Antarctic Peninsula
Experience the essence of Antarctica on a classic Antarctic Peninsula expedition cruise.
Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, these small-ship voyages are the most popular and accessible way to explore the White Continent. The Antarctic Peninsula is where most explorers fall in love with the polar world. Cruises offer the perfect balance of comfort, wildlife, and adventure — ideal for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike. You’ll sail past sculpted icebergs, spot humpback and minke whales, and set foot on the 7th continent via daily Zodiac landings.
Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
November-February
11 days
A 10 night Classic Antarctic route on a small and comfortable expedition ship, with regular landings and sightseeing in Antarctica and expert guidance
Special Rates
Crossing the Antarctic Circle: Discoverer
January
14 days
An in-depth Antarctica cruise with crossing of the Polar Circle. Sail on board the super ice-class, Discoverer
Last Places
Epic Antarctica: Crossing the 7th Continent
January-February
34 days
Welcome to a truly Epic Crossing of Antarctica from New Zealand via sub-Antarctic Islands and remotest Antarctica to Ushuaia, Argentina
Special Rates!
Bellingshausen Sea, Peter I Isl & Ellsworth Land
January-February
25 days
An epic 25 day expedition cruise to the the farthest southern reaches of the Antarctic Peninsula onboard the helicopter equipped M/V Ortelius
Early Booking Offer
Polar Circle Air/Cruise: Magellan Discoverer
February
10 days
Fly to Antarctica and sail beyond the Antarctic Circle aboard a boutique expedition ship, exploring glaciers, wildlife and remote polar landscapes
Special Rates!
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer - incl. helicopters
February-March
28 days
This expansive voyage on board MV Ortelius explores one of the most remote, scenic, wildlife-filled regions on Earth: the great Weddell Sea
Early Booking Rates
Antarctica Explorers Edition: Ocean Albatros
January-March
11 days
A classic and luxurious voyage to the Great White Continent with incredible wildlife, stunning mountain scenery and icebergs in 10 action-packed days
Antarctic Whale Watching
March
10 days
A classic Antarctic route on the Ice Class Plancius, searching for whales and penguins in the wondrous polar environment
Early Bird Prices
Antarctic Express Cruise South, Fly North
December & January
10 days
A 10 day express Antarctic expedition on board the luxurious Ocean Explorer including a time-saving flight back from Antarctica
Early Booking Rates
Complete Antarctica, Sail in Fly out: Ocean Nova
January
11 days
An unique 11 day Fly/Cruise adventure to Antarctica. Sail to Antarctica on the 80-passenger, ice-class expedition ship Ocean Nova and then fly back
The Heart of Antarctica
The Antarctic Peninsula is where most explorers fall in love with the polar world. Cruises here offer the perfect balance of comfort, wildlife, and adventure — ideal for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike. You’ll sail past sculpted icebergs, spot humpback and minke whales, and set foot on the 7th continent via daily Zodiac landings.
Why Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula
- Most Accessible Region: Shorter voyages (10–12 days) from Ushuaia via the Drake Passage.
- Abundant Wildlife: Penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds thrive here.
- Spectacular Scenery: Ice cliffs, glaciers, and the Antarctic mountains.
- Frequent Landings: Small ships = more Zodiac operations and exploration.
- Expert Guidance: Naturalists and expedition leaders enhance every day at sea.
Wildlife You Can See in the Antarctic Peninsula
- Gentoo, Adélie penguins, and Chinstrap penguins
- Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals
- Humpback and minke whales
- Antarctic petrels, skuas, and terns
The Antarctica cruise season runs from November–March - all months being wonderful - there is no absolute best time to visit the Antarctic Peninsula. Wildlife sightings do change through the season — in the early season Nov-Dec you'll see pristine snowy slopes, active penguin courtship and dramatic icebergs. The high season January-February brings peak wildlife, lots of penguin chicks and longer landings. In March enjoy the deep light, quieter voyages, and excellent whale activity. However during the whole season you can see plenty of penguins, whales and of course Antarctica's awe-inspiring mountainous scenery!
Booking Your Antarctic Peninsula Cruise
Book as early as possible for the best choice of cabins and departure dates. Choose from the many tour links on this page and don't forget to sort and filter by ship type, price, departure date, optional adventures and other criteria. Expeditions Online offers flexible payment options, multi-currency booking, and personalized service from polar travel experts. Get in touch with us anytime with questions and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter below:
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