Antarctica Adventure Cruises
Cross the Drake — or fly it — to the last great wilderness. Our specialists match you to the right expedition ship, cabin and itinerary for the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falklands.
An Antarctica expedition is unlike any other cruise: small ships of 100 to 200 guests, daily Zodiac landings among penguin rookeries, and days shaped by ice and weather rather than a fixed schedule. The big choices are how you reach the continent — a classic two-day Drake Passage crossing from Ushuaia, or a fly-cruise that jumps the Drake to the South Shetlands — and whether to add the wildlife riches of South Georgia and the Falklands. We help you weigh ship size, cabin, season and adventure options so the voyage fits how you want to experience the ice.
Why Book an Antarctica Expedition Specialist?
Drake or fly-cruise
Sail the legendary Drake Passage from Ushuaia, or fly across it to save days and seasickness — we lay out the trade-offs.
The right ship
From 100-guest expedition vessels to new ice-class ships with subs and helicopters — matched to your budget and style.
Peninsula vs. the wildlife route
A classic Peninsula voyage, or the longer South Georgia & Falklands route for king penguins and albatross.
Adventure options
Sea kayaking, camping on the ice, snowshoeing, mountaineering and polar plunges — booked before they fill.
Antarctica Itineraries & Regions
Antarctic Peninsula
The classic 10–12 day voyage from Ushuaia — Zodiac landings, whales and gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins.
South Georgia & Falklands
A longer 18–23 day expedition adding king-penguin megacolonies, elephant seals and wandering albatross.
Fly-Cruise the Drake
Fly Punta Arenas to King George Island and board there — the same Peninsula, minus two Drake crossings each way.
Polar Circle & deep south
Cross the Antarctic Circle (66°33′S) on longer sailings for the far southern ice and midnight light.
Antarctica Expedition Highlights
- Daily Zodiac cruising & shore landings
- Gentoo, chinstrap, Adélie & king penguin colonies
- Humpback, minke & orca whale encounters
- Sea kayaking & optional ice camping
- South Georgia — Shackleton’s Grytviken
- Crossing the Antarctic Circle
Ready to plan your Antarctica expedition?
Tell us your season, how you want to cross the Drake and whether South Georgia is on your list. Get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from vetted Antarctica expedition specialists.
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Antarctica Cruises — Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Antarctica cruise season?
The austral summer, roughly late October to March. Early season brings pristine snow and courting penguins; December–January have the longest days and hatching chicks; February–March are best for whales and fur seals.
Do I have to cross the Drake Passage?
No. Fly-cruise itineraries fly from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island and board the ship there, skipping both Drake crossings — a good option if you are short on time or prone to seasickness.
How big are Antarctica expedition ships?
Most carry 100–200 guests. Landing rules limit any site to 100 people ashore at once, so smaller ships mean more time on land. We match ship size to how active you want to be.
Should I add South Georgia and the Falklands?
If wildlife is your priority, yes. South Georgia’s king-penguin colonies and albatross are extraordinary, but the route adds a week or more and sails from the Falklands or Ushuaia.
How do I get an Antarctica cruise quote?
Request up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from vetted expedition specialists and compare ships, cabins, crossings and departure dates.