The Aurora

Antartica Heritage Cruises & Tours

Follow in the wake and footsteps of Antarctica’s greatest explorers
Starting at:
Per Person
USD$ 9,390

Highlights

  • Tour historic whaling stations from South Georgia to the South Shetlands
  • Earn bragging rights traversing such momentous geographic markers as the Drake Passage, Antarctic Circle and Geographic South Pole
  • Peer inside the time-capsule innards of Ernest Shackleton’s and Robert Falcon Scott’s huts on Ross Island
  • Visit designated heritage sites such as Cape Denison and the Antarctic Treaty Monument
  • Reflect on the White Continent’s unique history of international cooperation and scientific endeavor dropping in at research bases

The White Continent may not have a long human history, but it’s an incredibly rich and heraldic one. Heritage cruises to Antarctica see you trace the paths of some of the most iconic geographies in the annals of exploration. Crossing the legendary Drake Passage—which separates the southernmost tip of South America from the South Shetland Islands—summons dramatic maritime sagas; crossing the Antarctic Circle is an almost sacred achievement for history (and geography) buffs.

Tours of South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula evoke the routes of the earliest forays into the Antarctic zone. Venture deeper in—to the Ross Sea, McMurdo Sound, the South Pole itself—to shadow the bygone exploits of Shackleton, Scott, and Mawson. From Whalers Bay to the Observation Hill Cross, from the marvelously preserved huts of Scott and Shackleton to the poignant Antarctic Treaty Monument, anyone interested in history, exploration, geography—not to mention the courage and endurance of the human spirit—will revel in experiencing Antarctic heritage firsthand.

Old sleds on the snow Large domes

Heritage Cruises in Antarctica

Embark on a captivating journey through Antarctic history. Join our heritage cruises in Antarctica and explore the rich cultural and historical sites of the White Continent.

In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

Length: 23 Days
Ships: MS Fram
USD$ 19,280 - USD$ 60,960
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Odyssey

Length: 20 Days, 21 Days
Ships: Douglas Mawson, Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
USD$ 23,546 - USD$ 47,356
Per Person
Up to 14% savings

Epic Antarctica: Crossing The Circle Via Falklands & South Georgia

Length: 23 Days
Ships: Ultramarine
USD$ 36,921 - USD$ 91,381
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea 13D

Length: 13 Days
Ships: Douglas Mawson, Sylvia Earle
USD$ 15,891 - USD$ 30,636
Per Person

Weddell Sea Quest

Length: 12 Days
Ships: MV Ushuaia
USD$ 9,390 - USD$ 17,890
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Antarctica Complete

Length: 23 Days
Ships: Douglas Mawson, Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
USD$ 32,296 - USD$ 61,196
Per Person

Beyond the Antarctic Circle – In the Wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot

Length: 16 Days
Ships: Le Commandant Charcot
USD$ 29,530 - USD$ 93,680
Per Person

Falklands, South Georgia & Valdes Peninsula: In the Heart of the Wilderness

Length: 20 Days
Ships: Le Lyrial
USD$ 19,910 - USD$ 48,110
Per Person
Up to 11% savings

Deep South Basecamp Experience

Length: 14 Days
Ships: Ortelius
USD$ 13,700 - USD$ 19,600
Per Person

Scott & Shackleton's Antarctic - Ross Sea Expedition

Length: 22 Days
Ships: Le Soléal
USD$ 36,270 - USD$ 81,670
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Ross Sea Odyssey

Length: 25 Days
Ships: Greg Mortimer
USD$ 30,171 - USD$ 49,721
Per Person

Unexplored Antarctica Between Two Continents

Length: 31 Days
Ships: Le Commandant Charcot
USD$ 75,540 - USD$ 171,590
Per Person

FAQ About Antarctica Heritage Cruises

What are Antarctica heritage cruises?

Antarctica heritage cruises are specialized expeditions that focus on visiting historical sites in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. These cruises offer unique opportunities to explore sites of historical significance and learn about the rich human history of the region.

What kind of historical sites can be visited on Antarctica heritage cruises?

Antarctica heritage cruises allow you to visit sites such as former whaling stations, scientific research stations, historic huts of explorers like Shackleton and Scott, and remnants of early Antarctic expeditions. These sites provide insights into the explorers’ challenges and achievements in this extreme env...

When is the best time for Antarctica heritage cruises?

Antarctica heritage cruises primarily take place during the Antarctic summer months of November to March. This is when conditions are most suitable for exploration, and many historical sites are accessible, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the region’s rich heritage.

What activities are included in Antarctica heritage cruises?

Antarctica heritage cruises offer a combination of guided shore excursions, lectures by historians and experts, visits to historical sites, and opportunities to interact with scientific communities, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience of the region’s historical significance.

Are Antarctica heritage cruises suitable for all ages and interests?

Yes, Antarctica heritage cruises cater to a wide range of ages and interests. Whether you have a passion for history, exploration, or simply enjoy learning about the human stories of Antarctica, these cruises offer engaging experiences for travelers with varied backgrounds.

Ships Exploring the Heritage Sites of Antarctica

Step aboard our heritage cruises and uncover the secrets of past explorers. Prepare to be immersed in the enchanting stories that echo through these icy landscapes.

Le Commandant Charcot

16-31 Days , 2 Itineraries
245 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 29,530 - USD$ 171,590
Per Person

Le Soléal

15-22 Days , 2 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 16,880 - USD$ 81,670
Per Person

Le Lyrial

11-20 Days , 5 Itineraries
244 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 14,360 - USD$ 64,110
Per Person
Up to 29% savings

Ultramarine

11-23 Days , 6 Itineraries
199 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 13,786 - USD$ 91,381
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Douglas Mawson

9-23 Days , 14 Itineraries
154 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 14,276 - USD$ 61,196
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Sylvia Earle

10-23 Days , 12 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 12,956 - USD$ 53,121
Per Person
Up to 21% savings

Magellan Explorer

6-20 Days , 8 Itineraries
96 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 5,795 - USD$ 38,995
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Heritage Adventurer

8-28 Days , 5 Itineraries
184 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 6,145 - USD$ 55,680
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Greg Mortimer

11-25 Days , 7 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 15,466 - USD$ 61,196
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

MS Fram

23-24 Days , 3 Itineraries
318 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 16,331 - USD$ 60,960
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

MS Expedition

11-22 Days , 5 Itineraries
128 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 7,679 - USD$ 176,999
Per Person
Up to 11% savings

Hondius

10-23 Days , 6 Itineraries
170 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 7,800 - USD$ 36,350
Per Person