ANTARCTICA
About Antarctica...
Often called the planet’s final frontier, the Seventh Continent (also called the White Continent) refers to Antarctica... a place of staggering beauty, extreme conditions, and unmatched natural wonder. It is the coldest, highest, and most remote continent on Earth, a vast wilderness covered almost entirely in ice. Here, towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs, and endless white horizons create a landscape that feels otherworldly and completely untouched by time.
Despite its harsh environment, Antarctica is alive with remarkable wildlife. Penguins, seals, and whales thrive in its nutrient-rich waters, offering unforgettable encounters in one of the last truly pristine wilderness areas. With no cities, no permanent residents, and no commercial industries, the continent remains protected under international agreement, dedicated to peace and scientific research.
With no cities, residents, hotels, restaurants, roads, or domestic flights, you may wonder what there is to do in Antarctica. While it lacks the typical “towns and cities,” the continent offers something far more extraordinary! Islands, glaciers, straits, and sounds that create one of the most breath-taking wilderness destinations on Earth. Here, you truly immerse yourself in the uniqueness of your surroundings and embrace an experience that is both humbling and transformative.
Cruising is the best way to explore Antarctica, and you can even choose itineraries that start and end on the continent itself, saving valuable time otherwise spent sailing to and from the continent. The new generation of hybrid expedition ships which are being introduced are not only environmentally responsible but also offer a boutique-style wilderness adventure, combining comfort with unparalleled access to this remarkable world. Get on a Zodiac to venture deeper into the Gerlache and Penola Straits, narrow channels lined with flowing glaciers and drifting icebergs. Their calm waters make them ideal for Zodiac cruising, offering close encounters with whales, seals, and thriving penguin colonies. Further south, the Crystal Sound reveals an ethereal world of deep blue waters, shimmering ice floes, and magnificent icebergs sculpted by wind and weather.
The largest of the South Shetland Islands, King George Island serves as a logistical hub for Antarctic expeditions with several international research stations. Despite its facilities, it still holds wild landscapes, gentoo penguin colonies, and sweeping icy vistas. The South Shetland Islands are often the first glimpse of Antarctica for many travellers. This volcanic archipelago is rich in wildlife, with thriving colonies of penguins and seals and dramatic coastal cliffs.
Visiting Antarctica is more than a journey, it’s an expedition to the end of the Earth, a place where nature reigns supreme and every moment feels extraordinary.
Nuggets of information:
- Antarctica is the coldest continent, with temperatures reaching below -80°C in winter.
- It is technically a desert, receiving less annual precipitation than the Sahara.
- About 98% of the continent is covered by ice, which in some places is over a mile thick.
- The Gamburtsev Mountain range (approx. 1200 kms) are completely hidden under the ice.
- Antarctica holds around 70% of the world's freshwater in its ice sheet.
- If all Antarctic ice melted, global sea levels could rise by about 60 metres.
- It is also the windiest continent, with winds over 200 mph (320 km/h) recorded.
- Antarctica has no permanent human population, only rotating scientific researchers.
- There are no polar bears in Antarctica.
- Antarctica has active volcanoes, including Mount Erebus, one of the few with a persistent lava lake.
- The continent has over 400 subglacial lakes, including Lake Vostok, buried under 4 km of ice.
- Blood Falls in Antarctica is a five-story waterfall from Taylor Glacier into Lake Bonney that flows bright red like blood due to oxidized iron-rich water.
- The Antarctic Treaty, signed by many nations, protects the continent for peaceful scientific use.
- Antarctica has no official time zones; research stations follow the time of their home country or supply base.
- In summer, Antarctica experiences 24 hours of daylight, while winter brings 24 hours of darkness.
Our Itineraries
Itineraries: Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our range of Antarctica cruises. Contact us to help you book an unforgettable journey to the world’s last great wilderness.
Multi–Island tours and extensions:
When you venture into this part of the world, you encounter only the most remote and spectacular islands. So why not choose a cruise that gives you the rare chance to set foot where very few ever do?
South Georgia is a breath-taking island of towering mountains, vast glaciers, and deep fjords, home to some of the densest wildlife on the planet. Highlights include visiting Grytviken to pay respects at Ernest Shackleton’s grave, witnessing the astonishing colony of 150,000 king penguins at St. Andrew’s Bay, and observing black-browed albatrosses and macaroni penguins on Cooper Island. While landings depend heavily on weather conditions, the right season may also allow visits to Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plain, Drygalski Fjord, and Elsehul Bay; each offering unforgettable wildlife encounters and dramatic scenery.
The Falkland Islands offer a remarkable blend of sweeping wilderness, rich wildlife, and charming local culture. On islands such as Saunders and Carcass, long white-sand beaches meet rugged coastlines, home to rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses, and sub-Antarctic gentoo penguins. In contrast, the capital, Port Stanley, offers a small but vibrant community with colourful houses, maritime heritage, and a distinctly British character. Visitors can explore historic churches, museums, local pubs, and waterfront war memorials, or wander through nearby areas like Gipsy Cove, known for its coastal scenery and wildlife. Altogether, the Falklands combine raw natural beauty with a unique cultural charm, making them one of the most fascinating stops in the South Atlantic.
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General Guidance:
Visa:
A permit is required to visit Antarctica, which we organise for our travellers.
Insurance:
It is a mandatory requirement for all travellers booking with a UK-based tour operator to hold adequate travel insurance. Your policy must provide cover for loss of luggage and personal belongings, medical treatment or hospitalisation, repatriation, flight delays or cancellations, and trip curtailment or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances. Please be aware that certain destinations or regions may be subject to government travel advisories, in which case standard travel insurance may not offer sufficient protection. If your itinerary includes such areas, or if an advisory is issued after your booking is confirmed, we will notify you. However, it remains your responsibility to ensure that your insurance policy provides comprehensive and appropriate coverage for all aspects of your travel plans.
Travel advisory:
We recommend consulting the travel advisory of the country you are travelling to/wish to. Click here for the relevant weblinks – UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Citizens of other countries must check their respective governments’ advice.
Medical advice:
We recommend consulting your medical practitioner or a travel health clinic for up-to-date advice on vaccinations and any necessary medications.
