Regions

Ship type

Available dates

Budget

Cancel

Jamie Lafferty

Mike Louagie

Jamie Lafferty

Regions

Ship type

Available dates

Budget

Antarctic Peninsula

Regions

Ship type

Available dates

Budget

Scroll to content

By Teresa Machan

NOVEMBER 05, 2025

SHARE
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Copy link
Link copied

Antarctic Peninsula destination overview

It was early morning in Paradise Bay, and I was woken by the gentlest of wake-up calls. “It’s minus three, sunny, and quite beautiful out here,” said our softly-spoken expedition leader. ‘Out here’ was somewhere on the Antarctic Peninsula.

I arrived on deck to see chunks of ice bobbing like pearls in the bay. Snow-covered peaks threw reflections in the glassy water. Distant snow islands dazzled. I hadn’t expected to be on deck and drinking in lungfuls of Antarctic air before coffee – but who of us really knows what to expect on a trip to the White Continent?
The Antarctica of my imagination – flat and featureless – was no match for the saw-toothed ridges, fjords, inlets, and protected bays that characterise the Peninsula.

What to pack, when to go, how to get there, and how cold will it be… these are common questions for those considering an Antarctic or polar cruise. I packed too many socks and fleeces, underestimated the sun's intensity, and wished I’d read up on the birdlife and topography before I left home.

Our ship’s early spring departure on October 3 meant it was the first passenger ship into Antarctica that season. Leaving behind the frosted peaks and twinkling harbour lights of Ushuaia, on the southern tips of Argentina, the Greg Mortimer sailed slowly along the Beagle Channel before turning west towards Cape Horn and the Drake Passage.

The Drake, a 600-mile body of water where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet, is the stuff of shipwreck legend and a rite of passage that makes the prize, Antarctica, feel extra special.

You could get lucky with ‘Drake Lake,’ but it’s more likely to be something between the ‘shake’ and ‘lake’. The early icebreaker vessels that carried the first tourists to the Antarctic Peninsula have made way for purpose-built expedition ships that comfortably carry their passenger cargo. At peak Drake, we hit seven-metre waves, but Greg Mortimer’s inverted X-Bow handled it well.

During our crossing, there was no discernible noise, vibration, or lift and thud ‘slamming’ that exacerbates the discomfort of a rough sea crossing. On half a Kwell, I managed to walk around, attend wildlife lectures, and eat three meals through the six—to seven-metre swell. But there were plenty who holed up in their cabins for the best part of two days.

We reaped the benefits of an early sailing. Sea ice lingered but didn’t disrupt our itinerary. Huge wind-weathered icebergs lurched from pools of cerulean blue. We enjoyed long, light days that segued into spectacular rose-gold sunsets. During our eight days in the Southern Ocean, we saw only one other vessel—a working ship called the Albatross.

Each day brings fresh insight from a crack team of wildlife experts and opportunities to explore – on foot, snowshoes, kayak or zodiac, and possibly by submarine or helicopter, depending on your ship. Penguins steal the show ashore, but there are historical sights too, including the remnants of whaling stations and researcher and explorer huts.

Port Lockroy, on Goudier Island, was the birthplace of the British Antarctic Survey. It’s now a post office and living museum complete with work tools, meteorology equipment, posters of mid-century movie stars and a kitchen with an aga, jars of military pickle, boxes of blancmange powder and recipes books for meals including fricassee of shag and seal brains on toast (one prepared seal brain, three reconstituted eggs, one dessert spoon of tomato sauce, three ounces of butter, some grated cheese and a little nutmeg). I would’ve been happy with dry bread on board that night.

Back on deck, I was soon joined by a pair of snowy sheathbills who flapped and flirted, nodding their heads furiously in a mating ritual. I shed a layer and felt the spring sunshine warm my back. Coffee could wait.

Antarctic Peninsula map

Antarctic Peninsula port guides

Where is Antarctica?

Antarctica is in the Southern Ocean, the southernmost of the world’s seven continents, below South America. Cruise ships around the protected fjords, bays, and inlets of the Antarctic Peninsula, a finger of land that stretches towards Tierra del Fuego, a region shared by Chile and Argentina.

The South American gateways are Ushuaia (Argentina), Punta Arenas (Chile), and Montevideo (Uruguay), but the majority of ships sail from the small town of Ushuaia. Ships cruise down the Beagle Channel before crossing the Drake Passage and arriving in Antarctica two days later. Crossing the Drake is all part of the adventure. You might get ‘Drake Lake’ or ‘Drake Shake’ – or something in between!

Flights from the UK are via Buenos Aires (Argentina) or Santiago (Chile), from which there is a three-hour flight to Ushuaia or Puerto Williams, respectively. Depending on the timing, some ships board passengers on the same day; otherwise, your operator can arrange a hotel night.

Are all itineraries the same?

Decide how active you want to be. If short on time or the risk of a rough crossing puts you off, consider a fly-cruise option that skips the Drake Passage.

Antarctic cruises offer the opportunity to delve into topical information and learn which experts will be on board.

Anchorages are weather (and ship size) dependent. Still, a typical itinerary will visit Fournier Bay, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Port Lockroy, Neko Harbor, Deception Island, and Elephant Point (Livingston Island).

Ships carrying more than 500 passengers are ‘cruise only.’ This means all sightseeing is done from on deck with no landings (and you’ll spend almost four days getting there and back). As the ships are larger than those we cover, this is not classed as an expedition or small-ship adventure.

Handpicked Antarctic Peninsula Cruises

When and how to travel

Ships visit during the Austral spring and summer, from mid-October to mid-March. The first ships will see the most impressive sea ice as it starts to thaw and break up, and in the South Shetland islands, there’s a good chance of seeing elephant-seal pups.

Penguin chicks start to hatch in mid-December, and by January, most channels and inlets should be ice-free. Whale sightings increase from mid-January onwards, and between January and March you can expect almost 24 hours of daylight and slightly warmer temperatures, which tend to hover between zero and 3 degrees Celsius. In November, temperatures can drop to -5 degrees Celsius.

November (Late Spring)

Weather: This month marks the beginning of the Antarctic summer. Temperatures have started to rise, but it can still be quite cold.

Wildlife: Penguin rookeries are very active with courtship and nest building. Seals are often seen on the ice floes.

Scenery: Pristine, with freshly broken sea ice and snow cover. The landscapes are stunningly beautiful.

Mark Stratton

December (Early summer)

Weather: Milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, with up to 24 hours of daylight at the height of summer.

Wildlife: Penguin chicks begin to hatch. Whales start to arrive in greater numbers.

Scenery: There is still plenty of snow and ice, but there is more open water for easier navigation.

Jamie Lafferty

January (Mid-summer)

Weather: Warmest month in Antarctica, with temperatures often above freezing.

Wildlife: Penguin chicks are more active, seal pups are visible, and whale sightings become more frequent.

Scenery: Snow melts in the lower areas, revealing more rocky landscapes.

Jamie Lafferty

Zodiac close to a Minke Whale in Antarctica

February (Late summer)

Weather: Still relatively warm, though temperatures can start to drop slightly.

Wildlife: This is now peak whale watching season, with large numbers of whales feeding. Penguin chicks are growing and becoming more independent.

Scenery: More exposed rock and less snow, but still impressive icebergs and glaciers.

Jamie Lafferty

March (End of summer)

Weather: Cooling temperatures as the season progresses, with shorter daylight hours.

Wildlife: Many whales are still present, and penguin chicks are moulting and preparing to go to sea. Seal activity remains high.

Scenery: Ice begins to re-form in some areas, creating striking contrasts in the landscape.

Jamie Lafferty

Ship types

For the Antarctic Peninsula, we recommend a small expedition ship. These trips will often be activity-focused with zodiac cruises, and hiking too, so ships that have the equipment and good zodiac ratio to guests are recommended. It is also important to check that the activities you want to do are offered on the expedition you are looking at and that the Activity Guides are confirmed.

Photography is also popular in the region so check that the ship has a professional photography guide, Expedition Team member, or Special Guest booked.

Activities

I recently travelled on a ship known for its stylish Scandinavian aesthetic. She had submarines, a fleet of special operations boats, zodiacs, kayaks, and a science lab. A small team of scientists worked alongside expedition experts, and passengers got involved in phytoplankton collection and other citizen science projects.

Consider smaller ships, those in the small-ship section, for activities such as kayaking, ski touring, snowshoeing, snorkelling, scuba diving, and camping out on the ice.

Some ships have longer itineraries that combine Antarctica with the Falkland Islands and Patagonia, as well as a summer itinerary that takes in the highlights of the peninsula before dipping below the Antarctic Circle. Its citizen science endeavours include working with the Polar Collective to monitor seaweed biodiversity. Other ships will take passengers by helicopter to visit a remote penguin rookery near Snow Hill Island, east of the peninsula. The final approach to the colony involves a walk across dense sea ice.

Wildlife

Penguins: Several species of the world’s favourite flightless bird call Antarctica home. The most common are gentoos, Adélies, and chinstraps, but in certain places, you’ll also find macaroni, emperor, and king penguins (the latter on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia).

South Georgia has several native birds and nesting ‘wandering’ and ‘black-browed’ albatrosses. The island is home to vast colonies of breeding pairs of king penguins. The largest of the species, the emperor penguin, hangs out on Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea (also part of the Southern Ocean.

Seals: Look out for leopard, Antarctic fur, Ross, Weddell, crabeater, and elephant seals. The mighty Southern elephant seal is a sight to behold—particularly if you witness a tousle between two males. Spring is the best time to see them on land. Like penguins, some seals also like to hang out on ice floes.

Cetaceans: The Southern Ocean has 15 species of whales and dolphins, including orcas (killer whales), fin whales, blue whales, humpbacks, sei, and southern right whales.

Birds

Penguins tend to steal the show, but don’t forget to look up. Four types of albatross, terns, petrels, shags, shearwaters, cormorants, prions, and fulmars can be seen in Antarctica. Pretty, black-eyed ‘snow petrels’ gravitate to icebergs and ice floes, but you might be lucky enough to catch them fluttering about on deck.

The South Polar Skua is the world’s most southerly bird and can often be seen where there are penguin chicks. Arctic terns have an exceptionally long migration pattern, experiencing summer in both hemispheres. Types of albatross include the southern royal Albatross, the soft grey and velveteen ‘sooty albatross’, and the wandering albatross, identifiable by its magnificent wingspan.

Other wildlife
This incredible sea, referred to as the 'world's aquarium' by legendary explorer and conservationist Jacques-Yves Cousteau, is home to an amazing 900 species of fish and sharks, of which 90 are endemic. The Sea of Cortez's rich biodiversity is also evident in the variety of fish species it hosts, including parrotfish, angelfish, damselfish, and many more, which make for excellent snorkeling and diving experiences from your expedition ship.

Birdlife
There are also many species of resident and migratory birds, with some of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed islands hosting much of the global population of the Heermann's gull, blue-footed booby and blackstorm petrels.

Whale watching
The sea is home to an incredible 39% of the world's total species of marine mammals, and 30% of the world's marine cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) can be found here.

The Gulf is in fact a breeding ground for multiple whale species, including humpback whales, blue whales (the largest animals on Earth), and gray whales. The area provides unique opportunities for whale watching, especially during the winter months when they migrate to these warmer waters to breed and give birth.

Whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, can often be found in the Sea of Cortez, especially around La Paz Bay. Swimming alongside these massive, yet harmless, filter feeders is a must-do activity for many expedition visitors.

Large pods of dolphins, including the common dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin, can be seen in the cobalt-blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. These intelligent creatures are often a highlight for expedition visitors too.

What to pack

Comfort and convenience take priority. Most expedition ships follow a casual dress code.

The base or thermal layer will be worn under the waterproof outer layer, usually the cruise line provides. Look for merino wool or silk.
Inner ‘puffer’ layer (if not provided)
Neck gaiter
Ski gloves, preferably mitten style
Two or three pairs of thermal or ‘heat-tech’ socks and a couple of pairs of inner silk socks for colder months

Scopolamine patches, bands, or other sea sickness medication for the Drake Passage
Long-sleeve fleece or heat tech tops for shore visits
Fleece-lined hat
Small backpack for excursions
Water bottle
Binoculars
Sunglasses and/or ski goggles
Face sunscreen and lip balm
All the camera lenses (if you have them)
Carry case for phone for easy access
Small drybag for precious kit
Casual, comfy footwear to wear onboard
Slip-ons, sliders, or Crocs for easy footwear changes when going ashore
Swimwear for the spa or the ‘polar plunge’ if feeling brave

Expert View

By Teresa Machan

JOURNALIST & TRAVEL WRITER

Keen on whales, photography, or have a penchant for seabirds? Do itinerary research to ensure you get the most from your time in Antarctica. Be prepared to pass a medical. This requires a signature from a GP to say you are fit enough to travel. Most GPs charge for this service.

Don’t overpack. The thin top and bottom thermal layer is the most important. Most cruise lines provide a waterproof jacket and detachable padded layer and trousers, and you’ll probably end up wearing the same items repeatedly. Consider the seasons. Is seeing penguin chicks a priority? Or dramatic icebergs? (See ‘When to Travel’). Whatever the time of year, don’t expect wall-to-wall sunshine. Sunny days are a bonus. When ashore, stick to designated paths, follow the expedition team’s instructions, and observe the distance requirements between you and wildlife. Glove liners can make a huge difference and will offer some protection if you need to fiddle with phones and cameras. Mittens retain more heat than gloves. Don’t forget the sunglasses and sunscreen. If you are planning to kayak, face protection is a must. Ski goggles are popular for zodiac transfers. Why not visit Tierra del Fuego while you’re down there? It also makes sense to tack on a few days in Buenos Aires pre- or post-cruise (BA’s route to Buenos Aires also touches down in Rio de Janeiro). Read up! Even some background reading before you travel will enhance your experience. Finally, don’t be a hostage to your camera. Live the moment.

ExplorEarth Glance Guide

Antarctic Peninsula Expedition Season — January to December

Month-by-month overview of weather, wildlife and expedition possibilities on the Antarctic Peninsula.

January

High summer · Peak season

Weather

Warmest month by Antarctic standards · Temperatures often just above 0°C · Long or continuous daylight.

Wildlife

Penguin chicks hatching and being fed at colonies
Seal pups visible on ice and shorelines
Whales increasingly common in surrounding waters

Things to Do

Frequent shore landings by Zodiac to penguin rookeries
Kayaking among icebergs and along glacier fronts
Snowshoeing, camping and photography in soft summer light

February

Late summer · Best for whales

Weather

Relatively mild with temperatures often near or just above freezing · Sea ice at its minimum.

Wildlife

Peak whale-watching: humpback, minke and orca sightings common
Penguin chicks growing fast, beginning to moult
Seal colonies active on ice floes and beaches

Things to Do

Zodiac cruises focused on whale encounters and icebergs
Extended landings at busy penguin colonies
Remote bay and channel exploration in generally open waters

March

Late season · Soft light & whales

Weather

Cooling temperatures · More dramatic skies and sunsets · Sea ice slowly beginning to return.

Wildlife

Some of the best whale encounters of the season
Penguin colonies thinning as chicks fledge and head to sea
Seals still hauled out on ice floes and rocky shores

Things to Do

Photography in golden, lower-angle light
Wildlife-focused Zodiac cruises and scenic landings
Last voyages before winter conditions return

April

Autumn · End of tourist season

Weather

Rapidly cooling · Sea ice reforming · Short daylight hours returning.

Wildlife

Whales and many seabirds begin migrating north
Penguin colonies largely empty
Seals remain, but with fewer accessible landing sites

Things to Do

Very limited expedition voyages, mostly repositioning trips
Focus on dramatic seascapes and pack ice (when conditions allow)
Most operators have already finished their season

May

Onset of winter · No tourism

Weather

Temperatures drop well below freezing · Sea ice expands · Daylight hours shrink quickly.

Wildlife

Many migratory species have departed
Seals and some seabirds remain in the pack ice
Wildlife seen mainly by scientific stations, not visitors

Things to Do

No regular expedition cruises or tourist landings
Access limited to research and logistics operations
Extreme conditions unsuitable for standard tourism

June

Deep winter · Polar night

Weather

Very low temperatures · Extended darkness or full polar night · Heavy sea ice around the Peninsula.

Wildlife

Wildlife adapts to harsh winter conditions
Some seals and hardy seabirds persist near polynyas
Emperor penguins breed further south, not on the Peninsula

Things to Do

No cruise access or tourist voyages
Only specialised scientific winter-overs remain
Not a travel period for guests or expedition ships

July

Mid-winter · Dark & frozen

Weather

Extreme cold · Thick sea ice · Very limited or no daylight in many areas.

Wildlife

Wildlife mostly observed near open water leads by researchers
Ice seals use stable pack ice for resting and breeding
Very few flying seabirds remaining

Things to Do

No tourist voyages or landings
Logistics for research bases only, if at all
Too harsh for any conventional cruise operations

August

Late winter · Light slowly returning

Weather

Intense cold persists · Some increase in daylight · Sea ice near maximum extent.

Wildlife

Wildlife remains mostly offshore or near open leads
Some seabirds begin to reappear as light increases
Activity still largely unseen by visitors

Things to Do

No tourism; ships cannot normally reach the Peninsula
Preparation months for upcoming summer season at research stations
Planning period for future expedition logistics

September

Late winter/early spring · Still no access

Weather

Gradually rising temperatures but still deeply cold · Sea ice remains extensive.

Wildlife

Seabirds begin moving towards breeding areas
Some whales start returning to Antarctic waters offshore
Penguin colonies still largely empty

Things to Do

Still no regular expedition cruise access
Planning and preparation month for operators
Travelers typically book ahead for November–March voyages

October

Early spring · Pristine landscapes (very limited voyages)

Weather

Cold but brightening · Sea ice beginning to break up near the Peninsula · Longer daylight hours.

Wildlife

Penguins and seabirds returning to breeding colonies
Early-season seals on ice floes
Very fresh, untouched snow cover on landings

Things to Do

A few pioneering cruises may begin late in the month
Best for pristine snowy landscapes and fewer footprints
Wildlife in early courtship and nest-building phases

November

Spring · Start of main cruise season

Weather

Still cold but increasingly accessible · Sea ice retreat allows more landings · Long daylight.

Wildlife

Penguins courting, nest-building and laying eggs
Pristine snowy backdrops at colonies and landing sites
Seabirds nesting on cliffs and rocky islands

Things to Do

Classic early-season expeditions from South America
Landings on snow-covered beaches and ridgelines
Great time for “white” Antarctic landscapes photography

December

Early summer · Peak light & wildlife activity

Weather

Some of the mildest conditions of the year · Long or 24-hour daylight · Sea ice at seasonal low in many channels.

Wildlife

Penguin colonies full of adults incubating or with tiny chicks
Seals and seabirds very active
Increasing whale sightings in surrounding waters

Things to Do

Peak season for classic Antarctic Peninsula itineraries
Frequent shore landings, Zodiac cruises and optional kayaking
Long days for exploration, lectures and photography

By Teresa Machan

Antarctic Peninsula destination overview

Antarctic Peninsula map

Antarctic Peninsula port guides

Ports

Ports cont...

Ports cont...

Antarctic Peninsula port guides

Ports

Ports cont...

Ports cont...

Where is Antarctica?

Are all itineraries the same?

Handpicked Antarctic Peninsula Cruises

When and how to travel

November (Late Spring)

December (Early summer)

January (Mid-summer)

February (Late summer)

March (End of summer)

Ship types

Activities

Birding

Citizen Science

Photography

Polar Skiing

Sea Kayaking

Wildlife

Crabeater Seals

Leopard Seals

Seals

Cetaceans

Humpback Whales

Blue Whales

What to pack

Expert View

By Teresa Machan

ExplorEarth Glance Guide

January

Weather

Wildlife

Things to Do

February

Weather

Wildlife

Things to Do

March

Weather

Wildlife

Things to Do

April

Weather

Wildlife

Things to Do

May

Weather

Wildlife

Things to Do

June

Weather

Wildlife

Things to Do

July

Weather

Wildlife

Things to Do

August

Weather

Wildlife

Things to Do

September

Weather

Wildlife

Things to Do

October

Weather

Wildlife

Things to Do

November

Weather