Antarctica Cruises

You will travel to Antarctica and visit the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula and all the Sub-Antarctic islands, such as the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, South Sandwich Islands, South Orcadas Islands, as far as the Antarctic Circle. You will discover truly unspoiled sceneries and incredible fauna – the southern right whale, colonies of penguins, including yellow crested penguins, Adelie penguins as well as imperial shags and southern giant petrels.


Classic Antarctica - Classic Antarctica <br />M/V Ushuaia
Classic Antarctica

Classic Antarctica
M/V Ushuaia

M/V Ushuaia is one of classic expedition trips to Antarctica, navigating the typical route to the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. In these departures the crew is bilingual Spanish-English, ideal for...

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Classic Antarctica - Weddell Sea <br />M/V Ushuaia
Classic Antarctica

Weddell Sea
M/V Ushuaia

This cruise to Antarctica aims to reach the Weddell Sea, knowing the sub-Antarctic archipelago, as well as the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland. Weddell is synonymous with the sounds of Antarctica...

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Classic Antarctica - Adventure in Antarctica<br>M/V Plancius / Ortelius
Classic Antarctica

Adventure in Antarctica
M/V Plancius / Ortelius

The traditional trip to the Antarctic Peninsula, but with a special bonus: adventure tourism activities fully included in the cruise, from kayaking, snowshoeing, hiking, camping, Leika photography ...

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Exclusive Antarctica - In Search Of The Emperor Penguin in Snow Hill<br>M/V Ortelius
Exclusive Antarctica

In Search Of The Emperor Penguin in Snow Hill
M/V Ortelius

An extraordinary journey in search of the Emperor Penguin in Snow Hill: following the footsteps of one of the most beautiful endemic species on the planet, reaching up to Cerro Nevado...

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Classic Antarctica - Classic Antarctica<br>M/V Hondius
Classic Antarctica

Classic Antarctica
M/V Hondius

Starting a new boat the M/V Hondius from Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego), we embark to discover the Antarctic Peninsula on an adventure trip, with camping, kayaking and snowshoeing, all adventure activities ......

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Classic Antarctica - Antarctica with Deception Island<br>M/V Plancius /Ort / Hondius
Classic Antarctica

Antarctica with Deception Island
M/V Plancius /Ort / Hondius

Classic trip to the Antarctic Peninsula with the most adventure tourism, such as camping, kayaking and snowshoeing. We visited Deception Island in the South Shetland, one of the volcanic islands ...

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Classic Antarctica - Classic Antarctica<br />Antarctic Spirit<br />M/V Greg Mortimer
Classic Antarctica

Classic Antarctica
Antarctic Spirit
M/V Greg Mortimer

A classic trip to Antarctica starting from the port of Ushuaia in a southerly direction towards the Antarctic continent to discover the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Depart from Ushuaia by boat and return to the...

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Classic Antarctica - Wild Antarctica<br> M/V Greg Mortimer<br>M/V Sylvia Earle
Classic Antarctica

Wild Antarctica
M/V Greg Mortimer
M/V Sylvia Earle

In the M/V Plancius, the classic tour of the Antarctic Peninsula called pioneering trip, traces an interesting route through the best sites. These trips add optional activities such as camping, snowshoeing and kayaking ......

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Sub-Antarctic Islands - South Georgia <br />in the M/V Ushuaia
Sub-Antarctic Islands

South Georgia
in the M/V Ushuaia

One of the most complete trips to the South Georgia Islands in the M / V Ushuaia, also covering the Antarctic peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Previously we visited the Falklands Islands to continue to South Georgia,...

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Sub-Antarctic Islands - Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica (Ushuaia)<br>M/V Plancius / Ort / Hondius
Sub-Antarctic Islands

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica (Ushuaia)
M/V Plancius / Ort / Hondius

Navigating the Drake Strait to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Islands, South Orkney Islands, we continue sailing to the Weddell Sea until arriving at the Antarctic...

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Sub-Antarctic Islands - Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica (Madryn)<br>in the M/V Plancius
Sub-Antarctic Islands

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica (Madryn)
in the M/V Plancius

In true expedition style aboard M/V Sylvia Earle we visit South Georgia and the Falklands, we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you between the action to see and do all the...

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Sub-Antarctic Islands - Falklands, South Georgia, Antarctica & Polar Circle<br>in the M/V Hondius
Sub-Antarctic Islands

Falklands, South Georgia, Antarctica & Polar Circle
in the M/V Hondius

Cruise to the Polar Circle, Subantarctic Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. We visit the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Polar...

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Sub-Antarctic Islands - Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland<br />in the M/V Greg Mortimer
Sub-Antarctic Islands

Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland
in the M/V Greg Mortimer

Cruise to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island, recalling the feat of Ernest Shackleton and the Antarctic Peninsula. You leave Ushuaia by boat and return by boat to Ushuaia....

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Exclusive Antarctica - Falkland, South Georgia & Antarctica<br />in the M/V Greg Mortimer
Exclusive Antarctica

Falkland, South Georgia & Antarctica
in the M/V Greg Mortimer

A trip to South Georgia Island, then we continue the trip to the Antarctic Peninsula to finish before reaching the South American continent in the Malvinas Islands. Unlike the other trip, this one visits Malvinas at the end....

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Exclusive Antarctica - Antarctica Complete<br>(Falkland-Polar Circle)<br />M/V Sylvia Earle
Exclusive Antarctica

Antarctica Complete
(Falkland-Polar Circle)
M/V Sylvia Earle

An itinerary to the Antarctic Peninsula arriving to the limit of the antarctic polar circle, after passing through the Falklands Islands and the South Georgia Islands in a new ship the M/V Sylvia Earle, in an exclusive trip...

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Exclusive Antarctica - Antarctica Complete<br>(Polar Circle-Falkland)<br />M/V Sylvia Earle
Exclusive Antarctica

Antarctica Complete
(Polar Circle-Falkland)
M/V Sylvia Earle

An itinerary to the Antarctic Peninsula arriving at the edge of the Antarctic Circle, visiting at the end of the trip the South Georgia Islands and the Falkland Islands on a new expedition ship: The M/V Sylvia Earle...

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Sub-Antarctic Islands - Falklands & South Georgia<br />in the M/V Magellan Explorer
Sub-Antarctic Islands

Falklands & South Georgia
in the M/V Magellan Explorer

We travel to the Antarctic Circle on an adventure trip discovering the Antarctic Peninsula and enjoying the observation of humpback and minke whales. We went through the huge Gran Garganta before reaching the circle...

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Sub-Antarctic Islands - Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica (Port Stanley)<br />in the M/V Magellan Explorer
Sub-Antarctic Islands

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica (Port Stanley)
in the M/V Magellan Explorer

New trip on a new ship M/V Greg Mortimer to enjoy Antarctic flora and fauna on an itinerary that discovers wildlife in Antarctica, reaching the Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea...

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Argentinian Explorer

Cruises to Antarctica

A variety of sailing routes around Antarctica & Patagonia, departing from Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego heading to Antarctica and reaching the Antarctic Pole, while discovering the Sub-Antarctic islands, such as the South Georgia Island.

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Argentinian Explorer

Trekking in Patagonia

Before taking your expedition trip to Antarctica, hike the best trails of Torres del Paine National Park and Tierra del Fuego National Park in Ushuaia, visit Magdalena Island or reach the southern lakes of Fagnano and Escondido.

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Antarctic Polar Circle - Antarctic Polar Circle<br />in the M/V Ushuaia
Antarctic Polar Circle

Antarctic Polar Circle
in the M/V Ushuaia

The Antarctic Circle is one of the parallels of the Earth. Parallel of latitude 66° 33' 46 south of the equator. South of the antarctic polar circle there is at least one day of the year when the Sun is on the horizon 24 hours and a day...

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Antarctic Polar Circle - Antarctic Polar Circle<br />in the M/V Plancius/Hondius
Antarctic Polar Circle

Antarctic Polar Circle
in the M/V Plancius/Hondius

A trip to Antarctica discovering the Peninsula next to famous Deception Island and Paradise Bay and entering the Antarctic Circle with a special departure to watching humpback and minke whales in Guillermina Bay...

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Antarctic Polar Circle - Antarctic Polar Circle<br />in the M/V Greg Mortimer
Antarctic Polar Circle

Antarctic Polar Circle
in the M/V Greg Mortimer

We are going to the Antarctic Circle in the new ship M/V Greg Mortimer. This itinerary is not an aero-cruise, because it begins by boat from the port of Ushuaia and you also return by boat to Ushuaia....

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Argentinian Explorer

Iguazu Falls

When traveling to Argentina on your way to Antarctica, you cannot miss the chance to get to know one of the wonders of the world: The astonishing Iguazu Falls, and the Devil's Throat in the subtropical rainforest.

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Exclusive Antarctica - Atlantic Antarctic Odyssey<br />From Ushuaia to Cape Verde<br />in the M/V Hondius
Exclusive Antarctica

Atlantic Antarctic Odyssey
From Ushuaia to Cape Verde
in the M/V Hondius

Cruise to Antarctica on M/V Sylvia Earle to observe the Solar Eclipse in the Weddell Sea region, close to the South Orkney Islands. The ideal position to see the eclipse is the Weddell Sea...

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Exclusive Antarctica - Atlantic Antarctic Odyssey<br />From Ushuaia to St.Helena<br />in the M/V Hondius
Exclusive Antarctica

Atlantic Antarctic Odyssey
From Ushuaia to St.Helena
in the M/V Hondius

The perfect trip to Antarctica because it combines the best corners of the white continent, passing through the Georgias and Orkney Islands and the Wedell Sea...

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Exclusive Antarctica - Atlantic Odyssey<br />From Ushuaia to Cape Verde<br />in the M/V Hondius
Exclusive Antarctica

Atlantic Odyssey
From Ushuaia to Cape Verde
in the M/V Hondius

A special trip to Antarctica to witness a total solar eclipse. Being right in the Antarctic is, without a doubt, something strange, since it happens every 2 years approximately. On this unique trip to Antarctica...

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Exclusive Antarctica - Atlantic Odyssey<br />From Ushuaia to St Helena<br />in the Hondius
Exclusive Antarctica

Atlantic Odyssey
From Ushuaia to St Helena
in the Hondius

A trip through the South Georgia Islands and the South Orkney Islands and the Wedell Sea, with the coasts of Africa and the beautiful islands found in the Atlantic Ocean, discovering the Tristan da Cunha...

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Exclusive Antarctica - Atlantic Odyssey<br /> St Helena-Cape Verde<br />in the M/V Hondius
Exclusive Antarctica

Atlantic Odyssey
St Helena-Cape Verde
in the M/V Hondius

A cruise trip from Santa Helena Island, passing through Ascension Island to the archipelago of Cape Verde, reaching its capital: Praia, navigating the Atlantic Ocean in the direction of Ecuador...

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Argentinian Explorer

Cruises to Patagonia

Patagonia offers sailing the waters of the Beagle Channel and the Strait of Magellan as far as Cape Horns, connecting Ushuaia to Punta Arenas. Chilean glaciers and fiords are another excellent option.

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Argentinian Explorer

Classic Argentina

The most outstanding destinations in Argentina, visiting the Iguazu Falls, the Northwestern Region from the Calchaqui Valleys to the Puna, Patagonia from San Martin de los Andes to the end of the Earth in Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego.

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Argentinian Explorer

Trips to the Northwestern Region

From La Rioja, travel to San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca ascending on the Cuesta del Portezuelo (Portezuelo Slope), then enter Tucuman Province in order to visit Tafi del Valle and the Ruins of the Quilmes Indians, to end your trip in Salta and Jujuy.

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Air-Cruises - Air-Cruise PUQ-PUQ<br>Classic Antarctica<br>M/V Magellan Explorer
Air-Cruises

Air-Cruise PUQ-PUQ
Classic Antarctica
M/V Magellan Explorer

A trip to the Classic Antarctic, different from the rest of the traditional programs, because we combine the air flight departing from Punta Arenas to the South Shetland Islands to sail on the M/V Ocean Nova or on the Hebridean Sky...

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Air-Cruises - Air-Cruise USH-PUQ<br />Antarctica Express<br>M/V Magellan Explorer
Air-Cruises

Air-Cruise USH-PUQ
Antarctica Express
M/V Magellan Explorer

Air-cruise to Antarctica, the shortest itinerary of boat-plane trips, departing from Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego and returning by plane from the South Shetland Islands to Punta Arenas...

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Air-Cruises - Air-Cruise PUQ-USH<br>Antarctica & South Georgia<br>M/V Magellan Explorer
Air-Cruises

Air-Cruise PUQ-USH
Antarctica & South Georgia
M/V Magellan Explorer

Flying over the Drake Sea to land on King George Island, the largest of the Islands of the South Shetland Archipelago and returning by sea to Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego). Visiting the Antarctic Peninsula, Elephant Island and South Georgia Island (Subantarctic Islands)...

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Air-Cruises - Air-Cruise PUQ-PUQ<br />Antarctic Polar Circle<br>M/V Magellan Explorer
Air-Cruises

Air-Cruise PUQ-PUQ
Antarctic Polar Circle
M/V Magellan Explorer

Aero-cruise to the Antarctic Polar Circle in a 9 day trip 8 nights traveling by plane to Antarctica and returning in the same way, from Punta Arenas (Chile) returning to the southern chilean city. Trips are made at the M/V Magellan...

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Air-Cruises - Air-Cruise PUQ-USH<br />Antarctic Explorer<br />M/V Greg Mortimer/S.Earle
Air-Cruises

Air-Cruise PUQ-USH
Antarctic Explorer
M/V Greg Mortimer/S.Earle

Classic trip to Antarctica in a new boat the M/V Greg Mortimer, with the option of flying from Punta Arenas to the South Shetland and from the King George Island sail to the Antarctic returning by boat to Ushuaia and vice versa...

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Air-Cruises - Air-Cruise USH-PUQ<br />Antarctic Explorer<br />M/V Sylvia Earle
Air-Cruises

Air-Cruise USH-PUQ
Antarctic Explorer
M/V Sylvia Earle

Classic Antarctic Aero-Cruise on M/V Greg Mortimer starting at the port of Ushuaia on the Isla Grande of Tierra del Fuego and returning by plane to the city of Punta Arenas....

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Air-Cruises - Air-Cruise USH PUQ<br />Antarctic Polar Circle <br>M/V Greg Mortimer
Air-Cruises

Air-Cruise USH PUQ
Antarctic Polar Circle
M/V Greg Mortimer

Air-cruise to the Antarctic Circle in a new ship on M/V Greg Mortimer, departing by boat from the city of Ushuaia and returning by plane to the city of Punta Arenas...

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Argentinian Explorer

Argentina First Class

The most exclusive trips in Argentina, VIP tours, First Class flights, 5-star hotels or boutique hotels, private transfers and the best tours in every destination, with a premium service.

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Antarctica, a magic frozen land located 621 miles away from Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, has aroused deep interest in tourists around the globe. Its wealthy fauna, its unspoiled sceneries and fascinating auroras australis (southern lights) make it one of the most beautiful and mysterious places on our planet.

Setting Sail from Ushuaia's Port...

Most cruises travelling to Antarctica depart from Ushuaia's port, although a few of them depart from Punta Arenas, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand. Setting sail from Ushuaia saves one day of travel compared to other ports, such as Punta Arenas, since Ushuaia's is the closest port to the white continent at a latitude of 54° 56´S. The port of Punta Arenas is located at a latitude of 53° 10´S, which means travelling one extra day. You reach Ushuaia via direct flights from Buenos Aires. Around 50,000 people travel on 250 Antarctic cruises every year.

Different Itineraries to Antarctica

Pictures of Antarctica have captivated people of all times, from the ancient Greeks, which considered that the white territory was balancing the lands in the north, to nowadays, when the offers to visit these remote and mystic lands are incredibly numerous.

There are many different trips to Antarctica; the classic itinerary is the most traditional one. The points on this voyage include the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. You can also add adventure travel to these programs, such as camping, kayaking, scuba diving, photography courses or snow racketing. Other longer trips reach Sub Antarctic islands, such as the Falkland Islands, the South Georgia Islands, the South Sandwich and Orcadas Islands. Some people devote days to reaching the Antarctic Circle and the most venturous ones travel around Antarctica taking the semi-circumnavigation trips arriving in New Zealand. Most of these programs are by land, embarking at Ushuaia's port, in Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. However, some other itineraries arrive in the white continent by air - the so-called air cruises. Most of these flights depart from Punta Arena and just a few of them from Ushuaia.

In this brief explanation, trips to Antarctica are classified as follows:

  1. Classic Antarctica
  2. Classic Antarctica + Adventure Travel
  3. Air-Cruises
  4. Antarctica and Sub Antarctic Islands
  5. Antarctic Circle
  6. Semi-Circumnavigation
  7. Exclusive (VIP)

Classic Antarctica

The most popular of the classic trips is expedition cruise M/V Ushuaia departing from Ushuaia. Other programs arrive in the Antarctic Peninsula for Christmas or New Year, such as M/V Polar Pioneer. M/V Plancius offers a special trip for humpback, minke and southern right whales in Guillermina Bay. There are also a number of different available dates for traditional itineraries on board of M/V Ocean Diamond and M/V Ocean Endeavour.

Classic Antarctica + Adventure Travel...

M/V Plancius and M/V Ortelius add adventure travel to the program, such as camping, kayaking, snow racketing, climbing, and photography courses. Some special dates even offer scuba diving in Antarctica. On trips called Base Camping, all adventure activities are totally free, except for scuba diving, to your advantage. This last activity is not available on all adventure trips to Antarctica. On some of the classic programs, camping and kayaking are available at an extra fee. Depending on the season, you can go trekking with skis, but this is not available every year.

Air-Cruises

This cruise is different from all other expedition trips because it combines a ship and an airplane. You can start taking the flight and coming back on a ship or the other way round, embarking first on the ship and coming back by air. The purpose of this option is saving the extra days needed to cross the Drake Passage or Sea of Drake. Typically, the ship travels into this area by night when the crew is sleeping, in order to avoid seasickness and headaches due to the roughness of the sea in this area. However, this is not always the case.

These Antarctic air-cruises can depart either from Ushuaia and Punta Arenas, although most of them depart from Chile. Cruise ships connecting with airplanes are M/V Ocean Nova, MV Sea Explorer and Sea Adventurer. One of the aircrafts is the BAE-146 built in the United Kingdom by British Aerospace. This aircraft has high wings and the ability to land on short runways. It has 4 Honeywell turbo reactors model ALF 502R-5. Cruise speed is 466 mph and maximum altitude is 30,000 ft. It seats 60 people.

Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic Islands

These trips to Antarctica are the most complete of the traditional programs reaching the Antarctic Peninsula exclusively and they disembark in the South Shetland Islands only. The reason why these programs are so complete is the fact that you will disembark in the Falkland Islands, the South Orcadas Islands, the South Sandwich Islands and the South Georgia Islands. On some of the trips with M/V Plancius or M/V Ortelius you can even go scuba diving in these islands. There are cruises travelling exclusively to the South Georgia Islands with a particular objective: Skiing or go hiking with skis. These are highly exclusive trips recommended for ski lovers, as they try to emulate the world greatest feat of survival by Ernest Shackleton.

Antarctic Circle

Trips to the polar circle are typically offered by M/V Polar Pioneer with a number of different options. M/V Ushuaia, M/V Plancius among others also reach the polar circle. These programs take 11 to 14 days approximately depending on current weather conditions. What are the highlights of the Antarctic Circle? At least for 1 day in the whole year, the sun is above the horizon and another day the sun is below the horizon. In other words, there is one day without a night, and one night without day. The reason for these two days (one 24-hour of daylight and one 24-hour of night darkness) is that the rotation axis of the Earth is inclined in relation to the Earth's orbit around the sun.

Exclusive Trips to Antarctica (VIP)

These are VIP itineraries to Antarctica, such as the traditional program in search of the Emperor Penguin in the Weddell Sea, which includes a helicopter flight. Another program offered every year is the Atlantic Odyssey travelling to Antarctica and the South Atlantic Islands on the Coast of Africa as far as Cape Verde, and visiting Georgia Island on the white continent to arrive later in Tristán Da Cunha, St. Helena, Ascension and Cape Verde. Another VIP adventure is Epic Antarctica which reaches Georgia Island through the Falkland Islands and an extreme point in the Polar Circle. On some years, Antarctic semi-circumnavigation is available. This trip ends in New Zealand.

When to travel to Antarctica?

Wildlife is more active during summertime in the white continent. Along the coasts, numerous colonies of birds and mammals choose their natural Antarctic habitat. The season starts in November and ends in March. January and February are the best months for a visit to Antarctica.

From Spring to Early Summer...

The dark winter is behind and Spring blossoms with the sun promoting phytoplankton growth in the whole region. Zooplankton, which includes krill, feeds on this phytoplankton. This is the staple of fish, squids, birds, seals and whales.

Summer Starts...

January and February are the warmest months in Antarctica. Wildlife is in its peak of activity. These months are ideal for visiting the South Pole.

Summer Gives Way to Autumn...

Again, darkness shows up early in the evening when the sun sets below the southern horizon. Temperature has not gone down to below zero yet, but nights of frost are already present. You can observe the first layers of ice on the ocean's surface. Snow has not covered the areas yet, so you can trek the trails of the South Shetland Islands.

The darkness of the night starts, as the sun sets on the southern horizon. Temperatures are still above zero but you can experience a little of the Antarctic winter with its frozen nights creating beautiful shapes with thin layers of ice on the surface of the ocean. Snow barely covers the area, so long easy hikes are possible on the South Shetland Islands.

Important Notice: Spring and Summer first show up in the Falkland Islands and the South Georgia Islands, whereas in the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands these seasons start later on. This explains why there is more reproductive activity of birds and marine mammals, especially in Georgia which is the habitat of birds whose reproductive cycles are over 12 months long.

Choosing Expedition Cruises Instead of Luxury Cruises...

Travelling to Antarctica is not an ordinary trip, not only for the enigmatic and passionate quality of the Southern Pole, but also for the native flora and fauna offered by Antarctica. There are many options for Cruises to Antarctica, but the best advice for taking the decision to travel to the white continent is to choose an expedition trip and not a luxury cruise which only reaches Antarctica as one of the many points included in their available itineraries.

As we consider Antarctica as a truly fascinating place with much to learn from, we only offer expedition trips to the Antarctic Peninsula, the Antarctic Circle as well as Semi-Circumnavigation of Antarctica. Once you have decided you will take this kind of cruise, you need to bear in mind that not all trips have bilingual guides available. Most of them are Spanish-English spoken and there are a few where only English is spoken. This is key for understanding the technical-scientific talks, such as the lessons about local flora and fauna, offered on this kind of trips to Antarctica.

The most popular cruise for our customers is M/V Ushuaia, offering the classic route to Antarctica, which final destination is the Antarctic Peninsula. This is a bilingual cruise with professional and friendly services from technicians, biologists and even kitchen staff where the human touch is outstanding.