Christmas & New Year in Antarctica
Celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year in Antarctica during the peak of the austral summer, when penguin chicks hatch, humpback whales return to the Southern Ocean, and more than 20 hours of daylight illuminate the White Continent. Late December marks the height of the austral summer, when the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands come alive with extraordinary wildlife encounters. After crossing the legendary Drake Passage, discover towering icebergs, snow-covered mountains, and unique landscapes while celebrating the holidays.
Experience an authentic expedition aboard M/V Sea Spirit, designed to maximize your time ashore with no group rotations. As an IAATO member since 2011, we follow responsible Antarctic tourism protocols. As a small-ship expedition, all 114 guests are able to go ashore or cruise in Zodiac boats, enjoying up to three outings per day. Our expert naturalists, wildlife biologists, geologists, and historians bring Antarctica’s wildlife, landscapes, and history to life.
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EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
Antarctica is a paradise for wildlife lovers, especially during the Christmas season. By late December, penguin chicks have already hatched in colonies across the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.
Encounter curious gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, while Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals rest on sea ice nearby. As humpback whales return to Antarctic feeding grounds, you may also spot orcas along the coastline.
With more than 20 hours of daylight and IAATO-compliant landings at locations such as Neko Harbour and Half Moon Island, you’ll have exceptional opportunities to observe Antarctica’s wildlife responsibly at a relaxed pace, led by expert guides, naturalists, and marine biologists.
The Antarctic Peninsula offers diverse landscapes, from the glacier-carved mountains of the Gerlache Strait to the dramatic volcanic shores of Deception Island, a flooded volcanic caldera.
Sail the legendary Lemaire Channel, famous among photographers and nicknamed the “Kodak Gap” by expedition crews, with its narrow, ice-filled passage framed by towering cliffs.
During the Christmas season, more than 20 hours of daylight and the golden sunlight create ever-changing reflections across snowfields and icebergs, revealing Antarctica’s surreal beauty from every angle.
Follow the routes of legendary explorers who uncovered the mysteries of terra incognita. Learn about Antarctica’s exploration history, from Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton to Adrien de Gerlache, whose 1898 expedition became the first to overwinter in Antarctica.
The Gerlache Strait, named in his honor, remains one of the most spectacular passages on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Cross the legendary Drake Passage, just like the early explorers, and discover historic sites such as Deception Island’s Whalers Bay, once home to the Hektor Whaling Station, dating back to the early 20th century.
Itineraries
Departures
| itinerary | dates | days | activities | special offers | rates from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Christmas & New Year in Antarctica Christmas in Antarctica |
18 Dec - 29 Dec 2026 | 12 |
|
Seasonal Savings 10% OFF + free upgrade |
US$ 10 616 per person |
|
Christmas & New Year in Antarctica New Year in Antarctica |
28 Dec - 08 Jan 2027 | 12 |
|
Seasonal Savings 10% OFF + free upgrade |
US$ 11 156 per person |
|
Christmas & New Year in Antarctica Christmas in Antarctica |
18 Dec - 29 Dec 2027 | 12 |
|
US$ 14 195 per person | |
|
Christmas & New Year in Antarctica New Year in Antarctica |
28 Dec - 08 Jan 2028 | 12 |
|
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Through the Viewfinder
Activities
PHOTOGRAPHY
Antarctica is a must-visit destination for photographers of all levels. Join our onboard masterclasses and learn from top photographers how to capture the best shots. Late December offers one of the finest wildlife photography windows on Earth — freshly hatched penguin chicks, humpback whales breaching in the Gerlache Strait, and long daylight hours with extended periods of soft polar light.
Antarctic wildlife, protected and undisturbed by responsible expeditioners keeping their distance, gives you the chance to capture a perfect penguin picture or a seal relaxing on an ice floe. Experiment with the Southern sky's golden-hour light, practicing your skills from Zodiacs, kayaks, and on land.
SEA KAYAK CLUB
Paddle at your own speed and fully immerse yourself in Antarctica's polar beauty — calm waters close to wildlife, sheltered bays, and towering icebergs.
Zodiac boats get you close, but kayaking gets you even closer, with prime views from a stable sea kayak — don't be surprised if a penguin suddenly appears right beside your kayak. Exploring by non-motorized watercraft lets you observe wildlife with minimal disturbance.
Imagine paddling on Christmas morning through sculpted icebergs, with gentoo penguins porpoising alongside your kayak in the Gerlache Strait.
The Antarctic Peninsula's secluded bays and calm waters make our sea kayak club a favorite. Spots are limited and fill quickly ahead of the Christmas season, so book as early as possible.
ANTARCTICA CAMPING
Imagine a cozy night in a sleeping bag beneath the Southern Hemisphere's sky, penguins calling in the distance as you experience the remoteness of the White Continent, surrounded by ice and snow.
Imagine celebrating the New Year under the Antarctic sky, surrounded by the endless light of the austral summer and the distant sounds of a penguin colony — an exclusive experience limited to 40 travelers per voyage.
Experience how historic explorers began their adventures, but with modern comforts and our expedition team on-site. We prepare campsites, sleeping bags, and camping toilets, following responsible IAATO protocols — book your spot early.
Leave your comfortable cabin for one night of pure polar adventure ashore and return to the ship the next morning for a hearty breakfast with incredible stories to share.
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Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is required for your Antarctic expedition. We at Poseidon Expeditions require that guests have evacuation and repatriation coverage, with a minimum of USD 200,000 for Antarctica.
Specialized travel insurance companies offer polar expedition insurance policies designed for remote destinations. Additionally, we strongly recommend cancellation insurance in case unexpected circumstances affect your travel plans.
On our expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit Wi-Fi is available at no additional cost.
We recommend layering your clothes so you can add or subtract based on weather conditions. Start with warm thermal undergarments made from merino wool or synthetics (not cotton), layer with polar fleece and wool, and finish off with water- and windproof materials. Once we cross the Antarctic Circle, the weather may get harsher with high winds. Don’t forget your hats, scarves, and gloves.
A Poseidon Expeditions expedition parka is provided aboard, and guests keep it after the cruise. Rubber boots are provided during the cruise for landings. In late December, daytime temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula are typically 0–3°C (32–37.4°F) — layering remains essential even during the austral summer.
Click here to review our checklist on what clothes to bring with you.
Yes, this cruise crosses the legendary Drake Passage, the body of water between Cape Horn, Argentina, and the South Shetland Islands. The crossing typically takes around 2 days each way and is infamous for its powerful swells and changing conditions. M/V Sea Spirit is equipped with Rolls-Royce stabilizers for smoother sailing, while you enjoy lectures and wildlife watching onboard. You can spot seabirds such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as whales when conditions allow. December crossings are generally more stable than shoulder-season voyages.
Late December is the peak of the austral summer and one of the best times to explore Antarctica. During December, penguin chicks hatch in colonies across the Antarctic Peninsula, while humpback whales return to the Southern Ocean. With over 20 hours of daylight, you enjoy extended wildlife encounters. Late December also typically offers some of the most stable weather conditions. Christmas departures are among the most sought-after voyages of the year, so booking 9–12 months in advance is recommended.
Flights to and from the departure port, as well as travel insurance, are not included. Any personal equipment, clothes, cameras, etc. need to be brought with you, with the exception of our signature Poseidon Expedition parka (which you can keep after the cruise). Sea kayaking and overnight camping are optional activities with an additional fee — spots are limited, and demand is highest for Christmas and New Year departures. We recommend booking as early as possible.