of yore. You can now do real luxury in Antarctica, without sacrificing the adventure aspect of the journey—these sleek vessels are able to go faster and farther than ever before.

Related 11 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Traveling to Antarctica The fact that there are now more ships in the region means that the season has been expanded to stretch from late October into March, which allows passengers to have a wide array of experiences depending on the month they visit as the continent’s ice melts and moves. For instance, my January trip featured such a multitude of penguins because we traveled during nesting season (mid-December to early February). October and November are spring mating season. As temperatures lower toward the Arctic fall (mid-February to March), birds retreat to the sea.

Travel to Antarctica during nesting season and this could be your welcoming committee.

If you are thinking of cruising in Antarctica this coming season (or even the next), you’d be wise to book now for the best choice of cabins and itineraries. There is huge pent-up demand after the pandemic shut down sailings for much of 2020 and 2021.

The best ships and travel companies for sailing Antarctica

Here’s a rundown of some of the top ship options, tour operators, and travel companies for traveling to Antarctica and what makes each stand out.

A L’Occitane spa at sea is one of several perks with Atlas Ocean Voyages.

Courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Navigator

Best for inclusions

New line Atlas Ocean Voyages debuted its 184-passenger polar-class World Navigator last season, and this year adds sister ship World Traveller . On both, you embark on Zodiacs, paddleboards, and kayaks from a mud room, and you can get a massage in L’Occitane’s first seagoing spas. If you stay in a top suite, you’ll receive butler service. While most new ships steer toward contemporary decor, here the theme is 1940s splendor.

9 nights from $10,399 per person

Cut through the ice with experienced ocean-going expedition company Hurtigruten.

Courtesy of Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten’s Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen

Best for staying active

While Norwegian line Hurtigruten’s Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen (both named for Norwegian explorers) don’t make pretenses at luxury, the line is expert at polar travel and the ships reflect that, including their environmental sensibility. Both ships lower their CO2 footprint with hybrid-electric engines that allow them to run for several hours on batteries, reducing emissions by 20 percent. Carrying up to 500 passengers in Antarctica, the line gets creative with activities that include snowshoeing and an opportunity to camp overnight on the ice. Kids age seven and up are welcome aboard.

15 nights from $10,038 per person (up to half-off for kids)

Lower your footprint by traveling on a climate-conscious Lindblad Expeditions vessel.

Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution

Best for onboard extras

Nestle under the duvet of a comfortable double bed and gaze at the stars on Lindblad Expeditions ’ new 126-passenger National Geographic Endurance or National Geographic Resolution . The ships are equipped with a pair of geodesic glass igloos on the top deck where guests are invited to overnight. With a cutting-edge X-Bow design and state-of-the-art engines, the ships also reduce key emissions by more than 70 percent.

13 nights, from $15,380 per person

Imagine relaxing poolside while you sail past ice sheets.

Photo by Gilles Trillard/Ponant

Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot

Best for sustainability

French line Ponant’s 270-passenger Le Commandant Charcot can sail up to eight hours on zero-emissions energy. The rest of the time, the luxury ship runs on cleaner liquified natural gas. The icebreaker’s ice-class rating allows it to go further than most other ships sailing in Antarctica. It proved that in February by breaking a record in reaching the closest geographic latitude to the South Pole (in the Ross Sea).

11 nights from $18,330 per person

Enhance your Antarctica journey by going with experienced tour operator Abercrombie & Kent.

Photo by Laurence Fischer/Ponant

Ponant’s Le Lyrial (with Abercrombie & Kent)

Best for learning itinerary

Abercrombie & Kent has 30 years’ experience in Antarctica and it shows. The company’s annual December and January sailings on Ponant’s upscale Le Lyrial are limited to 199 guests and staffed by one of the most experienced teams of nature experts in the business. Turn it into a family adventure with kids ages seven and older welcome onboard (with reduced pricing for those up to 18). An 18-day “Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands” photo-themed sailing includes additional lectures with professional photographers and generous hands-on advice whether you have an iPhone or the latest camera equipment with the biggest telephoto lens.

17 nights from $19,995 per person

You’ll have access to a sauna with glacier views on “Seabourn Venture.”

Rendering courtesy of Seabourn

Seabourn Venture

Best for most-anticipated new ship

The 264-passenger Seabourn Venture , Seabourn’s first purpose-built expedition ship, is set to debut in Antarctica this year, adding to the market luxurious suites with verandas, elevated cuisine, high design, and high-touch attention to guests from a 26-person expedition team that will lead expeditions by Zodiac, kayak, and submarine.

9 nights from $13,199 per person

Ultra-luxe toys on Scenic’s expedition vessel include a helicopter and small submarine.

Courtesy of Scenic

Scenic Eclipse

Best for fun perks

Australian brand Scenic’s posh “discovery yacht,” the 228-passeger Scenic Eclipse is big on amenities—there are two six-passenger Airbus helicopters for flightseeing, landings, and heli-skiing treks; a six-passenger submarine for exploring under the sea; a yoga studio; French and sushi restaurants; and butler service. When you are not busy with all that, belly up to the 110-bottle whiskey bar.

12 nights from $17,395 per person

An action-packed Antarctica itinerary with Quark Expeditions doesn’t have to include the “Drake Shake.”

Courtesy of Quark Expeditions

Silversea and Quark Expeditions

Best for fly-in options

There is a shortcut to Antarctica that allows for a quick trip and avoids the dreaded Drake Passage. Ultraluxury line Silversea and adventure line Quark Expeditions have itineraries where you fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, one of the South Shetland Islands. From there, it’s a relatively short sail to the Antarctic Peninsula. Silversea does the trip with business-class air and butler-serviced suites on its 144-passenger expedition ship Silver Explorer . Quark does its minus the over-the-top luxury on the classic 128-passenger Ocean Adventurer .

6 nights from $17,200 per person (Silversea); 7 nights from $11,444 per person (Quark)

Grab some views alfresco on a Viking expedition vessel.

Courtesy of Viking

Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris

Best for comfortable cruising

Viking Expeditions (part of the larger Viking cruise company that also operates a river and ocean line) is new in Antarctica with the 378-passenger, polar-class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris , ships that combine the comforts of traditional cruising with expedition adventures. While getting on a bobbing Zodiac can be challenging, Viking has developed a way for guests to board in the Hangar, an enclosed marina, to make it much easier. A pair of six-passenger submarines allows guests to see under the sea.

12 nights from $13,995 per person

>> Next: The Science of Antarctica May Change How You Cruise

Antarctica Cruises, Tours, and Vacations

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Those brave enough to venture to the ends of the earth are rewarded with a perspective and inspiration unlike any other. Here, nature reigns supreme, where untouched ice-crowned mountains rise majestically amidst brilliantly blue glaciers in icy waters. Follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers and historical adventurers as you arrive on the shores of the seventh continent.

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14  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $14,555

The diversity of snow, wildlife, glaciers, and ice shelves will be on full display during your personalized tour of Antarctica. Your comprehensive trip to the remote continent will introduce you to seals, penguins, and whales amidst adventures on zodiac boats, snowshoes, and kayaks. Travel across the Weddell Sea to find emperor penguins and hear the stories of Earnest Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition in the early 20th century. Experience the distinctively British ambiance of the Falkland Islands and find king penguins and nesting albatrosses. Whether in search of adventure or interested in learning more about the secluded snow-filled landscape, Antarctica will provide a complete travel experience.

11  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $17,155

Experience the spectacles of the Seventh Continent during your custom-tailored 11-day Antarctica tour. Soar over the Drake Passage on a picturesque flight and travel between the South Shetland Islands on a zodiac boat. Imagine yourself in the shoes of 19th-century explorers in search of elephant seals, sea lions, and an abundance of penguins. From unlikely geothermal activity to trekking between secluded national research stations, Antarctica's isolated shores will touch you.

10  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $10,395

Antarctica offers secluded wonders found both in the landscape and waters, from the pebbled shorelines to the endless blankets of snow. Let the majestic scenery and the enchanting wildlife of the Seventh Continent surprise and delight you on a 10-day Antarctica tour that will encompass luxury, discovery, and excitement. Search for giant whales as they migrate between the temperate Central and South American climates to the frigid waters around the islands of the South Pole, and then trek across the pebbled beaches to find the largest Gentoo penguin colony in the Southern Hemisphere. From Arctic terns to Weddell seals, your excursion will provide first-class insight and distinctive views of life in Antarctica.

Chart your course for the secluded, icy waters of the Weddell Sea during your personalized Antarctica tour that will reveal the fascinating shores of sheltered landscapes that are populated with captivating wildlife. Legend of historic expeditions will pass around the ship during your venture through the infamous Southern Ocean as images of the emperor, rockhopper, and Gentoo penguins overtake the diverse scenery. Thermal springs provide a surprising warmth to the frigid waters as from tabular icebergs to hidden English charms, breaching whales to massive ice floe, your Antarctica tour will highlight the thrill of discovery and the exhilaration of exploration.

Dynamic pricing from  $11,435

Your imagination can fit inside a picture frame during your personalized Antarctica tour focused on the art of travel photography. Begin your journey in Ushuaia, Argentina then travel to the South Shetland Islands and along the edges of the Antarctic Peninsula to see the stunning beauty and incredible landscape through your lens. Learn new skills and test your knowledge of photography alongside professional guides and instructors keen on helping you capture images of your unforgettable Antarctica cruise past the end of the South American continent. Mount crackling sea ice, snapshots of passing icebergs and penguin rookeries, and record the barking seal troops on your fascinating discovery of nature in an unrivaled region of the world.

Dive deep into both complexity and diversity on your 14-day Antarctica trip designed for an immersive experience spent amidst whales, penguins, seals, and snow. The world’s borders disappear behind the open seas, and the floating icebergs as dramatic mountains are blanketed with snow and enchanting ice formations that encapsulate the imaginative world near the South Pole. Humpback, Orca, and minke whales swim through the waters of the Drake Passage, and the penguins slide down slippery snow-paved slopes near island coasts reaching into crystal waters. The gorgeous scenery, cold air, and serene sounds establish an all-encompassing Antarctica tour near the depths of the southern pole.

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12  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $12,475

Indulge in the excitement of a custom-tailored Antarctica tour as you travel deep into the Polar Circle and along the Antarctic Peninsula for a contemporary exploration of a beloved destination. Cruise among ice floes in search of whale pods and seal colonies, and then visit with different species of penguins as they roam alongside the icy waters. Learn about the many ecosystems of the frozen landscape as you observe captivating wildlife and discover historic research stations in hidden huts and grand complexes.  Engage in an immersive experience perfect for admirers of scenery, history, science, adventure, and nature.

20  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $20,795

Antarctica tops the bucket list of most travel bucket lists, and for a good reason as the pristine landscape, captivating nature, and remote locations are unparalleled. Your 20-day Antarctica tour will be the most in-depth exploration of the south seas for the ultimate check on your bucket list consisting of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, and Antarctica, including the Polar Circle. Your immersive journey will place you in a British village, an abandoned whaling station, ample penguin colonies, and in search of hidden whale pods before you set foot on the snowy borders of the Seventh Continent.

During your customizable Antarctica cruise, your ship is your ideal base camp for your Antarctica tour focused on adventure. Acting as a safe harbor, you will embark on the ultimate discovery of pebbled beaches, slippery glacial surfaces, and the powdery texture of blanketing snow. Search for seals, whales, and penguins or bask in cozy thermal baths as you sail.  Move out into the scenery on an endless selection of activities that range from snowshoeing to kayaking, zodiac boat tours to glacier walking, wildlife spotting to photo work-shopping, for an unprecedented, comprehensive trip to Antarctica.

Enjoy the immersive thrills and enchanting scenery found on your luxurious Antarctica cruise. The White Continent is perhaps the ultimate escapade for thrill seekers and eager explorers interested in uncovering the marvels of the globe at their preferred pace. Wind around dramatic tabular icebergs that broke away from ancient glaciers, and then make camp on snow-drenched hills far from civilization’s reach before trekking over knolls and rocky points for unforgettable views of wildlife. Your Antarctica trip brings the best out of an exciting journey through the Drake Passage, past the South Shetland Islands, and touching down for a grand tour of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Get into the holiday spirit of snow, sleighs, and the wildlife of your wintery dreams with a personalized Antarctica tour at Christmas.  Your time spent around the Southern Ocean will be a perfect, unparalleled present as you traverse bays and channels crowded with icebergs and ice floes on a speeding zodiac boat that will bring you close up to the soaring figures. Kayak around the protected waterways as you search for passing whales and listen to the cacophonous calls of penguins. Embrace the luxuries of your Antarctica cruise ship while you take in the enchanting landscape of rugged marble mountains over blanketing, sprawling snow for an unforgettable exploration of the Antarctic wonderland.

8  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $9,355

Your express tour of Antarctica will make the remote continent more accessible than ever as you circumvent the Drake Passage and fly directly from Chile to the South Shetland Islands. Use a zodiac boat to explore idyllic bays that teem with seals and whales, and then scour the beaches that are dotted with different species of penguins and take in the icy plateaus. Near-constant sunlight washes over the landscape which then offers spectacular panoramas from the ship to shore at all hours of the day and night. Indulge with an immersive Antarctica tour tailored for you to experience luxury, wildlife, and the untamed scenery of a continent no longer lost to seclusion.

Dynamic pricing from  $11,695

From the cosmopolitan streets of Buenos Aires to the remote snow-capped mountains of the South Shetland Islands, you will bask in an enlightening expedition of discovery during your highlights tour of Argentina and Antarctica. The nightlife in the capital fills with the pulsing beat of tango while nearby a statue crowns the cliffs of Cape Horn and penguins populate the coastline of an archipelago less than 100 miles north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Whether basking in the aromas of traditional Argentinian barbecue or scouring the water in search of breaching whales, your customizable highlights tour features captivating culture, wildlife, and luxury.

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Wonder will engage you all during your family-friendly tour to Antarctica. Explore together with a cruise that promises to unveil the picturesque drama of the Seventh Continent as you pass through iceberg rattled channels and into the depths of the Weddell Sea. Enjoy the historical tales of shipwrecks around Elephant Island, and then listen to emperor penguins call out from the rocky beaches of Snow Hill Island. Watch for whales as they migrate through the Drake Passage and slap their tails against the water’s surface. Your Antarctic cruise will combine excitement and learning during a family-friendly journey into the thrilling seas that are decorated with ice, snow, and hidden wildlife all to be found and explored.

27  Day Custom Tour

Unyielding adventure and passionate spirit await during your 27-day luxury tour of Patagonia and Antarctica revealing the essence of the untamed wilderness. You will discover the culture of Chile and Argentina on an inspiring adventure beneath snowcapped peaks and across expansive pampas. Sip wine at vineyards in the Casablanca Valley. Experience the tango halls of Buenos Aires. Gentoo penguins and sea lions will become part of the scenery as you leave footprints in blanketing snow. From hiking trails to zodiac boats, you will create endless memories during your trip of a lifetime in Patagonia and Antarctica.

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Popular Destinations En Route to Antarctica

While Antarctica may seem remote and inaccessible, adventurous travelers can visit the southernmost continent with ease on a well-planned vacation. With the right travel specialist, you can embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to explore the stark beauty and fascinating wildlife of Antarctica.

Exploring with naturalist guides, you can enjoy frequent off-ship excursions via Zodiac boats to walk on the mainland, observe wildlife, and learn about the continent's unique geology and history.

When it comes to getting to Antarctica, the most common and accessible option is to travel by sea. There are no commercial flights or land crossings to the isolated continent. However, there are charter flights that leave from Punta Arenas, Chile, and land on King George Island. To reach Antarctica, you'll need to either embark on an expedition cruise departing from South America or book a charter flight.

Most Antarctic cruise itineraries begin in Ushuaia, Argentina, which is considered the gateway to Antarctica. Positioned at the southern tip of South America, Ushuaia provides direct access to the Drake Passage, the body of water between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula. Another route to Antarctica departs from Punta Arenas, Chile, which is north of Ushuaia on the Strait of Magellan.

Whichever port you depart from, expect to spend at least a few days at sea getting to Antarctica. Crossing the Drake Passage includes impressive seabird sightings and iceberg spotting as your adventure begins.

The travel season for Antarctica coincides with the region’s summer and runs from November to March as the sea ice retreats enough for ships to access the peninsula region.

The Antarctic summer brings nearly 24 hours of daylight, allowing for ample wildlife viewing and excursion opportunities. Temperatures reach highs around the freezing point, which is far warmer than winter's subzero extremes. Late November to early December is ideal for seeing penguins, and late December through January showcases cute, fluffy penguin chicks. And, February to March offers long hours of sunlight for exploring the ice or the opportunity to see the Southern Lights.

You can learn more in our guide on the best time to visit Antarctica or consult with your polar cruise or tour operator on the best time for your interests and preferences.

With its sprawling icy wilderness, choosing where to go in Antarctica can be overwhelming. We recommend focusing your itinerary around these remarkable destinations, the best places to visit in Antarctica :

• South Shetland Islands: A group of islands south of the Antarctic Peninsula brimming with chinstrap, Adelie, and gentoo penguin colonies.
• Antarctic Peninsula: The northernmost part of the continent, featuring accessible landing sites with prolific wildlife like gentoo penguins, leopard seals, and humpback whales.
• Drake Passage: The stretch of sea between South America and Antarctica, famed for its choppy waters, seabird sightings, and crossing the Antarctic Convergence zone into polar waters.

With a cruise itinerary from an experienced polar operator, your days in Antarctica will be packed with incredible experiences and wildlife encounters to last a lifetime. Here are some of the top things to do on your trip to Antarctica :

• Visit a working scientific research station to learn about their valuable studies and conservation efforts
• Go on frequent off-ship excursions by Zodiac boats to walk on the continent and ice, see wildlife up close, and take in the dramatic landscapes
• Follow your naturalist guides on landings to active penguin rookeries, observing the birds' charming antics
• Sea kayak and paddle among the icebergs for an extra adrenaline rush and unique seal and whale sightings
• Photograph the wondrous icescapes you'll encounter, from frozen waves to glittering blue glaciers
• Learn all about the continent's ecosystems and wildlife from your ship's expert naturalist guides

Despite its harsh climate, Antarctica is renowned for its remote and untouched icescapes that attract scientific researchers and travelers up for the challenge. As the only continent with no permanent human residents, Antarctica is known for its populations of penguins, seals, and whales that thrive in the cold conditions. Massive glaciers and ice shelves extend from the continent's land mass, including the colossal Ross Ice Shelf. Antarctica's unique location around the South Pole also provides prime conditions to view the Southern Lights.

Travelers visiting Antarctica can expect average temperatures of around 14°F in coastal regions during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to February. On the Antarctic Peninsula, highs can, though rarely, rise above 32°F.

Antarctica may be freezing, but it teems with incredible wildlife uniquely adapted to the harsh climate. You can be on the lookout for these remarkable animals in Antarctica:

• Adelie, chinstrap, gentoo, and emperor penguins.
• Humpback, minke, and orca whales.
• Crabeater, leopard, Weddell, and elephant seals.
• Skuas, petrels, terns, and albatross.

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Antarctica and inspiration in our Antarctica travel guide .

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How to plan an epic trip to Antarctica, from booking the ship to choosing the best itinerary

Jul 5, 2022 • 7 min read

With proper planning, you'll be able to see the best of Antartica © david goldman photo / Getty Images

With its enormous ice shelves, vast emptiness and ethereal silence, Antarctica really is like nowhere else on earth. Its landscapes are a study in the color white: how it reflects light, accentuates mountains and crumbles atop the sea. Yet, it’s often the animals who leave the biggest impression. There are the tuxedo-clad penguins, who belly-surf out of the ocean to guard eggs from soaring skuas. Then there are the humpback whales, who breach from steel-grey fjords, and the doe-eyed Weddell seals, who ham it up for distant cameras while resting on wondering ice floes. 

In Antarctica, everything is spectacularly extreme, from the constantly shifting weather patterns to the snot-freezing mid-day temperatures. Yet the journey can be remarkably pleasant thanks to increasingly comfortable expedition cruises, which shuttle you to remote bays for half-day adventures before you return to a warm shower and three-course meal. Sure, you’ll probably experience rough seas and frozen fingertips, but that’s a small price to pay for the journey of a lifetime. 

What is an expedition cruise?

Unless you’re planning your own expedition, you’ll visit Antarctica as part of a group tour, almost certainly on a ship. This has the advantage of combining your transportation, meals and accommodations, and also means that no infrastructure has to be built ashore in Antarctica’s delicate environment. 

Expedition cruises to Antarctica are a world away from the cruises you might be familiar with in the Caribbean or Mediterranean. The boats are smaller, the amenities are fewer and the focus is almost always on science, history, education and adventure. That said, due to the remote nature of the trips, prices are noticeably higher.

How much will my trip cost?

The sad reality is that there’s no such thing as a cheap Antarctica cruise. Per person, per day rates can range anywhere from $500 (for a triple room in the interior) to $1,500 (for a double suite with a balcony), including all meals, some drinks and basic shore excursions. This can drop slightly at the start and end of the season (which runs from November to March), but don’t expect to pay any less than $6,000 for the entire journey.

There are some easy ways to cut down on costs, including booking early for “two-for-one” airfare subsidies or shipboard credits. Alternatively, you could also chance it and show up in the main ports of departure and hunt for last-minute unsold cabins, which can go on sale for up to half the retail price.

The absolute cheapest way to visit Antarctica is to do a “scenic sail” past the islands of the Palmer Archipelago on one of the extended South America cruise itineraries from Buenos Aires or Santiago (via San Antonio, Chile). Be forewarned, however, that these bigger boats do not have landing privileges, so you won’t be able to leave the ship.

What are the itineraries?

A whopping 98% of all trips to Antarctica begin at the southern tip of South America. Ushuaia , Argentina, has historically been the most popular departure point, though an increasing number of operators are now based in Punta Arenas , Chile, too. Expedition companies enjoy sailing from here because they have relatively easy access to the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands in the South Shetlands and Palmer Archipelago. Longer itineraries will tack on the wildlife-rich South Georgia and the history-rich Falkland Islands, while a few companies opt instead for the glacier-filled fjords of Patagonia.

A handful of ships depart each year on specialized itineraries to the Ross Sea from Bluff , New Zealand. On rare occasions, cruises sail from Hobart , Australia, and Cape Town , South Africa, too. These tend to be longer and more expensive journeys with about five rough days at sea before you cross the Antarctic Circle and reach the seventh continent.

All companies post rough itineraries for their journeys, but the reality is that weather, not clocks or calendars, determines timetables here. In general, most ships plan day by day, with the expected plans for the following morning announced the evening prior.

Best companies and ships

Choosing which ship to sail on is one of the most difficult parts of planning a trip to Antarctica. All of the recommended companies below are members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, or IAATO , whose goal is to "advocate and promote the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic."

Magellan Explorer from Antarctica21

Anyone who’s heard nightmares about the notoriously choppy Drake Passage may want to consider an air-cruise option like Antarctica21’s Magellan Explorer , which maximizes time on the seventh continent. Guests fly from Punta Arenas to Chile’s Antarctic base on King George Island, where the 73-passenger ship sets sail. The Magellan Explorer is intimate with all exterior-facing cabins and one of the highest guide-to-guest ratios, meaning departures from the mudroom are quick and you can spend more time at each site. As a bonus, the ship carries kayaks and a dedicated guide for those who prefer to explore each site by paddle.  

MS Roald Amundsen from Hurtigruten

The world's first hybrid electric-powered exploration vessel, the 500-passenger MS Roald Amundsen entered Hurtigruten’s fleet in 2019 with the goal of making travel to Antarctica more sustainable. One of the larger ships sailing in polar regions, it boasts tons of amenities, including three restaurants, a science center and a wellness zone. Itineraries tend to run at least two weeks and take in either the Patagonian fjords or the Falkland Islands, too.

MV Hondius from Oceanwide Expeditions

The 170-passenger MV Hondius is one of the most economical options for travel to Antarctica, matching exceptional polar capabilities with an excellent price point. While the cabins aren’t as large or luxurious as others on this list, it makes up for it with special excursions, such as camping, snowshoeing and mountaineering. For those brave enough – and experienced enough – to try polar scuba diving, it’s also one of the few ships equipped for underwater activities. 

National Geographic Endurance from Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad was the original pioneer of tourist trips to Antarctica, and its newest ship, the 126-passenger National Geographic Endurance , shows that it’s mastered how to usher people to the end of the earth in style. Not only are there rare-in-Antarctica features such as a spa, yoga studio and infinity-style hot tub, but there’s also two glass-walled “igloos” where you can stargaze in the evening. Plus, the ship carries a National Geographic photographer to help you master those penguin shots, as well as toys like kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis for plenty of polar exploring.

Viking Octantis from Viking Cruises

River cruise companies have recently moved into the open ocean with the launch of new ships like the 378-passenger Viking Octantis , which debuted in early 2022. This luxurious ship boasts floor-to-ceiling windows in its all-veranda cabins and lavish add-ons, including helicopters and submarines. It also replaces the traditional mudroom with an industry-first in-ship marina that lets guests depart from a stable surface, shielded from wind and waves. 

Heritage Adventurer from Heritage Expeditions

One of the few ships sailing to the Ross Sea side of Antarctica, the 140-passenger Heritage Adventurer departs New Zealand each January on 28-day journeys, which typically take in the Ross Ice Shelf (the world’s largest body of floating ice), Cape Adare (Antarctica’s largest Adélie penguin rookery), and a number historic huts that recall the “Heroic Era” of Antarctic exploration. Along the way to and from Antarctica, the ship also stops at New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands and Australia’s Macquarie Island. 

Ocean Endeavor from Intrepid Travel & Chimu Adventures

An affordable option from two trusted travel brands, itineraries on the 200-passenger Ocean Endeavor range from 11 to 21 days and include a range of activities from photography lessons to polar camping. All trips leave from Ushuaia and typically take in South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. While cabins are basic – and many rooms lie in the dark interior – the boat does feature a gym, small spa and heated saltwater pool. It’s also one of the few ships that offers dedicated single cabins for solo travelers.

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6 Trips to Visit Antarctica, From Photography Journeys to Luxury Ships

Turns out 'The Ice' isn't as unattainable as you'd think.

Antarctica is beyond the boundaries of civilization, beyond the limits of imagination, and — for most practical vacationers — beyond the realm of possibility. It exists more as an abstract collage of penguins, glaciers, and icebergs than it does as actual terra firma. And so it remains the ultimate bucket-list daydream to anyone with insatiable wanderlust. But here's a little secret this mysterious continent keeps well guarded: It's way easier to get here than you imagine.

In fact, there are so many manageable, cost-effective options to access this part of the world, you can pick yours based upon the type of adventurer you are.

Are you the outdoorsy type? Perhaps you opt for wildlife over wilderness? Do you prefer to straighten up and fly right? Would you like champagne with that? So long as it's in season (between November and March), all these choices are on the table. And if you plan right, a trip here could even cost you less than an elaborate vacation to Europe or Asia. Or it could cost a lot more. Either way, no one should be deterred.

Here's the best way to access Antarctica for any type of traveler.

For the Environmentally Conscious

Of course, just because you can do something doesn't mean you ought to. "Antarctica is a fragile ecosystem," warns naturalist Christina Garcia, who has never made the voyage. "By visiting we are putting its wildlife and plants at risk."

To allay these concerns, the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) was formed in 1991. Today, it includes more than 100 members, all of which adhere to restrictions designed to minimize any lasting effect on the continent. But since there is no government in this part of the world, enforcement is self-regulated. Some operators seem to take it more seriously than others. Silversea Cruises is a notable example.

"Our aim is to preserve natural environments and encourage sustainable travel," said Conrad Combrink, Vice President of Strategic Development. "[We've] invested in a number of innovative product solutions to reduce impact."

In addition to carbon footprint-reducing technology on Silversea's three Antarctica-bound ships , the crews include biologists, zoologists, and conservationists. Cruises even feature seminars that educate guests on everything from penguin migration to how climate change is altering the landscape. And when it's time to come ashore, the team surveys ahead — scouting the surroundings for natural curiosities prior to passenger arrival.

The three luxury-liners also offer one of the more intimate cruise experiences into this part of the world. The Silver Endeavour can accommodate 200 passengers and is serviced by 200 crew members, the Silver Cloud 254 passengers and 212 crew members, and the Silver Wind 274 passengers and 239 crew members.

All guests are treated to white-glove butler service throughout the journey. Most Silversea expeditions depart from Chile. Prices start around $13,000.

For the Birdwatcher

The world's largest wildlife colonies can be found in Antarctica. Some rookeries contain upwards of 100,000 birds, typically overrun with the region's most popular species: King and Adélie Penguins. "For many birders and nature enthusiasts, Antarctica is the 'holy grail' of natural places," says Brian Sullivan, from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology . "It is forbidding in its harsh climate and austere landscape, yet powerfully alluring in its outright wildness."

In 2018, scientists discovered a previously unknown sanctuary in the Antarctic Peninsula that is thought to hold more than a million Adélie Penguins. Naturalist Journeys leads passengers through these so-called "mega-colonies" in small groups plus an expert guide to explain all things penguin. The cruise varies from year to year in departure time and duration but generally spends about 20 full days at sea.

The 2024 itinerary includes time in the Falkland Islands — also known for its world class birdwatching — and the South Atlantic island of South Georgia before continuing into the Antarctic. Prices start at $13,000, not including travel to and from Argentina.

For the Well-heeled

Even the most exclusive of Antarctic vessels hold no less than 100 passengers. If you prefer a more private experience, you might consider a nine-day charter trip with Jacada Travel . This one kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa, where your own guide leads you around the city for two days prior to a chartered flight direct to Antarctica.

You'll land at an exclusive on-continent property like Whichaway Camp — a series of six luxuriously appointed sleeping pods with space for no more than 12 guests at a time. The setting, as you might expect, is surreal. Into the distance is a field of white as far as the eye can see. Overhead is a 200-foot ice cliff, rising up from a frozen lake. This is your home for several days to do as much or as little as you please. Explore ancient ice caves, try your hand at kite-skiing, or make a leisurely visit to the nearby science research bases. When you need refueling, gourmet chefs are on-site preparing meals in the kitchen pod.

You're breathing rarified air. Of the relatively small number of adventurers who make it to the continent, even fewer are able to explore its interior features like this. Indeed, this is a memory shared by only a handful of people on Earth. But it will cost you. Jacada's itinerary will set you back no less than $95,000 per person, exclusive of return airfare to Cape Town.

White Desert Antarctica offers an even more comprehensive version of the interior experience, as the only tour company flying directly to the geographic South Pole — which is an additional seven-hour flight from Whichaway Camp. A seven-day excursion with White Desert books at $98,500 per person.

For the Family

Taking the family on a lengthy voyage at sea can be tricky, particularly if you have small children in tow. You'd be hard-pressed to find an Antarctic cruise-liner that offers designated childcare on board. But that doesn't necessarily mean you have to leave the little ones at home. Aurora Expeditions encourages young ones to be involved.

On its nine- to 24-day cruises, it offers educational seminars intended to promote awareness and excitement for scientific exploration. Icebergs and orcas floating by in the background form a far more compelling argument than what you'd find in a typical classroom.

For the Seasick

Before embarking for Antarctica, take heed: One sizable obstacle stands in your way. "You're on the comfort of a cruise ship, but 'comfort' can be a relative term," warns travel writer and author Carey Jones. "It all depends on how feisty the notorious Drake Passage is feeling." The 500-mile-wide stretch of open ocean separating Cape Horn from Livingston Island can be a nasty stretch of sea. Even in a big ocean liner, things can sway violently and decks can get messy, especially if you're prone to motion sickness.

Antarctica21 provides a novel workaround: a two-hour chartered flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the South Shetland Islands, in lieu of two days floating over the Drake. From there, you'll hop on a proper cruise ship and enjoy the placidity of the Bransfield Strait. Make your way through iceberg-filled fjords over three full days of gentle sightseeing. Then, it's just an easy return back to Punta Arenas, taking nothing but photos — and leaving the Dramamine behind. Best of all, the aerial boost isn't prohibitively expensive. The air and sea combination starts at $13,495.

For the Photographer

Those with a serious predilection for photography should consider booking through Open Sky Expeditions , Antarctica21's U.S.-based partner. Its annual voyage in December brings together a global band of gearheads struggling to capture this otherworldly grandeur in hi-def. Though if you're fortunate enough to make it here in person, a camera might seem redundant. This is a scene that will forever imprint itself on your mind.

Best Antarctica cruise ships: 11 stylish expedition vessels exploring the White Continent

There's never been a better time to travel to Antarctica -- at least when it comes to getting there in comfort and style.

The last few years have brought a stunning new crop of small "expedition" cruise vessels specifically designed for Antarctica sailings that are far more upscale and elegant than anything seen before.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Built by longtime leaders in polar cruising such as Lindblad Expeditions and Hurtigruten Expeditions, as well as a few newcomers to the niche, these are vessels that are more spacious, more amenity-filled and more stable than Antarctica cruise ships of old -- and they're fundamentally changing the way travelers are experiencing the destination.

The best Antarctica cruise ships: Then and now

Tourists have been visiting Antarctica in small numbers since 1966, when adventure tour pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad led a small group of "citizen scientists" to the Antarctic Peninsula on a chartered Argentine navy ship. But for many of the 56 years since then, a trip to Antarctica has meant a sailing on a relatively spartan vessel.

Like Lindblad's chartered navy ship, many of the early vessels used for tourism to the White Continent were tough-built government or scientific ships that were designed with navigating icy areas but not necessarily comfort in mind.

Related: An untamed world: Discovery the wild dreamscape of Antarctica

My first voyage to Antarctica, back in 2004, for instance, was on Akademik Ioffe -- a hardy, ice-class Russian oceanographic research vessel that was often chartered by adventure tour companies in those days for polar trips. I slept in a no-frills cabin originally designed for Russian oceanography researchers and ate with my fellow tourgoers in a cafeteria-like dining space. The crew mostly spoke Russian.

A lot has changed since then -- mostly in the last couple of years.

The new crop of vessels being built for Antarctica sailings have all the creature comforts that travelers have come to expect on cruise vessels in other parts of the world, including spacious and upscale cabins, often with balconies; elegant eateries with diverse menus; spas and fitness centers; and even pools and deck-top hot tubs.

Some of the fanciest of the newcomers also have such over-the-top amenities as helicopters for sightseeing from above and submarines for seeing what lurks just under the water. At the very high end, some ships feature all-suite accommodations with butler service.

In all cases, these are ships specifically built for "expedition cruising" -- a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on small, hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft. All of them sail with a large number of rigid inflatable Zodiac boats for landings and have strengthened hulls and other design features that let them operate in icy areas.

I've sailed on nearly all of these new vessels, in many cases in polar regions, and have been consistently amazed by just how much of an upgrade they really are.

Here, my picks for the 11 best new expedition cruise ships sailing to Antarctica:

National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution

Operator: Lindblad Expeditions.

These Lindblad Expeditions ships may be my favorite all-around picks for an Antarctica cruise. Sailing since July and November 2021, respectively, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution each are designed to hold no more than 126 passengers -- a notably low number that allows for an intimate experience when exploring the White Continent.

They're also very stable ships, thanks to an unusual new sloping bow design -- something that can make a big difference when sailing to and from Antarctica across the notoriously rough Drake Passage.

Lindblad was the original pioneer of tourist trips to Antarctica, and it has years of experience in the region that has helped shape the way it designed these nearly identical vessels, both specifically built for polar travel.

Each of the ships has a polar class rating of PC 5 Category A (a notch above many Antarctica vessels), allowing them to travel through icy areas with ease. They're also loaded with observation areas for viewing the passing scenery. They carry kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis for polar exploring in addition to Zodiac boats for landings, and they have remotely operated vehicles -- just in case you want to see what's going on down below.

Each vessel has two glass-walled "igloos" on its top deck where passengers can spend the night under the stars. Comfortable, state-of-the-art rooms with balconies; stylish restaurants and lounges with upscale, Scandinavian-inspired decor; a spa; and a yoga studio with wall-to-wall windows round out the onboard experience.

Related: I just spent the night in an igloo in Antarctica -- here's how you can, too

The details: Fares for 11-night Antarctica cruises on the two vessels start at $16,780 per person, based on double occupancy. Fares include a pre-cruise, one-night hotel stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Santiago, Chile; flights from Buenos Aires or Santiago to Ushuaia, Argentina; drinks, including spirits and wines; and prepaid gratuities.

Note that as part of a 3-year-old partnership between Hyatt and Lindblad, World of Hyatt members can pay for a Lindblad cruise using Hyatt points — or earn 5 base points per dollar on eligible spending (excluding incidentals), plus the standard bonuses for Hyatt elite members, as well as elite tier-qualifying night credits. All members — regardless of status — will enjoy a $250 onboard credit to use on incidentals.

World Navigator

Operator: Atlas Ocean Voyages.

Just unveiled in August 2021, World Navigator is the first vessel for Atlas Ocean Voyages , an all-new cruise operator that's focused on "luxe adventure" trips -- and it's already high on my list of favorite ships for polar exploring.

Like the Lindblad vessels, it's designed to carry relatively few passengers (up to 184 on Antarctica sailings) and is loaded with indoor and outdoor observation areas including an innovative, close-to-the-waterline outside deck area with heated seating called The Water's Edge. High-tech touches include a GPS that lets it hover in sensitive areas without dropping anchor.

Built tough for polar exploring (it has a PC 6 rating, one notch below the Lindblad vessels), it also is designed to be upscale with elegant, 1940s-influenced decor, such pampering touches as a L'Occitane spa (the first at sea) and butler service in the top cabins.

Related: First look at World Navigator, a stylish new adventure ship

World Navigator is the first of five nearly identical sister vessels that Atlas Ocean Voyages will roll out by late 2024, many of which will sail regularly to Antarctica.

The details: Nine-night voyages to Antarctica start at $10,499 per person, based on double occupancy. Fares include drinks, including spirits and fine wines; shipboard Wi-Fi; prepaid gratuities; and emergency medical evacuation insurance for every passenger (the latter being a rare offering among companies cruising to Antarctica).

Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen

Operator: Hurtigruten Expeditions.

Hurtigruten Expeditions, a Norway-based expedition cruise company, has a long and storied history in polar travel, so it's no surprise that the company broke new ground in the polar cruising niche when it unveiled the 528-passenger Roald Amundsen and sister ship Fridtjof Nansen in 2019 and 2021, respectively.

Named after famous Norwegian polar explorers, the ships are the cruise industry's first to run on electric hybrid engines. This not only saves fuel but also allows for noiseless operation in sensitive polar areas where silence can make all the difference (near a penguin rookery, for instance, or a calving glacier).

Other unusual features include a full-blown science center with state-of-the-art gadgets and underwater drones for passenger use.

Related: These 8 books are must-reads before an Antarctica trip

Both of these vessels sail with a maximum of 500 passengers when operating in Antarctica, which is on the high side for an Antarctic-based vessel. If you're eager to make a lot of landings in Antarctica during a trip to the continent, Hurtigruten's newest ships may not be the best choice. With Antarctic regulations limiting landings to 100 people at a time, these ships only can land a small fraction of their passengers at any given time.

For that reason, I am partial to the older but more intimate Hurtigruten polar vessel Fram, which carries just 200 passengers when operating in Antarctica. But Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen have one big advantage versus that ship and many others operating in Antarctica, which is that their starting rates for trips to the region are significantly lower. As bigger ships, they also may feel more stable at times.

The details: Fares for 11-night Antarctica cruises start at $7,334 per person, based on double occupancy. Fares include a pre-cruise, one-night hotel stay in Buenos Aires; round-trip flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia; beer and wine with meals; and free Wi-Fi.

Scenic Eclipse

Operator: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.

Unveiled in 2019, this super-swanky, 228-passenger "discovery yacht" was the first oceangoing vessel for luxury purveyor Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours -- a brand better known for river cruises.

Like Scenic river ships, Scenic Eclipse is a high-end vessel with all-suite accommodations (and we're talking real suites, with separate living rooms), butler service for all and a wide range of onboard dining options including a sushi restaurant. It has a whiskey bar stocked with more than 110 whiskies and other high-end liquors, plus a spa and a yoga studio.

Scenic Eclipse also was the first Antarctica-bound cruise vessel to boast helicopters to take passengers on epic (and pricey) Antarctica excursions -- and it has a submarine for underwater exploring, too. Having experienced a helicopter excursion from the vessel, I can say that it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

On the downside, the helicopter pad and hangars eat up a lot of space on the vessel's top deck, as do the suites along the vessel's sharply sloping front. The combination leaves less available room for observation areas. The result is a ship with less outdoor space for viewing scenery than is typical for small vessels operating polar trips.

The details: Fares for 12-night Antarctica trips start at $15,655 per person, based on double occupancy. Fares include a pre-cruise, one-night hotel stay in Buenos Aires; round-trip flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia; drinks, including spirits and fine wines; and prepaid gratuities.

Le Soleal, Le Boreal, Le Lyrial and L'Austral

Operator: Ponant.

Launched between 2010 and 2015, these four sister ships are regular visitors to Antarctica -- both under the banner of Ponant, a French brand, and as vessels chartered to high-end, U.S.-based tour companies Tauck and Abercrombie & Kent.

A pioneer in polar travel, Ponant has a long tradition of operating voyages to Antarctica, and this series of ship was specially designed for such trips. They all are hardy (with 1C ice class ratings from Lloyd's Register) but also stylish, with contemporary interiors and comfortable rooms.

Note that the onboard ambiance of these vessels sometimes can be significantly different depending on whether they are sailing on a trip marketed by Ponant (where announcements and onboard programming will be in both French and English, with many of the passengers being French-speakers) or by Tauck or Abercrombie & Kent (where the onboard experience will have a much more distinctly American vibe).

Related: This new luxury tour gets you to Antarctica faster than most

In September 2021, Ponant unveiled an even tougher polar vessel, the 270-passenger Le Commandant Charcot. Equipped with ice breaking capabilities, it's able to sail to polar areas that most other polar cruise vessels can't reach. Note that, currently, its Antarctica sailings are being mostly marketed by Ponant itself, which means they may draw mostly French-speaking travelers.

The details: Fares for 11-night Antarctica trips start at $11,350 per person, based on double occupancy. Fares include a pre-cruise, one-night hotel stay in Buenos Aires; and round-trip flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.

Viking Octantis

Operator: Viking.

Just unveiled in early 2022, Viking Octantis is fast-growing Viking's first-ever expedition cruise ship, and it boasts some unusual features that make it one of the best cruise ships for exploring Antarctica.

Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to small Zodiac boats for landings while still in the protected interior of the ship. It's a first for an expedition cruise ship.

Viking Octantis also has what may be the most stunning lecture hall ever at sea. Located at the back of the vessel, the high-tech room has sliding walls behind the spot where lecturers will stand that can open to reveal the surrounding scenery through floor-to-ceiling glass.

Viking Octantis is designed to carry 378 passengers, which is on the high side for Antarctica cruise ships. Like Hurtigruten's Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, it isn't able to land all or even most of its passengers at once in Antarctica.

Like Scenic Eclipse, Viking Octantis carries a submarine for underwater exploring, as well as kayaks. In a first for polar expedition cruise vessels, every cabin has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel. Public areas feature the same elegant Scandinavian design found on Viking's ocean ships and river ships, as well as such familiar Viking venues as Italian restaurant Manfredi's and a top-of-the-ship, glass-walled Explorers' Lounge.

A sister vessel to Viking Octantis, Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022 and also will sail to polar regions.

The details: Fares for 12-night Antarctica trips start at $13,995 per person, based on occupancy. Fares include a pre-cruise, one-night hotel stay in Buenos Aires; beer and wine with lunch and dinner; and shipboard Wi-Fi.

Planning an Antarctica cruise expedition? Start with these stories:

• Dreaming of Antarctica: How to book the trip of a lifetime
• Skip the Drake Passage: What it's like flying to Antarctica on a chartered plane
• 7 tips for visiting Antarctica before it's too late
• The ultimate packing list for an Antarctica trip

14 Best Things To Do In Antarctica To Do On Your Expedition

I f ever given the chance to visit the seventh and arguably the most enchanting continent of Antarctica , take it ! I can assure you there is nowhere on the planet quite like it.

Although you might be thinking Antartica is all just icebergs and penguins, you’d be wrong. In fact, there are many unmissable things to do in Antartica that make it a unique and thrilling destination to adventure to.

After having the chance to spend nearly 15 days on a Chilean Naval Icebreaker with a National Geographic team , we learned there is much to discover and enjoy in the cold continent.

In this guide, we’ve shared some of the top attractions in Antartica and the highlights to experience.

We recommend the Antarctica tours from reputable company G Adventures. Not only will the  G Expedition  steer you closer to some of our planet’s most amazing places, their professional and highly-skilled team of on-board experts offer keen insight, unique perspectives, and hands-on attention not found in a guidebook. See the G Expedition tours and availability here.

1. Marvel at The Magnificent Landscape At Paradise Bay

2. run the antarctic half-marathon or marathon, 3. lick an iceberg, 4. send a postcard from port lockroy, 5. take a selfie with a penguin (and enjoy the other wildlife), 6. take a helicopter ride for an aerial view of antarctica, 7. take a shot with someone at a research base, 8. check out observation hill for a stunning view, 9. visit the south pole, 10. take a dip in deception island’s hot spring, 11. go kayaking around antartica peninsula, 12. go on a whale watching excursion, 13. do a polar plunge, 14. go snowshoeing, best time to visit antartica, how to get to antartica, final thoughts, 15 best things to do in antarctica.

The Antarctic summer starts in December and runs through till about March. The skies are usually bright and the temperature is no colder than a crisp, sunny winter’s day.

The summer is the best time to see Antarctica at its most beautiful, and arguably the best place to witness the beauty of Antartica’s landscapes is at the pristine Paradise Bay .

Paradise Bay is on the West side of Antarctica and the still waters and fascinating icebergs make it the epitome of Antarctica.

Visiting this harbor is simply put— magical.

On a typical summer day you would see exquisite ice sculptures standing tall and majestic, clear skies reflecting all the mightiness of the mountains into the clear bay.

Albatrosses spreading their 11ft wings and filling the skies as leopard seals bask in the sun on an ice float. Time stops still here .

The beauty is breath taking and is the go-to place if you want to experience the magical wonder that is Antarctica!

Read more: How To Visit Antartica on a Ross Sea Expedition.

On King George’s Island in nearly sub-zero conditions there are the Antarctic Half-Marathon and Marathon for those that are the most hardcore!

How great would finishing a race with a nice little medal be, to commemorate the trip to Antarctica?

The first things that I noticed when entering Antarctic territory were the beasts that were the icebergs.

They speckled the water and stood tall against the clear sky. It had always been on my bucket list to lick a real iceberg and where better to cross this off my list than in Antarctica!

Icebergs are never still and are constantly shifting positions due to the wind. For this reason a lot of bigger ships tend to steer clear of these ‘bergs. No one wants a repeat of the Titanic!

The chances come with smaller vessels, primarily Zodiacs . They are must smaller and can navigate around icebergs with ease.

We had the chance to pull up next to a rather small iceberg and see how far into the water it actually went. The old adage is true, what we saw really was “just the tip of the iceberg!”

Getting exciting at the possibility of being able to lick one of these great ice blocks we convinced our zodiac driver to pull in between two icebergs. Needless to say, this was a bad idea.

The imperceptible motions of the icebergs were lost on us and soon we found ourselves trapped between them.

Luckily, a flatboat from a base was returning to shore when they spotted us and were able to aid in our rescue!

If you stop by Port Lockroy make sure to send yourself a cool postcard stamped from Antarctica.

The Port Lockroy Museum used to be the British Base but is now a full time post office.

It is a cute little structure from which you can send yourself mail stamped with Antarctica’s stamp!

The best place to enjoy the frolicking of penguins would be on  Paradise Bay . The snow capped mountains in the background with the little creatures in tuxedos happily scampering about is quite a sight.

They love to slide around on their bellies and splash around in the water. Their squawking and cooing is a pleasurable cacophony. Here is the ideal place to watch them play and take photographs.

The penguins on Antarctica aren’t used to humans but they sure aren’t scared of us either. They happily run up to you and circle your feet.

There are several species of penguin in Antartica, such as King Penguins, Gentoo Penguins, and Emperor Penguins. The penguins at Paradise Bay are Gentoo Penguins.

In terms of wildlife there is more to see than just penguins.  Sometimes Leopard Seals, Elephant Seals, Fur Seals and Weddell Seals  beach themselves on shore to relax after a meal, or even to lie in wait for the oblivious penguins to walk within reach.

These creatures aren’t used to humans either but they are not as friendly as the penguins.

We were advised by the people from the base and the National Geographic Team to leave the seals (and any other creature that wasn’t a penguin) alone, for our own safety.

In fact, it’s not a good idea to pick up or touch the penguins either. Many people do, but it’s not ethical practice and may frighten the penguin so we don’t advocate for this.

It is breathtaking to get an aerial view of Antarctica and its magnificent landscape.

Using a helicopter is probably the best way to travel around the continent and witness the Emperor penguin colonies, or even fly amongst albatross.

A popular spot to fly over is the Weddell Sea region, which is known for its wildlife.

You may also be in with a chance of seeing humpback whales, orcas, right whales swimming in the ocean, or see seals basking on ice floes.

It’s an odd thing when you ask someone where home is and their answer is Antarctica.

This is quite the case for the roughly 4,000 people that call Antarctica home during the summer months and the 1,000 that stay there during the winter as well!

Having a look into a base you wouldn’t even realize that you were on Antarctica. In fact, there are 70 permanent bases on the continent, each belonging to a different country – though not all of them are open to the public.

There’s a rather up-to-date facility at Base O’Higgins, a base belonging to Chile. They are staffed with all the amenities one could hope for including a basketball court!

Some other research stations you can visit as a tourist are Vernadsky Station , which is owned by Ukraine, Brown Station , Carlini Base , and Cámara Station which belong to Argentina .

So go ahead, be bold, as to take a shot (whether a drink or with a camera) with a person from within one of these awesome bases.

If you’re looking for an incredible view of the snowy peaks and icebergs, then head to the McMurdo Station and trek up Observation Hill .

It is not that much of a trek from the station (roughly 30-40 minutes) with an elevation of 754-foot (230 meter), but the view from the top is stunning. Though be warned, it’s a steep trek!

There is a beautiful view of the Ross Ice Shelf and views of Mt. Erebus ; the perfect spot for quiet reflection.

The South Pole lies at 90°S and 0°W . The best way to access this point is via helicopter, because it’s quicker and safer.

However, you can also reach the South Pole by trekking. The trek is not for the faint hearted though – you need to be equipped with specialized polar gear, designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the icy continent.

You can also reach the South Pole by vehicle.

Standing at the South Pole is how one can claim that they have indeed reached all the way to the bottom of the Earth. You can also visit the US Scientific research base known as the Amundsen – Scott South Pole Station.

Another bucket list thing to do in Antartica is experience the joy of bathing in a hot spring in Antarctica. Yes, you heard me! Strip down and swim around in warm Antarctic waters!

On Deception Island , at the South Shetlands in Antarctica , there is warm volcanic soil and even warmer water underground. This is because the island sits in a caldera above an active volcano.

If you’re feeling particularly brave you can wade into the warm shore water or else just dig up some of the volcanic soil and climb into a steaming hot pool of water right on Antarctica’s mainland!

One of the best ways to see Antartica is to get out on the water. Grab your paddles and life vest, and kayak around the icebergs and sheets of glacial ice.

While most cruise expeditions will have smaller zodiac cruises that take you to land, a kayak tour is a great way to get up close and personal with the landscape and wildlife.

While you might be anxious about the water conditions, the water around the Antarctic Peninsula is usually very still and calm, since it’s protected by the glaciers.

Sometimes it’s even possible to be greeted by curious whales in the waters.

Check out kayak tours in Antarctica here!

Not trip to Antarctica would be complete without taking a whale-watching adventure to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Antarctica boasts an abundance of whale species, including humpback, orca, minke, and blue whales. The sheer size and grace of these magnificent animals as they breach, tail-slap, and swim alongside your zodiac vessel is a sight to behold.

Not only do you get to witness their behavior, but you can learn about their conservation needs through expert guides and educational lectures onboard your expedition vessil.

Does the idea of taking a dive in cold water scare you? That’s exactly why you should do it!

The most thrilling thing to do in Antarctica is to take a cold plunge. This is when you strip down to your swimsuit, attach a safety rope around your waist, and dive in.

Sometimes shots are supplied so you can warm your insides up before and after. After all, you may need to be a little tipsy to take this challenge on!

Another great way to see the landscape of Antartica is to for a hike in snowshoes.

Imagine strapping on snowshoes and traversing through vast expanses of untouched snow, surrounded by towering glaciers, majestic mountains, and an endless white horizon.

It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Antarctica, exploring areas inaccessible by other means.

The best time to visit Antarctica is during the summer, which runs from November to March.

During this time, the temperatures are relatively mild, ranging from -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F).

The days are longer, with up to 20 hours of daylight, allowing for more time to explore and admire the stunning landscapes.

Wildlife is also abundant during this period, with penguins, seals, and whales being easily spotted.

The best time to see nesting penguins and baby penguins hatching is from November and early December, while late February and March are the best months to do whale watching as they migrate through the Drake Passage.

Antartica isn’t a destination where you can simply book a flight and go. There’s only one way to visit the continent as a tourist, and that’s on an Antarctic Cruise or by joining as a volunteer/research on an Antarctic Expedition.

Before booking a cruise expedition, be sure to research reputable tour operators.

Most travelers reach this icy paradise by boarding a cruise ship from Ushuaia, Argentina, which serves as the gateway to the Antarctic Peninsula and the Falkland Islands.

Alternatively, some opt for fly-cruise options, where they first take a flight to Punta Arenas, Chile, before boarding a ship.

It’s important to choose a voyage that suits your preferences and budget, though the cheapest cruise that we’ve come across is still around $4000 USD per person for ten days.

Note that the only way to reach Antarctica is to sail through Drake Passage, a notoriously rough section of ocean where waves can reach 12 meters (40 feet). Be sure to pack plenty of motion sickness tablets.

So there you have it, those are the best things to do in Antartica, and as you can see, there’s a lot of cool things to see and do.

Since most people visit Antartica as part of a cruise, be sure to check out what excursions and activities they have planned to help you decide on what to do.

Some cruises have workshops and educational talks, as well as additional excursions you can take.

The beauty of visiting Antartica is that much of the planning is done for you when you purchase an expedition package, but we hope this guide gave you some inspiration for what activities to look for when booking an expedition.

Have you been to Antarctica before? Is it on your bucket list now? Let us know in the comments.

Samuel Adams brewery tour gets national nod. Did Adams himself even brew beer?

Sam Adams beer has gained a loyal audience over the last 40 years, and now the Boston-based brewery has made in onto the Top 10 list of best brewery tours in the country.

USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards for 2024 includes a number of beer-related categories, including best beer bars, gardens and festivals and best new breweries and labels, with Weymouth's Vitamin Sea Brewing making the latter list.

The Samuel Adams Boston Brewery came in 10th on the list of the best tours, with Tröegs Independent Brewing in Hershey, Pennsylvania, taking top honors.

Samuel Adams Brewery has tours 7 days a week

The company offers several variations of its brewery tours, with options lasting from 30 minutes for the VIP tour to an hour for private tours. Tour prices range from $10 to $45, excluding group rates, which vary according to group size.

The "Sam Signature Tour" is the least expensive of the tours at $10. The 45-minute tour offers a chance for guests to learn about the brewing process and the company's research and development programs. The tour of the brewhouse includes a tasting. Supervised people younger than 21 are allowed on this tour and don't need tickets.

Other tours include "Beyond the Brewhouse," "Keller Crafted: Artisan Beer and Cheese Experience," "VIP Pass Experience" and the private tours.

The tours fill up quickly, according to the company, and can be booked online .

Why did the founder name his company's signature brew after Adams?

According to the Samuel Adams website, CEO Jim Koch, who founded the Boston Beer Co. in 1984, named his beer after the Founding Father "because he shared a similar spirit in leading the fight for independence and the opportunity for all Americans to pursue happiness and follow their dreams."

Koch's family had been in the brewing business for 150 years. Jim Koch broke with that tradition when he left for college.

After college and graduate school, Koch began a career in management consulting, according to the company's website . Koch opened the craft beer company in 1984.

Where did the original Samuel Adams recipe come from?

The first batch of Sam Adams Lager, brewed in Jim Koch's kitchen, used the recipe his great-great-grandfather Louis Koch created.

Did the real Sam Adams brew beer?

Adams was more a maltster than a brewer, according to History.com and other sources . Maltsters prepare and process barley for use in beer-making.

Adams joined his father's malting business around the mid-1700s after a series of bad financial decisions and failed business ventures.

"Within years of inheriting his father’s malt house, the business was bankrupt and the building itself began to crumble," History.com said.

Adams was much more likely a beer consumer than a brewer, since his pre-revolutionary group, the Sons of Liberty, often met in taverns, according to Wikipedia .

Where is the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery?

The brewery is at 30 Germania St. in Jamaica Plain. The parking lot is small and street parking is limited. The Orange Line's Stony Brook Station is about a 5-minute walk away.

How did USA Today come up with its rankings?

To determine which breweries offer the best tour experiences, USA Today asked a panel of beer experts to nominate their top brewery tours across the country. From there, readers voted for their favorites.

Boeing's Dave Calhoun to step down as CEO at the end of year

CHICAGO -- Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said Monday he intends to leave the beleaguered company by the end of the year in a major shakeup of the company's leadership. Boeing's chairman and the head of the commercial airplane unit are also leaving.

Boeing's chairman, Larry Kellner, will not stand for re-election as a board director. The board has elected former Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf to succeed him.

The company also announced that Stan Deal, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, is retiring. Stephanie Pope, Boeing's chief operating officer since January, is taking his place effective immediately.

Boeing has been buffeted by more than five years of problems with its airplanes, including two fatal crashes of the 737 Max in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people, and most recently a door plug that blew out of the side of an Alaska Airlines 737 Max in January, leaving a gaping hole in the side of the plane. The problems have led to multiple groundings for safety issues and more than $31 billion in cumulative losses.

In a letter to Boeing employees Monday, Calhoun called the Alaska Airlines incident "a watershed moment for Boeing."

RELATED: FAA to take closer look at United Airlines after series of incidents involving Boeing jets

"The eyes of the world are on us," he said in announcing his departure plans. "We are going to fix what isn't working, and we are going to get our company back on the track towards recovery and stability."

The decision to leave was "100%" his choice, Calhoun said in an interview on CNBC Monday morning.

But Calhoun has become the focus of many who are critical of the way Boeing has been run in recent decades and the string of safety and quality issues.

"He's the very best CEO that Airbus has ever had," said Richard Aboulafia, managing director at AeroDynamic Advisory and a leading aerospace analyst, recently referring to the advantages gained by Boeing's main rival during his tenure running Boeing.

His departure also comes in the face of widespread criticism of the company by CEOs of many of the world's major airlines Boeing depends upon to buy its planes. CEOs of numerous airlines had asked to speak directly to the Boeing board last week, which Calhoun tried to characterize Monday as a normal process, even if it's rare for customers to speak directly to directors.

As to why Calhoun decided to stay on through the end of the year rather than leave immediately, he told CNBC: "We have another mountain to climb. Let's not avoid what happened with Alaska Air. Let's not avoid the call for action. Let's not avoid the changes that we need to make in our factories."

"We will get through that," he said. "I've committed myself to the board to do exactly that."

Airlines' problems with Boeing

The airlines are upset both by the quality of the planes they are getting from Boeing, and the fact that Boeing won't be able to deliver the planes they were counting on this year, as passenger demand continues to surge to record levels.

Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, Europe's largest airline and one that flies only Boeing 737 planes, told CNN last week that whenever it takes deliveries of Boeing jets "we spend 48 hours going through the plane checking it for errors, omissions or anything else."

And O'Leary said while it hasn't found anything major in those checks, it regularly finds minor problems such as tools under floorboards and missing seat handles, that "shows, I think, a lack of attention to detail quality issues in Boeing."

Ryanair issued a statement Monday saying, "We welcome these much-needed management changes in Seattle."

United Airlines, which flies Boeing jets for more than 80% of its mainline fleet, has expressed disappointment in quality issues at Boeing and a delay in its scheduled deliveries.

The airline is a primary customer for a stretched version of the Boeing 737 Max, known as the Max 10, but Boeing's inability to get the plane certified to carry passengers is also causing headaches.

Scott Kirby, CEO of United, described the Alaska Airlines incident as the "straw that broke the camel's back" for its plans to get the Max 10 this year, as planned, and it is now looking at possibly buying jets from Boeing rival Airbus to take the place of the Max 10s it has ordered.

But it is difficult for airlines to shift to Airbus, which has a long backlog of jets it has already committed to build for its existing customer base. Any Boeing customer shifting to Airbus could find itself waiting until 2030 or beyond to get its planes delivered.

And operating two types of aircraft of the same class is costly, since pilots are certified to fly specific aircraft, and most cannot shift back and forth between an Airbus and a Boeing without training. And the airline needs to keep a supply of expensive spare parts on hand for every type of aircraft it operates.

Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci estimated recently it cost his airline $75 million to $100 million a year to operate both Airbus and Boeing single-aisle jets after it merged with Virgin America, which is why it got rid of its Airbus jets after the merger was complete. And Alaska is a smaller national airline, only America's fifth largest. Larger airlines face even greater costs from splitting fleets between manufacturers.

Facing numerous safety probes

The Boeing 737 Max 9 was grounded for three weeks after the Alaska Airlines incident as airlines completed inspections of their own planes' door plugs. Minicucci disclosed that many of his planes were discovered to have loose bolts, although he did not mention missing bolts.

An audit of Boeing procedures by the Federal Aviation Administration in the wake of the Alaska Airlines incident found numerous "non-compliance issues." The agency gave the company 90 days to come up with a plan to fix its safety and quality issues.

But the probes at Boeing aren't limited to the FAA audit. A preliminary investigation found that the plane left the Boeing factory in October without the four bolts needed to keep the door plug in place. While the NTSB has not identified who is at fault for the missing bolts, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy criticized Boeing for not providing the agency with the documentation for who handled the installation of the door plug.

Calhoun told investors in January after the incident that "we caused the problem, and we understand that. Whatever conclusions are reached, Boeing is accountable for what happened."

And Boeing is also facing an investigation by the Justice Department, which could open it up to criminal liability, and upend a controversial deferred prosecution agreement the company reached in January 2021 to settle charges it defrauded the FAA during the original certification process for the 737 Max last decade. It was days away from having that probation-like period end when the Alaska Air incident happened.

The company has also had problems not related to the Max during Calhoun's time in charge at Boeing, including a couple of halts in deliveries of the 787 Dreamliners, one of its main widebody jets, due to quality issues with that plane.

"Boeing's been in a world of hurt. They lost the trust of some of the airlines, the production delays, the mechanical problems. Something had to give," DePaul University transportation expert Joseph Schwieterman said.

Schwieterman said a fresh start may be the answer for the embattled corporation.

"Wall Street hammered the company. It's clearly lost confidence that things are going to get fixed anytime soon. I think that's when the board and leadership sees a need for a different kind of leader," Schwieterman said.

Finance, not engineering background

Calhoun, 66, a longtime board member at Boeing, became chairman of the company in late 2019, when the board stripped his predecessor Dennis Muilenburg of that title. He was tapped as CEO after Muilenburg was ousted in December of that year, starting in the job in January 2020.

Boeing was once known as a company that put engineering excellence ahead of financial performance, and produced planes that were the gold standard in the industry. Critics of the company say that focus has changed in the last 25 years, citing the 1997 merger with competitor McDonell Douglas for the shift in focus on saving money.

Calhoun is one of the executives since that time with no engineering background, having served as senior managing director and head of portfolio operations at investing firm The Blackstone Group, as well as CEO of Nielsen after 26 years at General Electric.

Calhoun's tenure began about halfway through a 20-month grounding of the 737 Max due to a design flaw that was determined to have caused the two crashes; and just before the Covid pandemic broke out globally, causing a near halt in air travel and massive losses for the airlines Boeing depends upon to buy its planes.

Asked about what he would like to see in his successor, Calhoun told CNBC Monday that "I want somebody who knows how to handle a big, long, long-cycle business like ours. It's not just the production of the airplane. It's the development of the next airplane. It will be a $50 billion investment. I would like somebody who clearly has the experience inside our industry."

Shares of Boeing, which have lost more than 26% of their value since the start of the year, were 4% higher at the market open Monday, but they soon lost most of that gain and closed slightly above 1%.

It's been nearly two years since Boeing announced it was moving its headquarters out of Chicago, but there are still employees based there.

CNN's Allison Morrow and ABC7 Chicago's Rob Hughes contributed to this report.

The-CNN-Wire & 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.

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News & features, winter center, why experts say to wear red and green during the solar eclipse.

Planning a trip to see April's total solar eclipse? Be sure to pack green and red clothes to see a strange phenomenon known as the Purkinje Effect.

By Brian Lada , AccuWeather meteorologist and staff writer

Published Mar 25, 2024 5:34 AM PDT | Updated Mar 25, 2024 5:40 AM PDT

Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Nicole Bajic explains the science behind the Purkinje Effect and how you can experience it during the solar eclipse.

The upcoming total solar eclipse will have some unusual effects on animals and the weather , but people who are in the path of totality may experience a strange effect with their vision and not because they use the wrong eclipse glasses.

"There's this thing that happens in the eye as we transition from day to nighttime called dark adaptation, but it takes about 20 to 30 minutes," Dr. Nicole Bajic, an ophthalmologist at the Cleveland Clinic, told AccuWeather's Tony Laubach.

The quick flip from day to night has an unusual reaction on eyesight, specifically with how we perceive colors. This is known as the Purkinje Effect .

"Reds appear [sic] kind of dark and then the, the greens and blues will pop in contrast," Dr. Bajic said.

Reds and green will appear much differently during a total solar eclipse than any other day, as demonstrated by AccuWeather Meteorologist and Storm Chaser Tony Laubach. (AccuWeather)

Wearing a green or red shirt on the day of the eclipse could help people take notice of the Purkinje Effect. Additionally, having red and green objects nearby while watching the eclipse can also help folks take notice of the eclipse's side effect.

"If you have a lot of people around you, if you're, you're making this a group activity, you could have some people wear red, some people wear blues and greens," Dr. Bajic added.

The Purkinje Effect may also explain the viral debate from 2015 about a dress that to some appeared black and blue while others saw white and gold.

Additional reporting by AccuWeather Meteorologist and Storm Chaser Tony Laubach.

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My Tour Operator Is a B Corp. What Does That Mean? Should I Care?

A growing number of travel operators are undergoing the B Corp certification process, which can offer insight into a company’s environmental and social initiatives.

By Sophie Stuber

Tanya Dohoney has worked on sustainability initiatives for decades. A retired attorney from Texas now living in Paris, she even started the recycling program for her workplace. When it comes to travel, she also values environmentally and socially responsible companies, which led her to choose Intrepid Travel , a certified B Corp company, for a tour in Morocco in 2019.

The sheer number of sustainability certifications for the travel and tourism industry is almost overwhelming and certainly confusing. Certified B Corp enterprises must meet standards set by B Lab , a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit founded in 2006 that awards for-profit companies with certifications for social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. It can take years — and thousands of dollars — to achieve this accreditation. Globally, there are only 62 certified B Corps in the travel industry and 76 in accommodation and hospitality.

“When you see the B Corp logo, I know it’s been at least semi-vetted,” Ms. Dohoney, 64, said. “I do worry about greenwashing, but you have to start somewhere.”

Other travelers, increasingly concerned about the environmental and social impact of their planes, trains, food waste and more, feel the same way, and a growing number of travel operators are undergoing the B Corp certification process, joining multimillion dollar brands like Patagonia and Athleta, to differentiate themselves from competitors.

Aurora Expeditions , a small ship tour operator focused on polar travel, became certified in 2024, joining other travel companies like the lodging company Sawday’s , and tour companies Selective Asia and Byway . But Hayley Peacock-Gower, Aurora’s chief marketing officer, said the company has focused on sustainable travel since its inception.

“Much of this work we were already doing, but we have now committed to much more accountability and made a legal agreement to sustainability,” she said, adding that Aurora also amended the company’s constitution and formalized internal policies as part of the B Corp process.

What’s the certification process?

Companies are scored on five criteria — governance, workers’ rights, community impact, environmental impact and “stewardship of its customers” — and must achieve an assessment score of 80 or above to pass B Lab’s “Impact Assessment.” Once approved, a company must pay an annual fee based on gross annual revenue and location. For U.S.-based enterprises, this ranges from $2,000 for companies with under $500,000 in gross annual revenue to $50,000 for companies with revenue from $750,000 to $1 billion. (Some organizations, like those owned by women or veterans, can also qualify for discounted fees .)

“B Corp certification offers tourists confidence that they’re visiting and using providers that are responsible,” said Jorge Fontanez, chief executive at B Lab for the United States and Canada.

With more than 2,909 employees, Intrepid Travel is the largest B Corp in the travel industry, earning its certification in 2018.

“When there is so much green fatigue and so many certifications, it’s really hard to discern what’s best,” said Mikey Sadowski, Intrepid’s vice president of global communication. “We felt that B Corp really did have this disproportionate edge and level of trust.”

To meet B Corp standards, Intrepid, which offers trips in 120 countries on seven continents, focuses on initiatives like hiring local guides, sourcing local ingredients and materials, and reducing carbon emissions by planning train-based itineraries — instead of using air transit — when possible.

The Australia-based company recently completed its B Corp re-certification, which in 2024 includes an annual fee of 51,750 Australian dollars ($33,625) and another 900 Australian dollars ($585) for a submission fee, Mr. Sadowski said. For their original certification in 2018, the company also paid a one-time verification fee of 14,500 Australian dollars ($9,573).

Who gets left out?

While this certification can offer insights into a company’s environmental and social initiatives — and perhaps maximize profits, by winning the business of like-minded travelers — these tours and accommodations are often geared toward customers with deep pockets.

For budget travelers or those of less economic means, it can be challenging to find affordable travel companies with B Corp certifications.

“The reality is, B Corps generally skew to the luxury side of the market. And the idea of having any B Corp hostels, for example, is very rare,” said Nick Pinto, a 31-year-old Colorado-based marketing manager who spends several months a year working and traveling abroad.

Mr. Pinto calls himself a “budget conscious traveler” and has found he’s priced out of B Corp accommodations.

“It’s tricky because you want programs like B Corp to be inclusive to create a broader movement,” he said. Mr. Pinto recently spent several weeks in Mexico, but had noted that there were only two certified B Corp hotels in the country.

A third company, Hoteles BF , has since been certified.

What other certifications are out there?

Plenty, along with guidelines, verifications and “ecostars.” The last, a certification doled out by the for-profit Ecostars , evaluates hotels’ environmental impact per visitor stay. This certification, free to receive and apply for, is a fully digital process that takes two days on average to receive. Other certifications gauge sustainability efforts for short-term accommodations, tour groups and other subsectors of the travel industry.

To receive certification from the 1% for the Planet nonprofit, which was co-founded by the Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard and Craig Mathews, of Blue Ribbon Flies, a fly-fishing outfitter, member companies must commit to donating 1 percent of their gross proceeds to environmental organizations. Annual dues start at $500.

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council nonprofit, which includes among its members government tourism boards, travel companies, tour operators and N.G.O.s, vets sustainability certificates.

Organizations also rely on guidelines and resolutions issued by the United Nations as part of the entity’s sustainable development agenda . The guidelines call for biodiversity and climate action initiatives, as well as energy efficiency and renewable energy usage in accommodations. Courses and webinars, which are free to enroll in and to view, charge a per-course fee of 49 euros ($53) if a user wants to complete assignments and receive a certificate of completion.

Many tour operators and travel companies have additionally announced efforts to reach net carbon neutrality, but carbon offsets have been shown to rarely capture or reduce real emissions, or reduce future emissions. The tour operator Run the Alps used to offset the flight emissions for travelers coming to its tours, but the company is re-evaluating the practice.

“Offsetting is not the panacea we hoped it was,” said Hillary Gerardi, the sustainability director at Run the Alps. “We’re trying to move from being good to doing good, which means beyond reducing our footprint, we’re trying to leave some positive impact in our community.”

The tour operator is a member of 1% for the Planet and works with the local research center and citizen-science organizer, CREA Mont Blanc .

But even when a travel company is committed to sustainability, B Corp certification can be a big ask for smaller operations.

“We’re entirely aligned with B Corp status, but up until this year, we were a really tiny company. The certification and process would have been too onerous,” said Doug Mayer, the company’s founder.

But with the company’s growth, Mayer is considering taking the step.

“I can see it coming up for us,” he said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

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