When to go to Antarctica
Choosing when to go to Antarctica is a key part of planning a cruise, with each month of the season offering a different side of the continent.
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Our most popular Antarctic cruises for 2027
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What our customers think of Antarctic cruises
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Planning your Antarctic cruise
Antarctic Peninsula Cruises
The Peninsula is the classic way to experience Antarctica. Some of the best wildlife and most dramatic scenery can be found in this part of the Frozen Continent.
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What to expect on an Antarctic cruise
From stepping foot on polar shores to zodiac cruises, and wildlife encounters to adventure activities, here’s what you can expect from an Antarctic cruise.
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Antarctic Cruise Ships
We work with a range of different Antarctic vessels, with expertise across the entire polar fleet, to give you the best choice of ship, cabin and departure date.
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Swoop says
We have more than 80 trips to pick from across 35 different expedition vessels. Get in touch with us to organise your bucket-list adventure to Antarctica!
High Summer Antarctic cruises
December marks the start of Antarctic summer, when hungry humpback whales start to arrive in polar waters. In January, penguin rookeries heave with newly hatched chicks – along with their harried parents. By February, the rapidly growing chicks dominate the rookeries, while whale sightings intensify even further.
Antarctica in January
January is the peak of the Antarctic summer, so you'll enjoy magical 20+ hours of sunlight each day. These extra daylight hours gives you more time each day to explore,…
Discover MoreAntarctica in February
February's the time for sailing all the way to the Polar Circle, the sun's rays through December and January having weakened the pack ice significantly enough to allow for …
Discover MoreAntarctica in December
The summer sun bathes the continent in 20-24 hours of daylight in December, making it a popular time to visit. It's also a busy time for the penguin rookeries as the chicks begin …
Discover MoreAntarctic cruises in January 2027
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Antarctic cruises in February 2027
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Antarctic cruises in December 2027
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Late Summer & Early Spring Antarctic cruises
November is the arrival of Antarctic summer after a long, dark winter. Penguin rookeries are a hive of activity, and elephant seals are busy battling it out on South Georgia Island. March offers spectacular skies for photographers, with soft golden light and pink hues flooding the icy scenery. Fledgling chicks are hugely inquisitive, and whale encounters are at their apex.
Antarctica in March
March marks the end of the travel season to Antarctica. You'll be able to enjoy the mesmerising colours of blooming green and pink algae against the water and ice, as well as …
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In November Antarctica opens its arms to the season's first visitors. You'll not only enjoy the excitement of walking on virgin snow, but you'll also appreciate its beauty as you …
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Antarctic cruises in October & November 2027
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Antarctic cruises in 2027: FAQs
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What are my accommodation options in Antarctica?
Most people who visit Antarctica do so by cruise ship and sleep onboard every night. At Swoop, we work with a huge selection of vessels to suit every taste, from compact options with capacity for under 70 guests to larger ships featuring various dining options and social areas.
Your Swoop specialist will help you narrow down the choices and find the ideal match for your trip to the White Continent.
A select number of people opt to fly to Antarctica and stay in an exclusive ice camp. Spaces on these land-based expeditions are limited and the price is much higher than most ship-based voyages. For more details, please see our South Pole and Antarctic Interior expeditions page.
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Do you leave the ship on an Antarctic voyage?
Yes, you get to leave the ship on our cruises, as long as conditions allow, so you can truly immerse yourself in Antarctica’s incredible wildlife and icy scenery.
We do not offer voyages on larger ships (500+ people) as these aren't permitted to allow passengers to leave the vessel and explore the White Continent. For more guidance, discover what you can expect on our polar cruises.
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How much will it cost to travel to Antarctica in 2027?
You will need to budget from about $6,000 for the shortest Antarctic Peninsula cruise up to approximately $60,000 or more for a land-based South Pole trip. To discover more about how much voyages cost on average, visit our guide.
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How long do I need for my trip to Antarctica?
The number of days needed for your Antarctic voyage depends on the type you choose, but most classic Peninsula cruises are 10 days long at the least.
You can cut up to four days' sailing time across the Drake Passage from your voyage by flying to Antarctica, or you could choose to lengthen your trip by visiting exhilarating destinations such as wildlife-packed South Georgia (18+ days) or the remote Ross Sea (21+ days).
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Are expeditionary cruises to Antarctica safe?
Safety is the most important consideration for the teams running cruises to Antarctica. All the ships we work with are manned by experts with a wealth of experience in ensuring safe travel to polar regions.
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What is the best month to cruise to Antarctica in 2027?
The best time of year to sail to Antarctica depends on your preferences. December, January and February tend to be the most popular options because the weather is usually slightly more predictable during these months.
November and March are shoulder season yet still offer a wonderful experience – not to mention typically lower prices.
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How cold is it in Antarctica?
Antarctica’s average temperatures during its main summer travelling season range from 28°F to 44°F (-2°C to 6°C), which often surprises visitors with their relative mildness. Expedition ships only visit during this time of year as it offers a far more hospitable climate compared to the harsh winter months. In fact, you might even find yourself overheating while trekking uphill through the snow!
Just keep in mind that Antarctica is full of surprises, and strong winds can create a significant wind chill that quickly cools you down. This is especially noticeable when you’re out on deck whale watching or admiring spectacular icebergs. Fortunately, with proper preparation – wearing waterproof and windproof outer layers combined with insulating layers to retain heat – you can stay comfortable and dry.
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Where do Antarctic cruises travel from?
Expedition cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula typically leave from the southern tip of South America, with Ushuaia in Argentina and Puerto Williams in Chile being the most common ports of departure. If you’re opting to skip the Drake Passage by flying to Antarctica, your plane will usually take off from Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales in Chile.
A select few expeditions venture to the remote Ross Sea region of Antarctica, departing from Australia and New Zealand.
For more details, explore our guide on how to get to Antarctica.
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Antarctic Adventure Activities
Picture a humpback whale gliding past your kayak or sleeping out in the pristine snow of a polar campsite. An adventure activity can take your Antarctic cruise to the next level.
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South Georgia Cruises
A jewel in Antarctica's crown, South Georgia is one of the world's great wildlife destinations: the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean
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Antarctic Peninsula Wildlife
The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the best wildlife watching destinations on Earth, with a host of penguins, whales, seals and more to discover.
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Fly & Cruise Antarctica
Fly & Cruise trips offer the best of Antarctica in one simple package: flying to the Peninsula in two hours to join an expedition cruise ship for a classic polar adventure.
Discover MoreReady to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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