Antarctica Cruises

You will most probably start your Antarctic journey in Ushuaia, Argentina. Ushuaia is known as the southernmost city in the world and is the main cruise port for the Falkland Islands, Antarctica as well as cruises in South America. From here you can visit the Antarctic Peninsula and sub Antarctic islands like South Georgia or Falkland Islands.

The other option is to depart from Punta Arenas, Chile. Here you may fly to South Shetland Islands then board your vessel. Albeit more expensive, this is a great alternative for those who want to avoid the rough seas of the infamous Drake Passage and to maximise their time in Antarctica.

From Australia the cheapest and most popular way to get to Antarctica is to fly to South America. QANTAS, LATAM and Air New Zealand can fly you from the eastern coast of Australia then catch your connecting flights to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas. If you’re flying from Perth the most efficient way to get to South America is to fly to Melbourne then onwards to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas

Antarctic wildlife is at its most active during the southern summer. The beauty and solitude of Antarctic seas and mountains conceals the frantic activity of the shoreline colonies of birds and mammals

Nov – Dec (Spring)
After the winter darkness, spring fever hits Antarctica and the sun causes an explosive growth of phytoplankton in areas of mineral upwelling. The phytoplankton provides food to the astronomic swarms of zooplankton, including krill. Krill forms the base of the food chain for squid, fish and ultimately for seabirds, seals and whales, which flock in to fatten themselves and to produce their young.

Jan- Feb
In the warmer months of January and February wildlife activities are in full swing, therefore this is best time to visit Antarctica. Most penguin chicks hatch in January, earliest in the South Shetland Islands and later more to the south at the Peninsula. The frantic activity continues in the colonies in February as the young get older and bolder and are gathering in crèches.

Mar
Nightly darkness returns as the sun sinks farther below the southern horizon, but temperatures are still above zero, though we may experience a touch of Antarctic winter with night frosts, creating beautiful patterns of thin sea ice on the surface. The snow cover is at its minimum allowing for easy and extensive walks in the South Shetland Islands.

Now more than ever, Antarctica is more accessible thanks to a variety of ships and itineraries available.  But how do you distinguish between the Antarctic vessels? Here’s a brief guide to a selection of the available Antarctic cruising styles.

Expedition ships

• The bread and butter polar exploration ideal for clients who prioritise land based experiences and less on accommodation or ship amenities
• Tend to carry smaller groups thus can offer two off-the-ship excursions
• Generally emphasise the destination and off-ship or shore experiences

Luxury ships

• Often have five-star amenities including spacious public areas and lounges, refined gastronomy and private balconies in select cabin types
• Greater emphasis on luxury on board facilities and accommodation while still providing the Antarctic experience
•  Are often custom built and tend to have more modern features

Expedition Luxury ships

• The best of both worlds. Some are smaller ships that carry around 100 passengers while others are larger vessels roughly 200 passengers
• Some vessels have larger cabins or ships are newer compared to an expedition ship
• Meals may be buffet style while others offer a la carte dining

Other important information
The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) set a limit on the number of passenger landings in Antarctica. Only 100 passengers can land at any one time. So a ship with 100 passengers or less can land the entire ship. Vessels with more than 100 passengers may split their groups and rotate shore landings which can impact passengers’ experience.

Absolutely, contact us and we will walk you through the whole process from deciding the right cruise for you to supporting you during your trip and every step in between. We are here to answer questions that you may have and can help organise flights and offer extra sightseeing activities that may interest you.

From South America, it takes less than two days’ sailing, or two hours’ flying, to enter a world that fills the heart, overloads the senses and imprints your memory forever.

The Antarctic Peninsula’s west coast offers ice-clad peaks towering over a maze of protected channels; the east coast a vast icecap and strange, fossil-rich islands. From spring to fall, this stunning landscape becomes furious with life as penguins, seals, petrels, and whales arrive to feed and breed. Follow in Shackleton’s wake along the Scotia Arc, from Elephant Island to South Georgia to discover a wildlife oasis like no other.

Whether you attempt to sail south of the Antarctic Circle, be awed by tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea or trek across the interior of South Georgia, Antarctica and South Georgia offer the best of adventures and wildlife encounters.

Now more than ever, Antarctica is more accessible thanks to a variety of ships and itineraries available.  But how do you distinguish between the Antarctic vessels? Here’s a brief guide to a selection of the available Antarctic cruising styles.

Expedition ships

• The bread and butter polar exploration ideal for clients who prioritise land based experiences and less on accommodation or ship amenities
• Tend to carry smaller groups thus can offer two off-the-ship excursions
• Generally emphasise the destination and off-ship or shore experiences

Luxury ships

• Often have five-star amenities including spacious public areas and lounges, refined gastronomy and private balconies in select cabin types
• Greater emphasis on luxury on board facilities and accommodation while still providing the Antarctic experience
•  Are often custom built and tend to have more modern features

Expedition Luxury ships

• The best of both worlds. Some are smaller ships that carry around 100 passengers while others are larger vessels roughly 200 passengers
• Some vessels have larger cabins or ships are newer compared to an expedition ship
• Meals may be buffet style while others offer a la carte dining

Other important information
The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) set a limit on the number of passenger landings in Antarctica. Only 100 passengers can land at any one time. So a ship with 100 passengers or less can land the entire ship. Vessels with more than 100 passengers may split their groups and rotate shore landings which can impact passengers’ experience.

For those who have restricted time, our fly and cruise options may suit you to maximise your time at Antarctica, avoiding one leg of the Drake Passage or both.  These would have you flying from Punta Arenas to King George Island on the northern tip of the Peninsula, and then sailing back (or vice versa). Other itineraries would have you fly one way from Falkland Islands to Punta Arenas (or vice versa). This option basically give you more time to enjoy on the ice.

We also have a fly both ways option, which avoids the Drake Passage altogether, ideally suited for those who do not travel well on cruises