What is the best time to visit Antarctica?

The Antarctic travel season runs from November through March during the Southern Hemisphere's summer. December and January give you almost 24 hours of daylight and temperatures between 20-50°F (-6 to 10°C). Each month offers something special: November and December have pristine snow and penguin courtship displays, while February and March are perfect for whale watching and seeing penguin chicks. As one TourRadar traveler puts it, "You will get 4 seasons in one day in Antarctica, so be prepared for changing conditions." The conditions during these months also make it easier to navigate the Drake Passage and do shore landings at places like the Antarctic Peninsula.

What wildlife will I see in Antarctica?

You'll see an amazing variety of Antarctic animals, especially around the Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Expect to meet several types of penguins - Adelie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap - in their natural colonies. Whales are common too, particularly humpback, minke, and orca. You'll also spot different seals (Weddell, crabeater, leopard, and fur seals) and seabirds like wandering albatross. One TourRadar traveler shared: "We had amazing encounters with whales swimming right next to our Zodiac boats and spent time observing over 100,000 penguins at their rookeries." The ship's wildlife experts will help you spot and identify animals throughout your trip.

How rough is the Drake Passage crossing and how long does it take?

The Drake Passage crossing between South America and Antarctica takes about 48 hours each way. The conditions can vary from perfectly calm (called "Drake Lake") to very rough ("Drake Shake") with waves up to 30 feet high. Today's expedition ships come with stabilizers to help smooth out the ride. You'll cross between Ushuaia and the South Shetland Islands. As one TourRadar traveler noted, "Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance."

How many people are on an Antarctic expedition?

Ships traveling to Antarctica usually carry between 100 and 200 passengers. This smaller size makes everything run more smoothly - from wildlife watching to getting on and off the ship. For example, the Ocean Nova takes 80 people while the Ultramarine carries up to 200. Antarctic rules only allow 100 people on shore at once, so smaller groups mean more time exploring. You'll also get more personal attention from the expedition team when you visit places like the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia Island.

Antarctica Tours & Trips

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Ocean Cruise
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake, Operated by Quark
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"The pristine environment in Antarctica needs to be seen and felt to be appreciated. Quark provided a platform to conduct the trip in a sustainable manner."
CK, traveled in February
Destinations
Punta Arenas, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
18 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
25% Off
Duration
8 days
From $33,429
NZ$25,075
$7,094 now + easy payments of $2,128
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Journey to the Antarctic Circle
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"This trip was an 'excursion', not a 'cruise', so do not sign up if you are expecting multiple restaurants, live entertainment, or other such luxuries."
Jana, traveled in December
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
12 to 99 year olds
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
Duration
14 days
From $20,030
NZ$17,026
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Polar
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
4.3 (13 traveler reviews)
"The Quest for the Antarctic Circle trip was life changing and sooo worth it."
JoAnn, traveled in February
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
up to 90 year olds
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
Duration
14 days
From $20,399
NZ$16,319
$3,264 now + easy payments of $933
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Polar
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula - Ocean Victory & Ocean Albatros vessels
5.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"The crew, the food, the service is wonderful."
Xiao, traveled in November
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
12 to 80 year olds
Ships
Ocean Victory Ocean Albatros+1 ship
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Albatros Expeditions
15% Off
Duration
10 days
From $13,355
NZ$11,352
$2,845 now + easy payments of $854
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Polar
Polar Circle Quest - 12 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
10 to 80 year olds
Ship
MV Ushuaia
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
15% Off
Duration
12 days
From
NZ$17,925
$600 now + easy payments of $1,444
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Polar
Crossing 66º South Latitude
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The best adventure ever."
Nataly, traveled in January
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Deception Island,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
up to 100 year olds
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
10% Off
Duration
15 days
From $25,234
NZ$22,711
$6,218 now + easy payments of $2,764
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Polar
Antarctica: The White Continent (Buenos Aires to Ushuaia)
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage,South Shetland Islands+1 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
10% Off
Duration
12 days
From
NZ$11,549
+$2,600 upfront costs
$349 now + easy payments of $1,473
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Polar
The Highlights of Antarctica
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands Chile Antarctica
Age Range
up to 100 year olds
Ship
MV Hondius
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Inventia
10% Off
Duration
23 days
From
NZ$37,531
$11,204 now + easy payments of $2,178
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 16 Feb 2026
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12 easy payments$2,178
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Ocean Cruise
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
Destinations
Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, King George Island
Age Range
up to 100 year olds
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
10% Off
Duration
12 days
From $19,460
NZ$17,514
$4,564 now + easy payments of $1,660
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Polar
Crossing the Circle via Buenos Aires, Operated by Quark
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"we loved our crossing the circle via Buenos Aires trip, we had greattest expenerices in Antarctica."
Shauna, traveled in January
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, King George Island,Antarctic Peninsula,Hornos Island+2 more
Age Range
18 to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
19% Off
Duration
14 days
From $37,169
NZ$30,180
$7,545 now + easy payments of $2,264
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 28 Feb 2026
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Polar
Antarctica Classic
4.6 (25 traveler reviews)
"All went smooth no troubles."
karl, traveled in December
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
up to 90 year olds
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
30% Off
Duration
11 days
From $15,699
NZ$10,989
$2,480 now + easy payments of $661
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 04 Mar 2026
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15 easy payments$661
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Polar
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: Explorers and Kings, Operated by Quark
4.4 (19 traveler reviews)
"The ship was functional & comfortable; the landscapes and wildlife were AWESOME (I hate that word, but no other word does it justice!)."
Christina, traveled in February
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands England Chile
Age Range
18 to 99 year olds
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
30% Off
Duration
20 days
From
NZ$58,950
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Polar
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"Great trip. One of best ones ever."
Sam, traveled in January
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
12 to 99 year olds
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
Duration
11 days
From $18,025
NZ$15,321
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Polar
Classic Antarctica - 10 days
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Excellent service, great communication and friendly staff."
Inga, traveled in December
Destinations
Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, King George Island
Age Range
10 to 80 year olds
Ship
MV Ushuaia
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
15% Off
Duration
10 days
From
NZ$10,355
$600 now + easy payments of $1,268
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 25 Jan 2026
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Polar
King Penguins of the Falklands and South Georgia - Expedition
Destinations
Uruguay Falkland Islands Chile Argentina
Age Range
16 to 99 year olds
Ship
MS Expedition
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
15% Off
Duration
22 days
From
NZ$25,850
$2,585 now + easy payments of $5,816
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 22 Oct 2025
Pay today$2,585
4 easy payments$5,816
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 22 Oct 2025
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4 easy payments$5,816
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