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Antarctica Tours 8 to 13 Days 2024/2025

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Antarctica Travel Guide

Explore Antarctica Tours 8 to 13 Days 2024/2025

Antarctica, the southernmost continent, is a land of extremes and unparalleled beauty, making it a unique destination for intrepid travelers. Known for its pristine icy landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and colossal icebergs, Antarctica offers an adventure like no other. Antarctica guided tours provide an opportunity to explore this remote and awe-inspiring region, where few have the privilege to venture. Touring Antarctica allows visitors to witness the stunning vistas of the ice-covered wilderness, encounter incredible wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales, and learn about the fascinating scientific research conducted on the continent. The general appeal of this destination lies in its untouched natural beauty and the sense of adventure it evokes. For those seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, tours to Antarctica offer the chance to step into a world of ice and snow, far removed from the usual tourist trails. With tour operator volume buys plus our low everyday prices you can save up to 40% versus assembling the same itinerary on your own! Book your Antarctica tour today with AffordableTours.com, your discounted tour headquarters. View Antarctica Tour Deals and Discounts

Antarctica Travel Guide
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11 DaysG AdventuresBudgetSmall Ship Cruising1 - Light  10+ years old134UshuaiaUshuaiaAntarctica, Argentina
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Itinerary Map13 DaysG AdventuresBudgetSmall Ship Cruising2 - Classic  10+ years oldUshuaiaUshuaiaAntarctica, Argentina
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Itinerary Map11 DaysIntrepidFirst ClassSmall Ship Cruising2 - Classic  8+ years old172UshuaiaUshuaiaAntarctica, Argentina
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11 DaysIntrepidBudgetSmall Ship Cruising1 - Light  8+ years old200UshuaiaUshuaiaAntarctica, Argentina
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Itinerary Map11 DaysIntrepidFirst ClassSmall Ship Cruising1 - Light  8+ years old200UshuaiaUshuaiaAntarctica, ArgentinaView Tour
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Itinerary Map12 DaysIntrepidFirst ClassEscorted2 - Classic  8+ years old200UshuaiaUshuaiaAntarctica, ArgentinaView Tour
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Itinerary Map11 DaysAlexander RobertsFirst ClassSmall Ship Cruising2 - Classic  16+ years old90UshuaiaUshuaiaAntarctica, Argentina
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Itinerary Map13 DaysAbercrombie KentLuxurySmall Ship Cruising1 - Light  7+ years old199Buenos AiresUshuaiaAntarctica, ArgentinaView Tour
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Itinerary Map12 DaysAlexander RobertsFirst ClassSmall Ship Cruising1 - Light  16+ years old88UshuaiaUshuaiaAntarctica, Argentina
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Itinerary Map12 DaysAlexander RobertsFirst ClassSmall Ship Cruising1 - Light  16+ years oldUshuaiaUshuaiaAntarctica, ArgentinaView Tour
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Itinerary Map11 DaysAlexander RobertsFirst ClassSmall Ship Cruising2 - Classic  16+ years oldUshuaiaUshuaiaAntarctica, Argentina
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Itinerary Map13 DaysAlexander RobertsFirst ClassSmall Ship CruisingUshuaiaUshuaiaAntarctica, ArgentinaView Tour
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13 DaysTauckDeluxeSmall Ship CruisingBuenos AiresBuenos AiresAntarctica, ArgentinaView Tour
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Antarctica Travel Guide

Antarctica Tours Highlights

Iconic Sites and Attractions in Antarctica

Antarctica, a land of pristine beauty and extreme conditions, offers some of the most breathtaking sites and attractions in the world. For those embarking on Antarctica guided tours, the continent presents a unique opportunity to explore its untouched wilderness and witness the incredible natural phenomena.

The Antarctic Peninsula - The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most accessible and commonly visited regions in Antarctica. It is known for its dramatic mountainous landscapes, ice-filled channels, and abundance of wildlife. While touring Antarctica, visitors can witness colonies of penguins, seals lounging on ice floes, and whales breaching in the icy waters. The peninsula's scenic beauty is unmatched, with opportunities for up-close encounters with the unique wildlife.

South Shetland Islands - The South Shetland Islands are a group of islands located off the northern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. These islands are a highlight of tours to Antarctica, offering varied landscapes from volcanic beaches to glacier-covered peaks. The islands are home to research stations and an abundance of wildlife, including penguin rookeries and seal colonies.

Lemaire Channel - Often referred to as "Kodak Gap," the Lemaire Channel is a stunningly picturesque strait in Antarctica, known for its calm waters flanked by steep cliffs. Touring Antarctica often involves a passage through this narrow channel, offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities of the surrounding icebergs and mountains.

Deception Island - Deception Island, a unique ring-shaped island, is another must-visit site on Antarctica tours. Known for its geothermal activity, the island offers a rare chance to experience warm thermal waters in Antarctica. The island's rich history as a former whaling station and its volcanic landscapes make it an intriguing stop.

Historic Research Stations - Visiting the historic research stations is a key part of Antarctica guided tours. These stations, such as Port Lockroy and Vernadsky Station, provide insights into the scientific research conducted in Antarctica and the history of human presence on the continent.

Antarctica Tours Travel Tips

  • Language in Antarctica is diverse, reflecting the international presence on the continent. English is commonly spoken, but visitors will also find researchers and staff from countries all around the world, each contributing their language and cultural background to the Antarctic community.
  • Special events and festivals are celebrated in a unique way in Antarctica. Midwinter's Day, the winter solstice, is one of the most significant celebrations among Antarctic residents.
  • Traditions in Antarctica also include unique customs developed by the residents, such as the 'Polar Plunge' into the icy waters and special ceremonies for first-time visitors crossing the Antarctic Circle.
  • Regions such as the Antarctic Peninsula are among the most accessible and frequently visited areas on tours to Antarctica. This region is known for its milder climate and abundance of wildlife, including penguin colonies and seal habitats. The peninsula's rugged, mountainous landscape is punctuated by narrow fjords and spectacular ice formations.
  • Wildlife viewing is a major highlight of touring Antarctica. The continent is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including several species of penguins, seals, and whales. Popular wildlife-watching spots include the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, where visitors can see these animals in their natural habitat.
  • For the more adventurous, activities like kayaking and ice climbing provide an up-close interaction with the continent's icy waters and rugged terrain. Guided excursions to historic sites, such as old whaling stations and research bases, add a historical perspective to the natural exploration.
  • Photography is another significant aspect of outdoor activities in Antarctica. The continent's surreal landscapes and abundant wildlife offer endless opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers.
  • One of the benefits of escorted tours to Antarctica is the safety and convenience they provide in such an extreme environment. All aspects of the tour, including transportation, accommodation, and excursions, are carefully planned and executed, ensuring a safe and memorable experience in this harsh but spectacular landscape.

Antarctica Tours Things To Do

  • See Blood Falls
    See Blood Falls

    Blood Falls is truly one of the most exciting spots to visit in Antarctica, which is best visited by boat. It gets its name because it's a waterfall that happens to be a shockingly-bright red color, similar to blood. However, the red color is thought to come from iron. This is one of the biggest waterfalls in all of Antarctica, which is reason enough to go and visit it. If you were to compare it to a building, it's just about five stories tall. Plus, it runs right over a glacier down below, which only adds to the beauty.

    You Should Know

    Blood Falls is best visited during the months where there is lots of sunlight.  

  • Ice camp through the night
    Ice camp through the night

    If you're up for an adventure, then you absolutely must try ice camping. Though it might make you immediately feel chilly, it's quite a fun experience. During the night, you'll have access to a hot sleeping bag. While you fall asleep, you'll see the gorgeous sky and all of its stars. Luckily, if you aren't the type of person who wants to lay on the ice through the night, there are other ways to participate in ice camping. You could opt to stay in a tented shelter for the night instead.

    You Should Know

    This isn't the best excursion to participate in with younger children, unfortunately.  

  • Scuba dive in Antarctica’s waters
    Scuba dive in Antarctica’s waters

    Though scuba diving is one of the activities that you can only participate in, if you've been trained on how to do so in another place, there aren't many places to learn how to do this on the continent, unfortunately. Learn before you come if you're interested in doing this! Scuba diving in Antarctica is so unique and unlike scuba diving in any other place on earth. The waters here are a lot clearer than they are elsewhere in the world, which will genuinely give you the experience of seeing sea life!

    You Should Know

    If you want to participate in scuba diving, purchase access ahead of time.  

  • Hike towards the South Pole
    Hike towards the South Pole

    Hiking towards the South Pole is an excellent experience if you love getting outdoors. Keep in mind that it's a bit harder to hike here because the weather is a lot colder, so it won't be hiking elsewhere in warmer temperatures. If you don't want to do this sort of trek alone, don't worry. Many operators will allow you to do this with a group to be with other people who know what they're doing.

    You Should Know

    Make sure you have all essential hiking gear when participating in hikes like this.  

  • Take part in a polar plunge
    Take part in a polar plunge

    Polar plunges are genuinely something that sounds like something you'd probably never want to do, but being with other people who participate will make you not want to miss out on the fun! Essentially, you jump right into freezing cold water and then get right out. On your Antarctica Tour, this is one of the things that you'll want to try to participate in at least once. Many people in Antarctica even see it as a rite of passage, and you won't want to let the locals down.

    You Should Know

    Keep in mind that doing something like this can be a shock to your body.  

  • Kayak on the water
    Kayak on the water

    Kayaking is one of the other great outdoor adventures in Antarctica that, luckily, is a bit easier to do if you've never done it before. This is also one of the best ways to experience wildlife if you don't want to go scuba diving. Often, you can even find whales! This excursion is great for all ages, as long as you are old enough to be able to kayak on your own. Some of them are relatively short, while others can be a lot longer, so do your research before booking this adventure.

    You Should Know

    You'll want to book this type of adventure ahead of time just to be safe.  

  • Take a trip to Deception Island
    Take a trip to Deception Island

    This is another unique spot to visit in Antarctica - it's a volcano located on an island! It's considered to be an active volcano still and actually erupted as recently as 1970. It's possible that it could erupt again sometime soon. Similar to Blood Falls, the best way to get to Deception Island is by boat. You can hop on a short sightseeing cruise to go out and see the island from afar. It is an active volcano, so, unfortunately, it's safest to see it from afar.

    You Should Know

    It can get quite cold out on the water, so make sure you wear lots of layers.  

  • Go snowshoeing
    Go snowshoeing

    Snowshoeing, similar to kayaking, is an excellent excursion in Antarctica that you'll be able to do even if you've never done it before. It is quite cold to do this sort of activity though, so dress accordingly and comfortably, because you'll be on your feet for a while. This excursion is also great for older children as well and is a perfect way to go outside and see more of the continent that you wouldn't be able to see otherwise. This type of excursion is also best done with a guide!

    Best Time To Visit

    If you plan on snowshoeing, you'll want to do it during a time that it's bright outside.  

  • Visit a research station
    Visit a research station

    There are many different research stations throughout Antarctica, which are actually a great way to learn more about the continent, its habitat, its wildlife, and more. A lot of these were set up by different governments so that they could perform research on the continent. Luckily, many of the research stations are actually relatively easy to visit by those taking a trip to Antarctica. These tours are often personalized, so you'll get many of your questions answered during your visit.

    You Should Know

    Not all research stations accept visitors, so make sure you do your research ahead of time.  

Antarctica Tour Packages

The best time to tour Antarctica is during the austral summer, from November to March. During these months, the temperatures are the warmest, although still cold, ranging from -2 °C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F). This is also the period when the ice recedes enough to allow access by sea. Wildlife viewing is at its best during these months. Visitors can witness penguin colonies, seals on the ice floes, and whales in the waters. December and January offer the longest days, providing more daylight hours for exploration and wildlife watching.

Each part of the season offers different experiences. Early in the season (November to December), the landscapes are pristine with fresh snow, and it's the breeding season for many wildlife species. Mid-season (January to February) is typically warmer, with easier access to remote areas, while late season (February to March) offers the best whale-watching opportunities.

  • Are You Ready to Tour Antarctica

    Are you ready to embark on an adventure to one of the most extraordinary destinations on earth? Touring Antarctica offers an experience that goes beyond conventional travel. It's a journey to the pristine wilderness of the southernmost continent, where you'll encounter breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife. Antarctica guided tours provide an opportunity to witness the untamed beauty of icebergs, glaciers, and an array of polar wildlife. This is a destination for those seeking adventure, exploration, and the thrill of discovering the uncharted.

Antarctica Tours Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are Antarctica tours?

    Antarctica tours are the best way to visit the continent if you're not the biggest fan of planning out your itinerary, transportation, meals, and more. Truly, this experience will have most of the small details figured out for you, so all you have to do is be ready for an adventure! This is a great way to travel, no matter your age.

  • What’s the best Antarctica tour?

    No Antarctica tour is better than another. You'll have to consider your budget, vacation lengths, and possible spots you'd like to visit when doing your research. This way, you can find the tour that's best for you and your needs! If you need help, be sure to call one of our experts.

  • How much do Antarctica tours cost?

    Each Antarctica tour has a different cost, but you'll find that it's generally over $100 a day because it's quite an expensive place to visit. Of course, it can depend on the type of year that you visit as well. Luckily, you can rest assured that you'll be saving up to 40% off the price that you'd pay if you were to book elsewhere.

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