Antarctica Cruises: An Introduction

Welcome to our Antartica cruises.

What makes our expeditions different? We take the smallest group sizes only – choose from our expeditions with 48 or 73 guests on our voyages and enjoy the spectacular wildlife and scenery of Antarctica in a small group.

The Antarctic peninsula is an amazing natural place to explore with its wildlife, glaciers, and stunning natural scenery unspoilt by human kind.

We offer a richer way to experience the raw nature and wildlife of Antarctica on a small ship experience free from the crowds and the rush of larger vessels.

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Our Antarctica Cruises

Explorer Small Ship

with 73 Guests

Days

10 Days

Month

January & February

Quest For The Polar Circle

Fly & Cruise Small Ship Expedition Cruise with 73 Guests

A 10-day expedition cruise to explore the furthest reaches of Antarctica on board the boutique small expedition ship, MV Magellan Explorer. Save 5 days crossing the Drake passage by sea with this unique fly and cruise expedition. 

As you sail through the icy waters, you will have the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Antarctic landscape, from towering glaciers to shimmering icebergs. You will also have the chance to observe a wide variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales.

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Antarctica Discovery Fly & Cruise

Fly & Cruise Small Ship Expedition Cruise with 73 Guests

Join a Secret Atlas group onboard MV Magellan Explorer, one of the smallest and most comfortable ships in Antarctica with just 73 guests in total. This Antarctica Air-Cruise is a unique and exciting way to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands in a small group of fellow explorers and expert guides. 

Our plan is to explore the South Shetland Islands and the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula known for their stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales.

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Explorer Small Ship

with 73 Guests

Days

8 Days

Months

November – February

Explorer Small Ship

with 48 Guests

Days

12 Days

Month

January 2024

Antarctica Explorer

Small Ship Expedition Cruise with 48 Guests

Explore the Antarctic peninsula on a 12-day small ship expedition cruise with just 48 guests in total. This expedition takes place on the newly refitted Polar Pioneer, the smallest and most rugged expedition cruise ship visiting Antarctica.

On this expedition we will do an exploration of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula visiting many places of interest for short hikes, wildlife watching and historical sites. As our group size is under 50 we will have access to all landing sites, some of which are off limit to larger vessels.

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South Georgia & Antarctica Photo Tour with Paul Goldstein

Small Ship Expedition Cruise with 73 Guests

Join the adventure of a lifetime on a 20-day small ship expedition cruise with just 73 guests in total, as you embark on a journey from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia and the Antarctic peninsula.

The MV Magellan Explorer offers the highest levels of comfort on a small ship in Antarctica. Guests can enjoy a modern purpose built expedition vessel with large cabins, a gym and outstanding cuisine.

The expedition is designed for photography enthusiasts and offers plenty of opportunities to hone your skills, with expert guidance from renowned wildlife photographer and guide Paul Goldstein, which can provide you with an added level of expertise and insight.

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Explorer Small Ship

with 73 Guests

Days

20 Days

Months

October, November

Explorer Small Ship

with 48 Guests

Days

15 Days

Months

February 2024

South Georgia Explorer

Small Ship Expedition Cruise with 48 Guests

Explore South Georgia on a 15-day small ship expedition cruise with just 48 guests in total. This expedition takes place on the newly refitted Polar Pioneer, the smallest and most rugged expedition cruise ship visiting South Georgia.

On this expedition we will do an extensive exploration along the coast of South Georgia visiting many key wildlife and historical sites. As our group size is under 50 we will have access to all of South Georgia’s landing sites, some of which are off limit to larger vessels.

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Compare Antarctica Cruise Experiences

Secret Atlas

See Our Small Ship Cruises

Other Operators

  • Larger group sizes in all polar destinations
  • Guests wait in a groups for Zodiacs
  • Guests go ashore in groups. Some sites have restricted numbers
  • Up to an hour wait time to go ashore
  • Average 1 guide for every 10 guests
  • Can’t access all sites 
  • Shore landings are regimented 
  • Set itinerary
  • Luxury rather than expedition

What Can I See on an Antarctica Cruise?

Antarctica Cruise

Wildlife

Antarctica is home a diverse array of wildlife that we encounter on our voyages.There are 18 species of penguin which is the most common bird in Antarctica. The rich seas around Antarctica are home to Orcas, whales, elephant seals and leopard seals which are often sighted on our Antarctica cruises.

Antarctica photo tour

Icebergs

A great sight is the countless icebergs you will see from the ship. The icebergs in Antartica calve off the surrounding glaciers and form these magnificent ice sculptures in the sea. If you look closely you will see penguins or seals taking a rest on an iceberg.

Antarctica glacier

Glaciers

Glaciers are one of the most magnificent sites on a cruise in Antarctica. Witness ice calving off the glacier face and forming fresh icebergs right in front of you. You will see countless glaciers on your Antarctica expedition from the ship and during Zodiac cruises.

Antarctica wildlife holiday

Landscapes

Antarctica is home to some of the most magical landscapes on earth. Imagine cruising past icy mountains and then going ashore by Zodiac to witness the true polar wilderness. On our voyages we spend the maximum amount of time ashore exploring.

Plan Your Antarctica Cruise

The Secret Atlas blog has a wide variety of articles to help you plan your Antarctica cruise.

Explorers Club Blog

Antarctica Cruise Information

Departure Port

Ushuaia, Argentina or Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

Airport

Ushuaia (USH), Port Stanley (PSY)

Time Zone

UTC – 3, UTC – 4

Time Of Year

October – February

Onboard Languages

English & German

‘The luxury of being alone in nature and getting close to animals is worth it.  This trip is also great for slowing down and reconnecting with the wild.  Smaller groups meant no waiting to go ashore. We anchored and the landing craft was ready to go. It is a much more adventurous feeling on a small ship and you are really immersed in nature.’

Julia, Secret Atlas Guest

Antarctica Cruises FAQ

Plan Your Antarctica Cruise

The cruise season in Antarctica runs from November until the end of March. Outside of this period there are no cruises to Antarctica due to the harsh weather and ice conditions.

Each month offers something different in Antarctica.

November is spring in Antarctica and penguin chicks begin to hatch. As the month goes on the days get longer.

December has the longest hours and warmest temperatures for visiting the 7th continent. Wildlife is very active during this month making it one of the best months to visit.

January is our favourite month in Antarctica. We have near 24 hours a day of sunlight. There are plenty of penguin chicks and it’s a great month for seeing seals and whales. The sea ice also further breaks up making more places access.

Secret Atlas run a 12-day expedition cruise to explore Antarctica during January.

February also offers great opportunities for wildlife watching. The sea ice is usually at its lowest.

March As autumn gets underway in Antarctica the nights get darker and the temperatures get colder. It s a good month to spot whales and seals although many of the penguin chicks will be gone.

Our Antartica cruises depart from Ushuaia in Argentina.

Ushuaia has good international connections to Buenos Aires for international connections to the rest of the world. LATAM airlines serve Ushuaia on a frequent basis.

Our Antarctica cruises take just 48 guests, the smallest group size available. In Antarctica some landing sites are restricted to ships with greater gust numbers. A small ship gives us greater flexibility and allow us to explore areas larger ships cannot visit.

Unlike larger vessels with higher passenger capacities, our voyages are personal and unique in their approach. Travelling with a small group of guests means more time and flexibility exploring and less time waiting to go ashore.

Our small expedition vessels will get you closer to nature and landscapes that you came than larger ships can due to their smaller size, offering you a great deal more intimacy.

Our Small Ship Adventures give you the opportunity to experience Antarctica first hand on a real adventure without the crowds of people on larger ships. Our goal is to make you part of the adventure.

A number of companies offer expedition cruises to Antarctica.

The average number of passengers on these large ships is over 250. In our opinion that is too many people to be landing at sensitive places in Antarctica. Quite often guests are split into groups as not all guests can visit the shore at the same time due to restrictions in size at the landing sites.

Our small ship allows all guests to be ashore at the same time and have unrestricted access to all the landing sites in Antarctica.

Many companies advertise small ship cruises to Antarctic but their definition of a ‘small ship’ varies and can range from anything from 500 guests down to 50 guests. The experience between travelling with 250 guests and 48 guests is huge. Our Small Ship Cruises to Antarctica are the way they should be, intimate, low impact, and offer our guests the richest experience.

During Your Antarctica Cruise

One of the main reasons to take a cruise to Antarctica is to spend time marvelling at the awe inspiring wildlife.

The great thing about Antartica is that it is very easy to encounter wildlife close up and we visit many key wildlife sites on our expeditions.

Antartica is home to a variety of birdlife including penguins. We will aim to explore many penguin rookeries where you will see these amazing creatures close up.

On our expeditions we frequently encounter Gentoo, Adelie, Chinstrap and King Penguins. In the water and on the ice we frequently sight leopard, Crab-eater, and Weddell seals. Swimming near the ship we often encounter whales and Orcas.

A part of the adventure of an expedition cruise is to spend time exploring the wilderness which means every trip is different. Our route is decided on the day of boarding and is chosen by the expedition leader and the captain in line with the prevailing weather and ice conditions. Their aim is to ensure that you see the very best that Antarctica has to offer.

On a typical cruise, you can expect daily shore landings (usually 2 per day depending n the conditions) along with Zodiac cruising. We will visit penguin rookeries, remote beaches and visit sites of historical and natural interest such as glaciers and undertake short wilderness hikes.

The temperature in on the Antarctic peninsula during the summer months is warmer than most people imagine, and not unlike a northern European winter.

During the summer time the temperatures are usually above freezing in January with temperatures of around 1 or 2 degrees Celsius. When the sun is out and there is no wind it can feel much warmer.

The weather in Antarctica is changeable and temperatures can feel much colder when it is windy.

We will supply you with a comprehensive packing list at the time of booking that outlines the types of clothing you will need to keep you comfortable on your Antarctica cruise.

Know More

Our cruises are suitable for the vast majority of people and we aim to make them as accessible as possible. We ask that our guests have a good level of mobility as it is a requirement that you can safely step down from the vessel into the landing craft and then exit the landing craft on the beach. Due to the remote areas we visit and the distance from medical assistance, we advise that you have a reasonable level of fitness and are in good health. During the shore landings, we have multiple guides which enable us to split the group if we have some keen hikers and some other guests with more limited range.

We don’t have any age restrictions on our trips and we pride ourselves on having diverse guests from all over the world with a passion for exploring. In the past we have had young professionals eager to explore, middle-aged solo travellers, looking for their next adventure, through to retirees looking to see Antarctica in a more in-depth way. Our trips are friendly and inclusive for all our guests.

Yes, you can and every year we welcome solo travellers onboard where you will find a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

We offer accommodation options for single cabins or sharing a cabin with travellers of the same gender.

Sustainability

That’s a great question and one we want to answer honestly.

The vessels we work with don’t burn heavy fuels which are particularly detrimental to the environment and run on standard marine diesel. As a part of our commitment to the environment, we climate compensate all of our emissions by planting trees with our sustainability partner in Greenland. The cost of this is covered within the fares our guests pay and we don’t charge an additional fee for this.

Secret Atlas don’t sell flights but we are aware our guests have to fly to our destinations to board our cruises. As a part of our climate commitment, we will match the offset costs for any guests who would like to offset their flights with us. This is offered at the time of booking.

During our cruises, we follow very strict guidelines as set out by AECO (Association Of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) to ensure minimal impact on the wildlife and places we visit. This includes following strict rules about not disturbing wildlife in its natural habitat. We employ highly experienced expedition leaders to run our expeditions in accordance with the rules and safety code laid out by AECO. The principal rules are:

  1. Leave no lasting signs of your visit
  2. Do not pick flowers
  3. Do not take anything with you
  4. Do not disturb animals and birds
  5. Leave cultural remains alone Cultural remains are protected by law and a zone of 100 meters around the remains is also considered a protected zone. Watch where you are walking and standing. Walk around and not in between obj
  6. Take the polar bear danger seriously
  7. Respect local culture and local people
  8. Be safe

Our expedition leaders are highly trained in safety and following these rules and brief guests at the beginning of each departure. They ensure the safety of the guests throughout the cruise and that the AECO rules are followed.

As a member of AECO we take great efforts to ensure our trips don’t have any negative impact on the wildlife or environment. You can find out more here.