Antarctica photography expeditions
For photographers, there is a mystique about Antarctica which no other continent can match.
Its position at the very edge of the human story – some of it is still unexplored, there are no permanent settlements here – seems to permeate the landscape, furnishing it with the deep emotional and cultural resonance of the frontier, of the lands that lie beyond.
Landscape photographers find their shots of the glacial walls, mighty icebergs, and narrow, ice-filled sea passages of the Antarctic Peninsula are imbued with a rare power. The natural world seems to speak louder here than elsewhere. Especially in the hundred thousand-strong colonies of adorable gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins...
"Antarctica? It's just extraterrestrial... "
— Dean J. Tatooles, photographer
Expeditions coming soon
New Expedition Micro Cruises to Antarctica and South Georgia!
Be the first to know. Register your interest here.
When’s the best time to visit Antarctica for a photo tour?
Antarctica photography expeditions run from November until the end of March. Outside of this period Antarctica is unreachable for expedition ships due to the harsh weather and ice conditions.
Each month offers something different for your Antarctica photo tour.
In spring in Antarctica (November), penguin mating rituals and nest building have begun and chicks begin to hatch – ideal for intimate behavioural shots. This is the best time for photographing Antarctic landscapes wearing a blanket of fresh snow in ethereal early-season light. The icebergs and ice are also particularly dazzling; as the month goes on the days get longer.
During summer on the Antarctic Peninsula (December and January), you will enjoy the longest daylight hours and warmest temperatures for your photography expedition. Wildlife is most active during these months, with plenty of penguin chicks competing for your lens’s attention. It’s also a great time for photographing seals and whales. The sea ice breaks up, meaning we can photograph more remote locations.
As we move through late summer to autumn (February and March), it’s a particularly good time for seal and whale photography – with humpbacks, orca, and minke whales particularly prevalent. The sea ice is usually at its lowest at this time. In March, autumn begins, with the nights getting darker and temperatures colder.
Why take a photo tour with us?
No queues. Just camera clicks.
Explore with an acclaimed polar photographer as an additional guide
Amateur or pro, you’ll learn a lot from our professional polar photographer, from framing a shot to capturing wildlife on the move and making the most of the lighting and weather conditions. After a day out photographing in the field, join them for evening workshops and lectures.
Intimate group size for a transformative experience
Disconnect from modern life on a small-group expedition. Connect with yourself, your small team, and the world around you.
Micro expedition ship reaches places bigger vessels can’t
Experience things that simply aren’t possible on so-called “small ship” expeditions.
Expedition leaders and guides with decades of polar experience and hundreds of expeditions between them
Our expedition leaders and guides are polar superstars. Tap into their knowledge and passion, with one guide to every six guests.
No crowds, no queueing
No crowd of guests around a single photo opportunity. From ship to Zodiac in minutes. You didn’t come this far from civilisation to queue.
No fixed itinerary. Go where the journey takes you.
We prefer to embrace spontaneity and make the most of every opportunity nature presents to us.
Highlights of an Antarctica photography expedition
Penguins...
Penguins
Photographing the horizon-stealing penguin rookeries of the Antarctic Peninsula, your first response may be to capture the overwhelming scale of these colonies. But zoom in and you will capture the intimate stories and interactions of the characterful family units of gentoos, Adélies, and chinstrap penguins.
... and beyond
Seals
Photographing leopard, elephant, Weddell, and crabeater seals in the water and on the ice of the Antarctic Peninsula, you learn to capture the idiosyncratic traits of each. Whether at rest or active, they are amongst the most entertaining subjects in nature.
Whales
Keep your lens trained on the water. There’s nothing quite like the moment a whale’s blow is spotted for the first time during an Antarctica photography expedition. Shooting the graceful movements of minke, humpback, and southern right whales, as well as the iconic orca, gliding up to break the level surface of the ocean… it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Circling seabirds
You’ll be photographing wildlife on land, at sea, and in the air during your Antarctica photography expedition. The wandering albatross – the largest flying bird on the planet – soars while barely flapping its wings. Catching this giant in flight is near the top of many Antarctica photography wishlists.
Landscapes
Tabular icebergs of perfect white and near-luminous blue. Glacier walls staring stoically out to sea, delimiting the peninsula’s edge. The narrow oceanic channels that slip between the Antarctic Peninsula and the island’s just off the coast.
The landscape photography opportunities in Antarctica are plentiful and varied. And the feeling of wildness, isolation, and extremity that permeates the scenery here is unique to this continent, the least photographed on Earth.
Photography expedition guides
Our photography expedition guides set us apart. Their skill and passion for their craft inspire us and each one of our guests, trip after trip.
Each photography tour guide has their own style, but they are united in their love for the lands we explore.
Places we explore on Antarctica photo tours
Lemaire Channel
Known as 'Kodak Gap' for good reason, this narrow ocean passage features towering ice-covered peaks, reflected in the mirror-still waters.
Cuverville Island
A prime spot for photographing a large gentoo penguin colony against a backdrop of striking icebergs and glacier walls.
Paradise Bay
Majestic mountain landscapes and calm waters dotted with sculpted icebergs make this a dream for atmospheric reflection shots.
Deception Island
A flooded volcanic caldera forming a ring-shaped island in the South Shetlands, with black-sand beaches, rusting whaling station ruins, and strikingly stark landscape.
Explorer's Handbook
Everything you need to know to help you plan your Antarctica photography expedition, from destination guides to weather insights and what to pack…
50 Interesting Antarctica Facts
50 Interesting Antarctica Facts
Antarctica Travel Guide
Antarctica Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit Antarctica
Best Time to Visit Antarctica
What to Pack for Antarctica and South Georgia
What to Pack for Antarctica and South Georgia
How to Get to Antarctica
How to Get to Antarctica
Antarctica photography expedition FAQs
Can I join your photo tour as a solo traveller?
Yes, you can. Every year we welcome solo travellers on board, where you will find a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
We offer accommodation options for single cabins or sharing a cabin with travellers of the same gender.
Is an Antarctica photo tour for me?
Our Antarctica photo tours are suitable for the vast majority of people and we aim to make them as accessible as possible.
Photography-wise, everyone is welcome, from absolute beginners to pros looking for unique photo opportunities on the Antarctic Peninsula.
We ask that our guests have a good level of mobility, as it is a requirement that you can safely step down from the vessel into the landing craft and then exit the landing craft onto land.
Due to the remote areas we visit and the distance from medical assistance, we advise that you have a reasonable level of fitness and are in good health.
During shore landings, we have two guides, which enables us to split the group if we have some keen hikers and some other guests who want to keep things leisurely.
Can I join your photo tour as a non-photographer?
Yes, we welcome guests that share an interest not only in photography but in learning more about nature and observing wildlife in its natural habitat.
Our Antarctica photo tours are designed for guests that are looking to spend time out in the field taking photos. We welcome all levels of photographer. Whether you’re an experienced professional or completely new to photography, this is a great opportunity to spend time in nature capturing images.
In addition to our photography guide, we also have a highly experienced expedition leader and guide on board, giving you plenty of opportunity to learn about Antarctica.
Will it be cold on my photo tour to Antarctica?
Temperatures vary, of course, but are generally warmer than many visitors expect. During the travel 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 to ensure you have full knowledge of what you need to bring to be comfortable in all temperatures.
How do you ensure your cruises don’t have a negative effect on the environment?
That’s a great question and one we want to answer honestly.
The vessels we work with don’t burn heavy fuels, which are particularly detrimental to the environment, and run on standard marine diesel.
During our cruises, we follow very strict guidelines as set out by IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) to ensure minimal impact on the wildlife and places we visit. This includes following strict rules about not disturbing wildlife in its natural habitat.
We employ highly experienced expedition leaders to run our expeditions in accordance with the rules and safety code laid out by IAATO.
We are proud members of 1% for the Planet, pledging to donate at least 1% of our annual revenue to charitable causes that benefit our world.
In addition, we support the Yachts for Science initiative, regularly taking scientists and researchers on our expedition vessels, giving them the transport and space they need to complete their important work.
We believe that working with local communities is a big part of responsible tourism and hire locally wherever possible.
For more information on our commitment to the planet and what we’re doing to make our expeditions as responsible as possible, head to Our impact.
