Antártica

Antártica

Taylor-made holidays shaped around your passions

Antartica Adventures

Far beyond the usual routes, past the southern tip of South America, there’s a place that feels almost unreal: Antarctica. A land of ice, silence, and a kind of pure beauty that stays with you from the very first moment. It’s not just a destination—it’s something you experience once in a lifetime. Vast, wild, and deeply moving, it remains one of the last truly untouched places on Earth.

Out there, icebergs, some as large as cities, drift quietly past your ship. Penguins wander across frozen shores, completely at ease. Humpback whales rise through icy waters, and in the austral summer, the sun barely slips below the horizon. Antarctica has a way of changing you: it humbles you, stirs something deep inside, and lingers long after you’ve returned home.

We are Polar Travel Experts. With years of experience guiding travelers to this extraordinary part of the world, we help you choose the right expedition and make sure every moment is safe, meaningful, and truly unforgettable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Antarctica is located at the southernmost point of the planet, surrounding the South Pole. Most travelers reach it by expedition cruise departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, crossing the Drake Passage. Some itineraries also include flights from South America to shorten travel time.

The Antarctic travel season runs from November to March (austral summer). Each month offers a different experience:

  • November–December: pristine snow and wildlife courtship

  • January–February: peak wildlife activity and penguin chicks

  • March: dramatic light, fewer crowds, and whale sightings

Antarctica itself does not require a visa, but you may need visas or entry permits for the countries you transit through, such as Argentina or Chile. Always check requirements based on your nationality before traveling.

Antarctica cruises typically range from $6,000 to $20,000+ USD per person, depending on the ship, itinerary length, cabin type, and level of luxury. Prices usually include accommodation, meals, guided excursions, and expert lectures.

Visitors can expect incredible wildlife encounters, including:

  • Penguins (Gentoo, Adélie, Chinstrap, Emperor in some regions)

  • Seals (Weddell, Leopard, Elephant)

  • Whales (Humpback, Minke, Orca)

  • Seabirds like albatrosses and petrels

Essential items include:

  • Waterproof jacket and pants

  • Warm clothing

  • Insulated layers (thermal base layers, fleece)

  • Gloves, hat, and scarf

  • Sunglasses and sunscreen (UV is strong)

  • Waterproof boots (often provided by operators)

The Drake Passage can be rough, but not always. Many travelers experience mild motion sickness. It’s recommended to bring medication or remedies just in case.

Most expeditions last between 10 and 14 days, including travel time. Longer itineraries may explore South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

Common activities include:

  • Zodiac cruises among icebergs

  • Guided landings on the continent

  • Wildlife watching and photography

  • Kayaking or camping (on select expeditions)

  • Educational talks by polar experts

Connectivity is very limited. Most ships offer satellite Wi-Fi, but it can be slow and expensive. Most travelers use this trip as a chance to disconnect.

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Antarctica Highlights

  • Antarctic Peninsula - A breathtaking region of towering ice cliffs, fjords, and pristine bays. It offers the most accessible and wildlife-rich corner of the White Continent.

  • South Shetland Islands - A volcanic archipelago known for dramatic landscapes and abundant penguin colonies. Many expeditions make their first Antarctic landing here.

  • Research Bases - A chance to see international scientific stations operating in one of the planet’s harshest environments. Visits offer insight into climate studies, wildlife research, and life on the ice.

  • Weddell Sea - A remote, ice-packed region famous for massive tabular icebergs. It’s a haven for seals, seabirds, and, with luck, elusive emperor penguins.

  • South Georgia Islands - Often called the “Serengeti of the Southern Ocean,” home to vast king penguin rookeries and thousands of fur seals. Its rugged mountains and historic whaling stations add powerful cultural depth.

  • Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) - A wildlife hotspot with colonies of rockhopper, Magellanic, and gentoo penguins. Its rolling landscapes and small settlements offer a charming contrast to Antarctica’s icy wilderness.

  • Drake Passage - The legendary ocean crossing between Cape Horn and Antarctica. Known for powerful seas and abundant marine life, it’s a rite of passage for polar explorers.

  • Icebergs & Glaciers - Sculpted towers of ice and luminous blue glaciers dominate the scenery. Their constant movement and shifting colors create unforgettable photographic moments.

  • Wildlife Watching - From playful penguins to breaching whales and soaring albatrosses, the region is a paradise for nature lovers. Wildlife encounters are frequent and often remarkably close.

  • Zodiac Landings & Kayaking - Small-craft adventures that bring you face-to-face with Antarctica’s wild beauty. Explore secluded coves, walk on the continent, and glide quietly among ice floes.

Region:

Antartica

Best Places to Visit Before or After Antarctica

A dream destination for wildlife lovers, Puerto Madryn and Península Valdés offer some of the best marine wildlife experiences in the world. Witness southern right whales, penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, and even orcas in their natural habitat. It’s one of Patagonia’s most extraordinary nature encounters.

Discover the breathtaking glaciers of Patagonia in Los Glaciares National Park. El Calafate is the gateway to the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier, where massive ice walls dramatically collapse into turquoise waters. Nearby El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital, offers spectacular hikes to the legendary peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Journey to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel. Explore the wild landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park, sail among remote islands and wildlife, and experience the spirit of the “End of the World.” It’s also the perfect gateway to Antarctica expeditions.

Torres del Paine National Park is one of Patagonia’s most iconic natural wonders, famous for its dramatic granite towers, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and vast steppe landscapes. The nearby town of Puerto Natales is the closest city and main gateway to the park, offering a charming base with great lodges, restaurants, and stunning fjord views for travelers exploring this spectacular region.

Located on the historic Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas is a gateway to the far south of Chilean Patagonia. The city blends maritime history, colorful architecture, and strong pioneer heritage. From here, travelers can sail through the spectacular Chilean fjords on Patagonian cruises and explore the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, home to humpback whales, sea lions, penguins, and impressive glaciers.

What our travelers say

R

Rosa Puech

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A fabulous company to travel with: the sequencing of the trip, the guides proposed, the suggestions for the area. We highly recommend this travel agency for Patagonia. Fernando is top+top.

J

Joanna Green

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Maria and her team looked after us so well. I would recommend them in a flash. It was 20 years since I had been to El Calafate so I didn't know what to expect. It had changed so much! Maria was helpful, honest, well priced and a pleasure to work with. You could not ask for more. We had the best time thanks to Maria and her organisation. Fernando was our driver to a tour and a delight. Punctual, knowledgeable and all round wonderful. Gracias!!

Franco Peverelli

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

La agencia demostró ser sumamente profesional. Durante el largo traslado, en un vehículo impecablemente limpio y en perfecto estado, el Sr. Fernando estuvo muy atento para garantizar que todo transcurriera sin contratiempos. Recomiendo ampliamente esta agencia para organizar sus viajes a Sudamérica. ¡Solo 5 estrellas porque no puedo dar más! En fin, ¡le doy un pulgar hacia arriba! 👍

Simon Phillips

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Southwind from the planning stages to delivery of the trip in Patagonia were faultless and I really love the little reminders sent for each separate stage and really appreciated the added bits around passport checking and border crossing paperwork. The whole team was super friendly, and for our trip with Fernando he was great company and knew where to stop for refreshments and a view! We would strongly recommend southwind, they go the extra mile on service and have a permanent smile. Thank you guys you were faultless

Esteban Riminucci

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Exelente asesoramiento de Maria Laura , muy buen servicio y cordialidad de los coordinadores , muy recomendables !!

P

Paulo Fanti

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Muy buena la atención tanto por WhatsApp como en las excursiones. Puntuales en las búsquedas en el hotel... De las excursiones que llevo hechas (todas excelentes) la atención, la coordinación y el conocimiento de los guías es muy bueno. Un excelente servicio, lo recomiendo!

A

Ana Zugarramurdi

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Amazing company and experience. We did the Todo Glaciares boat tour in the Premium Lounge and it was beyond expectations! Great staff, great cruise and food! Highly recommended!

M

Martin Bride

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★

Gerardo drove us on a bespoke 8- day trip from Salta up into the wilderness where the 🦩 come to get pink. We had a great time in this spectacular region.

S

Sammer

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had a great experience with Southwind. They organized a tour for us to visit Monte Leon from El Calafate. Fernando & Laura organized the logistics and were very helpful. Martin accompanied us on the tour and doubled up as driver and tour guide, which was beyond our expectations. We saw a lot of wildlife en route, as well as in the park with Martin’s help. I highly recommend Southwind for your Patagonia experience.

Google

Average rating

4.9 ★

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