How to get to Antarctica
Whether you’re visiting the Antarctic Peninsula or heading for the South Pole, discover the different routes by sea and air to visit the Seventh Continent.
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What happens on an Antarctic expedition cruise?
Cruises to Antarctica are active experiences, offering a fully immersive encounter with the 7th Continent. Whether you’re travelling on a small expedition ship, a luxury craft or a larger vessel, you can expect daily excursions to step foot on Antarctic shores, trips around bays full of sparkling icebergs, adventure and education activities – and of course, epic wildlife safaris with penguins galore.
The unpredictable polar weather means that flexibility is at the heart of every trip, but with an expert guiding team leading the way, the magic of Antarctica is always waiting to be discovered.
Our most popular Antarctic cruises
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.7 out of 5
Antarctic Peninsula Classic
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…
- 12-13 Days
- $11,985
4.6 out of 5
South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands Explorer
Looking for an Antarctic adventure without compromising on comfort and service? This stylish 139-passenger ship, with its cavernous suites, fine dining and compelling itinerary, offers a polished Southern Ocean adventure at a fair…
- 21 Days
- $19,795
4.8 out of 5
Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise
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…
- 8 Days
- $11,495
What our customers think of Antarctic cruising
Whenever we went out, I always felt extremely safe and happy, whether that be in zodiacs, kayaking, mountaineering or snow shoeing. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Sarah Gillett - Switzerland
Take every opportunity to go up to the bridge and even on the days through the Drake passage, go outside if possible to take in the whole experience. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Gill & Richard Starling - United Kingdom
The zodiac excursions and shore landings are what makes Antarctica special. This is what brings you to nature. You get to see the rawness of icebergs up and wildlife up close. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Terrie Mandina - United States Of America
Hubby even went for the Polar Plunge and when I put it on Facebook had rave comments about his daring & courage...very appreciated when you are 75 years old!
Travelled: January 2018
Lucien & Marie-Eve - South Africa
Excursions were the highlights of the trip. I can't point a finger to any of them saying that one was the best. They were all fantastic! Read the full review
Travelled: January 2018
Zoltan & Stephen Nemeth - Florida
What I enjoyed most about the landings was walking around the animals. There was one morning on Danco Island where the snow was fresh, so I laid in it for a long time while watching the penguins waddle around.
Travelled: December 2017
Christine & Rollence - California
I really enjoyed the amount of time I spent walking around amongst the penguins, seals and birds. There were times where I would just sit on a rock (or in the snow!), close my eyes, and absorb everything. I'll never forget the feeling of the first time I stepped on land and saw the penguins. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2017
Christine & Rollence Patugan - United States Of America
Zodiac cruises and landings were great. The ability to land and spend a decent amount of time ashore among the wildlife and scenery was fantastic and provided time to absorb the experience.
Travelled: March 2017
Erika - Australia
I cannot say enough about the abundance of amazing wildlife and the phenomenal encounters we had. The icebergs were breathtaking and awe inspiring.
Travelled: February 2017
Karen - Pennsylvania
I thoroughly enjoyed the landings and the zodiac rides. We landed safely every time thanks to the experience of the expedition leader and guides.
Travelled: February 2017
Patricia - Canada
The whales took our breath away. We all froze when one went under our Zodiac.
Travelled: January 2017
Nancy - Texas
The lectures and talks we had from the expedition staff, were great - and a wonderful way to pass the time on the long sailing days across the Drake Passage.
Travelled: December 2016
Declan - UK
It's hard to say which excursions were my favorite, but our Top 3 zodiac experiences were to Paulet Island, Cuverville Island and our last day on Spert Island. Our best landings were on Brown Bluff and Cuverville Island.
Travelled: November 2016
Ryan - Massachusetts
Review:
What you'll experience on an Antarctic cruise
Shore landings
The daily landings offered by Antarctic expedition cruise ships are an unbeatable immersive experience, from the crunch of snow underfoot and the sounds (and smells) of a penguin rookery, to the humbling feeling of being dwarfed by such epic landscapes.
Every landing is unique. Some offer the chance to see the wildlife up close, others are sites of historic significance, while some locations are chosen purely for their astonishing natural beauty. With expert guides showing the way, wherever you land in Antarctica is unforgettable.
Zodiac cruises
Zodiacs are at the heart of every Antarctic expedition cruise. These ice safaris are always exhilarating. Expert guides pilot you on a constant watch for wildlife and spectacular views. Being flat bottomed, zodiacs are very stable and practical (they’re a great platform for photography) as well as huge amounts of fun.
The flexibility and spontaneity of a zodiac cruise means that one minute you can be zipping through a bay of millennia-old ice, and the next you’ll be surrounded by porpoising penguins or even holding your breath in awe as a whale surfaces close by.
Lu says
You never forget your first morning waking up in Antarctica. Pulling back the curtains in your cabin to a landscape of ice and snow, and then rushing to get dressed to breathe in that serene frozen air, scanning the horizon for penguins.
Lu Pearson Antarctic Sales Consultant
Wildlife watching
Antarctica is one of greatest wildlife watching destinations on the planet, and the wildlife here is quite unafraid of people, which can lead to some truly extraordinary encounters.
Come to Antarctica for charismatic penguins, seals on ice floes and whales showing their flukes. At times, you won’t know where to point your camera, but the expert naturalist guides will always be on hand to point out what you’re seeing – and recap and review the day’s wildlife tally when you’re back on board.
Adventure Activities
From kayaking and snowshoeing to snorkelling, camping and more, adventure activities can take your Antarctic experience to another level. After all, how many people ever get to sleep out in a snow hole like an explorer, falling asleep to the sound of distant glaciers and penguins?
These optional activities normally carry an additional charge and are booked when you secure your cabin, but some ships also offer basecamp trips that include a variety of activities in the price, allowing you to get a taste of Antarctica in as many ways possible.
Swoop says
Flexibility is at the heart of every Antarctic cruise, and plans can change as quickly as the unpredictable polar weather. However, your expedition team are masters of adaptation, so whatever the conditions, they'll always ensure you get the best that Antarctica has to offer.
Photography
Antarctica offers an extraordinary canvas for the photographer. The scenery is astonishing, the wildlife is everywhere and the golden hour light at the end of the long polar day can be truly astonishing.
All expedition teams include at least one photography guide to help you get the most out of your trip. For those who take their hobby seriously, most ships also run dedicated photography zodiacs on excursions to allow passengers to maximise their photographic opportunities.
Otto says
One of my favourite parts of my last cruise was the photography competition at the end: it was amazing to see how everyone on the ship had their own different Antarctica, seen through a hundred different lenses and experiences.
Otto Lock Antarctica Specialist
Education & enrichment
Educating guests about Antarctica is a key element of polar expedition cruising. Your guides are experts in their field, with many having worked on the ice for research programmes before joining your ship.
This expert knowledge is shared with guests through a series of onboard lectures. In the field, they become teachers in an extraordinary outdoor classroom. When your guide stops the zodiac near an iceberg to deliver a talk about glaciology, it’s easy to understand why a polar education is like no other on Earth.
Citizen science
Many expedition cruise ships offer guests the chance to get involved in citizen science projects collecting data for some of the most respected research institutions in the world.
Projects on offer include sampling phytoplankton to look into the effects of climate change, surveying seabirds and whales, and even helping NASA train their weather satellites. Citizen science projects are not only great fun but unparalleled in helping travellers connect with Antarctica's wider environmental issues.
The polar plunge
The polar plunge is a long-standing tradition among Antarctic cruising, and is guaranteed to raise admiring (or incredulous) looks when you get back home.
The polar plunge is normally offered once on all voyages, and there’s always something of a party atmosphere on board when it’s announced. Even if you’re not taking part, it’s one of Antarctica’s great spectator sports.
The sudden immersion in the sea is a shock, but the buzz afterwards is simply fantastic – as is the camaraderie of your fellow plungers. It's an optional activity, but we always recommend packing a swimming costume even if you don't think you'll be tempted ahead of time – just in case!
Taking the polar plunge
What to expect on an Antarctic cruise: FAQs
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How fit do I need to be for an Antarctic expedition cruise?
Most people are fit enough for an Antarctic cruise. The distances you’ll be walking during the landings tend to be quite short (under half a mile or 1 km) and even when longer walks are offered, there are always shorter alternative routes.
To get the most from your time in Antarctica it's definitely well worth making sure you’re in good physical shape and capable of walking across uneven ground that may be covered in snow or ice. A walking pole is a useful third point of balance for anyone to pack, though most ships also carry spare poles for guests to use.
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What's the best time of year to visit Antarctica?
The Antarctic visitor season follows the Austral summer, running roughly from the last October to the last week of March. Antarctica is spectacular throughout this period: there is no 'best' time to visit, but different months offer slightly different experiences.
The early season through to the end of November has the crispest snow left over from winter, and penguins starting to nest. December into January are the peak months, with penguin chicks arriving and high demand for cabins meaning that early booking is essential. February and March are the best months for whale watching, with the very end of the season also bringing spectacular sunsets due to the shortening days.
For more information, see our page about the best time to visit Antarctica.
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What clothing will I need to wear for an Antarctic cruise?
Antarctica demands that you dress for cold and wet weather. For a detailed packing list, see our guide on what to wear to keep you warm and dry.
You won’t need to bring any specialist equipment to take part in any of the adventure activities such as camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, paddleboarding: this will all be provided for you on the ship. Exceptions to this are the more specialist activities such as scuba diving or mountaineering; you'll be given a full packing list of what to bring when you book.
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How long does it take to sail to Antarctica?
Under normal weather conditions, it takes about two days to sail across the Drake Passage to Antarctica from Ushuaia in the southern tip of Argentina, the starting point for almost all Antarctic cruises. See our dedicated page for more information on crossing the Drake Passage,
If time is a concern, it's also possible to fly direct to Antarctica to join a Fly & Cruise trip. Flights depart from Punta Arenas in Chile, taking just two hours to get to King George Island, where you join your cruise ship.
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Can the planned excursions be affected by weather?
Yes. The weather always has the final say in Antarctica, and it's one reason why itineraries are never set in stone. Your expedition team leader works closely with the ship's captain to best arrange the day's activities taking the weather into consideration. There is always a Plan B, and frequently a Plan C and Plan D.
Expedition leaders are experts in improvising in unpredictable conditions to show you the best of Antarctica, and while the weather might influence your trip, it's incredibly rare that it would affect it to the point that all landings are missed.
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How easy is it getting in and out of the zodiacs?
Getting from the ship into a zodiac or vice versa isn’t challenging at all, and you'll quickly be getting in and out of them as if you'd been doing it for years. To help assist, there are always crew members on hand to lock arms with you in a ‘sailor’s grip’ to help you safely get in and out of the craft. Your guides will also help during landings, when zodiacs pull up on a beach.
For more information on how zodiacs operate see our dedicated zodiac cruising page.
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How long will I spend onshore during landings?
There is no set length of the time you'll spend on shore during landings, but it can range from between 45 minutes to over two hours. Factors that influence the length of a landing include the size of your ship (only 100 people may be onshore at any one time during a landing), the weather conditions and the nature of the landing site you're visiting.
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How close will I get to wildlife?
Antarctica's wildlife has no natural fear of people, so it's possible to get far closer than in many wildlife watching destinations. However, strict guidelines are in place to avoid disturbing the animals you've travelled so far to see.
During any landings, it's not permitted to get closer than 16 feet (5m) to any wildlife or within 33 feet (10m) from the edge of a penguin colony. The wildlife isn't aware of these rules however, so you must always be prepared to quietly retreat to a safe distance if any animals approach you too closely.
On zodiac cruises or kayaking excursions, it's not uncommon to have close encounters with groups of swimming penguins or even humpback whales: truly magical experiences.
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Do I need experience to take part in the adventure activities?
In general no experience is needed for the majority of adventure activities in Antarctica. Kayaking required some basic experience to take part and a good level of fitness, but many ships also now offer introductory paddling options for beginners.
The major exception to this is scuba diving, which requires proof of extensive cold water diving experience.
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Can anyone do the polar plunge?
Anyone in good health can do the polar plunge – all it takes is a little bravery.
If you have been in poor health prior to your trip or have a heart condition, we recommend getting a medical opinion before taking part. The ship's doctor always attends polar plunges.
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Can South Georgia be included on an Antarctic cruise?
Absolutely. The 'Serengeti of the Southern Ocean' is a popular feature of many cruise itineraries due to its extraordinary king penguin colonies, wild mountains and association with the polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Voyages that take in South Georgia are typically twice the length of a regular cruise. It takes two days just to sail between South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, with the itineraries also including time in the Falkland Islands.
For more information, visit our South Georgia cruises page.
More about Antarctica
Antarctic cruise costs explained
Month of travel, length of trip, whether you fly or sail, and the level of comfort will have an influence on the end price. Let Swoop's deep knowledge guide you.
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Antarctica Cruises
We've teamed up with some of the best cruise operators so that you can choose from over 80 cruise itineraries based on your dates, budget and appetite for adventure.
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The best time to visit Antarctica
Choosing 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 MoreWhy our customers love Swoop
The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises
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.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost
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.
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist
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.
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct
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.
Ready 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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