South Pole / Antarctica Tours
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Table of contents
- 109 Antarctica / South Pole tours with 124 reviews
- Antarctica / South Pole Tour Reviews
- Travel Antarctica / South Pole your way
- Best tour companies for Antarctica / South Pole tours
- Popular Antarctica / South Pole Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your Antarctica / South Pole tour
- Discover Antarctica / South Pole tours for every budget
- Antarctica / South Pole tours for every type of group
- Top Antarctica / South Pole travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Antarctica / South Pole
- Antarctica / South Pole travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our Antarctica / South Pole travel experts
- What our customers ask about South Pole / Antarctica Tours
109 Antarctica / South Pole tours with 124 reviews
Compiled by
MelissaAntarctica / South Pole travel expert at TourRadar
Antarctic Explorer, Operated by Quark
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Ocean Adventurer was the perfect ship for the voyage; the expedition team was knowledgable, fun, and took great care of us.”
Adrish, traveled in January
The Ocean Explorer carries passengers through Antarctica's wilderness over 11 remarkable days. Daily Zodiac excursions reveal spectacular icebergs, diverse wildlife including three penguin species, and dramatic landscapes. Evening lectures by expert naturalists enhance understanding of polar ecosystems.
Duration 11 days Destinations Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula, Hornos Island Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $22,623
20% Off- NZ$18,099You save $4,525
Duration 11 days Destinations Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- NZ$14,625
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake, Operated by Quark
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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
A 2-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island bypasses the Drake Passage, maximizing 4 full days in Antarctica. The Ocean Adventurer provides intimate zodiac excursions to Petermann Island and Neko Harbor, observing penguins and seals. At approx. $2,620 per day, all-inclusive meals, expert lectures, and waterproof expedition gear enhance exploration of the pristine Antarctic Peninsula.
Duration 8 days Destinations Punta Arenas, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $39,715
30% Off- NZ$27,799You save $11,916
Classic Antarctica - 10 days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent service, great communication and friendly staff.”
Inga, traveled in December
The MV Ushuaia sails to Paradise Bay and Paulet Island's penguin colonies. Passengers cross Drake Passage to South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Package includes expert guides, twice-daily shore landings, and all meals for around $7,200.
Duration 10 days Destinations Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, King George Island Age Range Ages 10+ Operator On The Go Tours From
30% Off- NZ$10,795
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Quest for the Antarctic Circle trip was life changing and sooo worth it.”
JoAnn, traveled in February
The 14-day voyage aboard G Expedition crosses Drake Passage to Antarctica's pristine wilderness. Zodiac landings bring you close to diverse penguin species and seals, while expert guides provide comprehensive lectures. The ship ventures beyond Antarctic Circle to remote polar landscapes most vessels can't access.
Duration 14 days Destinations Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $20,399
20% Off- NZ$16,319You save $4,080
Antarctica / South Pole Tour Reviews
- Antarctic Explorer, Operated by Quark
Trip of a lifetime from Quark. Couldn't ask for a better experience - The Ocean Adventurer was the perfect ship for the voyage; the expedition team was knowledgable, fun, and took great care of us; the dining crew and the food were amazing.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Quark Expeditions. My husband and I did the 'Fly the Drake Passage' Antarctica cruise in January 2020, just before the pandemic. We were blown away by the incredible staff and crew. This trip surpassed ALL of our expecations. If you are looking for a high quality experience with like-minded individuals who love nature, wildlife viewing and adventure, Quark is definitely the company to sail with.
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake, Operated by Quark
We can’t say enough good things about this tour, the ship and the crew. Our time on board was fantastic. Our captain had a great deal of experience and we felt completely safe at all times on the ship. The expedition team were knowledgable and friendly, and all the crew from the deck hands to the bridge went out of their way to be helpful and kind. The food was wonderful, the scenery unbelievable and the small passenger group made us all into friends by the end of the journey. If you have ever wanted to visit the White Continent, book your trip on the MV Ushuaia and be prepared to have the experience of a lifetime!!
Classic Antarctica - 10 days
Travel Antarctica / South Pole your way
Our expedition ships push north of the Arctic Circle to 80° latitude, where specialized ice-class vessels navigate through remote polar waters. We keep groups small on these ships, which lets us quickly adapt our route when wildlife appears - especially around Spitsbergen where our travelers often spot polar bears hunting from ice floes. The marine biologists and polar experts leading our trips take you out in Zodiac boats to get properly close to massive little auk colonies, sometimes 200,000 birds strong. You'll also see Arctic foxes darting across the tundra, whales breaking the surface and walruses lounging on ice sheets. Back on board, you can join real scientific research in the ship's Science Center, where our experts run citizen science projects and share insights about polar ecosystems through casual lectures and hands-on sessions.
Select from our extensive range of 103 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Antarctica / South Pole with our expert guides leading the way.
Explore a wide diversity of adventures through Antarctica / South Pole. We have 92 cruises that vary from 3 days to 28 days. With the greatest number of departures in February, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Explore a wide diversity of ocean cruise tours through Antarctica / South Pole. We have 47 adventures that vary from 8 days to 26 days. With the greatest number of departures in January, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Best tour companies for Antarctica / South Pole tours
Popular Antarctica / South Pole Cruise Ships
Best places to start your Antarctica / South Pole tour
Most Antarctic voyages start from Ushuaia in Argentina - it's the world's southernmost city and our main launching point with 51 tours heading out from here. Some folks prefer beginning in Buenos Aires where we have 13 departure options including the flights down to Ushuaia. You can also leave from Punta Arenas, Montevideo and Santiago, though these are less common with just 3 departures each. Based on what we've seen with bookings, you'll want to lock in your spot around 5 months ahead (that's 148 days) since these trips fill up fast, particularly in peak season. Yes, you'll cross the Drake Passage and it can get bumpy, but our travelers say the excitement of Antarctica makes it worthwhile. December to February brings temperatures around freezing which works well for spotting wildlife and getting out on activities. Our expedition staff runs thorough briefings on safety and gear use before you head out on zodiac trips and landings. Everyone loves those unexpected moments when we stop to watch whales or cruise past particularly impressive icebergs.
Discover Antarctica / South Pole tours for every budget
Our premium Antarctic voyages really shine with ships like the MS Fridtjof Nansen and Ocean Victory, built specifically for polar conditions. These vessels combine comfort with capability - you'll find science centers, wellness spas and observation lounges, while hybrid power systems keep environmental impact low. Our customers tell us the expert programs are a highlight; you'll spend time with marine biologists and polar historians who bring Antarctic science and stories to life. When conditions allow, you get two zodiac landings daily to properly explore gentoo, chinstrap and adelie penguin colonies without feeling rushed. Several routes push south to cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S - it's quite something to raise a glass of sparkling wine while watching the midnight sun. After active days out exploring, travelers consistently praise the quality of onboard dining that keeps energy levels high.
Antarctica / South Pole luxury tours
Antarctica / South Pole tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
109 tours in Antarctica / South PoleAntarctic group expeditions carry between 100-200 passengers, and it's amazing how quickly everyone bonds over shared discoveries. The ships are built tough for polar waters with reinforced hulls that handle the Drake Passage crossing well. Our travelers often mention how much better it is to share moments - whether spotting humpback whales from the deck or trading photography tips at penguin colonies. The group atmosphere really adds something special during education sessions, with everyone comparing wildlife sightings and learning together. Expedition teams stay flexible with daily plans, sometimes catching unexpected chances to watch hunting orcas or visit research stations. You'll find natural ways to connect with others, from mealtimes to optional activities like polar plunges and kayaking through the ice.
Small Group
5 tours in Antarctica / South PoleThese Antarctic expeditions bring together small groups of 100-200 travelers aboard specialized ice-class vessels, creating a more intimate polar experience. Our Quest for the Antarctic Circle voyage and Antarctic Explorer trips get wonderful feedback from customers who appreciate the personal touch. Marine biologists guide Zodiac landings twice daily, taking small groups to observe gentoo, chinstrap, adelie penguins and also marine life - you might catch orcas hunting or humpbacks breaching nearby. The ships combine comfort with function, featuring panoramic lounges, science centers and eco-friendly hybrid systems that reduce their footprint. What makes these journeys special is the camaraderie that develops, as passengers share wildlife photos, swap stories during evening talks and discover the polar environment together. The captains maintain flexible routes, able to navigate into narrow fjords and sheltered bays that larger vessels can't reach. Our expedition teams excel at balancing safety protocols with spontaneous moments, whether that's watching massive glaciers calve or visiting active research bases. Some itineraries venture south across the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S, while others focus on the South Shetland Islands, historic sites and also penguin colonies, giving you options based on your particular interests.
Top Antarctica / South Pole travel itineraries to fit your plans
Setting off from Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, the 10-day trips give you a solid Antarctic experience with 4-5 days exploring the Peninsula. The expedition teams keep routes flexible based on where the wildlife is active and what the ice is doing. You'll get to multiple penguin colonies at just the right times - whether they're caring for chicks or sliding across the ice on their bellies. Our customers love getting close to humpback and minke whales during zodiac cruises. The onboard experts give talks about the wildlife, geology and polar history, which adds real context to what you're seeing. Many routes go through Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel where the massive glaciers make for perfect photos.
Two-week voyages push further south to cross the Antarctic Circle, something that makes these trips special. With 11 full days in Antarctic waters, you get maximum time for wildlife spotting and exploration. Our travelers really appreciate those extra days when weather shifts - there's no rush and you can wait for perfect landing conditions. You'll likely see all Antarctic penguin species, multiple types of whales and also less common seabirds like skuas and petrels. The science talks continue throughout, so you can really dig into topics like glaciology or marine biology. Many trips offer extras like camping or kayaking among icebergs. The longer time lets you properly take in Antarctica's massive scale and natural rhythms rather than just ticking boxes.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Ushuaia, Stanley, Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, Antarctic Peninsula, King George Island
Demographics
Solo travelers really connect with our Antarctic trips - there's something special about sharing those polar moments with new friends. The Antarctic Circle voyage works beautifully for singles; our expedition team makes everyone feel part of the group from day one. You'll get out twice daily on Zodiac boats, taking your time with the penguins and seals at your own pace. The Ocean Endeavour is particularly good for solo guests with its dedicated single cabins and social spaces that make meeting others natural and easy. The evening talks spark great conversations and many of our travelers tell us they've stayed in touch with their shipmates long after returning home.
Antarctica makes for an incredible couples experience, mixing real adventure with comfortable touches. The Sea Spirit gives you your own private space while offering plenty of shared moments - from early morning glacier views to spotting whales together up on deck. What works so well for pairs is how you can join group activities but also find quiet spots just for two. Our expedition teams know just when to add those special touches, like bringing hot chocolate while you're watching massive icebergs drift by or setting up nice dinners as you cross into Antarctic waters.
Our active Antarctic routes really appeal to younger travelers looking for genuine polar experiences. You can actually camp near Collins Glacier in proper expedition gear - it's basic but that's what makes it real Antarctic camping! The landings involve proper hiking up glaciers for amazing views and yes, you can even try a polar plunge if you're up for it. The citizen science part is popular too; you'll help with actual Antarctic research projects. Many book our Chilean programs because they fly straight to King George Island and visit several research bases, which makes the most of shorter trip windows.
Our senior travelers particularly value Antarctic expeditions that blend learning with comfort. The MV Ushuaia handles the Drake Passage smoothly and offers great viewing spots for wildlife watching. During landings, the guides always provide different activity options so everyone explores at their own speed. The history really comes alive at old expedition sites and research stations, and our experts give excellent talks about the geology, wildlife and also landscapes you're seeing every day. Seniors often tell us they appreciate how the expedition team is always around to answer questions about what they're observing.
- Solo Travelers33 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples32 tours
- Seniors (50+)22 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit Antarctica / South Pole
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn brings amazing light for photographers as days get shorter. We take you through the Lemaire Channel and Neumayer Channel, where steep cliffs create natural frames around ice-filled waters. Most trips explore the Gerlache Strait, a favorite spot for watching humpback whales feed before heading north. You'll see elephant seals gathering on beaches and penguin chicks starting to fledge, all while getting to photograph landscapes in that special autumn light. Our small group shore landings mean everyone gets proper time to watch wildlife and take photos without feeling rushed - something our customers really appreciate. Based on what our Antarctic travelers tell us, G Adventures and Quark come up as solid choices for polar expeditions. G Adventures gets consistently good feedback about their "Quest for the Antarctic Circle" voyage - one of our recent travelers called it "life changing" and was particularly impressed with how knowledgeable the expedition team was. Their ships are comfortable and the itineraries well thought out. That said, some people have had frustrations with G Adventures' customer service, especially when trying to sort out last-minute cabin upgrades or dealing with pricing questions. Quark also stands out for their polar expertise and enthusiastic staff. Their teams are good at adjusting plans when Antarctic weather throws a curveball, which happens quite often down there. It's worth noting though that they use Aerolineas Argentinas for flights, and we've heard from travelers about schedule changes and confusing baggage rules with that airline. I should mention that both operators know their stuff when it comes to Antarctic waters, equipment, safety protocols and also wildlife spotting. The main difference often comes down to their specific departure dates, ship styles and pricing structures rather than the core expedition experience.
- popular 17 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Our Antarctic winter trips run during the austral summer from November through March, when you get incredible light conditions - up to 24 hours of daylight for maximum wildlife viewing and photos. The most popular routes take you through the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. The ice-strengthened ships work perfectly as platforms for spotting whales and seabirds during Drake Passage crossings. You'll get really close to gentoo, chinstrap and also adelie penguin colonies during Zodiac trips. Our travelers love how the marine biologists and historians bring Antarctic ecosystems and polar exploration stories to life through their talks. Some routes push further south across the Antarctic Circle, which is pretty special - not many people can say they've done that.
- December 2025 16 tours
- 20 tours
- popular 22 tours
- December 2026 15 tours
Antarctica / South Pole travel guides - curated by our experts
Best Time to Visit Antarctica
When contemplating this vast region, one needs to know the best time to visit Antarctica! From essential information to penguin mating season, we shed light on all of it!
Antarctic Wildlife: Animals You Can See in Antarctica
Discover all the animals you can meet in Antarctica! From adorable penguins and seal pups to magnificent whales, wildlife in Antarctica is one of a kind!
Kayaking in Antarctica: What to Know & What to Expect
Exploring Antarctica in a kayak is an unforgettable experience. Learn how the activity looks like, what to expect, how to prepare and what to pack!
Camping in Antarctica: Everything You Need to Know
Camping on the 7th continent, Antarctica, is not an accomplishment that many can claim. Learn what to expect, how to prepare and what to wear!
Contact our Antarctica / South Pole travel experts
Laura
Expert in Antarctica / South Pole at TourRadar
Laura is one of our seasoned Antarctica / South Pole Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Antarctica / South Pole tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about South Pole / Antarctica Tours
When Should You Plan Your Antarctic Adventure?
Summer in Antarctica runs November through March and that's definitely your sweet spot for visiting. The penguins are super active this time of year and you'll catch the whale migration too with temperatures actually pretty mild. December and February tend to be the busiest times with peak wildlife activity and the best conditions.
How Do You Pick the Perfect Antarctic Tour?
It really comes down to what matters most to you - how long you want to be away what kinds of activities you're after and of course your budget and comfort needs. Look at different routes like the Antarctic Peninsula South Georgia or the Falklands. G Adventures runs this awesome "Quest for the Antarctic Circle" that's 14 days with options for camping and kayaking. If you're after something more luxurious there's this amazing "Overnight Experience @ Chilean ANTARTICA" where you can fly-cruise and camp in thermal tents near Collins Glacier.
What Kind of Wildlife Will You Actually See?
Get ready for something spectacular! You'll definitely spot different penguin species like Gentoo Chinstrap and Adélie just hanging out in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for seals lounging on ice floes especially Weddell Crabeater and Leopard seals. During summer the waters fill with Humpback Minke and Fin whales and you'll often see albatrosses soaring over the Drake Passage. Ardley Island's particularly special with its colonies of Gentoo Chinstrap and Adélie penguins all in one place.