Whale under water

Antarctica Wildlife Tours & Cruises

See seals, seabirds, whales, and penguins in Antarctica's pristine polar habitat
Starting at:
Per Person
USD$ 7,750

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 29% savings

Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent

Length: 11 Day / 10 Night
Ships: Ocean Explorer, World Explorer
USD$ 11,966 - USD$ 25,674
Per Person
Up to 40% savings

In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: MS Fram
USD$ 20,606 - USD$ 51,462
Per Person
Up to 34% savings

Antarctic Circle Expedition

Length: 18 Day / 17 Night
Ships: MS Roald Amundsen
USD$ 13,041 - USD$ 21,436
Per Person
Up to 29% savings

Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake

Length: 8 Day / 7 Night
Ships: Ocean Explorer, World Explorer
USD$ 15,315 - USD$ 25,271
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Spirit of Antarctica

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: Douglas Mawson, Sylvia Earle
USD$ 11,916 - USD$ 30,076
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Highlights of Antarctica

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen
USD$ 9,721 - USD$ 18,887
Per Person

Antarctica - Discovery & Learning Voyage

Length: 11 Day / 10 Night
Ships: Hondius, Plancius
USD$ 7,750 - USD$ 17,400
Per Person

Weddell Sea Quest

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: MV Ushuaia
USD$ 8,990 - USD$ 16,760
Per Person

Weddell Sea - In Search of the Emperor Penguin

Length: 11 Day / 10 Night
Ships: Ortelius
USD$ 12,900 - USD$ 17,850
Per Person
Up to 16% savings

Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness

Length: 11 Day / 10 Night
Ships: Ocean Nova
USD$ 8,564 - USD$ 17,123
Per Person
Up to 34% savings

South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari (18D)

Length: 18 Day / 17 Night
Ships: Ocean Explorer, World Explorer
USD$ 21,277 - USD$ 31,917
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: Explorers and Kings

Length: 20 Day / 19 Night
Ships: Ocean Explorer
USD$ 28,339 - USD$ 41,098
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Antarctica Classic in Depth

Length: 13 Day / 12 Night
Ships: MS Expedition
USD$ 9,449 - USD$ 18,999
Per Person

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica (20D)

Length: 20 Day / 19 Night
Ships: Hondius, Plancius
USD$ 14,800 - USD$ 29,350
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Across the Antarctic Circle (13D)

Length: 13 Day / 12 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
USD$ 15,891 - USD$ 37,095
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, 3 Itineraries
245 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 32,410 - USD$ 76,980
Per Person

Le Soléal

22 Days, 1 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 32,360 - USD$ 59,360
Per Person

Le Boréal

12-19 Days, 3 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 14,820 - USD$ 46,360
Per Person

Le Lyrial

12-19 Days, 2 Itineraries
244 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 13,410 - USD$ 52,340
Per Person

L’Austral

12-19 Days, 3 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 14,120 - USD$ 56,860
Per Person
Up to 28% savings

Ultramarine

12-23 Days, 6 Itineraries
199 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 12,235 - USD$ 68,237
Per Person
Up to 29% savings

Ocean Explorer

8-20 Days, 8 Itineraries
138 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 11,966 - USD$ 41,121
Per Person
Up to 34% savings

World Explorer

8-18 Days, 5 Itineraries
172 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 11,966 - USD$ 31,917
Per Person
Up to 35% savings

MS Fridtjof Nansen

12-19 Days, 2 Itineraries
530 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 9,721 - USD$ 18,887
Per Person
Up to 37% savings

MS Roald Amundsen

12-18 Days, 4 Itineraries
532 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 9,721 - USD$ 21,436
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Douglas Mawson

9-25 Days, 9 Itineraries
154 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 12,236 - USD$ 64,695
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Sylvia Earle

10-23 Days, 14 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 11,556 - USD$ 59,846
Per Person
Up to 10% savings

Magellan Explorer

6-20 Days, 8 Itineraries
96 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 4,995 - USD$ 38,995
Per Person
Up to 35% savings

Sea Spirit

12-23 Days, 6 Itineraries
114 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 9,292 - USD$ 43,995
Per Person
Up to 16% savings

Ocean Albatros

10-19 Days, 12 Itineraries
169 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 8,071 - USD$ 43,870
Per Person
Up to 16% savings

Seaventure

11-20 Days, 7 Itineraries
164 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 11,275 - USD$ 31,118
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Greg Mortimer

9-24 Days, 8 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 14,795 - USD$ 59,756
Per Person

Ocean Victory

9-19 Days, 9 Itineraries
189 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 8,326 - USD$ 41,051
Per Person
Up to 40% savings

MS Fram

23 Days, 1 Itineraries
318 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 20,606 - USD$ 51,462
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

MS Expedition

11-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
128 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 8,679 - USD$ 36,399
Per Person

Hondius

11-23 Days, 6 Itineraries
170 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 7,750 - USD$ 31,350
Per Person

MV Ushuaia

10-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
90 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 6,120 - USD$ 20,390
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Ocean Nova

6-24 Days, 8 Itineraries
72 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 5,995 - USD$ 44,315
Per Person

Plancius

10-20 Days, 7 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 9,250 - USD$ 24,400
Per Person

Ortelius

11-28 Days, 5 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 9,700 - USD$ 39,000
Per Person