Antarctica21
Antarctic air-cruise specialist — fly the Drake Passage, sail the Peninsula. Smaller ships mean more landings and no rough crossing.
Cruise destinations
Antarctica Cruises
Small expedition ships, zodiac landings and penguin colonies on the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing from Ushuaia or flying over the Drake Passage.
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Antarctica Cruises with Travelisto
An Antarctica cruise is a true expedition. Ships carry zodiacs for landings and cruising among the ice, and an onboard team of naturalists, geologists and guides runs lectures and leads you ashore. Days are shaped by the weather and the wildlife rather than a fixed timetable. It suits travellers who want wildlife and wilderness above all else, and who are happy to trade nightlife and big-ship facilities for whales, seals and penguin colonies.
The season is short, running from roughly November to March, during the southern summer. November brings pristine snow and penguin courtship. December and January have the longest days, the warmest temperatures and penguin chicks hatching. February and March are the best months for whale watching, with chicks growing up along the shoreline. Outside these months the sea ice returns and ships do not sail.
Most voyages start in Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina, and spend around two days each way crossing the Drake Passage. A classic Antarctic Peninsula trip lasts 10 to 12 nights. Longer voyages of 18 to 22 nights add the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, known for vast king penguin colonies. An air-cruise is the alternative: you fly from Punta Arenas in Chile to the South Shetland Islands and board there, avoiding the Drake crossing altogether. Antarctica21 specialises in this style.
Ship size matters more here than almost anywhere. Smaller ships can get all their guests ashore more quickly, which usually means more time on the ice. Cabins sell early for the most popular dates, so it is worth starting to plan a year or more ahead. Our Travel Designers can help you compare ship size, route and timing, and arrange flights to South America and a stay in Buenos Aires or Santiago.
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Lines we recommend
The cruise lines our Travel Designers suggest most often for this kind of trip. Tap a line for the full guide.
Antarctica21
Polar Latitudes
Antarctic-focused small-ship expedition cruising with photographic and adventure focus.
Poseidon Expeditions
Russian-built polar expedition fleet — North Pole nuclear icebreaker plus Antarctic ships.
Silversea
All-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising on small ocean and expedition ships, butler service throughout.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
German ultra-luxury and expedition fleet — Europa 2 ranks among the world's top ships.
Quark Expeditions
Polar-only expedition specialist — Arctic and Antarctic small-ship cruising since 1991.
Which line suits you?
| Cruise line | Best for |
|---|---|
| Antarctica21 | Travellers who want to fly over the Drake Passage on an air-cruise. |
| Polar Latitudes | Anyone who wants a small expedition ship and plenty of time on landings. |
| Poseidon Expeditions | Polar travellers looking for a dedicated expedition specialist. |
| Silversea | Luxury travellers who want all-inclusive comfort on an expedition ship. |
| Hapag-Lloyd Cruises | Travellers who want luxury expedition ships with a strong focus on the polar regions. |
| Quark Expeditions | Adventurous travellers who want a long-established polar specialist with a wide choice of trips. |
Antarctica itineraries at a glance
- Antarctic Peninsula
- The classic trip from Ushuaia, crossing the Drake Passage and spending several days making landings and zodiac cruises.
- Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica
- A longer voyage that adds the wildlife of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, ideal if you have the time.
- Air-cruise
- Fly from Punta Arenas in Chile to the South Shetland Islands and board there, skipping the Drake Passage crossing.
- Crossing the Antarctic Circle
- Some voyages sail further south along the peninsula, for those who want to go beyond the classic route.
How to choose an Antarctica cruise
Ship size is the first decision. Visitor rules limit how many people can be ashore at one site at a time, so a smaller ship usually means more time on land. Larger ships may offer more facilities but fewer or shorter landings.
Next, think about the crossing. The Drake Passage can be calm or very rough, and takes around two days each way. If you are worried about seasickness or have limited time, an air-cruise avoids it.
Look at what is included. Many expedition fares include zodiac landings, lectures and specialist cold-weather gear, while activities such as kayaking or camping may cost extra and have limited places.
Finally, book early. The season is short and the most popular dates and cabins sell well in advance. Our Travel Designers can compare ships, routes and inclusions side by side.
Who an Antarctica cruise suits
An Antarctica cruise is for travellers who put wildlife, ice and wilderness above everything else. Days revolve around landings, zodiac cruises and lectures, and evenings are usually quiet.
You do not need to be an athlete, but you do need to be able to step in and out of a zodiac and walk on uneven, sometimes slippery ground. Expedition teams help guests at every landing.
Because the trip is a significant investment, it is worth deciding what matters most to you before choosing a line, whether that is the most time ashore, the comfort of the ship, the chance to kayak or camp, or avoiding the Drake Passage.
FAQ
Antarctica Cruises: your questions answered
When is the best time to cruise to Antarctica?
The season runs from about November to March. November offers fresh snow and penguins courting, December and January bring the longest days, mildest temperatures and newly hatched chicks, and February to March is the peak time for whales. Each month has its own appeal, so the best time depends on what you most want to see.
How rough is the Drake Passage?
The Drake Passage between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula takes around two days to cross and can be very calm or very rough, sometimes on the same voyage. Modern expedition ships have stabilisers and the crew are used to the conditions. If you are worried about seasickness, an air-cruise lets you fly over the Drake and board your ship in Antarctica.
What is an Antarctica air-cruise?
An air-cruise combines a short flight with an expedition voyage. You fly from Punta Arenas in southern Chile to King George Island in the South Shetlands and join your ship there, skipping the two-day sea crossing each way. It saves time and avoids the Drake, though flights depend on the weather and can occasionally be delayed by a day or so.
How long is an Antarctica cruise?
A classic Antarctic Peninsula voyage from Ushuaia lasts around 10 to 12 nights, including the Drake crossings. Air-cruises are often a little shorter, at around 8 to 10 nights. If you want to include the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, allow 18 to 22 nights. Most UK travellers also add a night or two in Buenos Aires or Santiago.
Do I need to be fit to go to Antarctica?
You need a reasonable level of mobility rather than special fitness. Landings involve stepping from the ship into a zodiac with help from the crew, then walking on snow, rock or shingle. Most walks ashore are short and at your own pace. Ships provide guidance on boots and layers, and some lines lend waterproof boots or include a parka.
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