Antarctica

Antarctica Expedition Cruises

There are few places left on Earth that still feel genuinely wild. Antarctica is one of them.

Travelling to the White Continent is unlike any other holiday. There are no hotels, roads or permanent settlements beyond scientific research stations. Instead, you’ll explore by Zodiac, step ashore among penguin colonies, watch whales from the ship and experience landscapes that change as the ice shifts.

My name is Val, your Antarctica specialist. The right expedition is about much more than choosing a departure date. Ship size, itinerary, wildlife, activities and time of year all shape your experience, and I’ll help you find the expedition that genuinely suits you, with independent advice and personal service from start to finish.

Speak to Val – your Antarctica specialist.

ELEPHANT SEALS AND KING PENGUINS IN ST ANDREW'S BAY SOUTH GEORGIA

Why Antarctica?

Antarctica isn’t a destination of famous sights or busy sightseeing days. Its appeal lies in its remoteness, remarkable wildlife and the privilege of visiting one of the least disturbed places on Earth.

Penguins, seals and whales live here in extraordinary numbers, while glaciers and sculptural icebergs create landscapes unlike anywhere else. Nature sets the agenda: weather, sea ice and wildlife influence where you explore, which means no two voyages are quite the same.

The Antarctic season runs from late October until March, and each part of it offers something different. My When to Go guide explains what to expect throughout the season.

Explore the wildlife species of Antarctica

Why choose an expedition cruise?

An expedition cruise is the best way to properly explore Antarctica, and it is very different from a traditional cruise holiday.

Expedition ships use Zodiacs to take you away from the ship, with opportunities to walk ashore, visit wildlife colonies and explore among the ice. Experienced expedition leaders, naturalists and polar specialists bring the destination to life through guided excursions and informal talks onboard.

There is no rigid daily schedule. The captain and expedition team adapt plans according to wildlife, weather and ice conditions, making the most of what Antarctica offers each day.

Browse my Expedition Cruises to explore the different routes, or compare the ships I work with.

And if the choices feel overwhelming, don’t worry. You don’t need to decide on a ship, operator or itinerary before speaking to me. Tell me what matters to you and I’ll help narrow down the options.

Speak to Val to start planning

Why travel with Fleewinter?

No two expedition ships are the same. Some carry fewer than 100 guests, while others offer more facilities, a wider choice of activities or a higher level of comfort. The right choice depends on what matters most to you.

As an independent specialist, I am not tied to one operator. I compare a range of expedition ships and itineraries, looking beyond the headline price to find the right fit for your interests, budget and travel style.

I can also plan the journey around your expedition, whether you’d like to explore Patagonia, spend time in Buenos Aires or travel through Chile before or after Antarctica.

Ready to start planning? Explore my Expedition Cruises, discover the Wildlife you may encounter, compare the Ships, or speak to me, Val.

When is the best time to go?

Planning your Antarctica expedition

There are a few important decisions when planning a trip to Antarctica, from when to travel and which expedition to choose to finding the right ship. Explore the sections below for an introduction to each, or get in touch and I can help narrow down the options based on what matters most to you.

I promise...

To take the time to find out what makes you tick

To create a completely personalised itinerary with unlimited revisions

To offer support every day before you fly and 24/7 support on holiday

To make you fall in love with expedition cruising, just like I have! Warning: it does become addictive!

Meet Valeria, your Antarctica specialist!

I’ve long been fascinated by the white continent, at what feels like the very end – or beginning? – of the world.

Antarctica & the Arctic really are some of the last great undiscovered lands.

My bespoke Antarctica holidays will help you journey to these incredible places, and join the few people who have seen them in real life.

Punta Arenas, Chile

On the shores of the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas is the gateway for most Antarctic fly-cruises. From here, you fly across the Drake Passage to King George Island, joining your expedition ship directly in Antarctica. More

Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Known as the city at the end of the world, Ushuaia is the main departure point for Antarctic expedition cruises. Most trips include a night here before sailing through the Beagle Channel and towards the Drake Passage. More

Drake passage

Separating South America from Antarctica, the Drake Passage is a rite of passage for most expedition travellers. The crossing takes around two days, with conditions ranging from the lively Drake Shake to the much calmer Drake Lake.

South Shetland Islands, Antarctica

The South Shetland Islands are often your first taste of Antarctica, with volcanic landscapes, penguin colonies and historic research stations. King George Island is also where most Antarctic fly-cruises begin and end. More

Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula is the heart of most first trips to Antarctica. Expect huge glaciers, sculpted icebergs, penguin colonies and frequent opportunities to explore by Zodiac and on foot. More

Antarctic Circle

Crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ south takes you beyond the routes followed by most Peninsula expeditions. Longer voyages attempt to reach this remote latitude, with increasingly dramatic ice and fewer ships as you travel south. More

Weddell Sea

On the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea is known for vast expanses of sea ice, enormous tabular icebergs and a real sense of remoteness. Conditions dictate how far ships can explore each season. More

Snow Hill island

Remote Snow Hill Island is best known for one of the world's most accessible emperor penguin colonies. Reaching it is a specialist expedition involving sea ice, helicopters and plenty of flexibility, with a landing never guaranteed. More

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

The Falkland Islands combine windswept landscapes with extraordinary wildlife, including huge colonies of albatrosses and several species of penguin. Stanley adds a fascinating dose of history and distinctly British character. More

South Georgia

For wildlife, South Georgia is difficult to beat. Vast king penguin colonies, elephant seals and fur seals share a spectacular mountainous island that also played a central role in Shackleton's remarkable story. More

Elephant Island

Remote and rarely landed upon, Elephant Island is forever associated with Shackleton's Endurance expedition. His stranded crew survived here for more than four months while Shackleton sailed for help across the Southern Ocean.

King George Island

The largest of the South Shetland Islands, King George Island is home to numerous international research stations. Its airstrip also makes it the arrival and departure point for most Antarctic fly-cruises.

Ross Sea

One of the most remote parts of Antarctica, the Ross Sea is reached on long expedition voyages and is steeped in polar history. Vast ice shelves, emperor and Adélie penguins, historic expedition huts and very few visiting ships make this Antarctica at its wildest.