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.
On Sale
Antarctica In Depth - M/S Expedition
November & December
13 days
This 13-day itinerary with the M/S Expedition spends two extra days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise: Magellan Explorer
January
6/7 days
A 6 day air-cruise to Antarctica for those short on time or budget! Sail on the brand new Magellan Explorer and then fly back directly from Antarctica
Antarctica In-Depth Small Ship Expedition
November-December
13 days
An in-depth 13 day expedition cruise with extra days adventures in the White Continent. Sail on the small, modern expedition ship Ocean Nova
Spirit of Terra Nova: St Helena
December-March
11 days
Extended 11 day Antarctica expedition on the classic small expedition ship, St Helena, with all-inclusive activities like kayaking and photography
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise: Magellan Discoverer
December - January
8 days
An unique 8 day Fly/Cruise adventure to Antarctica. Fly direct to Antarctica and then sail on the luxurious Hebridean Sky, with just 71 passengers
New Year in Antarctica: Sea Spirit
December-January
12 days
Celebrate New Year on the 7th continent on board the luxury M/V Sea Spirit with 10 nights onboard discovering the amazing Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica Long Hikes M/V Plancius
Dec-Feb
11 days
An Antarctica expedition with the small ship Plancius to a rugged landscape with fantastic variety of wildlife and opportunities for long hikes
Bellingshausen Sea, Peter I Isl & Ellsworth Land
January-February
25 days
An epic 25 day expedition cruise to the the farthest southern reaches of the Antarctic Peninsula onboard the helicopter equipped M/V Ortelius
Early Booking Offer
Crossing the Circle: World Voyager
March
14 days
An in-depth and peak-season, 14 day expedition on board the luxury, state of the art World Voyager along the Peninsula and past the Antarctic Circle
Extended Antarctic Circle Crossing: Ocean Nova
February-March
14 days
An in-depth expedition with the comfortable Ocean Nova discovering the 7th Continent, Antarctica including crossing of the polar circle
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!