Antarctica Tours & Cruises | Intrepid Travel NZ

Early explorers didn’t have the luxury of booking their expeditions online.

They just assembled a valiant crew, trained a few huskies and worked on their ‘First to reach the South Pole’ victory speech. These days it’s a bit easier: we run a variety of Antarctica tours between November and March each year, cruising in comfort on state-of-the-art polar vessels. 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. ‘Antarctic tours’ doesn’t really do it justice. These are Antarctic adventures.

Browse Antarctic trips by season

2020/21 voyages

Our new, tailored Antarctic voyages take polar adventure to new heights. With five-star touches, rigorous sustainability standards, an excellent crew-to-passenger ratio and a top-notch range of on- and off-board activities, all the finer details are taken care of aboard the Ocean Endeavour. All the better for focusing on the stars of the show: king penguins, humpback whales and incredible glacial landscapes.

View the 2020/21 range

2019/20 voyages

2018/19 voyages

Why choose Intrepid

Purpose-built ships

Our ships are built for polar conditions, with ice-strengthened hulls and safety being our biggest priority. Each vessel is equipped with 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 at the ready to answer questions.

Twice daily excursions

We run frequent excursions to get up-close to wildlife, allowing you to experience what it’s like exploring onshore. Each 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 and waterproof boots for each excursion.

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.

Sustainable travel

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. We’ve been officially certified as the world’s largest travel B Corp, which means when you choose Intrepid Travel, you can rest assured you’re travelling to improve the planet.

Highlights of Antarctica

Take your first steps on Antarctica

Antarctica is so far removed from most people’s reality that it may as well be on a different planet. While it’s a mesmerising travel destination, it is also an interactive experience for travellers. Step from a Zodiac onto land and into the world of bustling penguins.

Kayak around the White Continent

Glide across glass-like water with nothing to disturb you but the pull of your paddle and the anticipation of your next wildlife encounter. All equipment is provided and the excursion is led with an experienced cold-water guide. Some kayaking experience is essential for this optional activity.

Meet penguins on Deception Island

Deception Island, a haunting environment set on a sunken volcano, is the prime place to encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguins. While the port has a dark history as a former whaling station, these days it’s used as a scientific outpost and the launching point for expeditions.

Witness the wildlife of South Georgia and the Falklands

Savour wildlife encounters while exploring the islands dubbed the “Galapagos of the South”. Venture to the site of black-brown albatross colonies and the breeding grounds for thousands of king penguins. Visit the old whaling settlement of Gritviken and follow in the footsteps of the polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Meet the fleet

Each of our polar ships is specifically designed to tackle high seas and icy winds, offering everything you need to enjoy your big polar adventure in comfort and style. Click on any of our boats below to view detailed deck plans and read more about ship and cabin facilities.