Antarctica
Antarctica
Calving icebergs, breaching whales, deep-diving seals and cavorting penguins are just a few of the marvelous sights. Then, there are the intangibles: space, silence, remoteness and dramatic scenery beyond belief.
Antarctica is a land of extremes: it is the coldest and driest continent on Earth and has the highest average elevation. As the fifth largest continent in the world, Antarctica is also the most Southern, overlying the “South Pole”.
Scarcely touched by humans, the frozen land boasts breathtaking scenery, broken by only a handful of scientific bases and a “permanent” population of scientists numbering only a few thousand. Although several countries have laid claim to various portions of Antarctica, it is governed by the 1958 Antarctic Treaty, which establishes the continent as a peaceful and cooperative international research zone.
The Antarctic Peninsula
The northernmost tip of the White Continent, the Antarctic Peninsula hosts some of the most scenic glacial landscapes, natural ports and international scientific base camps in the mainland.
South Georgia Islands
The dramatic setting of South Georgia boasts a rich wildlife that has attracted some of the most famous Antarctic explorers across centuries.
Weddell Sea
This vast iceberg-fringed sea sits at the Antarctic Convergence, offering a spectacle of ever-changing azure hues and a thriving marine life.
Atka Bay
Home to a colony of 600 majestic Emperor Penguins, Atka Bay offers the chance to witness first-hand the raw beauty of a unique wildlife event.
The South Pole
Tread where few have done before by reaching the planet's lowest point and intersection of Earth's axis of rotation. The Amundsen-Scott scientific base is the only permanent human structure in this extreme and isolated region of Antarctica.
The Drake Passage
Long hailed as the world's most unforgettable sea-crossing, the Drake passage connects the South American continent with Antarctica by sea.
The best time to visit Antarctica is during the southern hemisphere summer season. Between the months of November and March, the sun rises above the horizon, the sea ice melts enough to allow access, and the weather is more welcoming.
CLIMATE
Polar
WHEN TO GO
November - March
TIMEFRAME
8+ Nights
Inspire your Journey
Whereas cruise vessels allow you cover large distances and reach more inaccessible areas of this continent, expedition camps give you a more immersive experience of Antarctica, getting up close with the wildlife and exploring the fascinating terrain.
These camps boast state-of-the-art facilities yet built and used with minimal impact the environment. High standards of service and safety, including those all important creature comforts, make these camps a homely and secure base camp from which to explore the White Continent around you.
Expect a flexible choice of daily activities let by expert field guides such gentle treks, exploring ice caves and tunnels, getting up close to Adelie penguins or even Emperor Penguins, kite skiing, abseiling and even teaching you how to be a true polar explorer. Some offer flights to research stations and even to the South Pole.
This once-in-a-lifetime journey includes a flight further inland to observe an Emperor Penguin colony up close and spend at night at the Geographical South Pole.
Choose from an incredible selection of daily activities and excursions, such as kite skiing, exploring ice caves and giant abseiling, tailored to the camp each day and all led by a team of professional Antarctica guides. Flying from Cape Town you’ll also have the chance to experience this spectacular city and the Cape Peninsula, with a whole host of expertly guided private tours to choose from.
With a private charter, the choice is yours. Cross the legendary Drake Passage, arriving in Antarctica by boat. Or you can choose to skip the Passage and fly straight into Antarctica to maximise your time spent here. With private jets attached to some of our more high-end charter, guests can begin and end their voyage in Antarctica. You can choose to focus solely on the dazzling Antarctic Peninsula or extend your trip with a visit to the marvellous Falkland Archipelago and South Georgia Island, ‘the Galapagos of the South’.
Managed by an expert private expedition crew, cruise deep through some of the most remote, untouched and fascinating places on Earth. Tough yet filled with comforts, our luxury expedition charters offer an epic journey with experiences of a lifetime tailored entirely to you. From exhilarating Zodiac expeditions to scuba diving, ice trekking and visits to remote research stations, you can choose how you would like to discover Antarctica.
Watch humpback whales from the bar and lounge, photograph glass-like icebergs as they float by, before heading out on close-up zodiac experiences. Our knowledgable and experienced crew will take you on exhilarating excursions to walk on glaciers, camp on ice and spot seals and penguins—all customised to your desired pace.
Back on board, sink into comfort of a Finnish sauna, watch movies on the flat-screen TV and share stories over gourmet meals. With an Open Ship Philosophy, you are encouraged to wander wherever you wish, while the warm and friendly staff ensure a safe, private and unforgettable stay.
Sailing the Southern Oceans to explore Antarctica is both a privileged and unforgettable experience that can be done in the highest possible comfort and luxury.
The White Continent holds many a scene that you will not see anywhere else on Earth. From the bows of an intimate cruiser, watch a wild land mysterious to most unfold in front of you and board fully-equipped Zodiacs for getting up close to penguins, blue whales, orcas, fur seals and other remarkable wildlife solely suited to this most challenging of environments.
Begin with an overnight in bustling Buenos Aires before you arrive in Ushuaia, the southern-most city in the world. Take a tour of this frontier city, sail up the famous Beagle Channel, ride the train to the ‘end of the world’ and spend two nights relaxing at a wonderful property.
Then it’s time to embark on the main event, an exhilarating luxury cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula. Discover glittering icebergs, wild marine life such as penguins, seals and whales and behold extraordinary natural sights that few are lucky enough to experience. During your cruise you’ll be lead out on exciting expeditions by specialist guides to uncover the secrets of this wild and largely unexplored continent. Kayak in icy waters, Zodiac to icebergs, hike through desolate, frozen lands and you’ll return with memories that will last a lifetime and more..
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Our dedicated team of travel experts is ready to help you tailor this journey to your exact preferences and needs.
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