Best for those who want epic natural environments and travel experience unlike any other.
Antarctica is one of the most incredible areas on the planet. Quite simply, it is a continent full of natural wonder and pure environmental spectacle. From the island of South Georgia right into the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula, each area is adorned with dramatic scenery and large concentrations of wildlife that will leave a fond imprint in your memory. You can see snow‑covered peaks, iceberg strewn waters, seal colonies, penguin rookeries, glacial ice and close encounters with all varieties of aquatic life, including numerous whale species. Combine this with the epic and dramatic history of the early Antarctic explorers and a chance to retrace their courageous footsteps through this unforgiving landscape, barely changed since they first set eyes upon it. Antarctica is a natural wonder where you can see the true beauty of the natural world in full force.
In addition to the cruise ship exploration from South America, The Explorer Society also offers something truly unique with our remote stays in Antarctica. Starting instead from the African continent, you travel by private jet to experience utterly amazing stays, all without another soul in sight. Visit penguin colonies that rarely see humans, climb previously unclimbed mountains and even head down to the South Pole.
Whatever you wish is possible down here.
The Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost point of the Antarctic continent and as you’d expect, has the mildest temperatures of the entire continent. This area is dramatic in scope and landscape, with mountain peaks, large glaciers and stunning icebergs littering the waters. This is also home to a large variety of Antarctic wildlife from the emperor penguin to seals, whales and more.
The most southerly point most Antarctic cruises will reach, the Antarctic Circle is an area of the earth made up almost entirely of the Antarctic continent. It is below this line of latitude that for some points in the year the continent experiences 24-hour sunlight, giving the area the name of ‘The Land of the Midnight Sun’. Of course, in winter the opposite also holds true.
Also known as the ‘Galapagos of the South’, the remote island of South Georgia is home to millions of birds, seals, penguins and even reindeer! Spending time around this area is to retrace the steps of history, from the tranquil bays and abandoned whaling stations to even the grave of famed Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Remarkably beautiful, this island is a wild and untouched monument to the power and life cycle of Mother Nature.
The Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost point of the Antarctic continent and as you’d expect, has the mildest temperatures of the entire continent. This area is dramatic in scope and landscape, with mountain peaks, large glaciers and stunning icebergs littering the waters. This is also home to a large variety of Antarctic wildlife from the emperor penguin to seals, whales and more.
The most southerly point most Antarctic cruises will reach, the Antarctic Circle is an area of the earth made up almost entirely of the Antarctic continent. It is below this line of latitude that for some points in the year the continent experiences 24-hour sunlight, giving the area the name of ‘The Land of the Midnight Sun’. Of course, in winter the opposite also holds true.
Also known as the ‘Galapagos of the South’, the remote island of South Georgia is home to millions of birds, seals, penguins and even reindeer! Spending time around this area is to retrace the steps of history, from the tranquil bays and abandoned whaling stations to even the grave of famed Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Remarkably beautiful, this island is a wild and untouched monument to the power and life cycle of Mother Nature.
There is surprisingly a lot to do on the continent that isn’t just being confined to a ship. You can try your hand at kayaking around the waters to see wildlife up close, go for a snorkel or swim or get in some snowboard or ski runs. For the less physical, just a classic Polar Plunge into the frigid waters might be enough (or too much!).
We take travellers all the way down to the South Pole itself. This is the ultimate travel experience, to set foot where so few have been before. This is for a few select trips each year, and is a rarity amongst even Antarctic travellers. It’s here you can stand at the southernmost point of the world, where every direction is north.
For the adventurous, recreate Shackleton’s voyage across South Georgia Island with a trained guide and nothing but your iron will to help! Well, it’s not quite that hard‑core. You’ll have plenty of assistance and modern equipment as you trace the final leg of the Endurance crew’s epic journey.
The Emperor penguin is the largest penguin species and the only one to breed over an Antarctic winter. Their colonies, remote and wild, can be visited from our fly in option via Africa or via Snow Hill, a combination sail/helicopter from South America. These opportunities, although rare, offer a unique chance to see these amazing animals.
Antarctica is only open to visit between late October and March. This is due to the conditions being largely inaccessible or unsafe outside these times. Within these months however there is a difference of experience depending on the natural environment. Early in the season will see epic frozen environments, more ice and snow and the penguins courting or nesting. Later in the season will see the penguin hatching or as young chicks and more whale activity. Whatever time you choose will be a feast for the senses, there is no bad time of the season.
If leaving from the South American continent, most Antarctic cruises will take around two days to arrive at the continent. You’ll also spend about a minimum of seven days cruising around various areas. If you also want to visit South Georgia or the Falkland Islands, you can expect to add more time in. Typically, an Antarctic cruise can run anywhere between 11—23 days, depending on route chosen and budget.
For those with shorter time or an aversion to crossing the rocky Drake passage, a fly‑cruise option is available. With an itinerary around seven days in length, you fly to King George Island and cruise from there.
If you are planning to fly from Africa, you can do an ‘Best Day’ itinerary to give you a day you’ll never forget. Depending on the private jet itinerary (unless you have your own) you can also stay for three days, four days, a week or even longer to create your own tailored, amazing adventure. You can even combine the ‘Best Day’ itinerary with an amazing safari day to make a “Best Weekend Ever!’. Of course, we’d recommend staying longer but each to their own!
Everyone is different, so please note that these guidelines are general in nature.
Ultimately it will depend on your own expedition’s requirements.
Planning travel should be exciting, but it can be exhausting. There is so much information and so little clarity, you often end up more confused than when you began.
Sometimes it’s simple and easy to figure out. Sometimes it means asking you more questions and diving deep into your motivations.
We’ll walk you through the whole planning and booking process. We want to make sure you are travelling on the trip that best suits you, not anyone else.
We will be there from the first moment you get in touch until after you come back home with countless memories to share.
