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Antarctica

Sl Nws Antarctica Iceberg Bird Dec Credit Andrew James
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Antarctica Safaris

Located at the southern end of the world, this unowned, extraordinarily stark yet pristine wilderness offers pure natural beauty and a truly unique safari experience. Largely untouched by humans, the vast frozen continent is incomparable; a remote wilderness shaped by the elements. Penguins can be found in unfathomable quantities; witness them waddling awkwardly and marvel at their speed and elegance in the water. The most remote continent, Antarctica is a wild land of superlatives; the coldest, windiest and driest location on earth covering a mind-boggling 14 million square kilometers, about half the area of Africa.

The Antarctica Safari Experience

  • Marvel at extraordinary colonies of penguins; 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. Other species include Emperors, Adélies, Gentoos, Rockhoppers and the Macaronis.
  • 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 seals and fur seals can often be seen around the Peninsula, whilst Weddell seals are more southerly 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; 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.

Cl Antarctica South Georgia Credit Jonathan Z Lee

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How Much Does Antarctica Cost?

Crossing the Drake Passage on an expedition ship to explore the Antarctic Peninsula starts from only $9,500 per person for a 11-day trip. Flying down to the world’s largest desert, typically expect to budget from $14,500 for an 8-day itinerary, including the flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island. If you would prefer to be immersed in the activity of the emperor penguin rookery, budget from $67,000 per person for 7 days.

When to Go to Antarctica?

The Antarctic season is relatively short, from mid-October through to March, and sees temperatures ranging from -16C to 10C. 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.

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Antarctica Safaris FAQs

Where is Antarctica?

Antarctica is located at the southernmost part of the Earth. It is the continent that surrounds the South Pole and is situated almost entirely within the Antarctic Circle. It is bordered by the Southern Ocean, and its exact coordinates vary depending on specific locations. The continent is covered by a vast ice sheet and is known for its extreme cold temperatures and unique polar ecosystems.

Is Antarctica a desert?

Antarctica is a desert because it gets very little precipitation, mainly in the form of snow. Despite being icy, it's the world's largest desert due to its low annual rainfall.

What animals live in Antarctica?

Antarctica hosts diverse animals adapted to its extreme cold. Penguins, seals (like Weddell and Leopard seals), whales (including Orcas and Blue whales), and birds (such as Snow petrels and Albatross) inhabit its coasts and waters. Fish like Antarctic toothfish, invertebrates like krill, and microorganisms also thrive. These creatures have evolved unique ways to survive in this harsh environment. Discover more about Antarctica's wildlife.

How many people live in Antarctica?

Antarctica is primarily inhabited by scientific research personnel. The population fluctuates, with approximately 1,100 during the harsh winter and around 4,400 in the milder months (October to February). Additionally, there are about 1,000 staff in nearby waters during this period.

What can tourists do in Antarctica?

Tourists visiting Antarctica can enjoy scenic cruises, wildlife viewing (penguins, seals, whales), educational lectures, Zodiac boat tours, photography, kayaking, snowshoeing, and even camping. They may also visit research stations and experience unique activities like polar plunges. Strict regulations are in place to protect the environment and wildlife, and visitors must follow guidelines to minimise impact. Find out more on where to go in Antarctica.