Antarctic Cruises

This immense wilderness is a fabulous and virtually pristine paradise for wildlife with incomparable scenery of mountains, snow and ice. It is a privilege to visit this awe-inspiring continent and to tread in the footsteps of great explorers.

"It was utterly amazing. The entire thing went like a dream. The ship and crew were great. The antarctic cruises expedition staff were so informative and entertaining, and the mix of passengers was wonderful, I feel like I've made some lifelong friends. But the wildlife and scenery were just unbelievable. There's really just too much to list, the whole thing far exceeded my expectations and I can't believe it's over. Thanks so much for all your help and advice."

Our Recommended Itineraries

Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetlands Cruise

For those travellers looking for a very good introduction to Antarctica, incorporating the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula with the widest choice of boat and departure dates, this classic 12-day trip is the best option to consider.

Read more on the Antarctic Peninsula itinerary.


Crossing the Antarctic Circle Cruise

This unique 15-day expedition stands out from the crowd by offering polar travellers the longest actual time exploring Antarctica of all the trips we offer, with the rare chance to cross the intangible Antarctic Circle. Only 3 annual departures.

Read more on the Crossing the Antarctic Circle itinerary.


Fly and Cruise to Antarctica

A revolutionary concept in Antarctica travel enabling travellers to access the highlights of Antarctica in just over 1.5 hours by airplane from Chile, instead of 2 days by ship. Ideal for those either short of time or poor sailors! Operates Nov and Dec only.

Read more on the Fly and Cruise to Antarctica itinerary.


Antarctic, Falklands and South Georgia Cruise

An unparalleled cruise combining the history and variety of The Falklands, the extraordinary density of wildlife of South Georgia, finishing with Antarctica as the 'jewel in the crown'. A 'once-in-a-lifetime trip that unfailingly attracts glowing reports.

Read more on the Antarctic, Falklands & S. Georgia itinerary.


In Shackleton's footsteps Cruise

A one-off expedition to the jewels of the Southern Ocean, South Georgia & Antarctica, with a rare optional multi-day hike across the mountains of South Georgia in Shackleton's footsteps

Read more on the In Shackleton's footsteps itinerary.



March of the Emperor Penguins Cruise

Unique opportunity to spend extended time amongst a colony of 4,000 pairs of Emperor Penguins with chicks deep within Antarctica's Weddell Sea. Well-suited to both wildlife enthusiasts and photographers with onboard photographer-in-residence.

Read more on the March of the Emperor Penguins itinerary.


Expeditions to Antartica's Ross Sea Cruise

These epic expeditions access Antarctica's little visited Ross Sea. Massive icebergs carve from the Ross Ice Shelf, while active Mt Erebus and the Transantarctic Mountains provide a glorious backdrop to the expedition huts of Scott and Shackleton.

Read more on the Expeditions to Antartica's Ross Sea itinerary.

Would You Like to Know More?

For further information please call our cruise consultants on 01285 880981 or email voyages@steppestravel.co.uk.

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Below is more information about what you can expect to see on an Antarctic cruise, along with details of when to go and our expertise.

Antarctica is said to be the coldest, driest and windiest place on earth, but that does not describe its attractions as a tourist destination.

This immense wilderness is a fabulous and virtually pristine paradise for wildlife with incomparable scenery of mountains, snow and ice. It is a privilege to visit this awe-inspiring continent and to tread in the footsteps of great explorers.

Take an Antarctic cruise to this immense wilderness, one of the driest, coldest yet most inspiring places on earth. Some one thousand kilometres from Tierra del Fuego and the mainland of South America, Antarctica is a fabulous and pristine wildlife haven, set in an awe inspiring scenery of mountains, snow and sculptured, twisted ice.

A trip to Antarctica is unique - it truly is the ultimate experience!

Client Viewpoint

"Antarctica was beyond all our expectations - the scenery, the wildlife, the light was amazing. Our naturalist guides were exceptionally helpful and informative. Getting so close to the wildlife was wonderful."

Mr J, Edinburgh.


Wildlife

Although there are no mammals that are resident to the Antarctic land mass, the visiting wildlife is prolific and the surrounding oceans are home to countless marine animals. There are numerous species of whales: humpbacks, fin, sei, minke and orcas to see on your Antarctica wildlife cruise.

There are nine species of penguin, including the magnificent emperor and king penguins, as well as a host of seals such as elephant, fur and leopard seals.

The skies are teeming with birds including albatross, petrels, skuas and terns.

Antarctica Cruises

An Antarctic cruise holiday on an ice strengthened cruise ship is the perfect way to explore this white continent, whose wonder and cold majesty has lured explorers for more than two centuries.

All the boats we recommend have ice strengthened hulls, a highly professional crew, excellent naturalist guides and offer delicious cuisine and a very professional service.

Your Antarctic holiday itinerary may vary from ship to ship but can include the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney and the islands off the Antarctic Peninsula.

Please click here for a selection Antarctic boats.




Our Expertise

Our staff have first hand experience of travelling in Antarctica, so you can rely on their first-hand experience and knowledge. Please don't hesitate to give Alex a call 01285 880981 to discuss this magical winter wonderland or email voyages@steppestravel.co.uk.


When To Go

October through to March is the Antarctic Summer and the only time the continent is accessible to visitors:

October/November - The ice is melting and the birds mating
December/January - Warmest months with penguins hatching and 20 hours of daylight
February/March - Best months for whale watching, adult penguins are on shore.

Steppes Travel cruise destinations include: Alaska, Amazon, Antarctica, Arctic, Baja Mexico, Galapagos, Papau New Guniea, Nile