Antarctica Cruises

The weather and temperatures can vary depending on the specific region and the time of year but, typically, many locations experience cold winters and short, cool summers.

Strong winds are not uncommon with the islands often seeing heavy snow in winter and rain during the summer. While island temperatures, such as those in South Georgia, generally have a narrower temperature range of around -1.5 to 4°C, temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula can reach lows of -15°C. And in high latitude areas temperatures drop to as low as -60°C.

Trips to Antarctica are only possible during the summer season, due to the melting ice that allows boats access to this incredible territory. Whichever month you choose to take an Antarctic cruise, you’re guaranteed to spot an abundance of wildlife and landscapes never seen before.

Late spring and early summer – October & November

The start of the season in Antarctica is the most adventurous time to travel. On shore, the snow is pristine after the long winter and you’ll encounter breath-taking, exquisitely sculpted icebergs emerging from their frozen hibernation. Many of these blue ‘bergs house courting, nesting, and brooding penguins.

High summer – December, January & February

Close to the solstice you’ll experience almost perpetual daylight in Antarctica. These are the mildest months and when the first Adélie and Gentoo penguin chicks are hatched. It’s also the time to encounter seal pups on South Georgia. As the water warms, the whale sightings also improve. 

Late summer – February & March

This is the time for incredible encounters with whales, especially Minke and Humpback whales who migrate to these waters to feed. The receding ice also allows for further exploration and penguin colonies are active with adults feeding their chicks.

There is an abundance of wildlife on the continent, with our Antarctic cruises offering the opportunity to witness rare species.

You’ll discover an array of birds and mammals in their natural habitat including seals, penguins, whales, seabirds, and dolphins. And our Antarctic tours will take you closer to these beautiful creatures than you can ever imagine, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in this magical, awe-inspiring region.

There are many reasons why Antarctica tours are on so many people’s bucket list: surreal icy landscapes, endemic wildlife, total isolation, and a captivating history spanning centuries. As you sail into remote frozen territories that seals, penguins, whales, and a vast variety of seabirds call their home, you’ll be mesmerised by this untouched, frozen land.

Our Antarctica cruises are accompanied by knowledgeable leaders and expedition staff who share their expertise about the places you visit. Sailing on purpose-built ships designed to cut through frozen waters, you’ll be navigated to regions that can’t otherwise be reached.

Zodiacs (heavy-duty inflatables) will take you even closer to the action and an expert will always be on hand to impart fascinating information. There are also optional activities available, including sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and camping on ice.

Antarctic polar cruise fleet

Small ships make the difference. The key to making the most of your trip to Antarctica is to ensure maximum shore and Zodiac time. Ships with more than 200 passengers often find their landing sites are limited, and the logistics of disembarking the ship’s complement into Zodiacs can be slow.

Our small expedition cruise ships generally offer twice-daily ‘off-ship’ activities – both morning and afternoon – with waiting time being almost non-existent. Our ships are all ice-rated vessels, specifically designed  for polar waters, and are able to travel to areas other ships only dream about accessing. You can also expect great cuisine food on-board. Every guest will benefit from the technical advances of this superb fleet.

For more information see our Polar Fleet page.

On board your ship

You’ll find a laid-back, friendly atmosphere on board your Antarctic cruise. You’ll mix with like-minded passengers from around the globe along with our expedition staff, including naturalists and polar experts. There are spaces on the ship to relax or learn more about Antarctica, from the observation lounge and library to the intimate lecture theatre.

Our Antarctic cruises are designed to be as flexible as possible, taking advantage of circumstances and events as they occur, as well as passengers’ wishes and interests wherever possible. The atmosphere onboard is relaxed and friendly with expedition staff, including naturalists and polar experts, on hand and the opportunity to mingle with people from all over the world. The ship is kept warm, clean, and comfortable with a wet/mud room in which to hang gear and store boots ready for the next adventure.

All polar itineraries should be treated as a guide only – it is possible that, amongst other things, the capricious nature of wind, visibility, and ice, intelligence from previous sailings, changes in local landing regulations, or the expert opinion of the crew on board may lead to adjustments to the route you see online and in brochures, in order to maximise your overall experience of the trip.

Zodiac cruise

Zodiac excursions from the ship allow you to explore the many bays and channels as well carrying you to the landing sites each day.

On the longer Zodiac cruises, you’ll be sitting still for most of the time with the potential for sea spray and a cold headwind – if you are not appropriately dressed you will get cold. However, the chance to observe penguins gliding through the water and seeing seals lounging on ice floes more than makes up for the chill! Curious whales, such as Minkes, are often attracted to Zodiacs too, giving us a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic animals.

Landings

On the shore excursions, most of the landings are ‘wet’ which means that the Zodiacs beach and you are helped to slide into the ankle-deep shore break before walking up onto dry land (Wellington boots are issued to all passengers on Antarctica cruises).

There are, of course, no paths, so be prepared for slippery, rough terrain, and sometimes deep snow. The expedition team will advise where you are free to explore during a landing and make suggestions as to what you can see. On some landings there may be the option to do a guided walk – the expedition team will let you know the details in advance.

Presentations

We work with some of the leading Expedition Leaders and Polar Cruise Experts, bringing a diversity of interests including zoology, polar history, geology, ornithology, and ocean sciences. During the time at sea, presentations will be scheduled to prepare you for the coming adventure.

Optional activities

In addition to regular shore landings and Zodiac excursions, on some departures in Antarctica there are other optional activities on offer which you may wish to experience:

Sea kayaking

On many of our Antarctic cruises there’s the chance for some members of the party to take regular sea kayak excursions in place of the Zodiac excursions. There are a limited number of kayaks on each ship, and you must book and pay for this option in advance. All kayak trips are expertly guided and are subject to suitable locations and weather conditions. Should the kayaking not be possible, a place on a Zodiac is always available.

Camping on ice

Spending a night camping on ice is a unique experience that we offer on some of our Antarctic tours. No previous experience is needed to participate in our camping option. We provide the equipment: you contribute a desire for a personal and intimate connection with the continent.

Stand-up paddle-boarding

Combining surfing with kayaking or canoeing, stand-up paddle-boarding will give you a personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. Guided by experienced staff in small groups in good weather conditions on calm bays and harbours, reservations for a limited number of paddle-boarders will be taken at time of booking. Other paddle-boarding opportunities may be offered via sign-up, on board ship, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Antarctica cruises with Exodus can range from anywhere in the region of £6,900 to £26,000 (excluding flights) depending on the length of your trip and the itinerary.

While an Antarctic cruise isn’t cheap, it does come with a heap of once-in-a lifetime experiences. Imagine coming face-to-face with the most amazing wildlife, discovering an extraordinary history, and sailing through a remote icy wilderness where gigantic icebergs loom over you – we believe it’s worth it!

Yes, Antarctica cruises are safe. All our trips to Antarctica are accompanied by professional staff and on each ship there’s a resident medical officer. Prior to any excursions or activities, you’ll be prepped on safety procedures and a medical professional will be on hand. Zodiacs are made from heavy-duty materials and are extremely safe as they’re designed for extreme Antarctic conditions.

All operators in Antarctica must follow stringent safety guidelines and every member of the team undergoes intensive training. You can also visit our Travel Safety Advice page for further information.

Depending on your chosen Antarctica tour, you’ll fly into either Argentina or Chile and meet at the start hotel. You’ll then embark on a charter plane with us that takes you to your Antarctic cruise departure point. There might also be opportunities to explore the culture and local community in these connecting towns and cities along the way, depending on your itinerary.

We can include flights to and from the UK with our Antarctica tour packages, so contact us for a quote.

Due to the cold temperatures you’ll experience during your trip to Antarctica, it’s recommended that you wear warm, waterproof clothing for all excursions and Zodiac cruises. You should take waterproof jackets and trousers, thermals, a hat, gloves, thick socks, and suitable footwear.

It’s a good idea to take plenty of layers as, although it will be cold outside, you’ll find warm, comfortable temperatures on board your Antarctic cruise.

Further details will be provided when you book your Antarctic tour.

While your mobile phone is unlikely to receive a signal in this remote region, our Antarctic cruises do have WiFi on board. However, there may be times when connection is down, so please bear this mind.

As travel to this part of the world offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, removing yourself from the distractions of digital technology also allows for greater immersion in the surrounding natural environment.

You will be able to leave details with your friends, so should they need to, they can contact you in an emergency.