Antarctica / South Pole Tours in December 2025
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10 best Antarctica / South Pole tour packages in December
Compiled by
MelissaAntarctica / South Pole travel expert at TourRadar
- Classic Antarctica - 11 days
- Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
- Christmas in Antarctica
- Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Explorer - 19 days
- Quest for the Antarctic Circle
- The Ultimate Antarctica Experience- Quest for the Circle, 12 Days
- Epic Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica
- In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition (2025)
- Antarctica: The White Continent (Buenos Aires to Ushuaia)
- Antarctica Classic
Duration 11 days Destinations Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours December departure dates
1 Dec, 2025 4 spaces left From
- NZ$12,335
Duration 11 days Destinations Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 10 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $29,510
20% Off- NZ$23,608You save $5,902
Duration 12 days Destinations Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, King George Island Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Poseidon Expeditions December departure dates
17 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $19,441
10% Off- NZ$17,498You save $1,943
Duration 19 days Destinations Drake Passage Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours December departure dates
16 Dec, 2025 4 spaces left From $39,135
15% Off- NZ$33,265You save $5,870
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
Duration 14 days Destinations Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures December departure dates
21 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $22,399
35% Off- NZ$14,559You save $7,840
Duration 12 days Destinations Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Albatros Expeditions December departure dates
5 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
35% Off- NZ$19,606
Duration 19 days Destinations Argentina, Falkland Islands, Chile, Antarctica Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Albatros Expeditions December departure dates
16 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
35% Off- NZ$29,826
Duration 23 days Destinations Chile, Argentina, Antarctica Age Range 6 to 90 year olds Operator Hurtigruten December departure dates
See All Departure Dates5 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 26 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
35% Off- NZ$32,234
Duration 12 days Destinations Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Collette December departure dates
26 Dec, 2025 9 spaces left From
35% Off- NZ$11,549+$2,600 upfront costs
Antarctica Classic
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“They went above and beyond to ensure we had the best possible experience exploring Antarctica. This has truly been one of the most unforgettable trips of my life.”
Claire, traveled in January
Duration 11 days Destinations Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures December departure dates
12 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $14,799
25% Off- NZ$11,099You save $3,700
What people love about Antarctica / South Pole Tours in December
- Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Went on the Quest for the Antarctic Circle in February. Antarctica was way more awesome than I could ever have imagined. The Expedition Crew were amazing! Our leader was awesome!! Thank you Jonathon!! So much love and enthusiasm for what they do. The crew, the Ship, the food, our housekeeping boy were all equally amazing. Did I mention the food!!! Yumm!! And you can't beat 'Captain Push Push' for trying to take you where no man has been before!! I'm off to the Arctic in 28 days same ship 'Expedition' some of the same crew! Can't wait!! Thank you G Adventures!!
What an experience. G Adventure has mastered the art of making your experience really stand out and they have delivered. G Expedition is an old small ship but really well maintained, upgraded and taken care of. The Crew is absolutely amazing in catering to your every need. Plenty of food to go around every day, drinks were reasonably priced for a ship. There's an on-board sauna which was of great use after a day of excursion in frigid Antarctic weather. There's briefing every day on weather condition, plan, wild life and what to expect. Everyone's extremely punctual and runs all the events on the dot, yet makes it somewhat relaxing somehow. There's an on-board doctor if you need any help. Internet is bit pricy ($40 USD for 2GB) but You are in the middle of Antarctic, so. Camping in a must do experience. So is Kayaking but that happens everyday, so might get a bit tiring. Onboard presentation about the history, wildlife, seals and whales and many other things to keep you busy and engaged. There's on onboard library, games, a polar bar, live entertainment so you'll never get bored. Overall, it's one of the best trip you'll take in life, guaranteed.
Antarctica Classic
What our customers ask about Antarctica / South Pole Tours in December 2025
What is the weather like in Antarctica during December?
December brings milder conditions to Antarctica with temperatures between 20°F to 40°F (-6°C to 4°C). The region experiences the Midnight Sun phenomenon creating nearly 24 hours of daylight. This makes December particularly good for exploring and photographing the landscape. Weather tends to be more predictable during this time with TourRadar travelers reporting comfortable conditions. One visitor to Paradise Bay commented "We had sunshine and no wind and boiled in our thermals."
What wildlife can I see in Antarctica during December?
December marks peak wildlife activity across the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Visitors can watch penguin chicks emerge at colonies of Gentoo Adelie and Chinstrap penguins particularly at Neko Harbour and Petermann Island. The waters come alive with leopard seals hunting near penguin colonies while humpback and minke whales return to feed. A TourRadar traveler noted that "the pristine environment in Antarctica needs to be seen and felt to be appreciated" with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities around Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel.
What are the best locations to visit in Antarctica during December?
December's melting sea ice opens up key Antarctic locations including the Gerlache Strait Paradise Bay and Lemaire Channel. The Antarctic Peninsula becomes fully accessible allowing visits to Port Lockroy's historic British research station and Neko Harbour's impressive glaciers. The South Shetland Islands especially King George Island provide excellent landing spots. TourRadar travelers highlight Paradise Bay and the Neumayer Channel for their "breathtaking landscapes with calving glaciers framed by alpine peaks."
How rough is the Drake Passage crossing in December?
The Drake Passage typically offers more stable sailing conditions during December though rough seas remain possible. Modern vessels like the Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros use X-Bow technology to improve stability. Travelers seeking to avoid the crossing can choose fly-cruise options such as Exodus Adventure Travels' "Antarctic Express" which replaces the two-day ship crossing with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island. Recent travelers note that newer expedition ships provide "exceptional stability at sea."
What is the price range for Antarctic cruises in December?
Antarctic expeditions in December start at USD 9245 reaching up to USD 20995 per person. The 8-day "Antarctic Express" fly-cruise begins at USD 20995 while traditional 12-day voyages like Poseidon Expeditions' "Christmas in Antarctica" start from USD 10395. Adventure-focused basecamp cruises with included activities begin around USD 9245. TourRadar travelers often note the "impeccable procedures" and "good value" considering the all-inclusive nature of these expeditions.
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