Antarctic Cruises

This immense wilderness is a fabulous and virtually pristine paradise for wildlife with incomparable scenery of mountains, snow and ice. It is a privilege to visit this awe-inspiring continent and to tread in the footsteps of great explorers.

"I was intending to let you know how it went but I've been busy trying to relive it through my photos. It was utterly amazing. The entire thing went like a dream. The ship and crew were great. The expedition staff were so informative and entertaining, and the mix of passengers was wonderful, I feel like I've made some lifelong friends. But the wildlife and scenery were just unbelievable. There's really just too much to list, the whole thing far exceeded my expectations and I can't believe it's over. Thanks so much for all your help and advice."

Our Recommended Itineraries

Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands

This 11-12 day expedition, a fabulous introduction to Antarctica, includes the most exciting sites along the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

Read more on the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands itinerary.



Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic

Combining a visit to Antarctic with the islands synonymous with the continent, including the Falklands and South Georgia, adds an important dimension to this 20 day cruise.

Read more on the Antarctic, Falklands and South Georgia itinerary.



Fly and Cruise to Antarctica


This Fly and Cruise expedition offers a revolutionary concept in Antarctica travel, enabling travelers to forgo the 2 day Drake Passage crossing. 6 day itinerary.

Read more on the Antarctic Fly and Cruise itinerary.



March of the Penguins


The opportunity to view an Emperor penguin up close is a truly special wildlife encounter. To maximise this amazing opportunity, the cruise aims to spend up to 4 days at the rookery.

Read more on the March of the Penguins itinerary.


Crossing the Antarctic Circle


This expedition offers the most actual time spent in Antarctica itself of all the different trips to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Read more on the Crossing the Antarctic Circle itinerary.




Icebreaker to The Ross Sea


These unique expeditions depart from either New Zealand or Hobart in Tazmania on 25 day cruises that take you further into Antarctica than any other cruise.

Read more on the Icebreaker to The Ross Sea itinerary.

Would You Like to Know More?

For further information please call our cruise consultants on 01285 880981 or email voyages@steppestravel.co.uk.

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Below is more information about what you can expect to see on an Antarctic cruise, along with details of when to go and our expertise.

Antarctica is said to be the coldest, driest and windiest place on earth, but that does not describe its attractions as a tourist destination.

This immense wilderness is a fabulous and virtually pristine paradise for wildlife with incomparable scenery of mountains, snow and ice. It is a privilege to visit this awe-inspiring continent and to tread in the footsteps of great explorers.

Take an Antarctic cruise to this immense wilderness, one of the driest, coldest yet most inspiring places on earth. Some one thousand kilometres from Tierra del Fuego and the mainland of South America, Antarctica is a fabulous and pristine wildlife haven, set in an awe inspiring scenery of mountains, snow and sculptured, twisted ice.

A trip to Antarctica is unique - it truly is the ultimate experience!

Client Viewpoint

"Antarctica was beyond all our expectations - the scenery, the wildlife, the light was amazing. Our naturalist guides were exceptionally helpful and informative. Getting so close to the wildlife was wonderful."

Mr J, Edinburgh.


Wildlife

Although there are no mammals that are resident to the Antarctic land mass, the visiting wildlife is prolific and the surrounding oceans are home to countless marine animals. There are numerous species of whales: humpbacks, fin, sei, minke and orcas to see on your Antarctica wildlife cruise.

There are nine species of penguin, including the magnificent emperor and king penguins, as well as a host of seals such as elephant, fur and leopard seals.

The skies are teeming with birds including albatross, petrels, skuas and terns.

Antarctica Cruises

An Antarctic cruise holiday on an ice strengthened cruise ship is the perfect way to explore this white continent, whose wonder and cold majesty has lured explorers for more than two centuries.

All the boats we recommend have ice strengthened hulls, a highly professional crew, excellent naturalist guides and offer delicious cuisine and a very professional service.

Your Antarctic holiday itinerary may vary from ship to ship but can include the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney and the islands off the Antarctic Peninsula.

Please click here for a selection Antarctic boats.




Our Expertise

Our staff have travelled extensively in Antarctica, so you can rely on their first-hand experience and knowledge.

James has recently visited Antarctica. Read about his experiences in On Location.

When To Go

October through to March is the Antarctic Summer and the only time the continent is accessible to visitors:

October/November - The ice is melting and the birds mating
December/January - Warmest months with penguins hatching and 20 hours of daylight
February/March - Best months for whale watching, adult penguins are on shore.

Steppes Travel cruise destinations include: Alaska, Amazon, Antarctica, Arctic, Baja Mexico, Galapagos.