- Stepping out of your Zodiac and setting foot on the world’s most remote continent, something only a tiny percentage of people worldwide can claim.
- Spotting a humpback or minke whale breaching a few hundred yards from the deck of your ship.
- Marveling at the aggressive tactics of elephant seals and fur seals during mating season on South Georgia Island.
- Kayaking through near-frozen waters, making sure to steer clear of passing icebergs.
- Visiting one of the Antarctic research bases staffed by scientists from around the world.
- Standing on your expedition cruise ship’s deck after dark, basking in the solitude of the world’s
- last wilderness.
- Training your lens on an albatross as it soars overhead while en route to Antarctica.
- Trekking, skiing or just going for a walk across a vast white landscape.
Best Things to Do in Antarctica
Icons & Hidden Gem Travel ExperiencesWork with a local expert planner
Play
Play
Top Antarctica Experiences
Unlock Community Benefits
Travel better together
- Save favorite trips and itineraries
- Get insider insights
- Receive personalized recommendations
- ... and much more
Things to do in Antarctica - Expert's guide
1. Drake Passage
To reach Antarctica, one of the only ways is sailing through the famed Drake Passage. The passage is the body of water between South America and the South Shetland Islands that Sir Francis Drake sailed in the 1600s. The body of water has a unique makeup of warm and cold water that creates a paradise for biodiversity. While sailing you can see humpback whales, dolphins, and seabirds flying above you.
The Drake Passage may be a beautiful waterway, but is also considered one of the roughest seas in the world. Not every cruise to Antarctica goes through the Drake Passage, but most do as it is the quickest way to reach the White Continent. If your tour takes you through the passage make sure to bring some seasickness pills just in case!
2. South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands are islands of Antarctica just north of the continent. They are usually the first stop for Antarctica cruises and expeditions. The archipelago is a combination of islets, outcroppings, and rocky islands. Historically, the islands have played a major role in the research of the South Pole with multiple research stations located on the islands.
Visitors to the islands can hike around the skerries (rock islands) or catch a view of the sleeping elephant seals nearby. The South Shetland Islands are also where you can go on a Zodiac cruise of the waters.
3. Deception Island
Appearances can be deceiving, just ask Deception Island. Deception Island is one of the main South Shetland Islands and is actually a caldera of a massive volcano. The island received its name from its outward appearance of being a solid rock island until you come across Neptune’s Bellows, the entrance to the caldera and the harbor.
Deception Island was once used as a whaling port, but is now predominantly a research and tourist island. The rocky and seemingly inhospitable island is the home and breeding grounds to 100,000 penguins, a resting place for seabirds, and where you can find 18 different species of moss.
4. Paradise Bay
Arriving on the Antarctica Peninsula, you’ll find Paradise Bay. Formerly a whaling station, Paradise Bay is now a research station on the island and typically included on any Antarctica cruise.
Paradise Bay is one of the best spots for travelers to go on a Zodiac cruise. These are cruises on inflatable boats that allow you to get up close and personal with the icebergs and passageways you wouldn’t be able to see on a larger ship.
5. Port Lockroy
Port Lockroy is a harbor on Wiencke Island. The port was first a British military base in 1944 until 1962. The United Kingdom converted the base into a museum and a tourist shop where visitors can learn about the research and early expeditions of Antarctica.
The port is also where you can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Port Lockroy is home to the southernmost post office in the world. You can mail a postcard from their office, but don’t expect it to arrive quickly, letters can take weeks to reach their destination from Antarctica.
6. Lemaire Channel
Considered one of the most beautiful areas of Antarctica, Lemaire Channel is almost 7 miles long and is the corridor to reach the far south of the continent. Towering snow-covered mountain peaks rise above you on either side while humpback whales and orcas swim the channel alongside you.
7. Petermann Island
Located near the Lemaire Channel, Petermann Island is the small rocky home to Antarctica’s most well-known inhabitants, penguins. The island is a breeding ground for gentoo penguins and also where you can find adelie penguins and shags. If you climb the 650-foot trek to the top of the island, you’ll be rewarded with views of the Lemaire Channel and the cold, blue waters.
8. Observation Hill
Observation Hill is a steep hill on Antarctica near McMurdo Station, a U.S. research station. The hill is a lava dome and was created by one of the many volcanoes that make up Antarctica and surrounding islands. Photographers will love Observation Hill as the summit provides an amazing 360 degree view of Antarctica and the Ross Ice Shelf.
9. Ross Ice Shelf
The Ross Ice Shelf is the largest ice shelf in Antarctica covering over 188,000 square miles. The stunning feature of the ice shelf is the sheer ice edge that rises in some places over 160 feet high above the icy waters. The shelf is created by ice flowing from the other nearby glaciers. You can capture pictures of the shelf from Observation Hill or Zodiac tours.
10. Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
While not part of Antarctica, Tierra del Fuego is a major destination on any tour of Antarctica. Almost every cruise to Antarctica begins in Ushuaia, a city in Tierra del Fuego on the Beagle Channel that leads out into the Drake Passage. For those looking to extend their vacation of the Southern Hemisphere, exploring around this enigmatic and diverse landscape of Argentina is unlike any other.
11. Camping in Antarctica
Only for the brave, camping in Antarctica is an experience you’ll likely only do once. Many cruises offer the opportunity to camp on the island underneath the stars. Campers don’t sleep in tents, but in sleeping bags that are waterproof, insulated, and allow you to see the starry sky above. This isn’t for everyone. Those who wish to camp must pass a safety test and you are not allowed any food on the island to preserve the environment.
Top Antarctica Tours
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsSmall Ship Cruise
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsSmall Ship Cruise
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsSmall Ship Cruise
4.8/5 Excellent
20 reviewsSmall Group Tour
5/5 Excellent
1 reviewsSmall Group Tour
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsSmall Group Tour
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsSmall Group Tour
5/5 Excellent
2 reviewsSmall Group Tour
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
T
Trusted Customer
Jan 2025
Classic Antarctica - Expedition
Excellent service Antartica was a trip of a lifetime
J
Jane
Dec 2024
Classic Antarctica - Expedition
I upgraded to a slightly larger cabin. Accommodation excellent. Food and service excellent . Staff brilliant. You are fitted with correct boots and jacket when on bo...
D
DrE
Jan 2020
Awesome trip!
We booked the December 26, 2019 Hurtigruten MS Midnatsol Antarctica Cruise Expedition trip with SmarTours through Travelstride over a year prior to embarkation. This...
Practicalities & Logistics
Useful Links
- Antarctica's Weather Overview: Live Weather, Forecasts, and Averages
- There are currently no travel advisory alerts about Antarctica
- Additional Information About Antarctica
Visa Information
Visa Needed?LinkUS N (excpetion may exist for transit countries)Visas to Antarctica for United States citizensUK N (excpetion may exist for transit countries)Visas to Antarctica for United Kingdom citizensCA N (excpetion may exist for transit countries)Visas to Antarctica for Canadian citizensAU N (excpetion may exist for transit countries)Visas to Antarctica for Australian citizensNZ N (excpetion may exist for transit countries)Visas to Antarctica for New Zealand citizensIN Visas to Antarctica for Indian citizensAbout Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.
Save time
Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.
Save money
Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.
Travel confidently
Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!