The best places to visit on a holiday to Antarctica
The Polar Desert of Antarctica is nature at its wildest and most unspoiled, boasting frozen expanses, towering glaciers, and dramatic mountain-scapes that remain largely untouched by humans. As you embark on Antarctic cruises to explore these spectacular landscapes, get ready for encounters with some of the Earth’s most remarkable wildlife species. Want to combine with a longer holiday to Chile or Argentina? Our antarctica experts can design you a tailor-made holiday to include as many places that are on your ‘dream list’.
Deception Island
Few destinations rival the splendour of Deception Island. Nestled in the South Shetland Islands, this active volcano has steaming beaches, ash-covered glaciers, and breathtaking volcanic slopes and is a fantastic place to visit on a cruise to Antarctica.
King George Island
King George Island is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Antarctic” as it is one of the more accessible destinations in the region. However, the landmass is much more than that. It has the only airport in the South Shetland Islands, numerous research stations and villages where scientists live with their families. In terms of wildlife, Weddell and leopard seals all reside on King George Island, along with colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins.
Port Lockroy
Port Lockroy lies on the small island of Goudier, off the Antarctic Peninsula. It once served as a British research base but has since been converted into a living museum where those on Antarctic cruises can see artefacts from historic bases.
Lemaire Channel
The Lemaire Channel is always eagerly anticipated by travellers on Antarctica expedition cruises. This narrow passage spans just 1.6 kilometres at its narrowest point and is surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. The experience of navigating through this famous channel is made all the more exciting by the abundant local wildlife which includes penguins, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, Elephant seals, and various seabird species.
Paradise Bay
Paradise Bay is a frozen wonderland where immense glaciers stretch out from the deep blue waters of the Antarctic Peninsula’s west coast. The harbour is situated near Lemaire and Bryde Islands and is home to many of Antarctica’s most popular animal residents such as whales, gentoo penguins and crabeater seals. Paradise Bay makes for an excellent spot to explore on a zodiac expedition during your Antarctic cruise.
Neko Harbour
A deep, rocky inlet of the Antarctic Peninsula, Neko Harbour is renowned for its hefty penguin colony and huge active glacier. Its magnificent wildlife residents and striking scenery make it a sensational place to explore on foot during your Antarctic cruise. You can set off on a hike across the frozen island, pausing intermittently to allow posses of penguins to pass by and to soak up unforgettable views of the glorious glacier.
South Georgia
Often hailed “the Galapagos of the Poles”, South Georgia is a wildlife lover’s paradise. The landmass boasts huge numbers of breeding seal and penguin populations, along with one of the densest examples of biodiversity on the planet.
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
The Falkland Islands is one of the most wild and unspoilt corners on Earth. The archipelago is blessed with a glorious landscape adorned with flawless white-sand beaches and azure waters. Alongside its dramatic natural scenery, the Falkland Islands are renowned for their bustling penguin population, which includes king penguins, rockhoppers, and gentoos.
