Drake Passage - Named after the British privateer Sir Francis Drake, this is the shortest route to Antarctica… and it’s known for rough water. But don’t let queasiness stop you from enjoying the sight of gliding albatross, glittering icebergs, and enormous whales. If the passage is peaceful, lower your gaze to the water, where Hourglass Dolphins, Humpback Whales, and Fin Whales can be seen. Also make sure to look out for the ship’s crossing of the Antarctic Convergence, where cold and warm currents meet, and the birdlife changes in species composition.

South Georgia - As far as Antarctic wildlife encounters go, South Georgia offers some of the best, along with impressive landscapes and fascinating relics of Antarctic history. King Penguins and their chicks number in the tens of thousands, and fur seals are also plentiful on their own breeding beaches. Elephant seals, Macaroni Penguins, sea lions, Wandering Albatross, and Gentoo Penguins vie for attention with Grytviken’s abandoned whaling village, where seals and penguins roam the streets.

Falkland Islands - Antarctica ocean cruises in the Falklands are treated to a great spread of birds and a unique mix of South American culture and Victorian charm. Hiking the shores of the Falklands, you’ll enjoy ocean vistas full of black-browed albatross, storm petrels, diving petrels, and shearwaters. Penguins are also a big draw here, with Magellanic, Gentoo, and Rock-Hopper species on display. The local church, museum, and some old stranded clippers are additional points of interest.

Antarctic Peninsula - Many of the best Antarctica cruises include a visit to the Antarctic Peninsula, where you can set foot on the mountainous, glaciated mainland of the Antarctic continent. If you disembark at Brown Bluff, you’ll see Adélie and Gentoo Penguins breeding while Leopard Seals wait in the water, hoping for a penguin snack. On the west side of the peninsula, you’ll probably take a Zodiac to see Cierva Cove’s icebergs, Humpback Whales, Crabeater Seals, and a Chinstrap Penguin Rookery. Trinity Island, with nesting Gentoo Penguins, is another popular site on the Antarctic Peninsula’s west side.

South Shetlands - Polar cruises that include the South Shetland Islands in their trips are well-rewarded. On Deception Island, dock to explore hot springs and an old whaling station, surrounded by countless Cape Petrels, Kelp Gulls, Skuas, and Terns. Another landing point, on Half Moon Island, hosts a big Chinstrap Penguin rookery. Breeding Gentoos with their bright red beaks, Adélies, and Macaronis coexist in the South Shetlands. And the marine waters top it all off with Crabeater, Leopard, and Weddell Seals- and Fin, Humpback, and Southern Right Whales.

Ross Sea - Antarctica expedition cruises are at their most adventurous in the Ross Sea, a remote area near New Zealand. Its waters contain Killer, Humpback, and Minke Whales, and add Ross Seals to the normal roster of Leopards and Crabeaters. Adventure activities on Ross Sea cruises may even include helicopter landings in astounding terrestrial environments, like dry valleys evoking Mars, and the 30-meter high Ross Ice Shelf. Ross Island, flanked by dramatic mountains and laying claim to some historic sites, is another great option for exploring on foot. For penguins-lovers, huge rookeries of Emperors and Adélies won’t disappoint.

Elephant Island - Passengers on Antarctica cruises near the South Shetlands get a real treat if their vessel visits Elephant Island. Its inhospitable cliffs lay claim to one of the most thrilling Antarctica histories: they were a bleak home to about 20 of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s crew for four months after Shackleton’s boat was shipwrecked. Now Chinstrap Penguins and seals are the only inhabitants of the sailors’ camp at Point Wild.

South Orkney Islands - The small Argentine research station on the South Orkney Islands, Orcadas station, was founded in 1903 and collects meteorological data amidst the unparalleled scenery of penguin and petrel colonies. Adélie, Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin species inhabit small beaches at the base of cliffs whose crags make excellent breeding stations for Pintado Petrels and Snow Petrels. Fur Seals have claimed other beaches on the islands, while whales swim in the offshore waters. Walking tours to some of the beaches require permission from the station.

Best time to cruise Antarctica

No cruise will visit Antarctica with winter’s polar ice, roiling seas, and sub-freezing temperatures. Therefore, you’ll cruise Antarctica between November and March. In November, the ice floes and bergs are freshly chiselled and the snow is pristine. Of course, it’s also colder. Wildlife is not at its most plentiful; however, you’ll see penguins and sea-birds conducting bizarre courtship displays, mating, and nest-building. December to January boast the most sunlight, the most plentiful wildlife… and of course, the most tour bookings. Still, it’s worth braving the crowds to see hatching penguin chicks, seal pups, and all the other wildlife that makes Antarctica cruises so special. By February and March, popular landing grounds are muddy and some wildlife has departed, but the crowds also decrease… while whale populations are at their peak! The warming weather also provides opportunities to venture farther south.

How to get to Antarctica?

Antarctica can be reached from South America and New Zealand. The best international airports to use as your stepping stone are Santiago (Chile), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Montevideo (Uruguay), and Christchurch or Wellington (New Zealand). All of these cities field a full roster of international flights every day, as well as convenient regional flights to get you to your cruise’s port of departure.

Where do Antarctica cruises depart from?

Many cruises depart from the port of Ushuaia, Argentina. It’s easy to get here by plane from Buenos Aires and Santiago. Other cruises actually start with a flight to Antarctica from Punta Arenas (Chile) in order to avoid sailing over the Drake Passage. Fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas for this itinerary. Some other cruises depart from the port in Montevideo, Uruguay; since Montevideo is Uruguay’s capital city, it’s easy to get from your international flight to the port. Slightly less easy is the journey to Bluff, New Zealand. You’ll need to fly from Wellington or Christchurch to Invercargill and take a bus or car to Bluff.

Antarctica Cruise Tips

Plan ahead and arrive early - If you want your first choice of cruise, it’s best to book far in advance, especially if you’d like to visit during December or January. And because flight delays and inclement weather are always possible in the polar regions, it’s best to schedule your arrival at your port of departure a full day in advance. Also, remember that not all trips end up at the same port from which they departed! Plan your flights accordingly.

Choosing the right trip - Consider the following when choosing your cruise: proneness to motion sickness, desire to explore on land, interest in historical sites, tolerance of crowds and waits, wildlife seasons, and comfort with cold temperatures.

What to pack - It’s important to stay comfortable at a range of temperatures. You’ll want to bring layers which can be added when waiting for the perfect photograph and taken off for a trek. Rain gear, sunscreen, and good insulation for your hands, head, and feet are all very important. Check whether or not your cruise provides a parka. And remember to bring a camera and binoculars!

Seasickness - The Drake Passage is known for rough waters, but even calm seas can make some passengers green. You must consult your doctor before your trip and bring medication if necessary.

Antarctica Travel Advice - An Argentinian Reciprocity Fee must be paid online by Americans, Canadians and Australians before they visit Antarctica. There is no Antarctic currency, but at Port Lockroy on the Antarctic Peninsula, dollars, pounds, and euros are accepted. Most ships charge an invoice to your credit card for services purchased onboard.