The least known and last explored continent.
Between November and February each year you can experience the ultimate educational and challenging adventure with a cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula and/or South Georgia. Itineraries range from the classic Antarctica programme or Antarctica Explorer programme which are 10 or 11 nights in duration to longer cruises of 20 nights in duration which include South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Although few in number there are also heavily sought after cruises that just visit South Georgia or combine that destination with an extended Falklands visit. The majority of cruises embark/disembark in Ushuaia in southern Argentina, although there are occasional options for cruises starting in the Falklands.
There is no best time in the above months to take a cruise, although the different months do have their different characteristics. Like the Falklands, November is the courting season for penguins and seabirds so you will witness spectacular displays of courtship and mating rituals, whilst in December and January as temperatures rise and days lengthen chicks are hatching and sea lions are pupping. February is the best month for whale watching and also brings huge numbers of fur seals to the Antarctic Peninsula.
For those with an extreme taste for adventure there are options for kayaking, cross-country skiing, mountaineering, stand-up paddle boarding and camping. These activities are offered on certain cruises at an additional charge.
It is not just the ship that is important, but the expedition staff and lecturers who accompany you on your voyage of discovery are a real point of pride for operators as well. On each departure passengers are accompanied by a number of accomplished and respected geologists, zoologists, historians and ornithologists who will enhance your experience.
Cruises are booked a long way in advance so we do recommend early booking to avoid disappointment, and indeed this is generally rewarded with an early booking discount. We work with a broad range of expedition and adventure cruise companies operating in the Southern Ocean.
If your sea legs are simply not up to cruising, you can still experience the Antarctic continent by travelling by air round-trip from Punta Arenas. You can either take a full-day tour or an over-night tour.
Please note there is no access to Antarctica or South Georgia by air from the Falkland Islands.
