Welcome to Antarctica – one of the last true frontiers on Earth. Nowhere else offers such an awe-inspiring combination of extraordinary wildlife and untouched landscapes. Most journeys begin in Ushuaia, South America, where you’ll cross the legendary Drake Passage by ship. For those seeking a more streamlined experience, fly-cruise options are also available, allowing more time to explore this remarkable region. However you choose to travel, Antarctica promises an unforgettable adventure like no other.
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas): Known for its wartime history, the Falklands are also a haven for wildlife lovers. These rugged, remote islands offer stunning coastal scenery and are home to vast colonies of penguins and seabirds.
Lemaire Channel: Often referred to as “Kodak Gap” for its dramatic scenery, this narrow, iceberg-laden passage between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula is a highlight of any expedition.
Paradise Bay: Paradise Bay is a dazzling showcase of glaciers, towering icebergs, and mirror-like waters. Zodiac excursions here offer the chance to get up close to wildlife and ice formations in a setting that feels almost otherworldly.
Petermann Island: wildlife hotspot in the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula, Petermann Island is home to both Adelie and Gentoo penguins, along with blue-eyed shags, leopard seals, and humpback whales. It’s an essential stop for wildlife encounters in their natural habitat.
Port Lockroy: Once a British military base, Port Lockroy is now a charming museum and post office. Its restored buildings offer insight into life on the frozen frontier, while nearby islands teem with penguins.
South Georgia: A remote, wildlife-rich island where towering peaks meet black-sand beaches filled with fur seals, elephant seals, and vast king penguin colonies. South Georgia also holds historical significance as the final resting place of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Whalers Bay (Deception Island): This flooded volcanic caldera in the South Shetland Islands is steeped in whaling history and geological intrigue. The remnants of British Base B and rusted boilers evoke the island’s past, while steaming beaches and stark landscapes create a surreal setting for exploration.
The Antarctic voyage season is short, spanning from November through early March. Given that most travel to Antarctica is by ship, it's crucial to book your voyage as early as possible to secure your spot on your preferred journey.
October – December (early season): During the early season, Snow and ice dominate the landscape, creating pristine scenery and dramatic ice formations. It’s also the start of the wildlife season, with penguins nesting and elephant seals beginning their breeding.
December – February (mid season): The height of summer brings milder temperatures and extended daylight, making it the most popular time to visit. Penguin chicks begin to hatch, seal activity increases, and whale sightings become more frequent as feeding conditions improve.
Mid-February – March (late season): As the ice begins to recede, late summer allows for greater exploration into the region. This is peak whale-watching time where wildlife is still active. With fewer visitors and changing light, it’s a great time for photographers and those looking for a quieter experience.
Currency: The Antarctican dollar does exist but is considered a collectible as it is not legal tender
Language: With no permanent residents, Antarctica has no native language. English is the most widely spoken language across research stations and among expedition teams, though you'll also hear Russian, Norwegian, and others, reflecting the international nature of those working on the continent.
What makes it special: Antarctica is the ultimate destination for intrepid travellers, a land of extremes where few have ventured. Its immense ice-covered landscapes, surreal silence, and thriving wildlife offer a humbling experience. Watching Chinstrap penguins shuffle past without concern, or witnessing the thunderous carving of a glacier, creates moments that stay with you forever. The near-constant daylight during summer only enhances the sense of wonder, as endless shades of white and blue stretch as far as the eye can see.
Weather: Cruising season runs from November to February, the Antarctic summer, when temperatures on the Peninsula range from -5°C to 10°C. Although summer brings the most stable conditions, weather remains unpredictable and wind chill can make it feel significantly colder. Adequate waterproof and thermal gear is essential for excursions on land and by Zodiac.
Social customs: Antarctica is home to a transient population of around 1,000 people in winter, growing to 5,000 during summer. If you land on the continent, it’s important to follow strict environmental guidelines: stay at least five metres from wildlife, avoid loud noises, never block an animal’s path to the sea, and do not feed or touch any wildlife. Respect for this untouched environment is central to the Antarctic experience.
