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You don't take a holiday to Antarctica ‒ you make a trip of a lifetime.

This colossal frozen netherworld is bigger than the USA. The sun doesn’t rise for six months of the year and it's constant daylight the rest. It's the most untouched, alien place on our planet ‒ but the rewards are exceptional. Antarctica’s landscapes are surreal: utterly immense rolling icefields, icebergs the size of stadiums, glassy seas deeper than a skyscraper.

Its wildlife is abundant and utterly unperturbed by people. Armies of penguins waddle across the ice, train-sized humpback whales and orcas breach from the inky depths, seals flounder on the snowfields. On a calm day, when the sunlight bounces off every surface, the silence is all-encompassing. It's like nowhere else on earth.

Antarctica travel guides

Guide

History and climate change

The first explorers who came into contact with what would become known as Antarctica are thought to have been Polynesian. According to oral histories from Pacific Islanders, around 650AD they first encountered Antarctic sea ice.

Cruising to Antarctica
Guide

Cruising to Antarctica

Katie Coakley
Katie Coakley

Visited by just a handful of people each year, cruising to Antarctica is to see the last great frontier on earth. Travelling to the White Continent is a big decision to make: you must consider the not-so-insignificant cost, the vast distances, and the environmental impact of your visit.

An Antarctic journey
Article

An Antarctic journey

Katie Coakley
Katie Coakley

There are places and experiences it’s near impossible to fully prepare yourself for, no matter how hard you try. Antarctica is one of those places.

Life on board an Antarctic cruise
Article

Life on board an Antarctic cruise

Katie Coakley
Katie Coakley

Visiting Antarctica invariably means spending plenty of time on board your sturdy cruise ship. After all, you’ll need to cross the Drake Passage from Argentina and you’ll be sleeping, eating and, hopefully, having fun on board.

Responsible tourism in Antarctica
Article

Responsible tourism in Antarctica

Amanda Lynnes
Amanda Lynnes

I used to be a penguin biologist. It was my dream job at the time.

Guide

When to go to Antarctica

It will come as no surprise that Antarctica’s climate is the coldest on earth — however, it’s worth noting just how cold Antarctica is. The lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth, a decidedly brisk -89°C, was recorded at Vostok Station in 1983.

Penguins on parade
Article

Penguins on parade

Sadie Butterworth-Jones
Sadie Butterworth-Jones

Penguins are one of the most popular animals that travellers to the Antarctic come to see. Of the 17 species of penguin, seven are familiar to the region.

Antarctica tours

Classic Antarctica
Antarctic Peninsula

Classic Antarctica

11 days From $4,990 pp
Chilean Patagonia To Antarctica Cruise
South America, Antarctica

Chilean Patagonia To Antarctica Cruise

Patagonia Fjords & Antarctica itinerary
18 days
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands
South America, Antarctica

Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands

An extended expedition to all sub-Antarctic highlights
21 days
Antarctica Cruise from Chile Itinerary
South America, Antarctica

Antarctica Cruise from Chile Itinerary

19-day cruise from Chile to Antarctica
19 days
Antarctica Classic
Antarctica

Antarctica Classic

An affordable expedition to the White Continent
11 days From $5,999 pp
Quest For The Antarctic Circle
Antarctica

Quest For The Antarctic Circle

Explore the polar circle on an ice-strengthened ship
14 days From $9,999 pp

Antarctica travel companies

Antarctica

Antarctica Cruises

Cruise to Antarctica with the Artisans of Adventure Travel
Central America, South America, Antarctica

SA Vacations

Personalised travel experiences since 2002
North America, South America, Antarctica

SA Expeditions

Tailor-made guided tours
Central America, South America, Africa (and 8 more)

Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris

In-depth nature & wildlife tours in outstanding destinations

Places to go in Antarctica

Why Horizon Guides?

Impartial guidebooks

Impartial travel guides

Our guides are written by the leading experts in their destinations. We never take payment for positive coverage so you can count on us for impartial travel advice.

Expert itineraries

Expert itineraries

Suggested itineraries and routes to help you scratch beneath the surface, avoid the tourist traps, and plan an authentic, responsible and enjoyable journey.

Specialist advice

Specialist advice

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