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.

Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent

Length: 11 Days, 12 Days
Ships: Ultramarine, Ocean Explorer, World Voyager
USD$ 12,396 - USD$ 39,361
Per Person
Up to 24% savings

In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

Length: 23 Days
Ships: MS Fram
USD$ 17,997 - USD$ 44,192
Per Person
Up to 19% savings

Antarctic Circle Expedition (18D)

Length: 16 Days, 18 Days
Ships: MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen
USD$ 13,062 - USD$ 22,206
Per Person

Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake

Length: 8 Days
Ships: Ocean Explorer, World Voyager
USD$ 17,276 - USD$ 38,156
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Spirit of Antarctica

Length: 12 Days
Ships: Douglas Mawson, Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
USD$ 14,276 - USD$ 31,956
Per Person
Up to 9% savings

Highlights of Antarctica

Length: 12 Days
Ships: MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen
USD$ 10,003 - USD$ 16,748
Per Person

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

Length: 18 Days
Ships: Ocean Explorer, World Voyager
USD$ 24,206 - USD$ 44,041
Per Person

Weddell Sea - Basecamp

Length: 13 Days
Ships: Hondius, Ortelius
USD$ 10,150 - USD$ 18,800
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Spirit of Antarctica: Whale Migration

Length: 11 Days
Ships: Sylvia Earle
USD$ 12,146 - USD$ 23,201
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Realm of Penguins & Icebergs (12D)

Length: 12 Days
Ships: Sea Spirit
USD$ 10,695 - USD$ 21,756
Per Person

Antarctic Peninsula: An Immersive Odyssey

Length: 13 Days
Ships: Ocean Nova
USD$ 9,356 - USD$ 18,716
Per Person

Scott & Shackleton's Antarctic - Ross Sea Expedition

Length: 22 Days
Ships: Le Soléal
USD$ 31,590 - USD$ 81,940
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Antarctica Active (All Inclusive Activities)

Length: 14 Days
Ships: Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
USD$ 15,296 - USD$ 30,956
Per Person

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

Length: 16 Days
Ships: Le Commandant Charcot
USD$ 29,710 - USD$ 93,860
Per Person

Antarctic Express: Crossing The Circle

Length: 11 Days
Ships: Ocean Explorer, World Voyager
USD$ 24,796 - USD$ 46,256
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

13-31 Days, 8 Itineraries
245 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 29,700 - USD$ 171,970
Per Person

Le Soléal

15-22 Days, 2 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 17,060 - USD$ 81,940
Per Person

Le Boréal

11-19 Days, 3 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 15,230 - USD$ 60,540
Per Person

Le Lyrial

11-20 Days, 6 Itineraries
244 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 14,490 - USD$ 61,470
Per Person

L’Austral

11-19 Days, 3 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 18,040 - USD$ 57,000
Per Person

Ultramarine

11-23 Days, 12 Itineraries
199 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 13,211 - USD$ 86,521
Per Person

Ocean Explorer

8-20 Days, 10 Itineraries
138 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 12,396 - USD$ 48,416
Per Person
Up to 14% savings

MS Fridtjof Nansen

12-18 Days, 4 Itineraries
530 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 10,003 - USD$ 34,266
Per Person
Up to 21% savings

MS Roald Amundsen

12-18 Days, 5 Itineraries
530 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 10,848 - USD$ 22,206
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Douglas Mawson

8-23 Days, 18 Itineraries
154 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 13,511 - USD$ 57,796
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Sylvia Earle

8-23 Days, 19 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 12,146 - USD$ 64,256
Per Person

Magellan Explorer

6-20 Days, 9 Itineraries
96 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 5,795 - USD$ 38,995
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Sea Spirit

11-21 Days, 12 Itineraries
114 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 10,695 - USD$ 47,495
Per Person

Discoverer

12-20 Days, 3 Itineraries
140 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 14,246 - USD$ 46,395
Per Person

Ocean Albatros

8-23 Days, 11 Itineraries
175 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 27,451 - USD$ 331,956
Per Person

Ocean Albatros

8-23 Days, 11 Itineraries
175 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 9,856 - USD$ 44,281
Per Person
Up to 31% savings

Seaventure

10-17 Days, 6 Itineraries
150 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 11,275 - USD$ 28,495
Per Person

Heritage Adventurer

8-28 Days, 5 Itineraries
184 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 5,279 - USD$ 53,031
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Greg Mortimer

8-29 Days, 13 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 15,466 - USD$ 60,686
Per Person

Ocean Victory

10-20 Days, 8 Itineraries
189 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 9,095 - USD$ 53,595
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

MS Fram

11-24 Days, 7 Itineraries
318 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 16,331 - USD$ 44,192
Per Person
Up to 21% savings

MS Expedition

11-22 Days, 8 Itineraries
128 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 8,699 - USD$ 30,939
Per Person

Hondius

8-19 Days, 10 Itineraries
170 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 7,800 - USD$ 36,350
Per Person

MV Ushuaia

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

Ocean Nova

9-24 Days, 7 Itineraries
80 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 8,992 - USD$ 35,405
Per Person

Plancius

8-19 Days, 11 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 7,050 - USD$ 24,300
Per Person

Ortelius

10-19 Days, 9 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
USD$ 7,800 - USD$ 27,100
Per Person

St. Helena

10-13 Days, 4 Itineraries
98 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 7,990 - USD$ 24,250
Per Person

Magellan Discoverer

6-17 Days, 7 Itineraries
96 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 8,495 - USD$ 42,995
Per Person

National Geographic Explorer

8-22 Days, 9 Itineraries
148 Guests, Mid-Range
USD$ 12,400 - USD$ 51,330
Per Person

World Voyager

8-18 Days, 8 Itineraries
168 Guests, Luxury
USD$ 13,101 - USD$ 46,256
Per Person