Antarctica Cruises & Tours | 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.

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2021/22 voyages

2020/21 voyages

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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 onto the ice in Antarctica with Intrepid Travel

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.

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Kayak in the icy waters of the Antarctic with Intrepid Travel

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 by an experienced cold-water guide. Some kayaking experience is essential for this optional activity.

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Spot waddles of penguins

Perhaps the most iconic animal to be found in Antarctica, nothing quite matches the excitement of seeing these sociable little birds waddling across the Peninsula for the first time. Keep your eyes out for adelie, chinstraps, gentoo, king, macaroni and rockhopper penguins.

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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 ground for thousands of king penguins. Visit the old whaling settlement of Gritviken and follow in the footsteps of the polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

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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.

Adelie penguins

Fur seal

Commerson's dolphins

King penguins

Orca whale

Albatross

Elephant seal

Find out more about animals in the Antarctic here.

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 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.

Annie – Marine biologist

"I love my job because everyday you don’t quite know what’s going to unfold. For me, a big part of it is about being able to educate and shift people's understanding of wildlife, and to give them an experience that will last in their memories for a lifetime"

Todd – Naturalist

"I’m a firm believer in conservation and creating awareness through education and sharing our experience. I love sharing the polar regions with guests, connecting people to the environment and using my job as a platform to teach people."

Activities

Take your Antarctica experience to the next level with some outdoor adventures. These activities are offered on many of our trips.

Camping

Kayaking

Snowshoeing

Your home on the sea

We know you want to be as comfortable as possible while on board, which is why we’ve chosen vessels equipped with modern conveniences like LED televisions and internet connectivity, along with luxurious touches that make each voyage a true pleasure. Each ship boasts onboard chefs to prepare a range of hearty, quality meals, and onboard experts to ensure you spend more time seeing the sights and less time thumbing through a guidebook.

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Fly and Cruise Voyages

Short on time for your polar vacation or just want to skip the Drake Passage? Our range of Fly and Cruise Voyages are perfect for travellers looking to get straight into the action.

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FAQs

When is the best time to visit Antarctica?

What should I wear in Antarctica?

Where is Antarctica?

What country is Antarctica in?

What are the possible landing sites in Antarctica?

What is the weather like in Antarctica?

Will my mobile/cellphone work in Antarctica?

What types of animals live in Antarctica?

For more information about our tours in Antarctica, and answers to common queries, see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Responsible travel

Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.

How we're helping to protect Antarctica

Tourism in Antarctica is overseen by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO). They work alongside the Antarctic treaty to register tour operators and maintain strict environmental standards and Intrepid are registered through our Antarctic partner, Chimu. We’ve always believed in the power of travel to educate and inspire people, so will continue to do everything we can to help preserve this environment for future generations.