Antarctica · Antarctica
The Antarctic Peninsula.
The Peninsula is where the great majority of visitors go, and where the wildlife and the landscape are most concentrated.
Ships sail from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage in roughly two days each way, or fly it in two hours on a fly-cruise. The Drake is genuinely rough and the crossing is a real consideration when choosing between the two.
Landings are by Zodiac, in small groups, under strict biosecurity rules — and gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, humpback and minke whales, and enormous seal colonies are the reason people come.
How long is a trip to the Antarctic Peninsula?
A voyage from Ushuaia usually runs ten to twelve days, of which about four are spent crossing the Drake Passage there and back. A fly-cruise, flying from Punta Arenas to King George Island in about two hours, gives the same time on the Peninsula in a shorter trip.
How many people can land in Antarctica at once?
Under the guidelines of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, no more than 100 people may be ashore at one site at a time, and ships carrying more than 500 passengers may not land anyone. That is why a smaller expedition ship spends more of each day on land.
What wildlife will you see on the Antarctic Peninsula?
Gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins; humpback and minke whales, and often orcas; Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, and fur seals; and seabirds including petrels and albatrosses on the crossing. Visitors keep at least five metres from penguins and seals unless the animal approaches.
Can you cross the Antarctic Circle?
Some longer Peninsula voyages sail south of the Antarctic Circle, at 66°33′ south, when ice and weather allow. It adds days to the trip and is never guaranteed.
What is there to see in the Antarctic Peninsula?
What does the Antarctic Peninsula pair well with?
- South Georgia and the FalklandsSouth Georgia holds the largest concentrations of wildlife anywhere on earth, and is a longer voyage than the Peninsula alone.
- The interior and the Weddell SeaFlying into the interior from Cape Town reaches emperor penguins and the South Pole itself — the most expensive and most committing way to visit.
Journeys through Antarctica
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