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.
Polar Circle Deep South: M/V Ortelius
March
13 days
A longer Antarctica expedition cruise to the Polar Circle on the ice-class expedition ship M/V Ortelius
Antarctica Whale watching discovery voyage
March
11 days
A 10 night Classic Antarctic expedition on the Polar Class 6 M/V Hondius, focussing on whales, spectacular landscapes and other wildlife sightings
Antarctica's Whale Season: Ocean Nova
March
12 days
Join us aboard the small ship Ocean Nova on this epic Antarctic journey, as we set sail from Ushuaia in search of whales!
Antarctica, Elephant Is, Weddell Sea, Polar Circle
March
15 days
Explore the Antarctic Circle and Weddell Sea aboard Plancius, witnessing epic ice, wildlife and legendary sites on a true polar expedition
Antarctica - Discovery and Learning
December-January
11 days
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula aboard a small ship on a Discovery & Learning voyage — wildlife, glaciers and expert insights await!
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise: Magellan Explorer
November
6 days
Cruise to Antarctica and and then fly back on a compact expedition with Zodiac landings, wildlife encounters and spectacular polar scenery
Antarctic Peninsula - Basecamp
November-January
13 days
Antarctic Basecamp aboard a comfortable vessel — all-inclusive activities like kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, mountaineering & camping included
Early Booking rates
Complete Antarctica, Fly in Sail out: Ocean Nova
February
9 days
An unique 9 day Fly/Cruise adventure to Antarctica. Fly to Antarctica, join the 80-passenger, ice-class expedition ship Ocean Nova and sail back
Special Rates
Wild Antarctica Weddell Sea: Douglas Mawson
February
11 days
Delve into the Weddell Sea's ice-filled waters, with vast tabular bergs and breaching whales before the Antarctic Peninsula's west coast
Early Booking Rates
South Georgia & Antarctica: Through the Lens
February
20 days
Capture South Georgia and Antarctica on a photography expedition, with expert guidance, stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters
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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