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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10 best Antarctica tour packages

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Polar Active Antarctica
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
4.3 (13 traveler reviews)
"Go! Mind blowing scenery in an amazing place. G Adventures were fantastic in all regards."
Isabelle, 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
Duration
14 days
From
NZ$19,099
$4,060 now + easy payments of $1,160
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 21 Dec 2025
Pay today$4,060
14 easy payments$1,160
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 21 Dec 2025
Pay today$4,060
14 easy payments$1,160
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Polar Family Antarctica
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
Duration
11 days
From
NZ$16,220
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Polar Family Antarctica
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
Duration
12 days
From
NZ$18,125
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Polar Antarctica Ocean Cruise Christmas & New Year +1
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula - Ocean Victory & Ocean Albatros vessels
5.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"It's a different world down there. It's a different world down there."
Jose, 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
Duration
10 days
From
NZ$13,508
$4,086 now + easy payments of $1,226
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 20 Jan 2026
Pay today$4,086
10 easy payments$1,226
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 20 Jan 2026
Pay today$4,086
10 easy payments$1,226
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Polar Active Family Antarctica
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 $25,522
NZ$22,971
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Polar Family Antarctica Sightseeing +1
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$10,678
+$2,503 upfront costs
$349 now + easy payments of $1,487
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 13 Jan 2026
Pay today$349
12 easy payments$1,487
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 13 Jan 2026
Pay today$349
12 easy payments$1,487
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Polar Family Antarctica Christmas & New Year +1
Best of Antarctica In Depth
2.0 (1 traveler review)
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
10% Off
Duration
13 days
From
NZ$18,830
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Ocean Cruise Active Family Polar Antarctica Wildlife +3
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 $19,682
NZ$17,715
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Polar Antarctica
Antarctica and the Weddell Sea
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Ships
Scenic Eclipse Scenic Eclipse II+1 ship
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
15% Off
Duration
16 days
From $43,275
NZ$36,775
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Explorer Antarctica Ocean Cruise
Ultimate Antarctica & the Fjords of Southern Chile
Destinations
Argentina Chile Uruguay
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Ship
Scenic Eclipse
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
18% Off
Duration
29 days
From $63,600
NZ$52,100
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Polar Antarctica Ocean Cruise
Antarctica Classic
4.6 (25 traveler reviews)
"It is hard to put into words how absolutely amazing Antarctica is. G Adventures did a marvelous job of getting us there and providing a marvelous experience."
Kevin, traveled in March
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
18% Off
Duration
11 days
From
NZ$13,499
$3,200 now + easy payments of $914
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 02 Jan 2026
Pay today$3,200
14 easy payments$914
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 02 Jan 2026
Pay today$3,200
14 easy payments$914
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Polar Active Antarctica Ocean Cruise +1
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: Explorers and Kings, Operated by Quark
4.4 (19 traveler reviews)
"THE trip of a lifetime, itinery exceeded expectations AND so did the weather!"
Duncan, 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
18% Off
Duration
20 days
From
NZ$58,950
$14,738 now + easy payments of $7,369
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 13 Nov 2025
Pay today$14,738
6 easy payments$7,369
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 13 Nov 2025
Pay today$14,738
6 easy payments$7,369
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Ocean Cruise Active Polar Antarctica Explorer +2
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
$10,503 now + easy payments of $3,501
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 04 Jan 2026
Pay today$10,503
9 easy payments$3,501
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 04 Jan 2026
Pay today$10,503
9 easy payments$3,501
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Polar Family Antarctica Christmas & New Year +1
Classic Antarctica - 10 days
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The food was wonderful, the scenery unbelievable and the small passenger group made us all into friends."
Elaine, 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
25% Off
Duration
10 days
From
NZ$10,465
$600 now + easy payments of $1,007
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 16 Jan 2026
Pay today$600
14 easy payments$1,007
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 16 Jan 2026
Pay today$600
14 easy payments$1,007
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Polar Antarctica Wildlife
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!
25% Off
Duration
22 days
From
NZ$25,850
$2,585 now + easy payments of $3,324
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 22 Oct 2025
Pay today$2,585
7 easy payments$3,324
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 22 Oct 2025
Pay today$2,585
7 easy payments$3,324
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