What’s the Best Antarctica Cruise for You?

Antarctica’s enigmatic landscapes have captivated explorers for generations. Today, travellers can experience this frozen continent in a sustainable, low-impact way aboard small expedition vessels designed to protect the fragile polar environment.

These expedition-style cruises offer travellers abundant chances to experience it up close in an active and immersive way. Below are five of the top expedition cruises to Antarctica for every style of traveller.

The Budget-Friendly Option

Spot penguins, whales, seals, albatross and other seabirds on the 10-day Antarctic Explorer, which takes you to the pristine wildlife haven of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.

While the voyage is shorter, the itinerary packs in as much as possible to get the most out of your time—fitting in landings, Zodiac excursions and wildlife encounters as conditions allow. Travelling at the start of the season also means a more untouched, early-summer experience, with fresh snow, fewer ships and incredible photographic opportunities.

Departs in November; special rates for families are also available.

The Historical Aficionado

Follow in the footsteps of great polar explorers on voyages such as the Weddell Sea expeditions, which retrace the continent’s history and bring it to life. Visit sites like Elephant Island, home to 22 of Shackleton’s men for four months; Grytviken, the explorer’s last resting place; and the preserved huts of Scott and Borchgrevink. 

Guided by seasoned polar experts, you'll also stop by important scientific stations and gain insight into the research shaping the future of the region. Beyond the fringes of the peninsula, the journey opens up opportunities for incredible wildlife experiences, including the possibility of spotting the elusive Emperor Penguin.

Departures between January and March.

The Remote Warrior

Go where few explore, into the very heart of Antarctica. Often described as “the ultimate Antarctic voyage”, the Ross Sea exploratory cruises reach one of the most remote regions in the world, which is only accessible for two months each year when the ice thaws. 

The historic Ross Sea region is where many of the world’s most legendary explorers once charted their course. Home to millions of Adelie and Emperor penguins, encounters with rare species found nowhere else on Earth are a regular highlight. The expedition also aims to reach Cape Adare, the northernmost tip of the Ross Sea, a site with the largest Adélie penguin rookery in Antarctica.

This month-long voyage offers one of the most immersive and comprehensive Antarctic experiences possible.

Departs in January and February.  

The Active Explorer

Our Active Antarctica expeditions give you the option to spend more time off your vessel in a more hands-on way. These voyages also offer the thrill of travelling across icy bays by Zodiac, venturing ashore with expert naturalists by your side, and observing wildlife in its raw, natural habitat.

Witness the southern summer transform ice-free areas into bustling breeding grounds for seabirds, penguins and seals. Minke, Orca and Humpback whales are often seen, along with the striking Leopard Seal.

You'll enjoy opportunities to kayak through clear Antarctic waters and past sculpted icebergs, climb glaciers to sweeping viewpoints, snowshoe around the coast, and even have the option to camp overnight on the ice.

Departs between November and March.

The Wildlife Lover

For incredible wildlife viewing, the subantarctic islands are essential stops. South Georgia teems with mammals, whales and vast King Penguin colonies, while the Falkland Islands host Black-browed Albatrosses shared by a colony of sturdy Rockhopper Penguins. 

Combining these rich wildlife havens with an exploration of the western flanks of the Antarctic Peninsula creates a truly memorable expedition. With regular zodiac excursions, travellers can venture onshore in small numbers, stretch their legs, and observe wildlife up close, accompanied by world-class naturalists. Also visit historic scientific stations, where seasoned guides offer informal yet insightful lectures to help visitors better understand one of the world’s most spectacular, pristine, and fragile environments. 

Another notable voyage is an expedition to Macquarie Island, which ventures to a remote and little-known island halfway between Australia and Antarctica. As the world’s only breeding ground for the yellow-crested royal penguin, it remains one of the most unique and often overlooked Antarctic journeys.

After each day of exploration, you'll return to the warmth and comfort of your cabin, reflecting on the incredible environment that makes Antarctica a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

As tourism regulation remains an urgent matter, eco-conscious travellers can choose from a wide selection of polar voyages with On Water Expeditions, offering more than 40 voyages to Antarctica, from 10 days to four weeks.