Whale under water

Antarctica Wildlife Tours & Cruises

See seals, seabirds, whales, and penguins in Antarctica's pristine polar habitat
Starting at:
Per Person
¥ 35,723

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 15% savings

Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent

Length: 11 Days, 12 Days
Ships: Ultramarine, Ocean Explorer, World Voyager
¥ 93,288 - ¥ 276,775
Per Person

In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

Length: 23 Days
Ships: MS Fram
¥ 130,468 - ¥ 412,516
Per Person
Up to 19% savings

Antarctic Circle Expedition (18D)

Length: 16 Days, 18 Days
Ships: MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen
¥ 88,391 - ¥ 150,268
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake

Length: 8 Days
Ships: Ocean Explorer, World Voyager
¥ 119,037 - ¥ 261,685
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Spirit of Antarctica

Length: 12 Days
Ships: Douglas Mawson, Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
¥ 96,604 - ¥ 216,245
Per Person
Up to 9% savings

Highlights of Antarctica

Length: 12 Days
Ships: MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen
¥ 67,690 - ¥ 113,334
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea (13D)

Length: 13 Days
Ships: Douglas Mawson, Sylvia Earle
¥ 107,533 - ¥ 207,314
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula (22D)

Length: 22 Days
Ships: Sylvia Earle
¥ 180,582 - ¥ 339,912
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Ultimate Antarctic Circle Crossing

Length: 15 Days
Ships: Discoverer, Ocean Albatros
¥ 101,782 - ¥ 222,600
Per Person

Crossing 66º South Latitude

Length: 15 Days
Ships: Sea Spirit
¥ 124,479 - ¥ 233,428
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Complete Antarctica

Length: 11 Days
Ships: Ocean Nova
¥ 77,624 - ¥ 99,482
Per Person

Spirit of Terra Nova

Length: 11 Days
Ships: St. Helena
¥ 59,482 - ¥ 156,250
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 Soléal

22 Days , 1 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
¥ 228,725 - ¥ 552,661
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Ultramarine

11-23 Days , 6 Itineraries
199 Guests, Luxury
¥ 93,288 - ¥ 618,372
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Ocean Explorer

8-20 Days , 8 Itineraries
138 Guests, Mid-Range
¥ 95,454 - ¥ 448,045
Per Person
Up to 14% savings

MS Fridtjof Nansen

12-19 Days , 4 Itineraries
530 Guests, Luxury
¥ 67,690 - ¥ 231,878
Per Person
Up to 21% savings

MS Roald Amundsen

12-19 Days , 5 Itineraries
530 Guests, Luxury
¥ 73,408 - ¥ 150,268
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Douglas Mawson

9-23 Days , 14 Itineraries
154 Guests, Mid-Range
¥ 96,604 - ¥ 460,122
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Sylvia Earle

10-23 Days , 12 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
¥ 82,194 - ¥ 359,468
Per Person
Up to 21% savings

Magellan Explorer

6-20 Days , 8 Itineraries
96 Guests, Mid-Range
¥ 39,215 - ¥ 263,879
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Sea Spirit

12-21 Days , 5 Itineraries
114 Guests, Mid-Range
¥ 72,373 - ¥ 332,903
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Discoverer

12-20 Days , 4 Itineraries
140 Guests, Mid-Range
¥ 67,244 - ¥ 313,955
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Ocean Albatros

11-23 Days , 8 Itineraries
175 Guests, Mid-Range
¥ 66,696 - ¥ 2,246,346
Per Person
Up to 31% savings

Seaventure

11-17 Days , 4 Itineraries
150 Guests, Mid-Range
¥ 66,689 - ¥ 207,713
Per Person