Once-in-a-Lifetime Trips & Expeditions
Antarctic Cruises on Small Expedition Ships
The Falkland Islands and South Georgia with its king penguin colonies, whales off the peninsula, or an expedition to the South Pole: We’ll find the itinerary and ship that match your interests—and plan your trip from departure to return.
- Owner-operated since 2002
- Personal & Trustworthy
- Provide independent advice
- Selected Trips Around the World
25 days Ortelius
An Unusual Route: All the Way Down South (opens in a new tab)
25-day cruise crossing the Antarctic Circle to the Bellingshausen Sea, including helicopter flights
January 14–February 7, 2027
from 23,200 € 17,400 € per person
offers
Current Offers for Antarctica Trips
Selected special offers and exclusive rates for solo travelers. Compare travel dates, cabin occupancy, and included services.
- Onboard submarine for dives
- Balcony cabins with butler service only
- Kayaking included in the tour price
from 19,480 € 17,480 €
- Flying over the Drake Passage in two hours
- Four Days on the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
- Ice-filled fjords, penguins, seals, and whales
from 14,761 € 12,454 €
- Four Days in the South Shetland Islands and on the Peninsula
- Leopard seals and penguins on the beaches
- Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or camping (optional)
from 13,747 € 11,101 €
- Flight to King George Island and back
- Four Days on the Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
- Paddle tour and stand-up paddleboarding (optional)
from 18,177 € 16,359 €
- Helicopter sightseeing flights included in the tour price
- Through the Antarctic Sound into the Weddell Sea
- Search for Remote Emperor Penguin Colonies
from 12,700 € 10,150 €
- At least two scenic flights and one landing
- Erebus, Terror Gulf, and Antarctic Sound
- A Chance to See Icebergs from the Larsen Ice Shelf
from €18,638 16,106 €
- Deception Island, with its volcano and whaling station
- Gerlachstraße, with coves teeming with wildlife
- Kayaking, Camping, and Photography Tours
from 11,295 € 8,471 €
- Outbound flight from Chile, return by ship
- Chances of seeing humpback whales, dolphins, and elephant seals
- Polar Plunge: Ice Bathing in Antarctica
from 13,839 € 13,050 €
- Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, and Gold Harbor
- Shackleton's Grave and Whaling Station in South Georgia
- Orcadas Research Station, weather permitting
from 14,700 € 11,000 €
- New Year's Eve in the South Pole Region
- Run once around the world, circling the Pole marker
- Base camp on the glacier for acclimatization
- Cape Adare, home to more than 250,000 breeding pairs of Adélie penguins
- Expedition huts, conditions permitting
- Yellow-eyed penguins in the Rātā forests
from 35,495 € €31,946
- Optional: Camping in Antarctica (for a fee)
from 8,600 € 6,450 €
- Three Destinations in One Trip
- King Penguin Colonies in South Georgia
- From Fortuna Bay to Stromness
from 34,235 € 30,812 €
- Penguin chicks learning to fly
- 18 to 24 hours of daylight
- Not a single day at sea
from 19,653 € 16,705 €
- Historical Research Stations in Marguerite Bay
- Adélie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo Penguins
- Toast at the South Polar Circle, if possible
from €20,853 18,768 €
- Outbound by ship, return flight to Chile
- Photography Guide Onboard and During Excursions
- Chances to see orcas, elephant seals, and albatrosses
from 16,885 € 14,437 €
- Port Stanley with a British flair
- Four Days on South Georgia
- Grytviken, with its whaling station, museum, and church
from 47,248 € 43,792 €
- Eleven days, round trip by plane
- Southern Polar Circle, conditions permitting
- Northward along the western peninsula
from 33,036 € 28,081 €
- Crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66° 33' south latitude
- Landing on Deception Island, one of the South Shetland Islands
- Lake Amundsen and Lake Bellingshausen with pack ice and ice floes
from €30,470 28,870 €
- Flying over Cape Horn to Antarctica
- Six Days in Antarctica
- Sea kayaking or snowshoeing (optional)
from 23,068 € 20,760 €
- Neuschwabenland and the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf
- Landings on pack ice floes in the Weddell Sea
- South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
from 26,150 € 19,600 €
- Port Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands
- Shackleton's Grave and Old Whaling Stations
- Four Days in South Georgia with King Penguins
from 30,636 € 26,194 €
- Aerial view of the mountains on the southern peninsula
- Icebergs in Crystal Sound
- Guided hikes lasting up to three hours
from 21,684 € 20,785 €
- With marine biologist Ari Friedlaender
- Workshops on Identifying Marine Mammals
- Whale songs picked up by hydrophones on board
from 14,116 € 13,973 €
- Whales in the krill grounds
- Antarctic penguin chicks
- From Fortuna Bay to Stromness
from €28,974 26,077 €
- From Antarctica to Cape Verde
- Tristan da Cunha, the most remote inhabited island
- Napoleon's Longwood House on St. Helena
from 11,300 € 10,170 €
- Penguin chicks on the beaches
- Landing on Deception Island, which has a subdued crater
from 8,300 € 6,200 €
- Three days in South Georgia, four days on the peninsula
- Grytviken, one of the first whaling stations
- Glacier hikes; sea kayaking optional
from 23,899 € €20,434
- Following the Endurance's Route to the Weddell Sea
- Point Wild on Elephant Island
- Table-shaped icebergs in Iceberg Avenue
from 30,595 € 27,536 €
- Emperor Penguin Colony on Snow Hill Island
- By Helicopter to the Colony
- Brown Bluff, Hope Bay, and Paulet Island
from 26,672 € 25,188 €
- Crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′
- Sightseeing flights with two helicopters on board
- Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
from 23,705 € 21,705 €
- Newly hatched penguin chicks in January
- With a little luck, leopard seals on ice floes
- Six true single cabins for solo travelers
from 16,515 € 14,864 €
- Visit to the historically significant hut
- The Immense Ross Ice Shelf
- Optional scenic flights and landings
from 32,685 € 29,685 €
- Onboard submarine for dives
- Balcony cabins with butler service only
- Kayaking included in the tour price
from 19,480 € 17,480 €
- Helicopter sightseeing flights included in the tour price
- Through the Antarctic Sound into the Weddell Sea
- Search for Remote Emperor Penguin Colonies
from 12,700 € 10,150 €
- Deception Island, with its volcano and whaling station
- Gerlachstraße, with coves teeming with wildlife
- Kayaking, Camping, and Photography Tours
from 11,295 € 8,471 €
- Cape Adare, home to more than 250,000 breeding pairs of Adélie penguins
- Expedition huts, conditions permitting
- Yellow-eyed penguins in the Rātā forests
from 35,495 € €31,946
- Neuschwabenland and the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf
- Landings on pack ice floes in the Weddell Sea
- South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
from 26,150 € 19,600 €
- Whales in the krill grounds
- Antarctic penguin chicks
- From Fortuna Bay to Stromness
from €28,974 26,077 €
- Following the Endurance's Route to the Weddell Sea
- Point Wild on Elephant Island
- Table-shaped icebergs in Iceberg Avenue
from 30,595 € 27,536 €
- Crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′
- Sightseeing flights with two helicopters on board
- Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
from 23,705 € 21,705 €
- Onboard submarine for dives
- Balcony cabins with butler service only
- Kayaking included in the tour price
from 19,480 € 17,480 €
- Flying over the Drake Passage in two hours
- Four Days on the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
- Ice-filled fjords, penguins, seals, and whales
from 14,761 € 12,454 €
- Flying over Cape Horn to Antarctica
- Six Days in Antarctica
- Sea kayaking or snowshoeing (optional)
from 23,068 € 20,760 €
- Whales in the krill grounds
- Antarctic penguin chicks
- From Fortuna Bay to Stromness
from €28,974 26,077 €
- Following the Endurance's Route to the Weddell Sea
- Point Wild on Elephant Island
- Table-shaped icebergs in Iceberg Avenue
from 30,595 € 27,536 €
- Crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′
- Sightseeing flights with two helicopters on board
- Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
from 23,705 € 21,705 €
- Newly hatched penguin chicks in January
- With a little luck, leopard seals on ice floes
- Six true single cabins for solo travelers
from 16,515 € 14,864 €
- New Year's Eve in the South Pole Region
- Run once around the world, circling the Pole marker
- Base camp on the glacier for acclimatization
A cabin all to yourself. Antarctica cruises with no single-occupancy surcharge or a reduced surcharge. Check our overview of offers to see which dates and cabins are available.
Starting prices per person. Please refer to the respective travel brochure for flight and additional services, as well as the full terms and conditions. Availability will be checked when you submit your request.
bestseller
Most Popular Antarctica Trips
Three particularly popular trips from our Antarctica program. Choose between the Peninsula, including the Antarctic Circle, and longer itineraries that include the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.
- Crossing the Antarctic Circle in late summer
- Chances of seeing the Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights
- Through countless ice floes in Crystal Sound
- Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, and Gold Harbor
- Shackleton's Grave and Whaling Station in South Georgia
- Orcadas Research Station, weather permitting
- Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the South Orkney Islands
- Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula
- All the way past the South Polar Circle
Destinations & Routes
A Comparison of Antarctic Routes
Whether it’s your first trip to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands with the king penguin colonies on South Georgia, or a flight expedition to the South Pole: Compare the itineraries based on your interests. You can find itineraries, dates, and prices on the linked travel pages.
05 / Remote RegionsWeddell Sea & Ross SeaIcebergs, historic expedition sites, and rarely visited coastlines. Various trips take you to the eastern part of the peninsula or far into the Ross Sea.For unique regions and polar historyTrip duration and port of departure vary by routeHalf-circumnavigations are also availableWeddell Sea · Snow Hill Island (opens in a new tab)Ross Sea (opens in a new tab)
Landings, wildlife sightings, and reaching specific destinations depend on the weather, ice conditions, and the decisions of the expedition leaders.
Antarctic Travel Finder
Antarctica Trip Planner: Your Itinerary in Seven Questions
You select your travel dates, duration, and interests. The trip finder shows you up to three suitable trip options and explains why they’re a good fit. You can view the results right away, without having to enter any contact information.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to use the trip finder. View all Antarctica trips (opens in a new tab)
Your Personal Shortlist
These routes are the best fit.Your requests need to be adjusted.This is an initial assessment based on your answers. Please also review the open-ended questions for each route.
No known route meets all the key criteria at the same time. The following options show which requirements would need to be modified or examined in detail.
First RecommendationAnother optionAdjustment needed
Classic Antarctic PeninsulaThe Intensive Introduction · Usually 9–13 days
For travelers who want to experience ice, penguins, Zodiac rides, and shore excursions without going on a very long expedition.
Why is it a good fit?
The Ship & Unanswered Questions
- Examples: MS Ushuaia (90), Terra Nova Adventurer (98), Sea Spirit (114). Check the route and ship for each departure.
Please check before booking: The route, activities, and actual number of guests vary by departure. In March, the chances of seeing whales up close increase, though sightings are not guaranteed.
First RecommendationAnother optionAdjustment needed
Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic CircleFurther south · usually 12–16 days
To spend more time on the ice and fulfill the desire to cross the Geographic South Polar Circle.
Why is it a good fit?
The Ship & Unanswered Questions
- Small to medium-sized expedition ships—the appropriate departure is selected based on the number of guests.
Please note before booking: Crossing the Antarctic Circle is a goal, not a guarantee; ice conditions, weather, and safety will determine the actual route.
First RecommendationAnother optionAdjustment needed
Falkland Islands, South Georgia & AntarcticaThe Grand Wildlife Route · usually 19–23 days
For maximum biodiversity, large penguin colonies, albatrosses, seals, and the landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Why is it a good fit?
The Ship & Unanswered Questions
- Examples: Terra Nova Adventurer (98 guests), Sea Spirit (114 guests). Check the specific itinerary and other ships for each date.
Please check before booking: The exact order of islands and landing sites is subject to weather conditions. Seasonal wildlife sightings will be scheduled to coincide with your desired dates.
First RecommendationAnother optionAdjustment needed
Fluke & Fur – Antarctic Marine MammalsGerlache Street · Whale Focus in March · 11 days
For guests who want to do more than just see whales—they want to understand the research involved, including hydrophone monitoring, fin identification, and expert guidance.
Why is it a good fit?
The Ship & Unanswered Questions
- World Voyager, maximum 168 guests
Please check before booking: Departures in March 2027, 2028, and 2029. Cabin type and current availability must be verified. Wildlife sightings remain unpredictable.
First RecommendationAnother optionAdjustment needed
Weddell Sea & Emperor Penguins on Snow Hill IslandSpecial Expedition · Early Summer · Complex Logistics
For those seeking the rare opportunity to visit an emperor penguin colony in the Weddell Sea—including an extended helicopter transfer and a journey across the sea ice.
Why is it a good fit?
The Ship & Unanswered Questions
- Ultramarine (maximum 199 guests) or MS Ortelius (108 guests), both equipped with helicopters.
Please check before booking: The well-known special departures take place in November and early December. We can never guarantee that we will reach the colony. Ice, wind, visibility, and safe landing sites are the deciding factors. The walking distance also varies.
First RecommendationAnother optionAdjustment needed
Ross Sea & East AntarcticaOne of the most remote Antarctic routes · usually 28 days or longer
For very experienced travelers seeking long distances, historic sites, and a rarely visited side of the continent.
Why is it a good fit?
The Ship & Unanswered Questions
- Specialized ice-strengthened expedition ships—selection and passenger capacity vary by program.
Please check the following before booking: Dates, port calls, and ships are limited and subject to change. Long days at sea and weather-related deviations are part of the experience.
First RecommendationAnother optionAdjustment needed
Circumnavigation of Antarctica 2028Weddell Sea, Ross Sea, and East Antarctica · 63 days
For the extraordinary desire to circumnavigate the Antarctic continent almost entirely on a single long-term expedition.
Why is it a good fit?
The Ship & Unanswered Questions
- Le Commandant Charcot · Polar Class 2
Please check before booking: This is a special case that falls outside the usual range of inventia’s small vessels; the number of guests and the suitability of the specific departure must be carefully reviewed.
First RecommendationAnother optionAdjustment needed
Antarctica by Helicopter · Weddell SeaIcebergs, Mountains, and Remote Coasts · 12 Days
For extraordinary aerial views: A ship-based expedition combines the eastern Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea with a helicopter program.
Why is it a good fit?
The Ship & Unanswered Questions
- Ultramarine with helicopter service—check the specific number of guests and flight schedule for each departure.
Please check before booking: The linked 12-day program has departures in November and December. Flights and landings are subject to weather, ice conditions, visibility, and approvals. Please review the program details and requirements before booking.
First RecommendationAnother optionAdjustment needed
Active Base Camp ExpeditionAntarctic Peninsula · 13 days
The ship serves as a base for active days: kayaking, camping, snowshoeing, mountaineering, and photography are the focus of each program.
Why is it a good fit?
The Ship & Unanswered Questions
- Depending on the departure, it will be the MS Hondius, MS Plancius, or MS Ortelius—check the number of guests for the specific trip.
Check before booking: Verify the season, dates, and activities included in the specific trip. Participation is subject to weather conditions, availability, advance registration, and physical fitness requirements. Camping is only available as part of the respective program.
First RecommendationAnother optionAdjustment needed
The Weddell Sea in MidsummerIcebergs & dense ice fields · usually 11–13 days
For travelers who want to venture beyond the classic peninsula into the Weddell Sea: to massive tabular icebergs, dense ice fields, and Adélie penguins, with landings at Brown Bluff or Devil Island, depending on the itinerary.
Why is it a good fit?
The Ship & Unanswered Questions
- Examples: MS Ushuaia (90 guests), MS Ortelius (108 guests), also available as a basecamp tour. Check the route and ship for each departure.
Please check before booking: The scheduled departures in midsummer are in February 2027 and 2028; the major Weddell Sea expedition lasts 28 days. Ice and weather conditions determine how far the ship can travel into the Weddell Sea and whether shore landings are possible.
First RecommendationAnother optionAdjustment needed
Antarctica by Helicopter · Antarctic CircleDeep in the South of the Peninsula · 14 Days
For travelers who want to cross the Antarctic Circle and see the Antarctic Peninsula from the air: sightseeing flights and a helicopter landing are included in the itinerary.
Why is it a good fit?
The Ship & Unanswered Questions
- Ultramarine, 199 guests, with helicopters on board.
Please check before booking: Departures in February 2027, 2028, and 2029, as well as in January 2029, from and to Buenos Aires. Flights, landings, and crossing the Antarctic Circle are subject to weather, ice conditions, visibility, and approvals.
inventia personally reviews the dates, ship, cabin, and the realistic likelihood of your priorities being met.
Note: Weather, ice conditions, animal movements, and government regulations can affect any Antarctic itinerary. Prices and real-time availability are not included in this search tool.
Do you already know your destination? View all Antarctica trips
Selected Travel Ideas
Antarctic Trips Tailored to Your Interests
You can find dates, prices, and services on the respective trip pages.
For Special Travel Plans
Extraordinary Antarctic Routes
To Peter I Island, across the Ross Sea, or all the way around the continent: These expeditions combine rarely visited regions with long sea crossings and the corresponding time commitment.
- Visit to the volcanic Peter I Island
- Across the Bellingshausen Sea through the Antarctic Circle
- Scenic flights and helicopter landings
from 23,200 € 17,400 €
- 33 days across three continents
- King Penguins and Elephant Seals on Macquarie Island
- New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands
- An almost complete circumnavigation of Antarctica
- Ross Sea with Shackleton's and Scott's huts
- Marie Byrd Land, one of the most remote regions
starting at €61,655
View route : Complete circumnavigation of Antarctica (opens in a new tab)The itinerary, achievable goals, and landing sites depend on ice conditions, weather, and the decisions of the expedition leadership. The specific trip description lists the duration of the trip, the ship, and the services included.
Ship Sizes & Ship Types
Which ship is right for your Antarctic voyage?
Classic expedition ship, modern X-BOW design, or expedition yacht with suites: Compare passenger capacity, cabins, and activities. That way, we’ll find the ship that meets your expectations.
Sister Ships with X-BOWSylvia Earle / Greg MortimerSylvia Earle: up to 130 Mortimer: up to 132 guestsTwo modern expedition ships featuring the same X-BOW design. The distinctive bow is engineered to navigate rough seas. We’ll compare cabin options and activities based on your itinerary.Learn more about the Sylvia Earle (opens in a new tab)Check out Greg Mortimer as well (opens in a new tab)
The guest numbers listed are for reference only; occupancy may vary by departure. When helping you make your selection, we also take into account the cabin, the expedition team, the shore excursion arrangements, and the activities included.
Which ship best meets your needs in terms of cabins, activities, and number of guests? We'll compare suitable options for you.
Antarctica for Solo Travelers
Travel alone. Go on an expedition together.
Would you like to go to Antarctica, even if no one you know is coming along? On a small expedition ship, you’ll share your interest in penguins, whales, and the polar regions with other guests. Zodiac excursions, lectures, and shared meals provide opportunities for conversation.
The type of cabin you choose also determines how much privacy you’ll have on board. We’ll discuss with you whether a shared cabin or a private cabin is a better fit for you—and compare the terms and conditions for specific departures.
01 · Share a Cabin
A shared cabin
On select ships, you can book a spot in a shared cabin. We'll clarify the occupancy rules, availability, and price—even if no second person is found.
02 · Private Cabin
Your Personal Retreat
Would you like to have your own cabin? We'll check availability for single cabins or single occupancy in a double cabin and provide you with the total trip price, including any applicable surcharge.
03 · Suitable Descent
Compare Dates and Terms
If your travel dates are flexible, we can also check for sailings with a reduced single-occupancy cabin surcharge or no surcharge at all. These offers are valid only for specific dates and cabins, subject to availability.
What is important to you when traveling alone?
Please let us know your travel dates, your preferred itinerary, and whether you'd like to share a cabin. We'll check for suitable ships, the language spoken on board, and possible pre- or post-cruise itineraries.
Travel Time & Nature Experiences
When is the best time to travel to Antarctica?
Ship expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula mainly take place from November through March. The best month depends on whether you're particularly interested in snow-covered landscapes, penguin chicks, or whale watching.
Natural conditions vary by region, species, and year. Separate travel windows apply to trips to the South Pole and the Ross Sea.
Things You Should Know
Frequently Asked Questions About Trips to Antarctica
Antarctica, the Antarctic Circle, and the South Pole: What's the difference?
Antarctica is the region surrounding the southernmost continent. Many ship-based expeditions explore the Antarctic Peninsula. The Antarctic Circle lies at approximately 66°33′ south latitude and is crossed on select routes. The geographic South Pole, at 90° south, is located inland; it can be reached via special air or land expeditions.
How long does a trip to Antarctica last?
Classic ship-based expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula typically last about 9–13 days, while trips that include the Falkland Islands and South Georgia usually last about three weeks. Trips to the Ross Sea and circumnavigations take significantly longer. International travel, hotel stays, and a weather buffer are added depending on the itinerary.
How much does a trip to Antarctica cost?
The itinerary, ship, cabin category, season, and included services determine the trip price. To ensure a meaningful comparison, we also take into account flights, hotels, activities, and any single-occupancy cabin surcharges. You can find the current prices listed with each trip; we’ll provide you with a specific quote during your personal consultation.
Do I have to be particularly athletic?
Requirements vary depending on the trip. Zodiac transfers, trails on uneven terrain, and changing weather conditions are common features of many ship-based expeditions. Additional athletic activities and South Pole expeditions have their own specific requirements. We’ll discuss your options and review the guidelines set by the respective partner.
Can I fly over the Drake Passage?
Yes. With Fly & Cruise, one or both legs of the journey between South America and King George Island are traveled by air. Flights are subject to weather conditions. We’ll explain the procedures in case of delays and factor in the planned time buffers when planning your itinerary.
Will I see emperor penguins on every trip?
Emperor penguins aren't a typical destination on every trip to the peninsula. However, certain destinations and special expeditions do offer the opportunity to see them. We'll explain which trip is best suited to your preferences and what conditions are necessary for sightings.
Are there trips to Antarctica with German-speaking guides?
Selected departures include German-speaking guides. For your trip, we’ll check whether lectures, excursions, and support services are conducted in German or whether a German-speaking representative is part of the international expedition team. We’ll let you know the specific details before you book.
Can I combine this trip with a visit to Patagonia or other destinations?
We’d be happy to plan customized trips before or after your expedition—for example, in Buenos Aires, Tierra del Fuego, or Patagonia. We can also add other destinations depending on your schedule and flight connections.
When is the best time to travel to Antarctica?
For the Antarctic Peninsula, November through March is the typical travel season. In early summer, snow and the start of the breeding season shape many travel experiences. In midsummer, penguin chicks can be seen in many colonies. The late season is often particularly good for whale watching. Conditions vary depending on the region, species, and time of year; the Ross Sea and the South Pole have their own specific time frames.
For Further Reading: Your Mini Guide to Antarctica
Ten questions about getting there, travel time, and life on board.
Personal Travel Advice
Your Antarctic trip begins with a personal consultation
I'm Stephanie Gräf, founder of inventia Journeys. Together with my team, I've been providing independent and personalized advice on itineraries, ships, and cabins since 2002.
Let us know your travel dates and preferences. We’ll provide you with a carefully curated selection; then we’ll work with you to finalize the expedition, suitable flights, and pre- or post-trip itineraries. We’ll be by your side throughout the planning process and during your trip.
+49 201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
inventia Journeys | Beyond Ordinary
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