At the End of the World, Where Nature Reigns Supreme

Imagine sailing through a landscape of ice and silence, as a group of emperor penguins watches you from the pack ice… An Antarctica cruise is the ultimate adventure — a journey to the ends of the Earth, to one of the last truly untouched places on our planet.

Aboard expedition ships, you cross the legendary Drake Passage before reaching the white continent. Time-sculpted icebergs, penguin colonies, leopard seals and humpback whales: every day brings its share of emotions and unforgettable encounters. On most itineraries, you go ashore by Zodiac to get as close as possible to this extraordinary wildlife.

Specialist expedition cruise lines such as Silversea, Ponant, Quark Expeditions, Seabourn, Azamara and HX Expedition offer expeditions aboard small ships, allowing you to land directly on the continent. Holland America Line offers a large ship experience, ideal for taking in the breathtaking scenery from the deck.

When is the best time to cruise Antarctica? 

The season runs from October to March, with each period offering a different experience:

• October – December: penguins build their nests as the continent awakens after winter

• November – February: penguin chicks hatch, whales become more plentiful and the austral summer is in full swing — the most popular time to visit

• February – March: whales are particularly abundant, penguin chicks sport their fluffy brown down, and the sunrises and sunsets are nothing short of spectacular

Frequently asked questions:

How do I get to Antarctica from the UK ?

The vast majority of cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, crossing the legendary Drake Passage. Some cruise lines also offer a flight from Puerto Williams to King George Island, directly in Antarctica — making cruises from as little as 6 days possible, whilst avoiding the Drake crossing altogether.

Can I actually go ashore?

On expedition ships, absolutely! You go ashore by Zodiac to get up close to penguin colonies and local wildlife. On larger ships, the experience is enjoyed from the deck.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

Emperor and Adélie penguins, humpback and blue whales, leopard seals, elephant seals… Antarctic wildlife is extraordinarily rich — and often completely unbothered by your presence!

Discover our Antarctica cruises and dare to take the journey of a lifetime.

*Photo credits: Ponant Explorations