Antarctica Expedition Cruises: Season, Ships and the Drake Passage

Each part of the short season has its own appeal. November brings pristine snow and penguin courtship, though sea ice can still block some routes. December and January are peak season, with nearly round-the-clock daylight, the mildest temperatures and penguin chicks hatching.

February and March are the best months for whales, as humpbacks and minkes feed before migrating north, and chicks start to fledge. Voyages that add the Falklands and South Georgia, with their huge king penguin colonies and Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken, run through the season.

The classic route sails about two days each way across the Drake Passage from Ushuaia. It can be calm or very rough, and the crossing days are filled with lectures and seabird watching, including albatrosses. Prepare for seasickness with your doctor’s advice, and pick a midship cabin.

Fly-cruises fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in the South Shetlands, then board the ship. You trade the crossing for a shorter trip, but weather can delay flights by a day or more, so the schedule needs slack.

Weather permitting, most days include two outings: a landing at a penguin colony or research-station site, and a Zodiac cruise among icebergs. Many ships also offer kayaking, snowshoeing, a night camping on the ice and the polar plunge, usually for limited numbers and sometimes at extra cost.

The rules are strict and well-enforced. Under IAATO guidelines, no more than 100 people may be ashore at a site at one time, and only one ship lands at a site at once. Gear is vacuumed and boots disinfected to protect the ecosystem, and you keep your distance from wildlife as directed by the expedition team.

Size matters most. With only 100 people ashore at a time, a ship of around 100 to 200 guests gives everyone longer landings than a ship of 400 or 500, where groups rotate. Ships with more than 500 passengers can’t land guests at all; they offer scenic cruising only.

Then weigh comfort and style. Classic expedition operators include Lindblad Expeditions, Quark Expeditions and Aurora Expeditions; luxury expedition ships come from Ponant, Silversea and Seabourn. Look for ice-strengthened hulls, the size and experience of the expedition team, and balcony cabins if you want views from bed. Our expedition cruising guide covers the basics.

Book 12 to 18 months ahead for December and January and for balcony or suite cabins on smaller ships. Fares typically include landings, Zodiac outings and the expedition team’s program; many include a parka and loaned boots, and some include a hotel night and charter flight from Buenos Aires.

Most operators require emergency medical evacuation insurance, which matters in a place this remote. Gigi can book the voyage, the Buenos Aires or Santiago nights and the insurance as one plan. Pack with our arctic and polar packing list.