Antarctic Peninsula
Experience the essence of Antarctica on a classic Antarctic Peninsula expedition cruise.
Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, these small-ship voyages are the most popular and accessible way to explore the White Continent. The Antarctic Peninsula is where most explorers fall in love with the polar world. Cruises offer the perfect balance of comfort, wildlife, and adventure — ideal for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike. You’ll sail past sculpted icebergs, spot humpback and minke whales, and set foot on the 7th continent via daily Zodiac landings.
Polar Circle Quest: M/V Ushuaia
January-February
12 day departure
An 11 night/12 day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula & Polar Circle aboard the M/V Ushuaia
Adventures in Antarctica: Seaventure
November-March
11 days
A classic expedition to the amazing Antarctic Peninsula on board the luxurious MS Seaventure
Antarctic Peninsula: M/V Sea Spirit
November-February
11 or 12 days
An 11 or 12 day expedition on board the luxury M/V Sea Spirit discovering the amazing Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica Uncharted Deep South: Ortelius
February-March
15 days
On this extraordinary journey with the ice-strengthened MV Ortelius, navigate unexplored Antarctic waters in search of mysterious uncharted islands
On Sale
Quest for the Antarctic Circle: M/S Expedition
December-March
14 days
This 14-day adventure itinerary with the M/S Expedition spends seven full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, including past the Polar Circle
On Sale
Best of Antarctica, Small Ship Expedition
November-March
11 days
A boutique adventure cruise to Antarctica. Sail to the beautiful Antarctic Peninsula on the small expedition ship Ocean Nova
Early Booking Bonus
Whale Season in Antarctica: Seaventure
March
11 days
An 11 day expedition to Antarctica on board the luxurious Seaventure focussing on the exceptional whale viewing of the late summer
Weddell Sea Explorer Basecamp: Ortelius
March
13 days
A special voyage featuring outdoor adventure options to the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the luxury ice class expedition ship RCGS Resolute
Antarctica Beyond the Polar Circle - Hondius
March
12-16 days
An voyage to the southern reaches of the Antarctic Peninsula crossing the Antarctic Circle and beyond where most Antarctic ships venture!
Antarctica Small Ship, Great Penguin Adventure
November
21 days
A magnificent Antarctica cruise on the modern and small ship Ocean Nova with the possibility of sighting 7 different species of penguin!
The Heart of Antarctica
The Antarctic Peninsula is where most explorers fall in love with the polar world. Cruises here offer the perfect balance of comfort, wildlife, and adventure — ideal for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike. You’ll sail past sculpted icebergs, spot humpback and minke whales, and set foot on the 7th continent via daily Zodiac landings.
Why Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula
- Most Accessible Region: Shorter voyages (10–12 days) from Ushuaia via the Drake Passage.
- Abundant Wildlife: Penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds thrive here.
- Spectacular Scenery: Ice cliffs, glaciers, and the Antarctic mountains.
- Frequent Landings: Small ships = more Zodiac operations and exploration.
- Expert Guidance: Naturalists and expedition leaders enhance every day at sea.
Wildlife You Can See in the Antarctic Peninsula
- Gentoo, Adélie penguins, and Chinstrap penguins
- Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals
- Humpback and minke whales
- Antarctic petrels, skuas, and terns
The Antarctica cruise season runs from November–March - all months being wonderful - there is no absolute best time to visit the Antarctic Peninsula. Wildlife sightings do change through the season — in the early season Nov-Dec you'll see pristine snowy slopes, active penguin courtship and dramatic icebergs. The high season January-February brings peak wildlife, lots of penguin chicks and longer landings. In March enjoy the deep light, quieter voyages, and excellent whale activity. However during the whole season you can see plenty of penguins, whales and of course Antarctica's awe-inspiring mountainous scenery!
Booking Your Antarctic Peninsula Cruise
Book as early as possible for the best choice of cabins and departure dates. Choose from the many tour links on this page and don't forget to sort and filter by ship type, price, departure date, optional adventures and other criteria. Expeditions Online offers flexible payment options, multi-currency booking, and personalized service from polar travel experts. Get in touch with us anytime with questions and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter below:
Expeditions Online Newsletter
Sign up to be an Expeditions Online insider and receive info on exclusive deals, discounts and more!