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Antarctic Cruises, Expeditions & Tours

Travel to the last discovered continent aboard
the m/v Sea Spirit. Explore Antarctica in 2026-2027.


Authentic Polar Expeditions to Antarctica

Experience wildlife encounters, zodiac landings, and expert-led exploration
across the White Continent's pristine wilderness.


Small-Ship Expeditions by Award-Winning Polar Experts

114 passengers. All guests ashore simultaneously.
26 years of polar experience and four International Travel Awards.


Cruises to Antarctica

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Falklands & South Georgia
Best of the Southern Ocean
PRICE FROM
US$ 16 046
DURATION
19
ACTIVITIES
Photography Sea Kayaking Included Activities
2026 23 Oct
2027 23 Oct
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Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
Antarctic Wildlife Adventure
PRICE FROM
US$ 17 021
DURATION
21
ACTIVITIES
Sea Kayaking Photography Included Activities
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Classic Antarctica
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
PRICE FROM
US$ 10 695
DURATION
12
ACTIVITIES
Sea Kayaking Camping Included Activities
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Christmas & New Year in Antarctica
Ho-Ho-Holidays in Antarctica
PRICE FROM
US$ 12 066
DURATION
12
ACTIVITIES
Sea Kayaking Camping Photography Included Activities
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Antarctic Circle
Crossing 66º South Latitude
PRICE FROM
US$ 15 295
DURATION
15
ACTIVITIES
Sea Kayaking Camping Photography Included Activities
2027 26 Jan
2028 05 Feb

Antarctica Tours Destinations

Antarctic Peninsula
Discover the Antarctic Peninsula and snow-capped mountains rising above the Lemaire Channel as humpback whales breach near your small expedition ship. Spot vast colonies of Gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins gathering along the shores and leopard seals hauled out on ice floes during daily Zodiac excursions. Land on volcanic black-sand beaches at Deception Island. As an IAATO member, we ensure that all guests can go ashore simultaneously — with no group rotations. This creates a more immersive expedition rhythm: most days we offer approximately three landings per day, each lasting around 2.5 hours. Depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, and cross the infamous Drake Passage to the white continent.
South Georgia & Falklands
Travel to the picturesque South Georgia Island and follow in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton. Discover Grytviken, the former whaling station and final resting place of the famous explorer. See picturesque beaches bustling with king penguins, southern elephant seals, and Antarctic fur seals as you land by Zodiac on the island’s pristine shores. In the Falkland Islands, watch rockhopper penguins navigate steep cliffs alongside nesting black-browed albatross colonies. As a proud IAATO member, we advocate for responsible wildlife watching and maximize time ashore with expert-led excursions.

Itineraries

Region

Departures

itinerary dates days activities special offers rates from
Falklands & South Georgia
Best of the Southern Ocean
23 Oct - 10 Nov 2026 19  days Photography Sea Kayaking Included Activities

Anniversary Special

25% OFF

from US$ 16 046 per person
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
Antarctic Wildlife Adventure
09 Nov - 29 Nov 2026 21  days Sea Kayaking Photography Included Activities from US$ 19 795 per person
Classic Antarctica
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
28 Nov - 09 Dec 2026 12  days Sea Kayaking Camping Photography Included Activities

Anniversary Special

25% OFF

Private Photo Shoot

Polar photo school

from US$ 11 696 per person
Classic Antarctica
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
08 Dec - 19 Dec 2026 12  days Sea Kayaking Camping Photography Included Activities

Anniversary Special

10% OFF

Private Photo Shoot

Polar photo school

from US$ 11 795 per person
Christmas & New Year in Antarctica
Christmas in Antarctica
18 Dec - 29 Dec 2026 12  days Sea Kayaking Camping Photography Included Activities

Anniversary Special

10% OFF

from US$ 11 795 per person
Christmas & New Year in Antarctica
New Year in Antarctica
28 Dec - 08 Jan 2027 12  days Sea Kayaking Camping Photography Included Activities from US$ 12 395 per person
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
Antarctic Wildlife Adventure
07 Jan - 27 Jan 2027 21  days Sea Kayaking Photography Included Activities from US$ 21 895 per person
Antarctic Circle
Crossing 66º South Latitude
26 Jan - 09 Feb 2027 15  days Sea Kayaking Camping Photography Included Activities from US$ 15 295 per person
Classic Antarctica
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
08 Feb - 19 Feb 2027 12  days Sea Kayaking Camping Photography Included Activities
Sold out
Classic Antarctica
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
18 Feb - 01 Mar 2027 12  days Sea Kayaking Camping Photography Included Activities from US$ 11 795 per person
Classic Antarctica
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
28 Feb - 11 Mar 2027 12  days Sea Kayaking Photography Included Activities
Sold out
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
Antarctic Wildlife Adventure
10 Mar - 01 Apr 2027 22  days Sea Kayaking Included Activities Photography

Anniversary Special

25% OFF

from US$ 17 021 per person
Falklands & South Georgia
Best of the Southern Ocean
23 Oct - 10 Nov 2027 19  days Photography Included Activities

PHOTO CRUISE

UP TO 25% OFF

from US$ 16 486 per person
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
Antarctic Wildlife Adventure
09 Nov - 29 Nov 2027 21  days Sea Kayaking Photography Included Activities

Early Bird Discount

UP TO 25% OFF

from US$ 20 141 per person
Classic Antarctica
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
28 Nov - 09 Dec 2027 12  days Sea Kayaking Photography Included Activities Camping

Early Bird Discount

UP TO 25% OFF

from US$ 12 066 per person
Classic Antarctica
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
08 Dec - 19 Dec 2027 12  days Sea Kayaking Camping Photography Included Activities

Early Bird Discount

UP TO 25% OFF

from US$ 12 066 per person
Christmas & New Year in Antarctica
Christmas in Antarctica
18 Dec - 29 Dec 2027 12  days Sea Kayaking Camping Photography Included Activities

Early Bird Discount

UP TO 25% OFF

from US$ 12 066 per person
Christmas & New Year in Antarctica
New Year in Antarctica
28 Dec - 08 Jan 2028 12  days Sea Kayaking Camping Photography Included Activities
Sold out
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
Antarctic Wildlife Adventure
07 Jan - 27 Jan 2028 21  days Sea Kayaking Photography Included Activities from US$ 26 195 per person
Classic Antarctica
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
26 Jan - 06 Feb 2028 12  days Sea Kayaking Camping Photography Included Activities from US$ 14 195 per person
Antarctic Circle
Crossing 66º South Latitude
05 Feb - 19 Feb 2028 15  days Sea Kayaking Camping Photography Included Activities from US$ 18 395 per person
Classic Antarctica
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
18 Feb - 29 Feb 2028 12  days Sea Kayaking Camping Photography Included Activities

Early Bird Discount

UP TO 25% OFF

from US$ 12 066 per person
Classic Antarctica
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
28 Feb - 10 Mar 2028 12  days Sea Kayaking Photography Included Activities

Early Bird Discount

UP TO 25% OFF

from US$ 10 961 per person
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
Antarctic Wildlife Adventure
09 Mar - 31 Mar 2028 22  days Sea Kayaking Included Activities Photography

Early Bird Discount

UP TO 25% OFF

from US$ 17 506 per person
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Antarctica Expeditions Highlights

ABUNDANT ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE
ABUNDANT ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE

Tiny and incredibly nutritious Antarctic krill sustain the rich Antarctic ecosystem, from gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins to humpback whales and orcas. See leopard seals prey on penguins while cruising aboard Zodiac boats, and step ashore on the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula to see bustling penguin colonies. From December to January, you can encounter adorable penguin chicks.

INCREDIBLE POLAR SCENERY
INCREDIBLE POLAR SCENERY

Experience tabular icebergs drifting through the Weddell Sea, and witness glaciated peaks at Paradise Harbour mirroring in the still waters. Stand on the large open deck while the Sea Spirit maneuvers through the narrow passages of the Lemaire Channel. Cruise crystal-clear waters aboard a Zodiac surrounded by sculpted peaks and giant icebergs, or join the sea kayak club and explore at your own pace.

POLAR LEGENDS AND HISTORY
POLAR LEGENDS AND HISTORY

Visit key sites that defined Antarctica’s Heroic Age of Exploration, from Shackleton’s ill-fated Endurance Expedition to Roald Amundsen’s and Robert Falcon Scott’s famous South Pole race. Discover South Georgia Island, where Ernest Shackleton arrived in a small lifeboat to seek help after his ship became trapped in sea ice. Visit modern research stations and get a glimpse of their work in extreme polar conditions.

Antarctica Cruise Gallery

What will I do on a Poseidon
Expeditions Antarctica cruise?

Aboard
  • Listen to expert lectures
  • Relax in Jacuzzi with a view
  • Enjoy an open deck lunch
  • Make friends in the lounge
  • Rest in the library
  • Visit the bridge
  • Work out in the gym
  • Take a deck stroll
Off-board
  • Zodiac cruising
  • Polar landings
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking (optional)
  • Camping in Antarctica (optional)

Why go to Antarctica with Poseidon Expeditions?

Extended Landings
Extended Landings

We ensure that our travelers can fully immerse themselves in the magic of the unique Antarctic destinations. Most days we schedule approximately three landings per day, guided by naturalists, geologists, and wildlife specialists. Each of these landings lasts around 2.5 hours.

Small ship – big advantage
Small ship – big advantage

Our small-ship operation allows all travelers to go ashore at the same time — with no group rotations. This means more time to explore Antarctica up close: most days, we schedule approximately three landings, each lasting around 2.5 hours. IAATO limits shore landings to 100 persons at a time, while larger ships carrying 500+ passengers cannot land in Antarctica at all.

27 years of polar experience
27 years of polar experience

Supported by a thorough understanding and appreciation of Antarctica, every aspect of your cruise is important to us.



Our expedition ship

M/v Sea Spirit
Designed for just 114 passengers, the all-suite Sea Spirit combines the small-ship advantage and top comfort with spacious suites and lounges. Its ice-strengthened hull navigates narrow fjords and remote bays inaccessible to larger vessels, while Rolls-Royce stabilizers ensure smooth crossings through the Drake Passage. An onboard fleet of Zodiac crafts supports daily shore excursions, wildlife encounters, and landings. Operating within IAATO guidelines, the ship’s limited capacity allows all guests to go ashore at the same time, with no group rotations needed. This allows for maximum time off the ship: most days, we organize around three landings a day, each lasting 2.5 hours.
CATEGORY
Small expedition ship
PASSENGERS
114
SPEED
15 knots
CREW
72
LENGTH
90.6 meters (297 ft.)
WIDTH
15.3 meters (50 ft.)


discover your
next adventure

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW About Antarctica Cruises

Our team of experts are ready to help you

Contact us today and we'll help you plan your perfect vacation!

Tatyana
Alex
Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Choose your expedition ship wisely! To get the full experience and make the most of wildlife sightings, landings and activities, join a cruise with less than 200 passengers. You’ll get a more personal experience, get closer to the action and form closer bonds with like-minded fellow travelers!

  2. Cruise with the best! Choose a company that has many years of experience with a top team. This is important to guarantee your safety and the trip of our lifetime! We at Poseidon Expeditions go the extra mile – we hire the best of the best. We stay up to date on the latest environmental requirements, engage in research and citizen science projects! We are also very proud of being fully in compliance with the Antarctic Treaty and all IAATO requirements.

  3. Choose your cruise – pick the right itinerary. There are lots of ways to explore the White Continent, so choose the best for you! Typical cruises to Antarctica last for 10-12 nights, with ample time for landings. Cruises from 20 to 24 nights feature not only the Antarctic Peninsula, but also the subantarctic islands like South Georgia and the Falklands.

  4. Communication and Planning For a trip of a lifetime ensure you have the right travel partner to plan it. Make sure to go with an operator that speaks your language, understands your needs and helps you proactively plan your trip!

Antarctica cruises are an excellent choice for solo travelers seeking unforgettable experiences and unique adventures. Joining an Antarctic expedition provides a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded individuals from around the world who share a passion for exploration and discovery. You'll have the chance to connect with fellow travelers, forge new friendships, and create lasting memories together. 

 

The supportive and inclusive environment on board ensures that solo travelers feel welcome and part of the expedition community. Embark on a solo journey to Antarctica and immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of the frozen continent while connecting with fellow explorers. Start your solo adventure today!

To secure the best cabins and take advantage of early bird discounts, it's recommended to book your Antarctica cruise as early as possible. Availability is limited, and by booking well in advance, you increase your chances of choosing your preferred dates, accommodations, and enjoying cost-saving benefits. Don't delay, it is high time to visit Antarctica! Start planning your extraordinary Antarctica cruise today!

Antarctica cruises offer a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. The cost of an Antarctic cruise can vary depending on factors such as trip duration, vessel type, and included activities. We believe that the value of an Antarctic cruise lies in the unparalleled experiences and breathtaking sights that await you. Embark on an unforgettable journey to this pristine and awe-inspiring destination, where you'll have the chance to witness stunning landscapes and encounter unique wildlife. 

 

Explore the wonders of Antarctica with us and discover a world of adventure, beauty, and discovery. Contact us today to discuss the various cruise options available and find the one that suits your desires.

Antarctica, being a vast and uninhabited continent, does not have a designated time zone of its own. The time zones used in Antarctica are typically based on the time zone of the country or research station operating in that particular region. For example, research stations operated by countries like New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina would follow their respective time zones. 

 

Similarly, stations operated by other countries or organizations would adhere to the time zone of their home base. As Antarctica is primarily used for scientific research and doesn't have any permanent residents, the concept of time zone is more practical and logistical rather than a reflection of local inhabitants' daily routines.

Our expedition ship, the Sea Spirit, is equipped with Wi-Fi, which is included in the cruise package.

It’s always best to pack for the segment of your flight itinerary that has the smallest baggage allowance requirement - baggage allowances on international flights are often larger than domestic flights. Also, be sure to check with your airline to confirm what you are allowed to carry.

Our ship has laundry facilities. Baggage allowance onboard is 2 pieces per 1 person.

Go to our How to pack page for more details.

Airport transfer from Ushuaia to your hotel, as well as the first night, are included in your cruise package. Accommodation aboard the Sea Spirit, all port fees, meals aboard and Zodiac cruises and landings are included. Alcoholic beverages, additional activities such as kayaking and camping are separate.

We cruise during the Antarctic summer. On the subantarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, temperatures average around 0°C during our cruises.

Currency on board is US dollars. At the end of the voyage, you may pay your tab in cash, or with a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX). We don’t accept traveler’s cheques.

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, wool and finish off with water and windproof materials. Keep your body warm, but let it breathe! Don’t forget your hats, scarves and gloves. 

 

We’ll have our warm expedition parka ready for you aboard, which you can take home with you, as well as rubber boots for landings, which are yours for the duration of the trip.

 

Click here to review our check-list on what clothes to bring with you!

Everyone reacts differently to the occasional, rough water of the Drake Passage. Passengers should consult their personal physician prior to travel to Antarctica and carry the recommended preventative medications at all times. That said, not all Drake Passage crossings are tumultuous.

Yes, you will require travel insurance that covers you for the duration of the cruise. Please ensure that it includes travel to the polar regions and has an evacuation and repatriation coverage for no less than 200,000 USD.

 

While we do not require it, we do encourage passengers to also have cancellation insurance.

Antarctic Expeditions: Following Legendary Explorer Routes

Extended Antarctic Regions and Logistics

Extended Antarctic Regions and Logistics

An authentic Antarctica expedition experience extends far beyond the Antarctic Peninsula. To understand the history, biodiversity, and geology of the region, we recommend embarking on a comprehensive voyage that takes you to its most remarkable destinations.


Choose itineraries that include South Georgia Island, with its vast king penguin colonies, abandoned whaling stations, and historical ties to Ernest Shackleton’s heroic journey, or witness millions of penguins breeding in the Falkland Islands. Visit Deception Island to see where volcanic geology meets polar wildlife, or journey farther south than most other expeditions to cross the Antarctic Circle.


Most Antarctica adventures begin with an international flight to Buenos Aires, followed by a connection to Ushuaia. From there, expeditions venture across the legendary Drake Passage aboard ice-strengthened vessels, offering modern amenities, comfortable cabins, and gourmet cuisine.


Zodiac excursions, guided landings, and onboard lectures help you fully immerse yourself in the geology, wildlife, and history of the region. Additionally, you can sign up for camping on the shores of Antarctica and kayaking to explore at your own pace. Our professional expedition team carefully plans every detail of the itinerary and logistics to ensure your Antarctica journey is an unforgettable experience.

Advanced Antarctic Wildlife and Marine Life

Advanced Antarctic Wildlife and Marine Life

The wildlife of Antarctica is built upon krill, a keystone species supporting nearly all life in the Southern Ocean. Feeding on phytoplankton, krill sustains Antarctica’s complex food web, from prey to top predators. Some of the most iconic wildlife you can encounter on our Antarctica cruises includes:


  •  · Emperor penguins: the largest penguin species, uniquely adapted to breed during the Arctic winter on sea ice
  •  · King penguins: breeding in large colonies on subantarctic islands such as South Georgia
  •  · Adélie penguins and chinstrap penguins: abundant along rocky shores and coastlines
  •  · Leopard seals: powerful apex predators that prey (among others) on penguins
  •  · Orca whales: highly intelligent hunters and a highlight for travelers
  •  · Wandering albatross: possessing the largest wingspan of any bird 
  •  · Arctic terns: famous for the longest migration on Earth

Understanding the balanced web of life, from microscopic plankton to large predators, is key to climate science and marine ecology. Antarctica’s unique biodiversity makes it not only a remote wilderness, but also one of the most scientifically significant habitats on Earth.

From the Heroic Age to Modern Antarctic Expeditions

From the Heroic Age to Modern Antarctic Expeditions

Modern Antarctic expeditions trace back to the daring journeys of heroic explorers such as Ernest Shackleton, Robert Falcon Scott, and Roald Amundsen.


While Shackleton’s expeditions pushed the limits of human survival and endurance, Amundsen’s and Scott’s race to the South Pole demonstrated the remarkable achievements and bravery that defined the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.


Today, you can follow in their footsteps and experience the awe-inspiring moments of discovering some of the most remote places on Earth, but in comfort and safety aboard a modern expedition ship. Depart from Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, and cross the legendary Drake Passage aboard the Sea Spirit, a purpose-built expedition vessel for polar exploration.


While modern voyages rely on advanced navigation, an expert crew, and an experienced expedition team, the authentic spirit of exploration remains just as in the old days. Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica experience and write your very own chapter of exploration history.

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