A group of Adélie penguins stands on the edge of an iceberg, clustered against a snowy Antarctic backdrop.

The “White Continent” of Antarctica is one of the few remaining unspoiled, pristine destinations in the world.

Your adventure begins

Where pristine horizons, sculpted ice, and rare wildlife redefine what it means to stand at the edge of the world

Why visit Antarctica?

In contrast to the sea-level Arctic, which is an ocean blanketed by a slim layer of perennial sea ice, Antarctica is an ice-capped land mass with a towering average elevation of 8,000 feet. Most guests take an Antarctica luxury vacation for the unique wildlife (and, let’s be honest, to notch their belt with that last continent!) but end up mesmerized by the ice, with its myriad of artistic shapes, colors, and sizes.

Apart from the spellbinding scenery and diverse wildlife, visitors are struck by the vastness of it all. Though larger than both the European and Australian continents, with 1,000 – 4,000 inhabitants (seasonally), Antarctica remains the least populated. Cruising in a Zodiac for a close-up inspection of some of the world’s largest icebergs makes one feel small, especially when remembering that 90 per cent of these behemoths sit below the waterline.

Sketch of two penguins, one adult and one baby.

Antarctica, your way

Antarctica is known for its dramatic scenery: mountain peaks, austere ice shelves, and beautifully carved bergs are fabulous for otherworldly photography. There’s also the possibility of close-up encounters with unique wildlife, including whales, penguins, seals, and various unique bird species, as well as the ends-of-earth solitude that only Antarctica can offer. Pristine beauty and the absence of most human development give visitors a sense of isolation that can be almost meditative.

Why visit Antarctica?

In contrast to the sea-level Arctic, which is an ocean blanketed by a slim layer of perennial sea ice, Antarctica is an ice-capped land mass with a towering average elevation of 8,000 feet. Most guests take an Antarctica luxury vacation for the unique wildlife (and, let’s be honest, to notch their belt with that last continent!) but end up mesmerized by the ice, with its myriad of artistic shapes, colors, and sizes.

Apart from the spellbinding scenery and diverse wildlife, visitors are struck by the vastness of it all. Though larger than both the European and Australian continents, with 1,000 – 4,000 inhabitants (seasonally), Antarctica remains the least populated. Cruising in a Zodiac for a close-up inspection of some of the world’s largest icebergs makes one feel small, especially when remembering that 90 per cent of these behemoths sit below the waterline.

Antarctica, your way

Antarctica is known for its dramatic scenery: mountain peaks, austere ice shelves, and beautifully carved bergs are fabulous for otherworldly photography. There’s also the possibility of close-up encounters with unique wildlife, including whales, penguins, seals, and various unique bird species, as well as the ends-of-earth solitude that only Antarctica can offer. Pristine beauty and the absence of most human development give visitors a sense of isolation that can be almost meditative.

This is my fourth trip using Extraordinary Journeys and I have never been disappointed. It was perfect and met my needs 100%.

Melissa Shorey, 2025 Traveler 

A kayaker paddles beneath a blue ice arch as warm light reflects on still water at the edge of an ice cave.

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Is Antarctica the right destination for you?

Though Antarctica attracts adventure travelers, it truly is a destination for everyone, thanks to comfortable ships with state-of-the-art stabilizers and fly-in trips that skip the Drake Passage. Once you’re there, the rewards are extraordinary: surreal icescapes, silence that feels almost sacred, and close encounters with penguins, seals, and whales that are impossible to replicate anywhere else. If you’re drawn to rare places that make you feel small in the best way, Antarctica is the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime journey. 

What to expect on a private Antarctica tour

Every Extraordinary Journey is bespoke, deeply personal, and designed to uncover the unexpected beauty that makes a destination come alive

Education versus entertainment

Most Antarctic voyages adopt an expedition style of cruising, with lectures, workshops, and outdoor activities on offer. The emphasis is on wildlife, nature, history, and marine biology rather than entertainment or spa treatments. 

Amenities

Individual cabins range in size and amenities (i.e., balconies, seating areas, windows), and all ships have dedicated lecture lounges, restaurants, and mud rooms.

Small ships

Regulations in Antarctica allow only 100 passengers to depart the ship at a time. To maximize the off-ship experience, Extraordinary Journeys works exclusively with vessels carrying fewer than 200 passengers.

When is the best time to travel to Antarctica?

The best time to travel to Antarctica is between November and early April. Even within this period, experiences vary, and you’ll need to choose based on your priorities.

During the Austral spring, you can see adult penguins performing their comical mating rituals and building nests. Icebergs will be at their greatest mass, ranging in colors from sparkling snow white to a deep and mesmerizing aquamarine. Spring is also best for snow activities like mountaineering, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. It also affords the best opportunity to experience camping.

Mid-season (December to early February) boasts up to 20 hours of daylight, as well as the hatching of those adorable baby chicks, especially in January to early February. Though there’s not a great deal of temperature fluctuation throughout the season, with average temperatures of 34 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s the “warmest” time of year. Glaciers are actively calving, and Circle-crossing expeditions operate as the ice gives way and ships can finally access 66 degrees south.

Toward the end of the season (late-February through April), baby chicks fledge and leave their nests, attracting the attention of predators like seals and whales. With this, the whales present themselves for prime viewing. The sunsets are breathtaking as the sun finally retreats beyond the horizon for a bit, painting the sky a mosaic of colors.

Best

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

Nov

Dec

January - April

November - December

Good

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

Nov

Dec

January - April

November - December

Where to go in Antarctica

Discover the best of Antarctica, from penguin-packed islands to remote wildlife havens

Antarctic Peninsula

Stretching some 800 miles into the Southern Ocean, the Antarctic Peninsula is separated from South America by the notorious Drake Passage. It takes just two days to close the distance of 600 miles by ship, making it a popular destination for expedition cruises to the White Continent. Here, travelers find large penguin colonies and polar waters teeming with marine life while enjoying outdoor activities like kayaking and perhaps even camping.

Antarctica travel FAQs

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