Best Sub Antarctic Islands Cruises & Tours 2025/2026

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These islands may not be tropical, but they are transformative.

Embark on a legendary journey with us to the furthest corner of the world and explore the white continent’s islands on our Sub Antarctic Islands Cruises. Not only will you follow in the footsteps of the first fabled explorers to the region, but you’ll also get the chance to watch animals native to Antarctica as they make their way from the icy ocean depths to the island shores. Admire the mighty Endurance Glacier that runs onto Elephant Island, walk the colourful streets of the Falklands, and learn about South Georgia Island’s whaling past on an adventure that is guaranteed to change you.

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Sub Antarctic Islands highlights

A uniquely shaped iceberg at sunset against a cloudy sky, with the blue ice showing on one side

Marvel at uniquely shaped icebergs

Nothing can prepare you for your first glimpse of an iceberg. Whether it’s the way the twisted and peculiar shapes seem to effortlessly rise out of the water or the sight of the sun hitting the ice’s melting surface, Antarctica’s icebergs will instantly enchant you. Watch from near or afar as they gently float with the ocean’s current and marvel at their breathtaking blue-hued colours. 

Ultimate Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Circle

A picture of the graveyard where Ernest Shackleton was buried, South Georgia Island

Pay your respects to Sir Ernest Shackleton

Heralded as one of the principal figures in the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legacy is felt all over the Sub Antarctic Islands. Whether you want to retrace his ill-fated last expedition and wind up at Point Wild or raise a glass of whisky at his grave in Grytviken, reliving this fascinating first explorer’s past makes for an exhilarating adventure in the present. 

Ultimate Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Circle

Grytviken a settlement on the island of South Georgia, with mountains in the background

Learn about South Georgia Island’s whaling past

Turn back the hands of time as you discover the past of South Georgia Island’s largest whaling station on a visit to Grytviken. With rusty ships and run-down industrial buildings used as part of the whaling process still visible along the bay, it’s not hard to picture the once bustling and thriving industry that dominated this tiny Sub Antarctic Island for more than 60 years. 

Ultimate Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Circle

Southern elephant seals fighting, surrounded by king penguins at on South Georgia Island

Watch elephant seals play around on Elephant Island

It’ll probably come as no shock to you that Elephant Island gets its name from the large aquatic mammals that call it home. Taking the top spot as the largest seal species, the southern elephant seal can weigh a hefty 4,000 kilograms and grow up to 6 metres long, making them both memorable and hard to miss (don’t forget about their distinctive trunk-like nose). 

Ultimate Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Circle

View of Stanley and its harbour, Falkland Islands, on a clear sunny day with blue skies

Explore the colourful village of Stanley on the Falklands

While there’s not much in the way of concrete jungles full of tall, glass skyscrapers in the Falkland Islands, there is still a capital city with the perfectly charming (and tiny) town of Stanley oozing personality and picturesque vistas wherever you look. From its colourful houses to its cozy restaurants serving up some good ol’ fish and chips, you’re guaranteed to love this quaint metropolis. 

Ultimate Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Circle

Penguins walking along the sand at Volunteer Point in the South Georgia Islands of the Antarctic

Visit the penguin capital of the world at Volunteer Point

There’s no better place to marvel at these cute and cuddly aquatic sea birds than at one of the ‘penguin capitals of the world’ – Volunteer Point on the Falkland Islands. The island is home to not one, not two, but five species of penguins from the yellow-crested macaroni penguin to the majestic king penguin. Watch as they waddle from the water, hop gracefully over rocks, and primp and preen on tussock grass. 

Ultimate Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Circle