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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.

Cl Antarctica South Georgia Credit Jonathan Z Lee

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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). The mild months and Antarctica’s tourist season also brings an additional 1,000 staff found in its surrounding water.

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.

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Why Natural World Safaris for your Antarctica Safari?

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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.

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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.

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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.