Polar
Antarctica
The last great wilderness on earth
About Antarctica
Antarctica is the most remote and most extraordinary destination we plan. Towering icebergs, vast colonies of penguins, breaching whales, and a silence that exists nowhere else on the planet make this the journey of a lifetime for travelers who have already seen much of what the rest of the world has to offer. We work exclusively with small expedition vessels and select fly-cruise operators that prioritize landings, lecture programs, and an unhurried pace.
The classic itinerary crosses the Drake Passage from Ushuaia, Argentina, and explores the Antarctic Peninsula over the course of ten to twelve nights. For travelers who prefer to skip the crossing, fly-cruise itineraries connect Punta Arenas, Chile, directly to King George Island and the expedition vessel waiting offshore. Longer journeys add the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, where the wildlife concentrations are among the most spectacular on earth.
Antarctica is a planning-intensive destination with a short season and limited capacity. We recommend booking twelve to eighteen months in advance, particularly for the smallest and most experiential vessels.
Best Time to Visit
The Antarctic season runs from late October through March. November brings courtship and fresh snow, December and January offer the warmest temperatures and 24-hour daylight with hatching chicks, and February and March are the strongest months for whale viewing.
Region
Polar
Highlights of Antarctica
Zodiac landings among penguin colonies
Whale viewing in the protected bays of the Peninsula
Crossing the Antarctic Circle on extended itineraries
Optional camping, kayaking, and polar plunges
South Georgia's king penguin colonies on extended journeys
Lecture programs led by polar historians and naturalists
Experiences we curate
The Antarctic Peninsula
The Peninsula is the heart of every Antarctic itinerary. Daily Zodiac excursions bring travelers to gentoo, chinstrap, and Adelie penguin colonies, abandoned whaling stations, and active research bases. The protected bays of the Peninsula are among the best places in the world to observe humpback and minke whales at close range, and the smallest vessels allow for two landings per day rather than the single landing typical of larger ships.
Drake Passage or Fly-Cruise
The classic crossing of the Drake Passage takes two days in each direction and is part of the experience for many travelers. For those short on time or concerned about the crossing, fly-cruise itineraries connect Punta Arenas to King George Island in a two-hour flight, eliminating four days at sea. Both approaches have their merits, and we help travelers decide based on time, comfort, and itinerary preferences.
South Georgia and the Falklands
Extended itineraries of eighteen to twenty-three nights add the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. South Georgia is often described as the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean, with king penguin colonies of several hundred thousand birds, vast elephant seal beaches, and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton at Grytviken. For wildlife-focused travelers, this is the most rewarding way to experience the polar south.
Pre and Post-Voyage
Most Antarctic travelers spend additional time in Buenos Aires, Patagonia, or the Chilean fjords before or after the voyage. We plan combined itineraries that pair the expedition with stays in Iguazu Falls, the wine country of Mendoza, or the granite peaks of Torres del Paine, turning the journey into a complete South American experience.
Practical notes
Ushuaia (USH) in Argentina and Punta Arenas (PUQ) in Chile are the main embarkation points. We arrange all internal flights and pre-voyage hotel stays.
Vessel selection matters enormously. We work with a small group of expedition operators whose ships carry fewer than 200 passengers, which is the regulatory limit for landings.
All landing gear, parkas, and boots are typically provided. We provide a complete packing list and pre-departure briefing.
We recommend booking twelve to eighteen months in advance. Extended South Georgia itineraries often sell out two years out.
Ready to plan your Antarctica journey?
We would welcome the chance to learn about your vision for Antarctica and design an experience tailored to your interests.
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