Antarctica cruises
Antarctic Peninsula
69°30’S, 65°00’W
Journey to the far reaches of our planet on an Antarctica cruise.
Why you should join an Antarctica small ship cruise
Antarctica, the Frozen Continent, is a destination for the explorer in each one of us. This is an elemental place – where polar winds whip, elephant seals roar, and unexplored glaciers calve into the sea with an almighty crash. There is no permanent human population. An Antarctica cruise is about as far from the modern world as you can get without falling off the edge.
Alongside power and mystery, there is great beauty here. Icebergs of shimmering blue rise up before you, sculpted by Mother Nature's artistic genius. And whilst no humans live here, penguins do. Gentoos, Adélies, and chinstraps breed here in vast numbers. Meeting them in their natural habitat is a highlight of all our small ship Antarctica cruises, where you'll share this incredible experience with just 44 fellow guests – ensuring an intimate and personal encounter with one of Earth's last wild frontiers.
Why choose Secret Atlas for Antarctica?
Just 44 guests – Experience Antarctica intimately, not in crowds. With only 44 fellow explorers, you'll have genuine encounters with wildlife and landscapes.
More time in Antarctica – Our fly-cruise option flies you directly from Puerto Natales to King George Island, bypassing days at sea. You'll spend more time exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, not crossing the Drake Passage.
The fastest route – No time wasted. Fly from Patagonian gateway Puerto Natales to Antarctica in hours, then board your expedition vessel ready to discover the white continent immediately.
Torres del Paine Extension - Our Peace of Mind Torres del Paine Extension Package ensures your journey continues seamlessly even if return flights face delays. This isn't just contingency planning – it's an opportunity to explore one of South America's most spectacular national parks.
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Wildlife
Among Antarctica’s most famous inhabitants are the large populations of penguins that call the frozen paradise their home. We explore many known penguin rookeries during our Antarctica expedition cruises, seeing gentoos, Adélies, and chinstrap penguins in great numbers as they brood eggs and feed chicks.
In the water and on the ice, we frequently sight leopard, elephant, crabeater, and Weddell seals. And keep your eyes on the sea to spot whales and orcas swimming alongside our ship and Zodiac boats.
Places of interest
The stretch of water between South America and the South Shetlands, the Drake Passage can be choppy and unpredictable, but at the convergence point between the sub-Antarctic and the Antarctic waters, it is rich in krill and therefore marine life. Vast numbers of humpback whales have been observed here recently.
Ring-shaped island in the South Shetlands, formed by a sunken volcanic caldera, where a huge, 100,000-strong colony of chinstrap penguins breed nearby at Baily Head, a stunning promontory on the outside of the island.
Once inside the deceptively sequestered entrance to the natural harbour, calm beaches greet curious travellers. Whaling boats sit half-submerged on the dark beaches, filled by volcanic skree. Hot springs just off the landing site invite those who want to do the 'Polar Plunge' the easy way.
Noted for its beautiful bay filled with elephant seals, Weddell Seals, and chinstrap and gentoo penguins, as well as the jousting antics of youthful fur seals. Landing on this island in the South Shetlands is a highlight of many Expedition Micro Cruises to Antarctica.
A stunning 'tuya', a volcano flattened when erupting into a glacier, home to over 20,000 pairs of Adélie penguins.
Glaciated mountains and tabular icebergs mark out this scenic stretch of water. Transit through this remarkable waterway, taking in the scenery, the pack ice, and the magnificent whales that frequent the area.
A natural harbour with a dramatic mountainous backdrop on Wiencke Island, famous for its post office (the most southerly operational post office on Earth) and a population of nesting blue-eyed shags. Penguins reside on half the island; however, visitors are welcome at the post office, where over 70,000 pieces of mail get posted annually.
A scenic body of water separating the peninsula and Anvers Island, known for its turquoise blue icebergs, humpback whales, and dramatic cliffs. Nearby Neumayer Channel beckons ships to behold the radiant glaciers that frost its sharp, dark cliffs.
A narrow oceanic channel, framed on either side by towering cliffs, littered with spectacular icebergs. Nicknamed 'Kodak Valley' for its photogenic nature, for some, this transit is the highlight of their voyage.
A protected bay where colonies of gentoo penguins fill the cliffs.
A pleasant landing site for expedition ships to call, where gentoo penguins nest on rocks. Scenic, grounded icebergs speckle the bay that attracts cetaceans, such as friendly minke and southern right whales.
This wide bay comes by its name honestly: it is one of the most spectacular areas in all of Antarctica. When waters are calm, they mirror the spiked cliffs blanketed with thick ice and glaciers filled with deep azure caverns.
History
Although Captain James Cook crossed the Antarctic Circle and came within 80 km of Antarctica in 1773, he never sighted land.
The honour of the first recorded discovery of the continent instead went to the crew of two Russian ships – Vostok and Mirnyi – under the command of Captain Fabien Gottlieb von Bellingshausen in 1820.
Since then, Antarctica has been central to the history of exploration and human endeavour, with Cook, Ross, Scott, Shackleton, Mawson, Bellingshausen, Palmer, and Amundsen among the respected names to have ventured along the Antarctic Peninsula and deep into the southernmost continent.
Antarctica Fly Cruise
Your Antarctic tour begins with Secret Atlas's fly-cruise option, transforming how you reach the white continent. Rather than spending days crossing the Drake Passage both ways, you can fly directly from Puerto Natales; the authentic Patagonian gateway town perfectly positioned near Torres del Paine – to King George Island in the South Shetlands. This remarkable journey takes you from the windswept estancias and fjords of southern Chile to your first Antarctic landing in just hours, maximizing your time exploring the peninsula itself.
King George Island serves as your threshold to Antarctica proper, where you'll board your intimate expedition vessel and begin discovering the frozen wilderness with your small group of fellow explorers. This seamless connection between Patagonia's raw frontier spirit and Antarctica's pristine vastness creates an expedition experience that honors both the convenience of modern travel and the authentic spirit of polar exploration.
Antarctica cruises
Micro Cruises
Antarctic Spring Micro Fly Cruise - Sail One Way
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Sail across the Drake Passage and explore Antarctica in spring on a 44-guest Micro Cruise.
- guests
- 9 days
Antarctic Spring Micro Fly Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Skip the Drake Passage to awakening Antarctica in spring on a 44-guest Fly & Cruise. Witness penguins courting, whales returning, glittering pack ice, and thawing fjords—uncrowded and flexible.
- guests
- 10 days
Antarctic Christmas Micro Fly Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Experience a Christmas like no other in Antarctica on a 44-guest Fly & Cruise. Penguin chicks, whales, and glittering icebergs await in an uncrowded, flexible adventure.
- guests
- 10 days
Antarctic New Year Micro Fly Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Welcome the New Year in Antarctica on a 44-guest Fly & Cruise expedition. Witness penguin chicks taking their first steps, whales returning, and towering icebergs in an uncrowded, flexible polar adventure.
- guests
- 10 days
Antarctic Circle Micro Fly Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Sail beyond the legendary Antarctic Circle with just 44 guests. Explore pristine ice, wildlife-rich bays, and iconic sites without crowds, and free from rigid schedules.
- guests
- 10 days
Antarctic Summer Micro Fly Cruise — Sail One Way
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Fly one way and sail the other across the legendary Drake Passage on a 44-guest Antarctic expedition. See summer’s penguin chicks, whales and sculpted ice—uncrowded and free from rigid schedules.
- guests
- 9 days
Antarctic Autumn Fly Micro Cruise — Sail One Way
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Sail the Drake Passage once on a 44-guest Fly & Cruise expedition to Antarctica in autumn. Golden light bathes bustling penguin colonies, playful seals, and whales at their seasonal peak.
- guests
- 9 days
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Micro Cruise
Combine Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica on a 78-guest cruise expedition in Spring. Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps, witness penguin chicks and whales, and enjoy uncrowded, pristine landscapes.
- 78 guests
- 21 days
The Expedition Micro Cruise concept
When to take your Antarctica cruise
The Antarctica cruise season runs from November until the end of March. Outside of this period, there are no cruises to Antarctica due to the harsh weather and ice conditions.
November is springtime in Antarctica. Penguins are courting, with their distinctive, repetitive calls and dance moves, and some early chicks begin to hatch. As the month goes on, the days get longer. There are fewer visitors in the early season, making it a fantastic time for uninterrupted landscape photography.
December has the longest hours and warmest temperatures for visiting the Antarctic Peninsula on an Antarctica tour. It’s a time when wildlife is particularly active: penguin courtship and nest building is in full swing, seals are easily seen on land and on rafts of ice, and whales are plentiful.
January is a popular month for Antarctica expedition cruises. There are plenty of penguin chicks, it’s a great month for seeing seals and whales, and more daylight hours make spotting wildlife an around-the-clock possibility.
Skuas and giant petrels soar above the penguin colonies looking to predate upon a hapless penguin chick or unguarded egg. The sea ice breaks up further, making more places accessible.
The animal activity and good conditions continue into February, the month when sea ice is usually at its lowest. Penguins begin to molt heavily at this time. It is possible to view downy chicks losing their warm sheath in favour of striking adult plumage.
In March, as autumn gets underway, the nights get darker and the temperatures get colder. It's a good month to spot whales and seals, although many of the penguin chicks will be gone.
Private charters
Looking to explore the world with friends, family, or colleagues?
Plan a private charter with us.
Explorer's Handbook
Everything you need to know to help you plan your Antarctica expedition, from destination guides to weather insights and what to pack…
Animals in Antarctica | What Animals Call the Antarctic Home?
Animals in Antarctica | What Animals Call the Antarctic Home?
Antarctica Travel Guide
Antarctica Travel Guide
50 Interesting Antarctica Facts
50 Interesting Antarctica Facts
What to Pack for Antarctica and South Georgia
What to Pack for Antarctica and South Georgia
Best Time to Visit Antarctica
Best Time to Visit Antarctica
Antarctica cruise FAQs
How long does an Antarctica cruise usually last?
Depending on the itinerary, most Expedition Micro Cruises to Antarctica last between 10 and 20 days.
What kind of wildlife will I see on an Antarctica cruise?
Antarctica is an untamed continent, a true wilderness. As such, we encounter a wide but ever-changing variety of wildlife on our Antarctica small ship cruises.
On previous small ship Antarctica cruises, we have seen penguins (Adélie, chinstrap, gentoo, and emperor, depending on your route), seals (Weddell, leopard, elephant, crabeater), various whale species (humpback, minke, blue, southern right whales, and orcas). Seabirds, like albatrosses and petrels, are also commonly sighted.
How cold will it be?
Temperatures vary, of course, but are generally warmer than many visitors expect. During the Antarctica cruise season, temperatures range between 5°C to -10°C (41°F to 14°F) on the Antarctic Peninsula. However, wind chill can make it feel significantly colder, especially on deck or during land excursions.
We’ll send you a packing list ahead of your cruise to ensure you have the best small ship Antarctica cruise experience possible.
How much does an Antarctica expedition cost?
A small ship Antarctic expedition of only 44 guests can vary in cost based on the time of year, landmarks included, and other factors. You can always check Antarctica dates and rates for current Antarctic expedition pricing information.
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