Whale under water

Antarctica Wildlife Tours & Cruises

See seals, seabirds, whales, and penguins in Antarctica's pristine polar habitat
Starting at:
Per Person
USD$ 5,279

Highlights

  • See superlative species such as leopard seals, wandering albatross, and (if you’re lucky!) emperor penguins
  • Experience some of the greatest concentrations of marine life on the planet
  • Spot penguin chicks and seal pups during the breeding season
  • Get up-close looks at marine life and seabirds via Zodiac, kayak, and onshore guided hikes
  • Witness many of the Southern Ocean’s whale species lobtailing and lunge feeding in late summer

The Antarctic zone easily ranks among the greatest wildlife-watching destinations on Earth. A dazzling diversity and abundance of marine creatures—from terns and albatrosses to fur seals and baleen whales—reflect the incredible productivity of these polar waters, powered by krill and other miniscule but mighty fuel. From the enormous elephant seals and imposing giant petrels of South Georgia to the penguin colonies and orca hunting grounds along the White Continent’s coastline, Antarctic wildlife adventures are as dramatic as any safari destination anywhere.

Whether you’re marveling at the diverse pinniped or avian rookeries of the Antarctic Peninsula, scouting for blue whales amid the sea ice, or venturing beyond the Antarctic Circle after one of the planet’s most coveted bird species on an Antarctica emperor penguin tour in the Weddell Sea, life-changing encounters with extraordinary animals—enriched by expert ornithologist and preeminent pelagic guides—are par for the course on Antarctica wildlife cruises at the bottom of the world.

Group of elephants seals Two penguins

Antarctica Wildlife Tours

Immerse yourself in a wildlife spectacle like no other and explore the pristine habitats of the seventh continent, where nature’s wonders come alive before your very eyes.

Up to 21% savings

Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent

Length: 11 Days
Ships: Ocean Explorer, World Explorer
USD$ 12,321 - USD$ 24,986
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

Length: 23 Days
Ships: MS Fram
USD$ 17,997 - USD$ 44,192
Per Person
Up to 24% savings

Antarctic Circle Expedition (18D)

Length: 18 Days
Ships: MS Roald Amundsen
USD$ 12,708 - USD$ 19,001
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake

Length: 8 Days
Ships: Ocean Explorer, World Voyager
USD$ 15,206 - USD$ 37,256
Per Person
Up to 35% savings

Spirit of Antarctica

Length: 12 Days
Ships: Douglas Mawson, Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
USD$ 12,347 - USD$ 31,956
Per Person
Up to 23% savings

Highlights of Antarctica

Length: 12 Days
Ships: MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen
USD$ 9,966 - USD$ 24,021
Per Person

Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer

Length: 11 Days
Ships: Ocean Nova
USD$ 8,564 - USD$ 21,407
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Spirit of Antarctica: Whale Migration

Length: 11 Days
Ships: Sylvia Earle
USD$ 12,146 - USD$ 23,396
Per Person
Up to 14% savings

Antarctic Express: Crossing The Circle

Length: 11 Days
Ships: Ocean Explorer, World Voyager
USD$ 25,646 - USD$ 45,356
Per Person

Emblematic Antarctica

Length: 11 Days
Ships: Le Boréal, Le Lyrial, L’Austral
USD$ 14,120 - USD$ 37,880
Per Person

Weddell Sea - In Search of the Emperor Penguin

Length: 11 Days
Ships: Ortelius
USD$ 13,450 - USD$ 17,950
Per Person

Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands

Length: 17 Days
Ships: Heritage Adventurer
USD$ 15,995 - USD$ 28,180
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica (19D)

Length: 19 Days, 20 Days, 21 Days, 23 Days
Ships: Hondius, Plancius, Ortelius
USD$ 14,150 - USD$ 33,050
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

In Shackleton’s Footsteps

Length: 20 Days
Ships: Douglas Mawson, Sylvia Earle
USD$ 21,207 - USD$ 46,076
Per Person

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage (8D)

Length: 8 Days
Ships: National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion
USD$ 12,154 - USD$ 29,857
Per Person

FAQ About Antarctic Wildlife Adventures

Why choose an Antarctica wildlife tour?

Antarctica wildlife tours offer extraordinary opportunities to witness diverse and abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds. These tours provide immersive experiences, expert guides, and the chance to explore one of the world’s most pristine ecosystems.

When is the best time for Antarctica wildlife tours?

The Antarctic summer months from November to March are ideal for wildlife tours. During this time, wildlife is most active, with penguins nesting, seal pups born, and whales feeding in the nutrient-rich Antarctic waters.

What wildlife can I expect to see on an Antarctica tour?

Antarctica tours offer incredible wildlife encounters. You can witness various penguin species, such as Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap, along with seals like Weddell and Leopard seals. Whales, including humpbacks and orcas, are commonly sighted, along with numerous seabirds.

What activities are included in Antarctica wildlife tours?

Antarctica wildlife tours typically include Zodiac cruises for up-close wildlife observation, shore excursions to penguin rookeries and seal colonies, lectures by expert naturalists, and opportunities for wildlife photography and birdwatching.

What measures are taken to protect the wildlife during Antarctica tours?

Antarctica tours prioritize wildlife conservation and adhere to strict guidelines to minimize disturbance to the animals and their habitats. Operators follow International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) regulations to ensure responsible and sustainable wildlife viewing.

Antarctica Wildlife Cruises

Embark on an extraordinary wildlife odyssey to Antarctica. Set sail on our captivating wildlife cruises and witness majestic penguins, playful seals, and graceful whales in their natural habitat.

Le Boréal

11-19 Days, 3 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 15,530 - USD$ 45,930
Per Person

Le Lyrial

11-19 Days, 4 Itineraries
244 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 14,120 - USD$ 49,880
Per Person

L’Austral

11-19 Days, 3 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 15,530 - USD$ 38,720
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Ultramarine

11-23 Days, 13 Itineraries
199 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 12,721 - USD$ 79,321
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Ocean Explorer

8-20 Days, 13 Itineraries
138 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 12,321 - USD$ 43,196
Per Person
Up to 24% savings

MS Fridtjof Nansen

12-19 Days, 4 Itineraries
530 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 10,003 - USD$ 34,266
Per Person
Up to 24% savings

MS Roald Amundsen

12-18 Days, 6 Itineraries
532 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 9,966 - USD$ 19,236
Per Person
Up to 35% savings

Douglas Mawson

8-23 Days, 15 Itineraries
154 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 12,347 - USD$ 61,196
Per Person
Up to 35% savings

Sylvia Earle

8-23 Days, 19 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 12,146 - USD$ 60,686
Per Person
Up to 21% savings

Magellan Explorer

6-20 Days, 9 Itineraries
96 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 6,795 - USD$ 38,995
Per Person

Sea Spirit

11-23 Days, 12 Itineraries
114 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 11,795 - USD$ 47,495
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Ocean Albatros

8-23 Days, 21 Itineraries
175 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 8,095 - USD$ 53,291
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Seaventure

10-20 Days, 8 Itineraries
150 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 6,746 - USD$ 29,881
Per Person

Heritage Adventurer

8-28 Days, 5 Itineraries
184 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 5,279 - USD$ 53,031
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Greg Mortimer

8-29 Days, 13 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 14,236 - USD$ 57,116
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Ocean Victory

9-20 Days, 12 Itineraries
189 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 8,467 - USD$ 34,166
Per Person
Up to 31% savings

MS Fram

23-24 Days, 3 Itineraries
318 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 14,838 - USD$ 44,192
Per Person

MS Expedition

11-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
128 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 7,274 - USD$ 36,399
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Hondius

8-23 Days, 14 Itineraries
170 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 6,350 - USD$ 33,050
Per Person
Up to 33% savings

MV Ushuaia

10-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
90 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 6,390 - USD$ 20,390
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Ocean Nova

11-24 Days, 6 Itineraries
72 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 6,814 - USD$ 41,708
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Plancius

8-24 Days, 14 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 6,700 - USD$ 22,300
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Ortelius

11-19 Days, 7 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 7,250 - USD$ 27,100
Per Person

National Geographic Explorer

8-22 Days, 8 Itineraries
148 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 12,154 - USD$ 36,069
Per Person

National Geographic Orion

8-10 Days, 3 Itineraries
102 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 14,303 - USD$ 53,668
Per Person
Up to 18% savings

Magellan Discoverer

6-18 Days, 6 Itineraries
96 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 18,995 - USD$ 42,995
Per Person

St. Helena

10-13 Days, 4 Itineraries
98 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 7,990 - USD$ 24,250
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

World Voyager

8-18 Days, 8 Itineraries
168 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 11,751 - USD$ 45,356
Per Person