The travel season to Antarctica is approximately 5 months long from late October to late March or the first few days of April. Each month brings different highlights and experiences for intrepid travellers wanting to explore.
Ice conditions, wildlife, temperature and price are all factors that depend on travel dates. The chart below provides an overview of seasonality considerations.
For example, very icy conditions at the beginning of the season mean you cannot reach the Polar Circle, however, the trade offs are stunningly beautiful and pristine landscapes as few people will have reached that spot yet. If you are a photographer, this could be a fantastic option for you. On the other hand, if you are an adventurer who wants to tick of having reached the Antarctic Polar Circle, then the first voyage of the season is not the right choice as pack ice will not have melted enough to allow for the journey so far south.
Antarctica Seasonal Comparison Chart
Learn More About Antarctica Voyages
Size
Over 150 different ships travel annually to Antarctica ranging from small expedition ships to giant ocean liners – these experiences vary greatly.
Learn more about how to pick the right Antarctica ship size for your adventure as this is a crucial aspect of your Antarctica adventure!
Ship Star Ratings
The comfort level onboard is reflected in our ship star rating. This includes cabins, common areas, and amenities and also considers customer service. We only feature and offer ships that meet a minimum 3* rating.
Options range from 5* luxury ships with private butlers to 3* ships with great pricing.
Expeditions
Expedition ratings refer to the quality, variety and number of daily excursions offered. In general, ships with lower guest numbers and more zodiacs means you’ll spend more time off the ship.
Only 100 guests at a time can be ashore per site. For ships with more guests, there may be extra waiting involved.
