Antarctica Itineraries

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Top Antarctica Experiences

  • 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.

Classic Antarctica Itineraries

Antarctica Cruise in 1 Week

Day 1, Punta Arenas: Start your journey in Punta Arenas, Chile.

Day 2, King George Island: Fly to King George Island (this saves you the treacherous journey through dreaded Drake Passage). Tour the Frei Chilean Base and Bellingshausen Russian Base before taking a Zodiac to embark your cruise vessel.

Day 3-6, Antarctic Peninsula: You’ll spend the next three days exploring the mysterious, harsh yet beautiful landscape of Antarctica, The White Continent. Have your camera ready for shots of penguins, albatross, and seals, as well as the incredible formations of ice, fiords, glaciers, and floating icebergs. Enter into the water in a Zodiac for up close viewings, cruise the Lemaire Channel, and visit Port Lockroy.

Day 7, King George Island: Return to King George Island for your flight back to Chile.

See All Antarctica Cruises in One Week »

Antarctica Cruise in 2 Weeks

Day 1, Ushuaia: Enjoy a day to explore Ushuaia, Argentina. Do some shopping, or walk around the nearby National Park. Set sail through the Beagle Channel in the evening.

Day 2-3, Drake Passage: Drake Passage can be a notoriously rough crossing. If you get sea sick, prepare accordingly with as many precautions as possible. Keep your eyes peeled for whales!

Day 4, Bransfield Strait: Make your way to the Antarctic Peninsula, passing through the Shetland Islands on the way, and stopping for your first step onto Antarctic soil.

Day 5-10, Antarctic Peninsula: Kayak among icebergs, observe penguins, and walk through stunning snowscapes. Visit the historic base at Port Lockroy and send a postcard from the only post office on Antarctica. Weather permitting you may cruise through Lemaire Channel or experience the stunning views of Paradise Bay. You may also have the chance to visit an active scientific research station.

Day 11-12, Drake Passage: Sail once again through Drake Passage

Day 13, Ushuaia: Arrive back in Argentina and end your journey.

See All Antarctica Cruises in Two Weeks »

Antarctica and Beyond in 3 Weeks

Day 1, Montevideo: Take a walking tour of this city, the capital of Uruguay. Get ready to set sail on your Antarctic adventure!

Day 2-4, Sail to Falkland Islands: Wildlife spotting - dolphins and whales.

Day 5-6, Falkland Islands: Go ashore to meet the local inhabitants. Learn about the history of the Falklands, and spot the incredible and many bird species.

Day 7-12, South Georgia: Head toward South Georgia Island, an important fixture in exploration history, as well as a once prosperous whaling industry. Follow the footsteps of James Cook. Visit Shackleton’s grave, and old whaling stations. Observe King Penguins, elephant seal, fur seals, and hundreds of bird species.

Day 13-15, Scotia Sea: Elephant Island, keep an eye out for whales!

Day 16-20, Drakes Passage: Head back to South America through the oft treacherous Drake Passage. A lot of time to reflect on the incredible experience!

See All Antarctica Cruises in Three Weeks »

Top Antarctica Tours

Antarctica Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
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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...

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