It’s the final frontier – a frigid and perilous world, the most isolated land on earth.
Take a holiday to the end of the world, where stepping stone islands lead to the blinding white of Antarctica. Voyage through wild seas and cruise through an array of icebergs as you make your way to the earth’s most extreme continent. Antarctica has some of the world’s best whale-viewing, seal-gazing and penguin-watching experiences, not to mention the birdlife in the region. This southern land even has a modest history of its own, with British outposts – The Falkland Islands and South Georgia – exuding warmth from their pubs and old-world hospitality.
What people say
Crossing the Circle has been a life-changing experience for me. I will never see the world in quite the same way again. Absolutely brilliant!
What people say
If at all possible, include South Georgia in your travel plans to the Antarctic. This area is an absolute gem for anyone interested in wildlife.
Why we love Antarctica
- Between them, our leaders have made hundreds of polar voyages. Enjoy regular lectures about the history, geography and wildlife of the Antarctic by an on-board team of experts, who are always at the ready to point out new species of seals and birds
- No two days in Antarctica are ever the same. Sit quietly on a beach in the middle of penguin rush hour, visit a research station or cross the Antarctic Circle into remote territory where very few have ventured before
- We stop for whales! If conditions allow, we’ll launch the Zodiacs to get a closer look and cruise through the Antarctic waters. These magnificent creatures are usually as curious as we are
- Cruise along the wild and less-visited east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Vast icy plains, blue glowing icebergs, glaciers calving into the sea – the landscapes here are like nowhere else on Earth
- Explore the frontier landscapes of the Falkland Islands, and strike up a conversation with a friendly local in the remote outpost of Stanley
- South Georgia Island is rich in rare wildlife and history. See over 30 species of birds and visit the grave of the renowned explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton
- Antarctica is the perfect place to try something new for your next holiday. From polar ice camping to kayaking among icebergs, or even taking a plunge into the frigid waters of Neko Harbour, there are plenty of options to broaden your horizons
Antarctica highlights
Sail the high seas of Drake Passage
Conditions on Antarctic are famously adverse, and the same can be said of the surrounding ocean. Intrepid explorers will enjoy facing winds of incredible speeds and spotting menacing icebergs from the safety of their ship.
Make tracks on the South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands are often the first port of call for Antarctic trips. Take your first steps into a place that inspires profound awe.
Cross the Antarctic Circle
The moment you step foot into the circle, you’ll have a deep sense of wonder knowing you’ve just trodden where few have gone before. When you’re this far south, nature bares its secrets.
Best Trips & Tours in Antarctica
| Trip Name | Days | Start city | Destination | Style | From EUR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctic Explorer from Ushuaia 11 day | 11 |
Ushuaia |
Antarctica |
Peregrine |
€5,900 |
|
| Antarctic Explorer: From Buenos Aires 11days | 11 |
Buenos Aires |
Antarctica |
Peregrine |
€6,620 |
|
| Antarctic Explorer: From Buenos Aires 10 Days | 10 |
Buenos Aires |
Antarctica |
Peregrine |
€6,020 |
|
| Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands & South Georgia: From Buenos Aires | 20 |
Buenos Aires |
Antarctica |
Peregrine |
€10,620 |
|
| Antarctic Express - Fly the Drake from Punta Arenas | 8 |
Punta Arenas |
Antarctica |
Peregrine |
€8,600 |
|
| Antarctic Express - Crossing the Circle from Punta Arenas | 11 |
Punta Arenas |
Antarctica |
Peregrine |
€13,600 |
|
| Crossing the Antarctic Circle from Ushuaia | 14 |
Ushuaia |
Antarctica |
Peregrine |
€7,700 |
Our ships in Antarctica
Antarctica travel FAQs
The ship has a laundry service that you can use at an affordable price.
The Zodiac takes travelers on excursions from the ship to the shore. You’ll have the option of going out to research stations, penguin colonies and pebble beaches. You can also stay on the vessel if you don’t feel like going out that day.
Penguins are naturally curious and may come quite close to you. Approach them slowly by sitting or kneeling so that you appear less threatening but don’t get closer than 5 meters. Wait a few moments and you’re sure to get some fantastic shots.
Yes. All peregrine passengers are required to purchase travel insurance prior to their trip. Your insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day.
Antarctica stories
Antarctica holiday information
Antarctica is one of the few places on earth that has never had a native population. The whole continent is jointly governed by most of the world’s nations, which presently stands at 50 members. These states have entered a treaty that ensures Antarctica remains a peaceful demilitarized area of exploration and discovery, and a reserve for the preservation of wildlife. Everyone who lives on Antarctica is part of a research expedition and stays for a season at one of the stations. It’s a place almost entirely populated by scientists.
Antarctic Polar Plunge
Due to the impermanence of Antarctica’s population, festivals and events are uncommon. The Antarctic polar plunge however is celebrated by any and all nationalities that come to stay. It is usually held in Deception Bay, where daring punters take quick dives into the freezing waters.
Antarctica is known for its cold, wind and ice, but technically it’s a desert and is also a very dry place. The landmass itself is buried under an ice sheet 4 km thick, giving the whole continent a higher altitude than most places on earth. Despite the huge amount of ice and snow, the landscape is spectacular, with features like misty mountains and ice caves. Antarctica’s neighbours can only be reached by crossing the Southern Ocean and include Argentina, Chile and New Zealand.
- Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
- Mawson's Will: The Greatest Polar Survival Story Ever Written by Lennard Bickel
- An Adventurer's Guide to Antarctica and the Subantarctic Islands by Marilyn J. Landis
Earn 3,500 Qantas Points on all tours over $1,000 Find out more >