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 30% savings

Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent

Length: 11 Day / 10 Night
Ships: Ocean Explorer, World Explorer
USD$ 12,491 - USD$ 27,070
Per Person
Up to 19% savings

In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: MS Fram
USD$ 19,811 - USD$ 53,866
Per Person
Up to 19% savings

Antarctic Circle Expedition (18D)

Length: 18 Day / 17 Night
Ships: MS Roald Amundsen
USD$ 13,975 - USD$ 22,424
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake

Length: 8 Day / 7 Night
Ships: Ocean Explorer, World Explorer, World Voyager
USD$ 16,106 - USD$ 28,471
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Spirit of Antarctica

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: Douglas Mawson, Sylvia Earle
USD$ 12,661 - USD$ 32,396
Per Person
Up to 11% savings

Highlights of Antarctica

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen
USD$ 9,496 - USD$ 17,254
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Antarctic Express: Crossing The Circle

Length: 11 Day / 10 Night
Ships: Ocean Explorer
USD$ 20,017 - USD$ 40,496
Per Person
Up to 19% savings

Antarctica & Falklands Expedition (Northbound)

Length: 19 Day / 18 Night
Ships: MS Fridtjof Nansen
USD$ 11,982 - USD$ 18,618
Per Person

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica (19D)

Length: 19 Day / 18 Night
Ships: Hondius, Plancius, Ortelius
USD$ 14,500 - USD$ 31,500
Per Person
Up to 29% savings

Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands​

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: Ultramarine
USD$ 15,962 - USD$ 32,486
Per Person

Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific: Subantarctic Islands

Length: 8 Day / 7 Night
Ships: Heritage Adventurer
USD$ 5,279 - USD$ 14,000
Per Person

Journey To The Antarctic Circle

Length: 14 Day / 13 Night
Ships: Ocean Nova
USD$ 12,445 - USD$ 27,385
Per Person

Crossing 66º South Latitude

Length: 15 Day / 14 Night
Ships: Sea Spirit
USD$ 15,295 - USD$ 33,295
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Epic Antarctica: Crossing The Circle Via Falklands & South Georgia

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: Ultramarine
USD$ 40,081 - USD$ 78,781
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Life Returns – Springtime Expedition to Antarctica

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: MS Fram
USD$ 17,003 - USD$ 27,085
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 Commandant Charcot

13-30 Days, 6 Itineraries
245 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 32,410 - USD$ 151,350
Per Person

Le Soléal

22 Days, 1 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 31,590 - USD$ 60,940
Per Person

Le Boréal

12-19 Days, 3 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 13,820 - USD$ 57,970
Per Person

Le Lyrial

12-19 Days, 3 Itineraries
244 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 13,410 - USD$ 52,340
Per Person

L’Austral

12-19 Days, 3 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 13,130 - USD$ 39,550
Per Person
Up to 29% savings

Ultramarine

12-23 Days, 7 Itineraries
199 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 13,956 - USD$ 78,781
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Ocean Explorer

8-20 Days, 9 Itineraries
138 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 12,491 - USD$ 42,156
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

World Explorer

8-18 Days, 5 Itineraries
172 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 13,341 - USD$ 35,996
Per Person
Up to 19% savings

MS Fridtjof Nansen

12-19 Days, 2 Itineraries
530 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 10,132 - USD$ 18,618
Per Person
Up to 29% savings

MS Roald Amundsen

12-18 Days, 7 Itineraries
532 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 9,496 - USD$ 22,424
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Douglas Mawson

9-34 Days, 9 Itineraries
154 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 12,556 - USD$ 65,621
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Sylvia Earle

8-23 Days, 20 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 12,661 - USD$ 60,795
Per Person
Up to 7% savings

Magellan Explorer

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

Sea Spirit

12-23 Days, 7 Itineraries
114 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 8,577 - USD$ 43,995
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Ocean Albatros

8-20 Days, 22 Itineraries
175 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 7,557 - USD$ 44,281
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Seaventure

11-20 Days, 7 Itineraries
164 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 11,275 - USD$ 31,118
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

8-34 Days, 17 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 14,236 - USD$ 73,436
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Ocean Victory

9-20 Days, 11 Itineraries
189 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 7,417 - USD$ 39,861
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

MS Fram

23 Days, 2 Itineraries
318 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 17,003 - USD$ 53,866
Per Person
Up to 36% savings

MS Expedition

11-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
128 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 6,974 - USD$ 36,399
Per Person

Hondius

11-23 Days, 9 Itineraries
170 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 7,400 - USD$ 31,500
Per Person
Up to 34% savings

MV Ushuaia

10-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
90 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 6,120 - USD$ 20,390
Per Person

Ocean Nova

6-24 Days, 10 Itineraries
72 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 9,575 - USD$ 52,135
Per Person
Up to 36% savings

Plancius

10-24 Days, 10 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 6,700 - USD$ 24,400
Per Person
Up to 31% savings

Ortelius

11-28 Days, 8 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 9,050 - USD$ 37,000
Per Person

Magellan Discoverer

6-10 Days, 5 Itineraries
96 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 8,495 - USD$ 42,995
Per Person

St. Helena

10-13 Days, 4 Itineraries
98 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 7,990 - USD$ 19,120
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

World Voyager

8-11 Days, 3 Itineraries
168 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 12,766 - USD$ 27,986
Per Person