Whale under water

Antarctica Wildlife Tours & Cruises

See seals, seabirds, whales, and penguins in Antarctica's pristine polar habitat
Starting at:
Per Person
$ 6,995

Highlights

  • See superlative species such as leopard seals, wandering albatross, and (if you’re lucky!) emperor penguins
  • Experience some of the greatest concentrations of marine life on the planet
  • Spot penguin chicks and seal pups during the breeding season
  • Get up-close looks at marine life and seabirds via Zodiac, kayak, and onshore guided hikes
  • Witness many of the Southern Ocean’s whale species lobtailing and lunge feeding in late summer

The Antarctic zone easily ranks among the greatest wildlife-watching destinations on Earth. A dazzling diversity and abundance of marine creatures—from terns and albatrosses to fur seals and baleen whales—reflect the incredible productivity of these polar waters, powered by krill and other miniscule but mighty fuel. From the enormous elephant seals and imposing giant petrels of South Georgia to the penguin colonies and orca hunting grounds along the White Continent’s coastline, Antarctic wildlife adventures are as dramatic as any safari destination anywhere.

Whether you’re marveling at the diverse pinniped or avian rookeries of the Antarctic Peninsula, scouting for blue whales amid the sea ice, or venturing beyond the Antarctic Circle after one of the planet’s most coveted bird species on an Antarctica emperor penguin tour in the Weddell Sea, life-changing encounters with extraordinary animals—enriched by expert ornithologist and preeminent pelagic guides—are par for the course on Antarctica wildlife cruises at the bottom of the world.

Group of elephants seals Two penguins

Antarctica Wildlife Tours

Immerse yourself in a wildlife spectacle like no other and explore the pristine habitats of the seventh continent, where nature’s wonders come alive before your very eyes.

Up to 31% savings

Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent

Length: 11 Day / 10 Night
Ships: Ocean Explorer, World Explorer
$ 10,871 - $ 24,463
Per Person
Up to 49% savings

In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: MS Fram
$ 20,403 - $ 64,607
Per Person
Up to 35% savings

Antarctic Circle Expedition

Length: 18 Day / 17 Night
Ships: MS Roald Amundsen
$ 13,041 - $ 21,597
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake

Length: 8 Day / 7 Night
Ships: Ocean Explorer, World Explorer
$ 14,436 - $ 31,246
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Spirit of Antarctica

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle
$ 13,766 - $ 30,076
Per Person
Up to 36% savings

Highlights of Antarctica

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen
$ 9,721 - $ 26,923
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords & Torres del Paine

Length: 15 Day / 14 Night
Ships: Ultramarine
$ 12,999 - $ 29,263
Per Person

Scott & Shackleton's Antarctic - Ross Sea Expedition

Length: 22 Day / 21 Night
Ships: Le Soléal
$ 25,290 - $ 75,920
Per Person

Antarctic Small Ship Expedition

Length: 10 Day / 9 Night
Ships: Magellan Explorer
$ 6,995 - $ 14,795
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Across the Antarctic Circle: Sail-Fly

Length: 13 Day / 12 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle
$ 18,781 - $ 39,395
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

In Shackleton’s Footsteps

Length: 20 Day / 19 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
$ 22,595 - $ 46,395
Per Person

Best of the Southern Ocean

Length: 19 Day / 18 Night
Ships: Sea Spirit
$ 14,295 - $ 31,295
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey

Length: 21 Day / 20 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle, Greg Mortimer
$ 20,396 - $ 51,595
Per Person
Up to 29% savings

In-Depth Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition (Northbound)

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: MS Fram
$ 20,403 - $ 27,225
Per Person

Best of Antarctica: Whale Discovery

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: Ocean Endeavour
$ 7,400 - $ 11,240
Per Person

FAQ About Antarctic Wildlife Adventures

Why choose an Antarctica wildlife tour?

Antarctica wildlife tours offer extraordinary opportunities to witness diverse and abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds. These tours provide immersive experiences, expert guides, and the chance to explore one of the world’s most pristine ecosystems.

When is the best time for Antarctica wildlife tours?

The Antarctic summer months from November to March are ideal for wildlife tours. During this time, wildlife is most active, with penguins nesting, seal pups born, and whales feeding in the nutrient-rich Antarctic waters.

What wildlife can I expect to see on an Antarctica tour?

Antarctica tours offer incredible wildlife encounters. You can witness various penguin species, such as Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap, along with seals like Weddell and Leopard seals. Whales, including humpbacks and orcas, are commonly sighted, along with numerous seabirds.

What activities are included in Antarctica wildlife tours?

Antarctica wildlife tours typically include Zodiac cruises for up-close wildlife observation, shore excursions to penguin rookeries and seal colonies, lectures by expert naturalists, and opportunities for wildlife photography and birdwatching.

What measures are taken to protect the wildlife during Antarctica tours?

Antarctica tours prioritize wildlife conservation and adhere to strict guidelines to minimize disturbance to the animals and their habitats. Operators follow International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) regulations to ensure responsible and sustainable wildlife viewing.

Antarctica Wildlife Cruises

Embark on an extraordinary wildlife odyssey to Antarctica. Set sail on our captivating wildlife cruises and witness majestic penguins, playful seals, and graceful whales in their natural habitat.

Le Commandant Charcot

13-30 Days, 5 Itineraries
245 Guests, Luxury
$ 29,850 - $ 108,870
Per Person

Le Soléal

22 Days, 1 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
$ 25,290 - $ 75,920
Per Person

Le Boréal

12-19 Days, 3 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
$ 12,950 - $ 43,970
Per Person

Le Lyrial

12-19 Days, 2 Itineraries
244 Guests, Luxury
$ 13,410 - $ 58,000
Per Person

L’Austral

12-19 Days, 4 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
$ 10,120 - $ 39,450
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Ultramarine

12-23 Days, 6 Itineraries
199 Guests, Luxury
$ 12,999 - $ 56,870
Per Person
Up to 35% savings

Ocean Explorer

8-20 Days, 8 Itineraries
138 Guests, Luxury
$ 12,465 - $ 43,772
Per Person
Up to 33% savings

World Explorer

8-18 Days, 5 Itineraries
172 Guests, Luxury
$ 10,871 - $ 33,127
Per Person
Up to 38% savings

MS Fridtjof Nansen

12-19 Days, 2 Itineraries
530 Guests, Luxury
$ 9,721 - $ 26,923
Per Person
Up to 40% savings

MS Roald Amundsen

12-18 Days, 4 Itineraries
532 Guests, Luxury
$ 9,721 - $ 35,472
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Sylvia Earle

10-23 Days, 18 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 10,046 - $ 56,521
Per Person
Up to 13% savings

Magellan Explorer

6-20 Days, 6 Itineraries
96 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 6,795 - $ 36,995
Per Person

Sea Spirit

12-23 Days, 7 Itineraries
114 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 10,095 - $ 43,995
Per Person
Up to 34% savings

Ocean Albatros

10-19 Days, 9 Itineraries
169 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 7,676 - $ 45,895
Per Person
Up to 21% savings

Seaventure

11-21 Days, 10 Itineraries
164 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 10,450 - $ 34,895
Per Person

Heritage Adventurer

28 Days, 1 Itineraries
184 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 31,500 - $ 50,620
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Greg Mortimer

9-24 Days, 10 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 11,756 - $ 56,436
Per Person
Up to 31% savings

Ocean Victory

9-19 Days, 9 Itineraries
189 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 7,836 - $ 43,395
Per Person
Up to 49% savings

MS Fram

23 Days, 2 Itineraries
318 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 20,403 - $ 64,607
Per Person

Ocean Endeavour

11-23 Days, 5 Itineraries
200 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 7,400 - $ 15,320
Per Person

MS Expedition

11-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
134 Guests, Authentic
$ 6,299 - $ 33,999
Per Person
Up to 41% savings

Hondius

10-23 Days, 7 Itineraries
170 Guests, Authentic
$ 7,750 - $ 31,000
Per Person

MV Ushuaia

10-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
90 Guests, Authentic
$ 5,690 - $ 20,390
Per Person
Up to 16% savings

Ocean Nova

6-23 Days, 9 Itineraries
72 Guests, Authentic
$ 4,995 - $ 44,315
Per Person
Up to 31% savings

Plancius

10-20 Days, 8 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
$ 7,700 - $ 24,400
Per Person

Ortelius

11-28 Days, 8 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
$ 7,700 - $ 39,000
Per Person