Cruising through the spectacular waters around the Antarctic peninsula provides guests with plentiful opportunities to see icebergs, ice bridges and massive sheets of ice. Jagged mountain peaks rise ten thousand feet out of the sea along the sea’s edge, and towering glaciers drop giant ice clusters into the water below. Interested in the wildlife? The peninsula is teeming with breeding pairs of penguins , large albatross with 12-foot wingspans, Elephant, Weddell, Crabeater, Leopard, and Fur seals share the ice. Humpback, minke, and Orca whales can be spotted in the ocean waters from your ship, or while you are on a zodiac tour!
This is a picturesque harbor located on the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is known for its stunning views of glaciers, icebergs, and snow-capped mountains. Visitors to Neko Harbor can see Gentoo penguins, fur seals, and humpback whales. This site was also used as a whaling station in the early 20th century.
This is another scenic bay located on the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is known for its stunning views of icebergs and glaciers, as well as its abundance of wildlife, including penguins and seals. Visitors to Paradise Bay can also see the Chilean research base, which was established in 1984.
This is a historic site located on the Antarctic Peninsula that was used as a British research station in the 1940s. Today, it is a popular landing site for cruises, and visitors can explore the old buildings and learn about the history of Antarctic exploration. The site also has a small museum and gift shop.
This is a small island located off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is known for its large colony of Gentoo penguins, as well as its scenic views of glaciers and icebergs. Visitors to Cuverville Island can also see the remains of a historic whaling station.
This is a volcanic island located in the South Shetland Islands, just off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is a popular landing site for cruises due to its unique geology and abundant wildlife, including penguins and seals. Visitors to Deception Island can also see the remains of a historic whaling station and a British research base.
This is a steep cliff located on the east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is a popular landing site for cruises due to its stunning views of glaciers and icebergs, as well as its abundant wildlife, including Adelie penguins and Weddell seals.
This is a narrow channel located between the Antarctic Peninsula and Booth Island. It is known for its stunning scenery, with steep cliffs rising up on either side of the channel, and is a popular site for cruising and scenic views. Visitors to Lemaire Channel can also see abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales.
This small island is located in the South Shetland Islands, just off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is a popular landing site for cruises due to its large colonies of chinstrap penguins and fur seals, as well as its stunning views of glaciers and snow-capped mountains.
This is a scenic harbor located on the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is known for its stunning views of glaciers and icebergs, as well as its abundant wildlife, including Gentoo penguins, Weddell seals, and humpback whales.
This is a sheltered bay located on the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is a popular landing site for cruises due to its large colony of Gentoo penguins, as well as its scenic views of glaciers and snow-capped mountains.
This small island is located in the Errera Channel, just off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is a popular landing site for cruises due to its stunning views of glaciers and icebergs, as well as its large colony of Gentoo penguins.
This small island is located off the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is known for its stunning views of glaciers and icebergs, as well as its large colony of Adelie penguins. Visitors to Petermann Island can also see the remains of a historic British research station.
Fascinating wildlife is abundant throughout the Antarctic Peninsula. Travelers can expect to see a multitude of penguins, seals, whales, and birds!
The weather on the Antarctic Peninsula is milder than anywhere else on the continent. January has temperatures between 32-34 degrees Fahrenheit. By June, temperatures range between 5 to -4 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainy conditions may present themselves during summer months.
Cruises operate between late October and the end of March. Each month has its own characteristics and nuances, so there's no real 'best time' to visit, however there is a high season and shoulder season. High season is late December to early February when days are long, the weather is the most stable and wildlife the most active. However, spring (late October and November) has lots of offer, with heavier ice and the chance of being one of the first down to Antarctica for that year. Later in the season, the softer light of March is excellent for photographers, and you've got higher chances of whale sightings.
In January 1820, William Smith and Edward Bransfield of the English Royal Navy became some of the first explorers to lay eyes on the continent. They sailed through what we now call the Bransfield Straight, and sailed up to the Antarctic Peninsula. Now, travelers from all around the world come to see the beautiful region and its stunning wildlife!
Contact Polar Holidays to schedule a free consultation with one of our booking specialists today!
