Antarctica: Antarctica Cruises

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Antarctica

King Penguins on South Georgia Island

Adelie penguins and aquamarine water, Antarctica

Wandering Albatross Couple at South Georgia Island

Icy scenes - Antarctica

Humpback Whale

Elephant Seal

ICY WILDERNESS, UNPARALLELLED WILDLIFE PARK, THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE FOR THE ADVENTURE SEEKER - IT DOESN'T COME ANY BETTER THAN THIS !
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ANTARCTICA

Using the exceptional services of small-ship, Polar cruise companies specialising in nature-based expeditions, come with us to the isolated islands of the Southern Ocean and the pristine Antarctic continent itself. A once-in-a-lifetime epic adventure in a stunning natural world of wild coastlines, massive icebergs, glaciers and mountains; the habitat of king penguins, elephant seals and humpback whales, of Giant petrels and wandering albatross! There will be opportunities to explore actively ashore as well as to relax and enjoy the ambience on-board. Led and assisted by specialist staff ( covering photography, ornithology, wildlife, glaciology and more) you will come away with a greater knowledge and understanding of this very special and fragile part of planet Earth.

The Antarctic Peninsula is where the surreal bursts into life, colonies of penguins just the start of the wildlife immersion. Whales, seals and seabirds also come in a huge abundance and variety. Most cruise itineraries are focused on maximising your time on the Peninsula, where the horizons always glisten white and the sense of wilderness is untouched.

South Georgia is similarly evocative, a gateway to the peninsula that's dominated by squawking colonies and a spine of fjords and alpine peaks. Offering an inspiring contrast, the Falklands blend rural tones with the exotic promise of seabird nesting sights and the full spectrum of penguins.

CRUISE ITINERARIES

There are a number of itineraies to choose from ranging between 9 and 24 days. Cruises commence from the cities of Ushuaia (Argentina) or Punta Arenas (Chile) at the very southern tip of the South American continent. Connecting flights may be included from Santiago or Buenos Aires. Dependent on your choice of cruise places visited may include the Chilean fjords, Cape Horn, Drake Passage, the Weddell Sea, Deception Island, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Shetlands, King George Sound and the Antarctic Peninsula.

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Cruise Ships

LE BORÉAL

LE SOLÉAL

LE LYRIAL

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Key Facts

Fly to

Punta Arenas, Chile,

Ushuaia or Buenos Aires, Argentina

When to go

Antarctic Cruises operate in the summer months of November through March. This is the best time to visit, when the temperatures are at their mildest and the daylight hours long. This is also the breeding season for much of the local wildlife and thus there are different highlights as the season progresses.

November and early December

As the Continent warm the winter pack ice begins to melt and break up, creating ever-changing landscapes of pristine ice and iceberg sculptures. The breeding season begins, whole colonies of penguins and seabirds are courting and pinching the rocks from each other’s nests. Elephant and fur seals are feisty on shore and establishing their territories.

Mid December through January

Activity In the colonies is at its highest at this time of year, Antarctic chicks are hatching, the temperatures are warm and the sun is still up at midnight. As the Antarctic summer progresses whales are sighted re regularly and as the ice breaks up more opportunities for exploration arise

February and March

By late season, whale sightings are at their best. Having had their fill of food for the summer, curiosity takes over and they can often be seen popping up next to zodiacs! The Penguin chicks have grown in strength and are beginning to fledge, the light can be stunning at this time of year, particularly as the sun rises and sets.

Currency

US Dollars

Visas

Australian passport holders do not require a visa however they are required to pay a Reciprocity fee of USD100 online before arrival into Argentina or USD117 on arrival if arriving into Chile to begin the cruise.