Antarctica

A choice of Antarctica holidays from leading specialist companies who operate with the highest environmental standards to help protect this pristine wilderness environment.

Antarctica cruise

One of the most exciting voyages in the South Seas, going south of the Antarctic Circle and beyond, into waters untouched by all but the lucky few 

The aim on this voyage is to head as far south as the ice and weather permit. The adventure begins in earnest when approaching the Antarctic Circle. The ice-rated ship enables us to navigate through some of the world's most breathtaking waterways - many littered with brash ice, 'growlers' and colossal, stunning icebergs. We'll attempt to land on the Antarctic continent south of the Circle and perhaps visit a scientific research station. After a few days exploring the 'deep south', there are further shore excursions on the northerly route along the Antarctic Peninsula. 

The ship is small enough to navigate through the narrow Lemaire Channel, with glacial walls towering high on both sides, leading to a jigsaw of jewel-like islands that are home to penguin rookeries, whales, elephant seals and countless seabirds. If you can spare the extra time, the rewards of such a unique icy pilgrimage are immeasurable. 

Accommodation: 12 nights on the Vavilov or Ioffe in a standard main deck twin cabin (upgrades available). Full board while on the ship.

Antarctica holiday cruise:

With visits along the way through the South Shetland Islands we arrive on the mainland, on the Antarctic Peninsula and are dazzled by perhaps the most dramatic scenery to be found anywhere on earth. Sailing aboard a well-appointed expedition vessel, we see Antarctic nature in all its glory. These areas boast an extraordinary abundance of wildlife, including five seal species and massive penguin rookeries of gentoo, Adelies and chinstraps as well as a profusion of seabirds from albatross to skuas. A wildlife highlight may well be watching a variety of magnificent whale species in close proximity as they crest the surface of the waves. 

On the White Continent, we also see remarkable landscapes of ice. At Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay we find many icebergs dotting the waters, including some that are colossal in size, containing natural caves shrouded in an eerie translucent light. On land, there is a sweeping ice sheet, masking mountains and filling trenches binding together an entire continent that is about the size of Africa. We’ll even have the chance to camp ashore on this expanse of ice if conditions are suitable. Even in the company of our experienced expedition crew, some of whom have travelled to Antarctica over 100 times, it still seems astonishing to think of the early explorers attempting to conquer this beautiful, yet formidable land.

Spitsbergen cruise to the Arctic:

This voyage delivers a full circumnavigation of Spitsbergen and its off-lying islands (dependent on ice conditions), taking us within 600 nautical miles of the North Pole. With its population of 3500 in five settlements, Spitsbergen is still virtually an unspoilt wilderness. 

The east coast is influenced by a cold sea current from Siberia and the resulting lower temperatures mean that, even in summer, frequent pack ice can make access difficult. In contrast the west coast is warmed by the Gulf Stream where an amazing variety of flora thrives. This polar wonderland is also the breeding home for walrus, polar bear, reindeer and millions upon millions of migratory land and sea birds. Several whale species are found in the waters surrounding Spitsbergen. The land is a bewitching combination of towering mountains in the west and fossil-rich polar desert in the east.

Antarctic diving expedition

This expedition will focus on some of the best dive sites in the Antarctic Peninsula. We can take just 24 divers on this voyage and who will enjoy guidance from an onboard team of diving professionals who are pioneers in polar diving. This expedition does not involve cutting a hole in the ice to dive. Using zodiac inflatables we will dive off the edges of ice flows and around icebergs where we so hope to see sealions and leopard seals. Marine life on the Peninsula also includes kelp walls, sea-snails, crabs, sea butterflies, shoals of Antarctic fish, shrubby horsetails, jellyfish, sea hedgehogs, starfishes, krill and giant isopods. New species are being discovered in Antarctica all the time.

The ice itself forms one of the special features of diving in Antarctica. At times we will dive beneath shallow pack ice and at other times dive alongside great walls of ice to feel and observe their extraordinary forms. Sunlight penetrating the water here to adds to the extraordinary atmosphere you can only appreciate in this wild and remote part of the world.

Antarctica & South Georgia icebreaker cruises:

The Antarctic Peninsula, one of the World’s last frontiers, is a perfect example of where water, wilderness and wildlife combine with breath-taking perfection. It inspires visitors with its majestic beauty and dramatic ice scenery. The towering white mountains, sweeping glaciers and icebergs form an unrivalled backdrop for the unique and abundant sea birds and marine mammals which reside here. Fin, Right and Minke whales, Leopard, Ross, Weddell and Crabeater seals are common. Seabirds are abundant, including the Albatross, Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins.

South Georgia is home to over 200,000 pairs of inquisitive King Penguins, thousands of Fur and Elephant Seals and the majestic Wandering Albatross. This inspiring island was the mainstay of the whaling industry and is the land renowned for Sir Ernest Shackleton’s epic rescue during the Endurance expedition. For many, the overwhelming abundance and variety of wildlife, combined with the rich and fascinating human history of South Georgia makes this island one of the highlights of an Antarctic experience.

Antarctic cruise & Patagonia Mountains:

Antarctica - Torres del Paine National Park - World Class Hiking - Stunning Mountain Scenery - Walk with Light Packs - Cruise to Antarctica. Combine exploration of two dream destinations in one unique holiday. Complete the circuit of Torres del Paine National Park, one of the world’s great hikes. Enjoy the freedom of walking without heavy packs. Cruise to Antarctica on board a first class vessel for just 78 passengers. Visit Antarctica with one of the most experienced teams in the region.

Price includes; Flights from LON/MAN; All domestic flights in Chile; 12 nights in first class hotels (twin share) and 4 nights refugio accommodation; Full time guides in Chile; luggage porters in Torres del Paine; private transport throughout; 10 night Antarctic Cruise with twin/double cabin on Amundsen deck. All activities mentioned; and meals (b,l,d) as per itinerary.

Whae Watching:

Visiting Antractica doesn't get much more exciting than spotting a pod of humpback whales cavorting off the coast of Western Australia. These gentle giants are often spotted in the ocean near Cape Leeuwin on their annual pilgrimage from Antarctica to the warm tropical waters of the northwest coast.

If sailing the seas rather than watching them is more your thing, Western Australia is simply brilliant. From catamaran beginners to wannabe pro-yachties, there are excellent conditions to suit all skill levels.