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.
Discover MoreSpecial Offers Available: Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost: no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships
The Antarctic Experts. No Compromises: there’s no question we can’t answer
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist: so your adventures can be a force for good
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct: we leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip
Special Offers Available: Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost: no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships
The Antarctic Experts. No Compromises: there’s no question we can’t answer
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist: so your adventures can be a force for good
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct: we leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip
Antarctica is more than just a place – it's a dream for generations of travellers who have had their imaginations fired by its epic frozen expanses. This is truly an ultimate bucket list destination. Want to step foot on the fabled 7th Continent? Let us help you turn that wish into reality.
Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.
Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.
We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.
We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.9 out of 5
For adventurers prioritising real comfort and ease of travel, this is a great option. Journey in style aboard a state-of-the-art expedition ship, with heli-sightseeing available on select departures for a unique bird's-eye view of Antarctica. Plus, the comprehensive transfer package…
4.8 out of 5
The great strength of this trip is choice – a wide selection of departure dates and optional adventure activities available on a sleek purpose-built 138 passenger expedition ship. Spend four full days exploring Antarctica. Enjoy daily shore landings and zodiac…
4.6 out of 5
Explore the White Continent aboard one of the polar fleet's newest additions, a state-of-the-art expedition vessel combining adventure with comfort. As well as being limited to only 130 passengers, there’s a wide range of optional activities on this classic Antarctic…
4.5 out of 5
The ultimate Antarctic adventure, this trip is specifically for the active traveller. Spend 7 days kayaking, hiking, camping, mountaineering and snowshoeing, all included in the price. A medium-sized expedition ship acts as your floating ‘basecamp’. An excellent deal backed up…
4.8 out of 5
Travel with the pioneers of fly & cruise Antarctic voyages, flying in both directions and bypassing a 2-day sail on the Drake Passage. Regular departure dates (Dec - Feb) to choose from. Explore Antarctica aboard a trusty 67 passenger expedition…
4.7 out of 5
Travelling on board this extremely comfortable ship, explore the highlights of the peninsula with a top class expedition team. Spacious cabins, delicious cuisine and optional adventure activities all help create this ideal marriage of comfort and…
4.8 out of 5
With three medium-sized expedition ships to pick from and regular departure dates throughout the season, this well-priced voyage is a popular option. Across striking landscapes and icy seas, your company includes penguins, seals, whales and skuas. For the adventurous, optional…
4.7 out of 5
Travelling aboard a state-of-the-art small ship and accompanied by unparalleled onboard expertise, expeditionary cruising doesn’t get much better. Regular departures throughout the season and a choice of three outstanding ships renowned for their comfort, enhanced safety features and spirit of…
The most exciting thing about expedition cruising to Antarctica is that you have the chance to leave the ship and step foot on the continent itself. But where will you actually do so?
The Antarctic Peninsula is surrounded by a multitude of small islands. These are undoubtedly Antarctica and are home to some the best wildlife and historic sites for visitors, But for some visitors, the draw of potentially touching the mainland itself on a so-called 'continental landing' is an additional bonus to visiting this jaw-dropping part of the world.
In truth, due to the highly glaciated terrain there are only a small handful of locations where you can actually make a continental landing and, as with all things in Antarctica, visiting these is subject to weather and ice conditions. Both the ship's Captain and Expedition Leader fully understand the appeal of being able to say you've stood on the mainland however, so trips to the Antarctic Peninsula will always try to make a continental landing during their voyage if conditions allow.
Even if the weather or ice prevents access, remember that the surrounding islands generally become part of a single Antarctic entity, connected by the sea ice that almost doubles the size of the continent each winter. The White Continent is a truly incredible destination, so you'll experience something extraordinary at every turn, wherever you land.
Roughly the same size as the USA and Mexico combined, Antarctica is a huge continent but visitors only ever visit a tiny fraction of it. The vast majority of trips here go to the Antarctic Peninsula, a long icy finger pointing out of the continent towards South America and fringed with many islands. A typical cruise here will always attempt to make a continental landing rather than just on one of the islands if the weather allows it, allowing you to claim that all important prize of stepping foot on the great landmass itself.
A great add-on to a Peninsula cruise is the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. Also known as the Serengeti of the South due to its abundance of wildlife, penguins here are measured in the hundreds of thousands and seals by the million: a true nature documentary come to life.
On the opposite side of Antarctica facing New Zealand, the Ross Sea is famous for its historic connections to the race for the South Pole, but being remote and hard to access, it's visited by relatively few cruise ships every year.
The most straightforward way of reaching Antarctica is by sea. Expedition cruise ships sail from Ushuaia on the southern tip of Argentina.
It takes two days to sail to the Antarctic Peninsula across the Drake Passage. This stretch of sea is famous for its lively waves, though there’s no way of knowing in advance if you’ll experience the ‘Drake Shake’ or a perfectly calm ‘Drake Lake’. Modern cruise ships have underwater stabilisers to help smooth their way, though you’ll still envy the effortless grace of the albatrosses that glide in your wake.
If you want to skip the voyage or just get to Antarctica in the quickest way possible, fly-sail cruises give the option of flying direct from Punta Arenas in Chile. This route gets you to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands in about two hours rather than two days. You’ll join your cruise ship straight from the plane and start exploring in no time.
Whether you sail or fly, the majority of Antarctic Peninsula cruises spend around four days in and around the continent.
Antarctica’s cruising season runs from November through to March, with the busiest time coinciding with the height of the Antarctic summer and nearly 24 hours of daylight. During the long dark winters, the continent is inaccessible to all but the hardiest scientists on their research bases.
Early season offers the best pristine snow and a chance to see penguins engaging in breeding and nesting behaviour. Whales are fewer in number at this time of year as many are still migrating south: they're at their most abundant (and playful) in March. These shoulder seasons are also great for photographers, as the sun dips below the horizon for amazing sunsets and sunrises. High season sees wildlife at its most active, with the extra attraction of lots of adorable penguin chicks however: an understandable draw for many travellers!
We’ve seen demand for Antarctic trips boom in recent years, but whenever you’re planning to travel you should be aware that ships can fill up faster than you think. To be sure of your preferred dates and ship, we strongly recommend starting to plan your trip at least 12 months before you intend to travel.
If there’s one thing that everyone looks forward to when visiting Antarctica, it’s seeing penguins. Truly, few animals can match them for charisma. On a typical Peninsula trip you’ll be able to tick off gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins – in their colonies, on ice floes or just porpoising around you as you cruise through the icy bays. Emperor penguins aren’t found in many locations visited by cruise ships (they tend to like it even colder), but let us know if this majestic creature is on your wishlist and we’ll find the right trip for you. For king penguins, add South Georgia to your itinerary: it has around 400,000 pairs in immense, noisy colonies
Alongside penguins, you’ll also find seals aplenty like the beautifully sinuous leopard seal, often seen lazing on ice floes.
As for whales, travel later in the season to get the best encounters. Humpbacks are the most commonly seen, followed by the much smaller minke whale. The thrill of seeing one close by when you’re out in a zodiac or even a kayak is never to be forgotten.
You don’t have to stop at just setting foot in Antarctica: there are a whole host of other activities you can include in your adventure.
If you’re after the ultimate bragging rights, why not spend the night camping out on the continent? You’ll dig your own snow hole and wrap up warm for an unforgettable night under the midnight sun before returning to the ship for breakfast and a hot shower.
If you want to be more active, try your hand at kayaking or stand up paddleboarding. This is one of the best ways to experience Antarctica at its vast and silent best, with the only noise coming from your paddles, or perhaps your stifled glee as you find yourself amid a gaggle of swimming penguins.
To stretch your legs and really play at being a polar explorer, take part in a hike or go snowshoeing to places where the only beaten track are the ones left by your walking companions (or possibly a curious penguin). Or get dressed up in a dry suit and take a peek beneath the waves on a snorkelling excursion led by world-class polar guides – the possibilities for adventure are as boundless as Antarctica’s horizons.
Most memorable moments? Continental landing - my 7th! Polar plunge; seeing the landscape & wildlife; genuine care of the expedition team. Read the full review
Travelled: October 2024
John Paul Lotuaco - Panama
Stepping onto the continent and taking a moment to appreciate the pure beauty and sounds of nature, minus the noise and sights of human pollution, was an incredible experience. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Laurie Anne Douglas - USA
If I have to choose just one most memorable moment, I would choose the first time I set foot on the continent - such a thrill!!! But honestly, the whole trip - each and every day - was made of memorable moments. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Shirley Sutton - USA
10/10 - This bucket list trip, our 7th continent, was made possible and so memorable by the trip organization and delivery. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Michael Iezzi - USA
Most memorable moment? Standing on the continent of Antarctica for the first time. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Greg Lewbart - USA
Most memorable moment? Having the picture taken on my 7th Continent. Also, seeing the whales. The zodiac rides were amazing. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Phyllis Roth - USA
It was a bucket list item... touched 5th ocean water and landed on the 7th Continent. Can't ask for more. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Suresh Venna - USA
The entire trip was magical. If I had to pick a most memorable moment, I'd say it was setting foot on the actual continent and posing with our "7 Continents" flag. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Timothy Kleiman - USA
10/10 - This was our family's travels to the 7th continent and we all concluded it was our favourite. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Francis John Abrams - USA
To see and experience Antarctica in person is totally awesome. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Kok Keng Hung - Malaysia
Most memorable moment? Standing on the Antarctic continent with all the penguins & the majestic mountains & glaciers all around. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Linda Karon - USA
There were so many memorable moments, from standing on the continent to completing the polar plunge. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2023
Jeni Ness - USA
Most memorable moment? Sighting of 1st iceberg after 2 days Drake Passage. It means we finally made it to Antarctica, our 7th Continent. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2023
Martesa Silang - USA
A lot of things checked in my bucket list: last continent, 5 oceans, 7 seas and 12th wonder of the world. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2023
Martesa Silang - USA
Most memorable moment? Making our first steps on the 7th continent and actually landing at Point Wild. Both incredibly powerful moments for us. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2023
Fiona McConnell - Canada
My most memorable moment (a billion to choose from, this one stands out) was witnessing my Mom take her first steps on Antarctica! Together we have visited all 7 now. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2023
Paul Tobery - USA
Most memorable moment? Setting my feet on my 7th continent!!! 😊 Read the full review
Travelled: November 2023
Beth Collins - USA
That day I set foot on the continent of Antarctica, it was windy, snowy and blustery – everything I anticipated Antarctica should be! Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Carolyn Ferraro - USA
Most memorable moment? Setting foot on the continent of Antarctica! Our fifth continent, and the Southern Ocean our fifth ocean. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
John Mark Bowles - USA
Setting foot on the Antarctica continent for the first time at Brown Bluff with huge blue and white icebergs all around and Adele and gentoo penguin colonies and fur seals and the glaciers and ice shelves all around. It was everything and more than I expected. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Jana Dreyzehner - USA
The overall experience of visiting such pristine and beautiful continent was absolutely amazing and awesome. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Evelyn Martinez - USA
Hiking on the continent and seeing the penguins, seals, whales, glaciers and icebergs. Kayaking, camping, mountaineering and going out on the Zodiacs were special as well. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Patricio Sarceda - USA
Stepping onto the continent for the first time was really a special moment, I loved camping on the continent...the kayaking was amazing, I could go on forever. What a fantastic trip! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Dale Matthews - USA
10/10 - Overall discussions and continuous updates leading up to the trip were great. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Manish Daulat - USA
Stepping on the continent and being surrounded by penguins. The beauty of the landscape was something we’ve never seen before. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Sarah Moore - USA
My highlight was stepping on the Antarctica Continent. My most magical moment was the Ross Sea, Ross Island, Ross Ice Shelf, and Port Ross. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2019
Sarah Ross - United States Of America
The number and quality of our landings on the continent and the Shetland Islands were superior in every way. The staff was excellent and the weather permitted us to land twice a day for most days we were there. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2019
Melissa Wurthmann - United States Of America
I thought I was going to check off a box - 7th continent in a year - but being in Antarctica was so much more than checking a box; it was beautiful, raw, untouched, and completely indescribable. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Mykkah Herner - United States of America
My goal was to step foot on the Antarctica Continent to help fulfil my bucket list of visiting all 7 continents. It was an awesome experience - to see, first hand the beauty of this part of our world. It exceeded my expectations. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Lula Whitworth - United States Of America
My highlight was landing on the continent in Paradise Bay and going to Deception Island. We repeatedly said we felt like we were on an ocean safari, we saw so much wildlife every day.
Travelled: March 2017
Barbara - California
Being on the continent on a still summer solstice night was something so special. The majesty of the landscape and some curious penguins and seals as neighbours - completely magical.
Travelled: December 2016
Declan - UK
In addition to the kayaking, camping on the continent was an amazing experience as well the polar plunge. Stories that I will be telling for a long time to come.
Travelled: November 2016
Yevgeny - Rhode Island
Review:
Every ship in the polar fleet has something slightly different to offer, which is where Swoop's expertise works for you. Our team travels to Antarctica every year, as well as carrying our regular ship inspections in the off-season, so we know every ship inside out. We'll discuss what's most important for your trip to find the perfect vessel for you on the dates that suit you best – all at no extra cost to you.
Absolutely! Somewhere between 10-20% of passengers on board are generally travelling by themselves so you'll find plenty of like-minded travellers on the ship. We've created a dedicated webpage covering everything you'll need to know about travelling solo to Antarctica.
A classic Antarctic Peninsula cruise sailing from Ushuaia typically start from around $6-8,000 USD per person based on a twin cabin, but prices depending on the size of ship, category of cabin and comfort level and the month in which you travel.
Our guide to Antarctic cruise costs breaks down everything you need to know about the price of your trip.
As a general rule, the prices of Antarctic cruises do not include international flights, but Swoop can help arrange your connections. Airlines only release their schedules 12 months in advance of travel, so if you've booked more further ahead than that, your personal customer experience coordinator can discuss your needs when flights become available.
You should typically look to book your Antarctic trip at least 12-18 months in advance to be confident of securing your first choice of ship, voyage date and cabin. Although this sounds like a long time compared to other types of holiday, the finite number of ships and cabins available in Antarctic means that those booking late will find their choice significantly reduced compared to those who plan ahead.
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.
Discover MoreFor the ultimate polar adventure, join a cruise that crosses the Antarctic Circle at 66 Degrees South and visit some of the most beautiful landmarks the White Continent has to …
Discover MoreWe 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.
Discover MoreChoosing the best time to visit Antarctica is an essential part of the planning process. Each month's distinctive weather and wildlife offer a different side of the region.
Discover MoreWe'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
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.
1-888-970-4570We don’t charge a commission and there are no hidden fees. Just impartial, expert advice from the leading Polar cruise agent. Schedule a call with our Antarctic Experts today.
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