Polar Expeditions

Antarctica Expedition Cruises

Embark on an extraordinary journey to the White Continent

Antarctica is one of the world's last true wildernesses and one of the greatest expedition cruise destinations on Earth. At Mapping Your Travel, we specialise in Antarctica expedition cruises, helping you compare ships, itineraries and departures to find the right voyage for you.

Extraordinary wildlife • Vast polar landscapes • Expert-led exploration

Plan Your Antarctica Expedition

Antarctic landscape on an expedition cruise

Drake Passage on an Antarctica expedition cruise

Your Antarctica Journey

What to Expect on an Antarctica Expedition Cruise

A classic Antarctic Peninsula expedition is typically around 11 to 12 days aboard your expedition ship, with many travellers adding time in Ushuaia or Buenos Aires before their voyage.

The Drake Passage

The crossing usually takes around two days. Keep watch for whales and albatross as you voyage south towards Antarctica.

The Antarctic Peninsula

Spend several days exploring the peninsula, travelling by Zodiac, a small expedition boat similar to a RIB, to make landings and explore the coastline.

Wildlife & Landings

Photograph penguin colonies, walk through extraordinary polar landscapes and look for seals, whales and seabirds. Many voyages aim for up to two expedition activities or landings each day when conditions allow.

Back on Board

Return to the comfort and warmth of your expedition ship for good food, time to relax and fascinating lectures from the expedition team and onboard experts.

Prefer not to cross the Drake Passage?

Some Antarctica itineraries include flights to King George Island, allowing you to avoid part or all of the traditional Drake Passage crossing. We can help you compare the options.

Antarctic Summer

When Is the Best Time to Visit Antarctica?

Travel season: Late October to March. Antarctica's expedition season coincides with the Southern Hemisphere summer, when conditions allow expedition ships to explore the peninsula.

Late October to November

Fresh Landscapes & the Beginning of the Season

The continent is freshly blanketed in snow, creating some of the most pristine and dramatic landscapes of the season. Courtship activity begins among penguins and seabirds.

December to January

Peak Summer & Penguin Chicks

Penguin chicks begin to hatch, while long summer days provide plenty of time for exploration. Whale-watching opportunities increase later in January.

February to Early March

Whales & Active Penguin Colonies

This is an exciting period for whale watching, including humpback, minke and, on some voyages, orca sightings. Penguin chicks are increasingly active around the colonies.

Read Our Antarctica When to Visit Guide →

Extend Your Expedition

Go Further Into Antarctica

Longer expeditions can combine Antarctica with extraordinary wildlife destinations, remote regions and additional ways to explore.

Extraordinary Wildlife

South Georgia

Home to vast colonies of king penguins, elephant seals and seabirds. We highly recommend including South Georgia if time and budget allow.

Camping on the ice during an Antarctica expedition

Venture Further

Ross Sea & Weddell Sea

Longer expeditions can venture into these more remote regions for a very different Antarctic experience.

Kayaking during an Antarctica expedition cruise

More Ways to Explore

More Ways to Experience Antarctica

Kayaking • Camping • Snowshoeing • Photography • Zodiac Cruising

Activities vary by ship and voyage. Some may be included, while others need to be booked separately.

Explore Antarctica

Discover the Regions of Antarctica

Explore the map to get a better sense of the different regions that can feature in an Antarctica expedition.

Compare Your Options

Which Antarctica Expedition Is Right for You?

Antarctic Peninsula

The Classic Antarctica Expedition

Best for: First visits, penguin colonies and extraordinary icebergs.

Typical length: 10 to 12 days

Antarctica & South Georgia

The Wildlife Expedition

Best for: King penguins, elephant seals, albatross and exceptional wildlife encounters.

Typical length: 18 to 23 days

Falklands & Antarctica

Wildlife, History & Remote Islands

Best for: Birdlife, history and a more varied expedition experience.

Typical length: 18 to 23 days

Ross Sea

Go Deeper Into Antarctica

Best for: Travellers looking for a longer, more remote Antarctic expedition.

Typical length: 25 to 30 days

Expert Help Choosing Your Voyage

Choosing the Right Antarctica Expedition

Voyages can vary considerably in ship size, itinerary, included activities and time spent exploring ashore .

We can help you compare the options and find the expedition that suits your interests, travel style and budget.

Sarah & Nicola are CLIA Expedition Cruise Champion Programme graduates, Class of 2026.

Planning Your Voyage

Antarctica Expedition Cruise FAQs

Some of the most common questions we are asked when planning an Antarctica expedition.

How much does an Antarctica expedition cruise cost? ↓

Prices vary considerably depending on the ship, itinerary, cabin and what's included. A leading price is around £6,500 per person plus flights.

Around £12,000 per person may give you more choice of expedition voyages and included activities, while luxury expedition operators can be around £20,000 per person or considerably more.

How cold is Antarctica? ↓

Expedition voyages visit during the Antarctic summer, which is our winter in the UK. On the Antarctic Peninsula, temperatures can hover around the 0°C mark, although wind chill can make it feel considerably colder.

Is the Drake Passage rough? ↓

It can be. The Drake Passage is famous for rough seas, sometimes called the “Drake Shake”, but at other times the sea can be remarkably calm.

If the crossing concerns you, some Antarctica expeditions allow you to fly to King George Island instead.

What wildlife will I see? ↓

Depending on your itinerary and time of travel, wildlife can include penguins, whales, seals, albatross and other seabirds.

And definitely no polar bears. They're Arctic only.

What should I pack for Antarctica? ↓

Warm layers and suitable outerwear are essential. Some expedition cruise operators provide items such as parkas or boots, so check what your voyage includes before buying specialist clothing.

Read our Antarctica Expedition Cruise Packing Guide .

Can I kayak in Antarctica? ↓

Yes, kayaking is available with certain expedition operators. Depending on the voyage, it may be included or available for an additional supplement.

How fit do I need to be? ↓

You don't need to be super active to enjoy an Antarctica expedition cruise. You will generally need to be able to step in and out of a Zodiac, with the expedition team there to help.

You can choose which activities you would like to take part in. Some travellers prefer Zodiac cruising and shorter walks, while others choose more active experiences where available.

Ready to Explore?

Ready to Plan Your Antarctica Expedition?

Whether you're dreaming of your first voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula or a longer expedition combining Antarctica with South Georgia, we'll help you compare ships, itineraries and experiences.

There is no consultation or booking fee for our holiday planning service.

Plan Your Antarctica Expedition

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