Antarctica
Navigating amid electric blue icebergs to a rocky shore where mountains clad in blindingly white snow rise into the clouds, you’ll feel as if you’re on another planet. Whether you’re hiking a massive glacier alongside a colony of gentoo penguins or watching a humpback whale breach the surface just feet away on a Zodiac safari, there will be moments when the ethereal beauty of the Antarctic takes your breath away.
Discover Antarctica
Regions of Antarctica
Antarctic Peninsula
Join the few intrepid explorers who have set foot on Antarctica by exploring the surreal shores of its northern peninsula and surrounding islands, where a vast expanse of glaciers and snow blankets mountainous peaks in a sea of icebergs. A remarkable array of wildlife welcomes you to this far-flung polar region, including penguin rookeries, migrating whales, several species of seals and rare birdlife.
Drake Passage
The powerful currents flowing between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula offer a challenge for any navigator, making a journey to the Seventh Continent all the more rewarding for those who choose an expedition that sails across the Drake Passage. Sometimes raucous and sometimes surprisingly tranquil, these waters attract wildlife such as albatross, petrels, humpback whales and hourglass dolphins to accompany you along the way.
South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands
Northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula, millions of penguins and other seabirds migrate to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands to breed. The tussock grass and rugged cliffs of South Georgia are home to regal king penguins, while the volcanic landscapes of the South Sandwich Islands host chinstrap penguins. Fur seals, elephant seals and other wildlife are also abundant. Offshore you may spy a mighty blue whale, the largest animal in the world.
South Orkney Islands
East of the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Orkney Islands offer the chance to glimpse the rare and beautiful snow petrel, as well as chinstrap and Adélie penguins, Weddell seals and other wildlife. Largely glaciated and often shrouded in mist, these mountainous islands evoke a mystical aura, especially when drifting silently along the surrounding waters on a Zodiac safari or stepping ashore to explore where few others have.
South Shetland Islands
Just off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands herald your arrival to the Seventh Continent with lunar-like landscapes of craggy shoreline backed by glistening snow-packed mountains. Shore landings reveal enormous penguin colonies, multiple seal species and Antarctic birds, and you might walk in the footsteps of the famed Shackleton Expedition that survived a shipwreck on Elephant Island. A rare sign of human habitation, the research station on King George Island has an airstrip for our expeditions that fly over the Drake Passage rather than sailing across it.
Featured Expeditions
Seize the moment to embark on the expedition of a lifetime.
Offers
Expedition Experience: Polar
In Antarctic regions where few humans have set foot, the only way to explore is on a polar-class vessel equipped with Zodiac boats and staffed with expert expedition leaders who provide daily briefings on board and guide adventures ashore. These essential experiences are included with our compliments on all Polar Expeditions to Antarctica, as are private charter jet service and a pre-cruise hotel stay to ensure you travel to this remote destination with ease. Optional kayaking excursions provide a different perspective on the surrounding seascapes and rare wildlife for an additional charge.
Featured Shore Landing and Zodiac Safari Sites
Captain's Choice
Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with our expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.
Pre- and Post-Expedition Experiences
Included Charter Air Service
All Antarctica expeditions include free private charter air service. When an itinerary sails across the Drake Passage, charter air service is provided between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, where the expedition embarks and/or disembarks. When an itinerary flies over the Drake Passage, charter air is provided between Punta Arenas and King George Island, where the expedition embarks and/or disembarks. Private group transfers between the airport and yacht are included as well to ensure a seamless travel experience. Our travel team can also assist in booking airfare between Buenos Aires or Punta Arenas and your home airport for an additional charge.
Included Hotel Stay
All Antarctica expeditions include a free 1-night pre-expedition hotel stay. Select voyages include a free 1-night post-expedition hotel stay as well. Our travel team can assist in booking additional hotel nights for those who wish to extend their expedition even further.
Included Pre-Expedition Cultural Immersion
An immersive cultural experience is included with our compliments on all of our expeditions. For those exploring Antarctica, this cultural immersion is offered prior to sailing or flying across the Drake Passage. You might enjoy an authentic Chilean asado of grilled lamb and a traditional dance performance at a local restaurant in Punta Arenas, or a journey through the majestic beauty of Tierra del Fuego National Park from Ushuaia.
Pre- and Post-Expedition Land Programs
If you wish to explore even farther before or after your expedition, we are pleased to offer the following pre- and post-expedition land programs. Our travel team can also assist you in crafting a custom land program.
Our Partners
Become an Orca Scientist
Join us in partnership with ORCA as a Citizen Scientist aboard our 2023/2024 Antarctica expeditions on World Navigator®. ORCA is a whale and dolphin conservation charity that works around the world with the mission of protecting the ocean through this special and exciting program.
Global Penguin Society
The Global Penguin Society’s clever acronym, GPS, provides a little hint at what they do. On select expeditions, join a GPS conservationist aboard an Antarctica expedition as they engage you with talks about tracking, monitoring, and informing vital conservation efforts for ensuring the future of the world’s penguin populations. Working in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Network – an organization that supports conservationists who ensure wildlife and people coexist and thrive – GPS’s mission is to protect all 18 species and their ecosystems in the Southern Hemisphere by generating sound science, management guidelines and education.
