Antarctica

Traveling to Antarctica aboard a small expedition vessel means maximum access with minimal impact. These ships are equipped with Zodiac landing craft, expert expedition teams, and flexible itineraries, ensuring you spend more time off the ship and on the ice. Daily landings are led by naturalists, historians, geologists, and wildlife experts, who bring the landscape to life and ensure that your journey is as enriching as it is exhilarating. Unlike traditional cruising, there are no crowds or commercial distractions—just vast landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the humbling power of nature, experienced in an intimate setting among fellow travelers and polar professionals.

The Antarctic travel season runs from late October to early March, with each part of the season offering its own rewards:

November–Early December
This is early summer, with pristine snow, dramatic light, and mating season for many seabirds and penguins. Ideal for photographers and first-time visitors.

Mid-December–January
Peak summer months feature longer days, penguin chicks hatching, and more active marine life. It’s also the warmest time of year, with temperatures rising just above freezing.

February–Early March
This is the best period for whale watching, with orcas and humpbacks most active. Penguin colonies are lively with fledging chicks, and sea ice retreats allow for deeper exploration south.

Antarctica is a destination that demands thoughtful planning and trusted partnerships. At Small Ship Travel, we take the time to understand your travel goals—whether that’s photography, wildlife, adventure, or comfort—and guide you toward the right voyage, ship, and season.

We offer only carefully vetted, responsible expedition operators, ensuring each journey is safe, enriching, and environmentally conscious. From international air and insurance planning to pre-cruise hotel stays in Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, we handle the details so you can focus entirely on the experience.