Abundant wildlife, vast icy plains, majestic glimmering mountains, giant blue icebergs – this pristine continent is a place that most people can only imagine visiting.
We operate our Antarctic voyages out of South America, and concentrate on the Antarctic Peninsula and the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Atlantic. The Peninsula is the most accessible and, arguably, the prettiest part of Antarctica, with the highest concentration of wildlife on the continent. All of our voyages begin in the ‘town at the end of the world’, Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina. We sail down the Beagle Channel accompanied by albatross and head into the Drake Passage. Once at sea, our informal educational program of presentations, discussions and other activities get under way.
As we continue south towards the Antarctic Peninsula we see our first icebergs and are thrilled at our first glimpse of Antarctica. The western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula is a rugged, mountainous spur, flanked by ancient glaciers and massive ice shelves that creep down to the water’s edge. The dozens of islands surrounding the Peninsula are home to extraordinary concentrations of wildlife, including Weddell and elephant seals, skuas, giant petrels and rookeries of gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguins.
Our Falkland Islands and South Georgia itineraries extend the experience to include the extraordinary wildlife and history of the sub-Antarctic. Homeward bound, we pass legendary Cape Horn on our return to Ushuaia, our journey’s end.
When to go
We travel to Antarctica in the summer months – November to March – when the ice has retreated, wildlife is abundant and the daylight hours are virtually endless. The wildlife of Antarctica has a lot to do during this short summer, penguins nest, chicks hatch and seals and whales make the most of abundant food stocks. Whether you visit at the beginning or end of the season there is always something to see.
Earlier in the season – November, December and January – is the time for bird watching. Penguins court and mate in the late spring/early summer and in December and January they are hatching eggs and feeding chicks. This is also when the ice is at its most spectacular. You’ll see massive icebergs and the ship may have to crash through plates of ice on the water’s surface.
Later in the season – February and March – is the best time for mammal-spotting with seals, orcas and humpback and minke whales in abundance. Penguin chicks are beginning to fledge and adult penguins are moulting.
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Our Voyages
ANTARCTIC EXPLORER
A great introduction to Antarctica – we’ll explore the South Shetland Islands and the bays and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula with as much time off the ship as possible.
ANTARCTIC CIRCLE QUEST
Given good ice conditions, we will travel further than any other Peregrine expedition and cruise well south of the Antarctic Circle at 66°33S – through regions of striking beauty and abundant wildlife.
ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLANDS
The ‘ultimate’ wildlife experience, contrasting the fascinating history and overwhelming wildlife populations of the sub-Antarctic with the awesome beauty of Antarctica
 THE FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTICA
Prompted by requests from many of our passengers, this voyage spends an unprecedented 24 nights exploring this wildlife wonderland – a tribute to the profound effect these islands have on those fortunate enough to visit.
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