Antarctica Expeditions & Cruises

Journey to the End of the Earth

Antarctica is unlike anywhere else on the planet. Towering icebergs, enormous glaciers, penguin colonies, whales and landscapes almost untouched by human development make a trip to the White Continent a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But traveling to Antarctica isn't as simple as choosing a hotel and booking a flight. Your experience can vary dramatically depending on your expedition ship, itinerary, departure port, cabin, included activities and even the size of the vessel.

At Great Plains Travel, we help you navigate those decisions and find an Antarctic expedition that fits the way you want to experience this extraordinary destination.

START PLANNING YOUR ANTARCTICA ADVENTURE

Why Visit Antarctica?

For many travelers, Antarctica is the ultimate bucket-list destination. It's remote, wild and completely different from a traditional cruise vacation.

An Antarctic expedition may be a great fit if you're looking for:

  • Incredible wildlife encounters with penguins, seals, whales and seabirds

  • Dramatic glaciers, icebergs and untouched landscapes

  • Zodiac excursions and shore landings

  • Kayaking and other expedition activities on select sailings

  • Photography and wildlife-viewing opportunities

  • Expert-led exploration with naturalists and expedition guides

  • A small-ship experience focused on the destination rather than traditional cruise entertainment

  • The accomplishment of visiting the seventh continent

You don't have to be an extreme adventurer to visit Antarctica. There are expedition options ranging from active, exploration-focused voyages to highly luxurious small ships with exceptional accommodations, dining and service.

How Do You Travel to Antarctica?

Most travelers experience Antarctica aboard a small expedition ship rather than a traditional cruise ship.

Many Antarctic expeditions begin in Ushuaia, Argentina, at the southern tip of South America. From there, ships cross the famous Drake Passage before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula.

Crossing the Drake gives you the classic expedition experience and more time at sea, but conditions can vary significantly.

Sail the Drake Passage

Don't love the idea of crossing the Drake Passage?

Some itineraries allow travelers to fly from southern Chile toward Antarctica and board their expedition vessel closer to the continent. These trips can reduce time spent crossing open ocean and may appeal to travelers with limited vacation time or concerns about seasickness.

Your Great Plains Travel advisor can help you compare the advantages, disadvantages and costs of each option.

Fly-Cruise Expeditions

Antarctica Is More Than One Itinerary

One of the biggest misconceptions about Antarctica travel is that all expedition cruises offer essentially the same experience.

They don't.

Antarctic Peninsula

The most popular introduction to Antarctica. These voyages typically focus on wildlife, glaciers, Zodiac exploration and opportunities for Antarctic landings.

Antarctic Circle

Longer itineraries may travel farther south with the goal of crossing the Antarctic Circle. These expeditions are ideal for travelers who want a more extensive Antarctic experience.

South Georgia & the Falkland Islands

Longer expedition itineraries can combine Antarctica with the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

South Georgia is particularly renowned for its extraordinary concentrations of wildlife, including enormous penguin colonies. These itineraries require more time but can deliver one of the most wildlife-rich expedition experiences available.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Antarctica?

Antarctica's expedition season generally runs during the Southern Hemisphere's spring and summer, approximately November through March.

There isn't one universally "best" month. The right time depends on what you most want to experience.

November–December
Early-season travelers may encounter pristine snow and dramatic ice conditions. This period also coincides with courtship and nesting activity for some penguin species.

January–February
These are popular months for wildlife viewing, with penguin chicks becoming increasingly active. Whale sightings generally become more prominent as the season progresses.

February–March
Later-season voyages can offer excellent opportunities for whale watching as whale activity increases around the Antarctic Peninsula.

Wildlife and weather can never be guaranteed, which is part of the nature of expedition travel.

Choosing the Right Antarctica Expedition

This is where working with a travel advisor can make a significant difference.

When comparing Antarctica cruises, price alone doesn't tell you what kind of experience you're purchasing.

We consider factors such as:

Ship size. Smaller expedition vessels can provide a different experience than larger ships, particularly when it comes to operations ashore.

Expedition team. Naturalists, marine biologists, historians, photographers and other specialists can add tremendous depth to your experience.

Itinerary. Some voyages concentrate on the Antarctic Peninsula, while others venture farther south or combine Antarctica with South Georgia and the Falklands.

Included activities. Zodiac excursions may be included while activities such as kayaking, camping or other specialty experiences can have limited capacity or additional costs.

Comfort and luxury. Expedition cruising ranges from purpose-built adventure vessels to sophisticated luxury ships.

Time and budget. Antarctica is a significant investment. We'll help you understand what you're getting for that investment and determine where upgrading makes sense.

The best Antarctica cruise isn't necessarily the most expensive one. It's the one that delivers the Antarctica experience you actually want.

Why Book Your Antarctica Expedition With Great Plains Travel?

Antarctica may be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. We believe the planning should reflect that.

Instead of simply booking a cabin, we help you look at the entire journey.

That can include selecting an expedition ship and itinerary, evaluating cabin options, understanding included activities, planning pre- and post-expedition accommodations, coordinating transportation to your embarkation point, reviewing travel documentation requirements, arranging appropriate travel protection options and preparing you for what to expect before departure.

And our service doesn't end once your deposit is paid.

We continue servicing your reservation as your expedition approaches, helping you stay on top of important deadlines and preparing you for your journey.

You bring the bucket list. We'll help with the details.

Frequently Asked Questions About Antarctica Travel

  • You don't need to be an athlete, but expedition travel can involve walking on uneven or slippery terrain and getting in and out of Zodiac boats. Physical requirements vary by operator and itinerary, so it's important to choose an expedition appropriate for your mobility and comfort level.

  • Many expedition voyages are designed to offer opportunities for shore landings, but Antarctica is an unpredictable environment. Weather, ice and sea conditions determine where and when landings can safely occur, so no specific landing can be guaranteed.

  • Antarctic Peninsula expeditions are commonly around 10–14 days, while voyages incorporating destinations such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands can last considerably longer.

  • No. While expedition travel emphasizes exploration, today's ships range from rugged expedition vessels to luxury ships offering upscale suites, fine dining and high levels of service.

  • It can be. Conditions range from remarkably calm to very rough, and no one can predict exactly what a particular crossing will be like. Travelers concerned about the crossing can ask us about fly-cruise alternatives.

  • For a trip of this magnitude, earlier is generally better, particularly if you want a specific departure, cabin category or limited-capacity activity such as kayaking. Planning well in advance can also give you more time to coordinate flights, hotels and the other components of your journey.

  • Your expedition operator will provide specific guidance, and some provide certain expedition gear. Layering, waterproof outerwear and appropriate footwear are particularly important. We help our clients understand what their particular expedition provides and what they'll need to bring themselves.

Meet Our Antarctica Travel Advisors

Planning an Antarctica expedition can feel overwhelming. You don't have to figure it out alone.

Meet the Great Plains Travel advisors who specialize in expedition cruising and Antarctica travel.

Allyssa Arouri

Owner & Travel Advisor

Schedule A Phone Call