Explore Antarctica with hands-on, feet-on, expert-led expeditions.
Join us between November and March to cruise in comfort on well-equipped polar vessels, backed up by three course meals, onboard amenities, and expert leaders. But don’t be fooled: as adventures go, this is the big one. You’ll cross the infamous Drake Passage and set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, explore ice-dotted bays by zodiac and get up close with gentoo penguins and migrating blue whales - the reasons why you should visit Antarctica go on and on. Because you're travelling with Intrepid Travel, you'll experience this incredible part of the world in a way that builds human connection and respects the environment. 'Antarctic cruises' doesn't really do it justice. These are Antarctic adventures.Â
Browse Antarctica trips
11 Days
From
8000
Experience the magic of the Antarctic Peninsula and its islands aboard the Ocean...
11 Days
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6860
Set off on an 11-day expedition on board the Ocean Endeavour, revealing the landscapes...
11 Days
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8090
This is one Christmas you’ll never forget – journey to Antarctica on board the Ocean...
11 Days
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6950
Join World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF-Australia) scientists on an 11-day expedition...
14 Days
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10090
Set sail for the trip of a lifetime – a 14-day journey on board the Ocean Endeavour,...
11 Days
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6680
Follow the whales of Antarctica as they migrate south on this 11-day expedition cruise,...
14 Days
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10770
Cross the Antarctic Circle with World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF-Australia) whale...
21 Days
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13360
Spot seals, whales and albatross aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Retrace the steps of...
23 Days
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17230
This trip is an Antarctica expedition like no other. Try wildlife photography and see...
12 Days
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7180
Witness Antarctic Peninsula whales on this epic journey at sea. Spot seals and penguins...
21 Days
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14320
Embark on a 21-day Intrepid expedition including the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia...
14 Days
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9680
Experience the rare opportunity to explore both the eastern and western sides of the...
What is an Antarctica trip like?
Why choose Intrepid for your cruise
Well-equipped ships
Our ships are well-equipped to deal with the harsh environment of Antarctica and safety is our biggest priority. Each vessel has modern conveniences and provides the perfect platform for Antarctic exploration.
Expert leaders
Our experienced leaders have made hundreds of polar voyages. Learn about the history, geography and wildlife of the Antarctic from experts in the field, including naturalists and ornithologists who are always ready to answer questions.
Daily excursions
We run frequent excursions to get up-close to wildlife, allowing you to experience what it’s like exploring onshore. Each shore day includes two excursions with our leaders exploring the sea ice, ready to encounter any wildlife that may waiting. You’ll be given life vests, waterproof jackets and waterproof boots for the duration of the activities.Â
Full board
All cruises provide three course meals, 24-hour tea and coffee, and main activities including Zodiac excursions, onboard seminars and shore landings. Our chefs know just how to warm you up after your Antarctic outing, just be ready for a second serving!
Safety
All of our ships and operations teams undergo strict safety audits. We are committed to upholding the highest safety standards on all our trips operating within the Antarctic region.
Responsible travel
As the world’s largest travel B Corp, we strive to use travel as a force for good. That’s why we choose to give back to the communities we visit, carbon offset all our trips and take our social and environmental responsibilities seriously.Â
Your home on the sea
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The Ocean Endeavour is comfortable, spacious and the place to be in the Antarctic season. Not only is it one of the few polar expedition ships in Antarctica, it also has one crew member for every eight travellers. This means you’ll enjoy a more personal, informative and comfortable trip.
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Onboard experts
There's only so much you can read in a guidebook, especially when it comes to such rare and extraordinary locations. That's why we have a range of specialists on board Ocean Endeavour for every polar journey, from historians to marine biologists and hiking guides. With experts at hand, you can be assured that no question will be left unanswered.Â
Alex – Expedition Leader
Alex has long held a fascination with the natural world and polar regions. A graduate from Cambridge in Natural Sciences, Alex had been a polar guide for over a decade and is the co-founder of the Polar Citizen Science Collective, an organisation devoted to harnessing the research and data collection power of polar tourism. When not on a ship he can usually be found with skis or sticky rubber on his feet.
Eva – Citizen Science Coordinator
Eva is a polar scientist, with a particular passion for marine mammals. Her love for whales led to her graduating at the top of her class with a Masters in Polar Science from the Scott Polar Research Institute at the University of Cambridge. Researcher, Naturalist, Photographer, Educator, Surveyor, Skipper and Wildlife Officer, Eva has travelled extensively throughout all 7 continents, but her heart remains in the polar regions. When she’s not at sea, Eva works at Whales of Iceland, the largest exhibition of whales in Europe.
John – Expedition Photographer
Growing up surrounded by the natural beauty of the New Zealand landscape, John's character and journey into photography were shaped by his environment. A voyage down to the New Zealand subantarctic islands gave him the "Polar Bug" – an obsessive compulsion to see and experience more of the polar regions. John now specialises as a polar guide and photography educator, sharing his passion for the polar regions and helping people to make the most out of their photographic opportunities.
Sophie – Wellness Guide
Sophie has been fuelling her passion for health, photography, an active lifestyle and remote wilderness through travels in various lands and cultures. She owned a dog sledding company, competed in multi-day adventure races and has guided canoeing, sea kayaking and photography trips. Onboard, Sophie will be your wellness guide to help enliven your senses and deepen your experience of the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic Peninsula.
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Antarctica cruise reviews
Find out if Antarctica is as unbelievable as it sounds from Intrepid travellers who've been there before thanks to these Antarctica cruise reviews.Â
Highlights of our Antarctic cruises
Explore the lesser-visited Eastern Peninsula
Explore Antarctic Peninsula’s remote and rugged east side, a sweeping landscape full of huge icebergs, and islands famous for their enormous penguin colonies, exploration history and geological features and are only navigated a few times per year.
Visit South Georgia Island’s snow-capped mountains
South Georgia Island, a sub-Antarctic island administered by the United Kingdom as part of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, has vast and rugged snow-capped mountains and is the unsung hero of Antarctica.Â
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Celebrate Christmas in Antarctica
Take advantage of the holiday period and embark on a festive adventure through Antarctica over Christmas and New Year’s. There will be plenty of unique wildlife to see, so set off and search for penguins, whales and seals among the icy waters. A polar plunge might be the best way to bring in a new year…
Search for whales with WWF
Join Intrepid and special guests from the World Wildlife Fund – Australia (WWF-Australia) on a 14-day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula and Polar Circle. Search the icy waters and white shores for whales and other creatures by day, then relax and enjoy an illuminating lecture program by night.
Activities
Take your Antarctica experience to the next level with some outdoor adventures. These activities are offered on many of our trips.
Wildlife
Antarctica – the seventh and final continent, where penguins, seals and birds are the only permanent residents. Here’s a snapshot of what you might see when you visit the Southern Ocean.
More about the wildlife in AntarcticaÂ
Our top wildlife tours
11 Days
From
6950
Join World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF-Australia) scientists on an 11-day expedition...
11 Days
From
6680
Follow the whales of Antarctica as they migrate south on this 11-day expedition cruise,...
14 Days
From
10770
Cross the Antarctic Circle with World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF-Australia) whale...
Responsible travel
Our approach to responsible travel in Antarctica falls into three focus areas we believe will create the greatest positive impact: inspiring travellers, supporting science and protecting the environment. Â
You can read about our responsible travel initiatives in Antarctica below:Â
Popular regions
Add-ons & deals
Antarctica FAQs
When is the best time to visit Antarctica?
Antarctica is best visited in the summer months from November to March when the weather is warmer and the sea ice has melted enough to get closer to the island shore.
What is the weather like in Antarctica?
The climate in Antarctica is the coldest one on Earth with cold summers and freezing winters. The warmest month is January with averages of around 10°C (50°F).
What to wear in Antarctica?
You have to be prepared and thorough when packing for Antarctica due to its remote location. Make sure you bring lots of layers, gloves, sunscreen, and moisturiser among other items.
Will my mobile phone work in Antarctica?
Your mobile phone will not work during your Antarctica cruise as the continent is still considered extremely remote and doesn't have the right telecommunication infrastructure in place.
How to choose an Antarctic cruise
Deciding on the Antarctic cruise that suits you best comes down to figuring out the time of year you want to go, the itinerary, and how long you want the cruise to be.
How much does a cruise to Antarctica cost?
The cost of an Antarctica cruise largely depends on the departure date, how long the cruise goes for, and the type of cabin you book on the ship but most cruises start from AUD$7,000 (USD$5,000).
Antarctica refers to the seventh continent of the world and is largely situated in the Antarctic Circle - a line of latitude sitting at around 66.5° south of the equator - at the base of the globe. The Antarctic refers to the region made up of south polar zones that include the seas and some outlying islands.Â
Antarctica isn't part of one single country, rather it is a continent governed under a series of recognised guidelines and agreements called the Antarctic Treaty System.
Each expedition includes stops at various landing sites around the Antarctic but when you stop at them and for how long often depends on the weather, as well as sea ice and wildlife movement.Â
While Antarctica may not be hospitable to human life, there are plenty of animal species that call the seventh continent their home. This includes penguins, whales, sea birds, seals, and more.Â
For more information about our tours in Antarctica, and answers to common queries, see our Frequently Asked Questions, and find out even more in our free Antarctica Guidebook.
Contact us
Do you have questions about any of our Antarctica trips? Reach out to our dedicated team below.
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