Antarctica Expedition Cruises

Visit The Great White Continent-Antarctica.

Embark on the ultimate journey to the ends of the Earth.

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 choose the right ship, itinerary and departure for an unforgettable journey to the White Continent.

• Once-in-a-lifetime experience!
• Epic polar landscapes & icy wilderness
• Incredible wildlife encounters-penguins, whales, seals & more!

Start your Antarctica Expedition Cruise today:

What To Expect On An Antarctica Expedition Cruise

A Typical Antarctic Expedition 

• 11/12 days on board your expedition ship, departing from Ushuaia.

• Pre-stay in Ushuaia or Buenos Aires

• Wildlife Experiences

Once settled into your cabin you will voyage across the famed Drake Passage (two days to cross). Look out for whales and albatross.

Spend 4/5 days exploring the Antarctic peninsula. Board the zodiac vessel (like a RIB boat)  early to make a landing (usually 2 per day), photograph colonies of penguins, walk through the unusual landscape, see elephant seals. Then, enjoy the comfort and warmth of your ship, taste delicious food and wine, hear informative educational lectures. The expedition ship voyage is usually around 11/12 days, with many customers choosing a pre-stay in Ushuaia or Buenos Aires. Learn fascinating information about this vast wilderness and its wildlife from a team of experts and expedition leaders on board your ship.

Some Antarctica itineraries also include flights to King George Island, allowing you to avoid crossing the Drake Passage. We can help you decide which option is right for you.

Begin your Antarctica Expedition today:

Antarctica Expedition Ship Departures

Most Antarctica expedition cruises depart from Ushuaia, the southernmost city on Earth, nestled between snow-capped peaks at the edge of the world. 

Spend a few days here before your voyage to enjoy your surroundings. 

• Visit the the Museo Maritimo y del Presidio, which is found in the old National Prison.
• Ride the tren del fin del mundo, a 7km steam train trip 'at the end of the world' through beautiful national park. Book a premium class ticket and get served Patagonian delicacies and sparkling wine as you enjoy the view, a real treat!

Start your Polar Expedition Now:

When Is The Best Time To Visit Antarctica?

Travel Season: Late October to March

Antarctica’s travel season coincides with the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, when sea ice retreats and temperatures rise enough to allow safe access by expedition ship.

Late October - November: The Awakening

• The continent is freshly blanketed in snow, offering the most untouched, surreal landscapes.
• Courtship displays begin among penguins and seabirds.

December - January: Peak of Summer & Wildlife Activity

• Penguin chicks begin to hatch, a heartwarming spectacle.
• Great time for whale watching begins (especially later in January).

February- Early March: Whale Watching & Penguins

• Peak whale-watching season-humpbacks, orcas, and minkes are abundant.
• Penguin chicks become curious and more active-great for close-up encounters

Click here for our Antarctica When To Visit Guide

Looking for more adventure?

Choose to extend your voyage and explore remote regions such as

• South Georgia; Land of the King Penguin & thousands of species of birds. We highly recommend including South Georgia in your Antarctica Itinerary.

• Voyage into the seldom seen Ross Sea or Weddell Sea to see Emperor Penguins.

• Stay on a small ship (from 12 people) or a larger vessel (around 200 people).  We only recommend visiting Antarctica on an Expedition Cruise Ship, as Antarctica is about the destination itself. You want to be able to get off the ship via zodiacs...and fully immerse yourself in this great white wilderness. Maybe you will Kayak through the icy water or scuba dive! Perhaps, camp under the stars?

Get in touch to begin your Antarctica Holiday!

Why Visit Antarctica?

There is nowhere else like Antarctica.  A journey here is an expedition into one of the world's last great wildernesses.  Expedition cruises are voyages of discovery, not your regular cruise holiday. These small-ship adventures are led by experts in their field.

Visit Antarctica for vast ice landscapes, penguins & whales, remote wilderness and expert-led exploration.  Remember expedition doesn't mean uncomfortable. Modern expedition ships combine adventure with comfort, excellent dining with high quality accommodation. 

What Activities Can You Do In Antarctica?

• Snowshoeing-Walk across pristine, snowy landscapes.

• Kayaking-Paddle through icy waters and get closer to Antarctica's breathtaking wildlife.

• Camping-Spend a night under the stars of the Southern Hemisphere, camping on the ice.

• Photography Zodiac Cruises-Capture stunning shots of icebergs, seals & penguins.

 

Click on the map below to discover more about the regions of Antarctica:

Which Antarctica Expedition Cruise Is Right For You?

Antarctica isn't one single holiday. There are many different expedition experiences depending on how much time you have, your budget and your interests.

Expedition	Best For	Length	Price
Antarctica Peninsula	First visit. Penguin colonies. Icebergs	10–12 days	£££
Antarctica + South Georgia	King Penguins, elephant seals, albatross	18–23 days	££££
Falklands + Antarctica	Birdlife & history	18–23 days	££££
Ross Sea	Already travelled to Antarctica and want more	25–30 days	£££££

Why Book Your Antarctica Expedition with Mapping Your Travel?

• Antarctica is one of the biggest travel investments many people ever make.  Choosing the wrong ship or itinerary can mean missing wildlife, fewer landings or paying more than necessary. We compare expedition operators independently and help you choose the voyage that's right for your travel style and budget.

• We are CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) Expedition Champions-Class 2026.

Antarctica isn't simply another destination to tick off a list. It's a place that changes your perspective. The silence, the scale of the landscapes and the close encounters with wildlife create memories that stay with you long after you've returned home. Many travellers describe Antarctica as the most extraordinary journey they have ever taken.

ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION CRUISE FAQ

• How much does an Antarctica expedition cruise cost?

Prices vary greatly. A leading price is approx £5,500pp plus flights. Expect to pay approx £12,000pp for an expedition voyage with more activities included. For a luxury operator, budget around £20,000pp.

• How cold is Antarctica?

All expedition voyages visit the Antarctica Peninsula in the summer (our winter). Temperatures tend to hover around the 0 degree mark. It may feel colder when you add in the wind chill factor.

• Is the Drake Passage rough?

It can be! It's famous for having some of the roughest seas in the world (the Drake shake!). However, other times it can be as still as a mill pond. If you are worried, you could opt to avoid the Drake crossing and fly to Antarctica.

• What wildlife will I see?

Penguins, whales, albatross, seals, dolphins...definitely no polar bears (Arctic only!)

• What should I pack?

Take a look at our Antarctica Packing Guide here.

• Can I kayak in Antarctica?

Yes, with certain expedition operators. For most there is an additional supplement.

• How fit do I need to be?

You don't need to be super active for an expedition cruise to Antarctica. You will need to be able to step in and out of a zodiac boat. The expedition team are on hand to help you. You can choose which activities you would like to do. Maybe you would prefer the zodiac rides and a short walk on land. 

Here are a few of our favourite Antarctica expedition cruises. We work with many leading expedition operators, so if these departures don't suit you we'll recommend an alternative that's a better fit.

Antarctica Tours

Destination Main Page

Antarctica: When To Go

Expedition Cruises