Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula
Spend a full 20 days exploring the far southern reaches of the globe.
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Antarctica Safaris
The Antarctica Safari Experience
- Marvel at extraordinary colonies of penguins from King, Emperors, Adélies, Gentoos, and Rockhoppers, to the Macaronis. The King Penguins on the Salisbury Plains of South Georgia can be seen in numbers up to 500,000. These loveable creatures - clumsy on land and swift in the water - are found in huge numbers all over and may be witnessed hatching, feeding, or courting.
- Watching whales breach the wild southern oceans is unforgettable. Species such as southern right, blue, orca, minke, sperm, humpback, sei, fin, and beaked are all found in Antarctic waters.
- Leopard and fur seals can often be seen around the Antarctic Peninsula, whilst Weddell seals are found further south and crabeater seals are generally found around pack ice. Elephant seals and fur seals can be found on most (if not all) landings on South Georgia.
- Far from anywhere and everywhere, expect overwhelmingly vast landscapes comprised of stunning icebergs and glaciers, jagged mountains and valleys.
Why Natural World Safaris?
While there are many tour operators offering trips and cruises to Antarctica, it is our wildlife expertise and key partnerships that set us apart. Our considerable experience and wealth of knowledge has led to carefully selected expeditions, providing you with nothing but the best ships and guides; placing you in the right place at the right time to maximise your encounters with Antarctic's wildlife.
Antarctica Safaris
From 14500 per person
Classic Antarctica Adventure
Cross the Drake Passage and Explore Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands.
Ross Sea Expedition
Follow in the wake of Shackleton and Scott and explore untouched, rugged and wild landscapes.
Antarctic Citizen Science Voyage
An exciting journey throughout the Antarctic Peninsula, exploring incredible landscapes and watching for endearing wildlife, including Gentoo penguins, humpback whales, minke whales and much more. There are seven species of penguin and at least three species of whales that you could encounter throughout your journey so keep your eyes peeled at all times for glimpses of wildlife. When wildlife is spotted from the bridge, your captain will endeavour to manoeuvre towards the sightings wherever possible, or you may head out on a Zodiac excursion for better photographic opportunities.
Spring Emperor Penguins of Atka Bay
Fly into the Great White Continent and visit the Emperor Penguin colony, camping out on the ice.
Talk to a Antarctica Destination Specialist
The Antarctica Safari Experience
How Much Does Antarctica Cost?
Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by expedition ship, including a crossing of the Drake Passage, will start from approximately $9,500 per person for an 11-day expedition. Flying down to the world’s largest desert and avoiding the Drake Passage will increase your starting budget, typically starting from approximately $14,500 per person for an 8-day journey.
For the continent’s most luxurious expedition, spent exploring Antarctica’s interior, and with the potential to set foot on the geographic and ceremonial South Pole, expect to budget from $68,500 to $110,000 per person.
When to Go to Antarctica?
The Antarctic season is relatively short, from mid-October through March, and sees temperatures ranging from 0-50F. Travelling early in the season offers unique wildlife with a backdrop of snowy peaks and towering icebergs. Mid-season is the peak time for penguin hatching, and the end of the season sees the whales arriving in the greatest numbers. Read more about when to go to Antarctica.
Where to Stay in Antarctica?
Navigate Antarctica by first-class expedition ship or even sleep on the icy continent in unique camps. This forbidding landscape is the realm of expedition travel, and your accommodation options will be on carefully chosen specialist vessels designed to navigate the icy waters. We only work with ships that we know offer the perfect mix of stability, speed, comfort, expert leadership, and safety. Read more.
Antarctica Safari Inspo
Emperor Penguins & The South Pole
A luxurious safari to the heart of the great white continent; this safari is one of our favourite ways to see Antarctica. Be one of the few to visit the very bottom of the planet and stand on the South Pole before visiting the Akta Bay Emperor Penguin colony. Witness over 14,000 breeding pairs and their newly-hatched chicks as they start leaving their parent's feet for the first time!
Essential Gear for Your Antarctica Safari Adventure
Proper packing is essential to ensure that you stay warm, comfortable, and safe during your adventure. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the essential gear you’ll need for your Antarctica safari.
Antarctica Photography
The remote region of Antarctica is a photographer's paradise. From stunning ice statues to peppy penguins.
Antarctica Safari Highlights
Client Reviews
Rated 4.7/5 based on 7 customer reviews
- —Tony C who travelled on Antarctica Small Group Expedition
NWS answered every question, got the balance between chasing paperwork and supplying information absolutely right. 10/10 is a fair score (no, really!) Of course, there is always room for improvement, but it soon became clear when I got on the ship that I had all the necessary documentation sent to me well in advance - this was via proactive email communication. So, I had all the correct documentation well in advance (others had not). The actual journey itself was superb from start to finish and the guides and crew were the best in the business without a doubt. They are all (every single one) very, very good at their jobs. This is my 2nd trip with NWS and I always feel that nothing is too much bother for the NWS people. Every question is answered, the team are helpful and the attention to detail is superb.
- —Keri H who travelled on Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Safari
Everything was amazing, I'm still trying to get my head round everything we saw and did. Excellent service, booking and high-quality trips.
- —Harry S who travelled on Antarctica Small Group Expedition
An awesome and life-changing experience. The two weeks in Antarctica will be treasured and I certainly hope to visit that continent again in the future. NWS and their counterparts at One Expedition were helpful at every step of the way.
- —Gareth W who travelled on the Andy Rouse Antarctica Safari
It was a most memorable and well organised trip - one of the best organised trips I have been on. Would highly recommend it. The locations we visited were amazing.
- —Elizabeth S who travelled on Andy Rouse Antarctica Safari
Wonderful, awesome, very well organised on the ship, very good presentations on photography and art, early polar exploration, the protection of Antarctica, and from the naturalists on board. The food on board was excellent and I enjoyed the trip enormously.
- —Tarina Hill who travelled on Andy Rouse Antarctica Safari
An amazing trip, excellent crew, good food and interesting presentations.
- —Gareth W who travelled on Andy Rouse Antarctica Safari
It was a most memorable and well organised trip - one of the best organised trips I have been on. Would highly recommend it. The locations we visited were amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Antarctica and why is it unique?
Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth, surrounding the South Pole. It is unique for its vast ice sheets, extreme climate, abundant marine wildlife, and status as a protected continent dedicated to science and conservation.
What is the best time to visit Antarctica?
The best time to visit Antarctica is during the Antarctic summer from November to March, when sea ice retreats, wildlife is active, and expedition ships can access the continent.
How do you travel to Antarctica?
Most visitors travel to Antarctica on expedition cruises departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, crossing the Drake Passage, or by fly-cruise combinations to the Antarctic Peninsula.
What wildlife can I see in Antarctica?
Antarctica is home to penguins (Emperor, Gentoo, Adélie, Chinstrap), seals, whales including humpbacks and orcas, and abundant seabird life during the summer months.
Is Antarctica safe for tourists?
Yes. Antarctica is safe when visited with licensed expedition operators who follow strict safety protocols, weather monitoring, and environmental regulations under the Antarctic Treaty.
What is the Drake Passage and is it dangerous?
The Drake Passage is the body of water between South America and Antarctica. Conditions vary, but modern expedition ships are well equipped, and crossings are generally safe with experienced crews.
Can you step foot on Antarctica?
Yes. Most expedition cruises include guided landings where visitors can walk on the continent, observe wildlife, and explore icy landscapes under strict environmental rules.
Do I need a visa to visit Antarctica?
No visa is required to visit Antarctica, but you must comply with entry requirements for transit countries such as Argentina or Chile.
What should I pack for an Antarctica expedition?
Pack insulated layers, waterproof outerwear, thermal base layers, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, and camera protection. Expedition operators often provide expedition boots.
How is Antarctica protected from tourism impact?
Antarctica is protected under the Antarctic Treaty System, which limits visitor numbers, enforces wildlife distance rules, and ensures tourism remains low-impact and conservation-focused.
Why Natural World Safaris for your Antarctica Safari?
Wildlife Specialists
Whether you’re surrounded by chinstrap penguins on a black sand beach or watching humpbacks lunge-feed just offshore, wildlife is at the heart of every Antarctic voyage we offer. We prioritise ships and itineraries that allow more time ashore and fewer guests, meaning more meaningful, respectful encounters with the wildlife of the White Continent.
Wealth of Experience
We’ve spent years building relationships with the best ships, guides and expedition teams operating in Antarctica. Our specialists have travelled on the vessels we recommend and know exactly when, where and how to travel for the best experience. From the classic Peninsula to the Ross Sea and beyond, we’ll guide you through the options to find the voyage that suits you best.
Small Ship Safari
Travelling on a smaller expedition vessel gives you far greater flexibility and access to remote sites. With fewer passengers, you’ll spend more time off the ship exploring by Zodiac, on foot or even kayaking through iceberg-strewn bays. This isn’t a cruise — it’s a true expedition, with the freedom to go where the wildlife leads.