Where is Antarctica – and how do I get there?

Antarctica is the southernmost of the world’s seven continents and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean. The Antarctic Peninsula is the closest point to land and can be reached in two days from the tip of South America. To visit Antarctica, you’ll need to fly to Argentina, or Chile, and then take an onward flight to Ushuaia, located at the very tip of South America. Today your Swan Hellenic ship will depart from Ushuaia, and some cruises start in Buenos Aires. We consider also departures from Puerto Williams. Please check your detailed itinerary.

When is the best time to visit Antarctica?

The best time is during the southern hemisphere’s spring and summer (November to March). Weather can never be guaranteed, but visiting this time of year means you’ll probably see plenty of sunshine. The continent is at its warmest between mid-December and mid-January. From November to mid-January, you can expect to see more sea ice and dramatic icebergs. This is also the mating season for seabirds and mammals, including breeding fur seals. Bear in mind that in early spring, proposed stops may have to be rescheduled if they remain ice-bound or if a sudden drop in temperature overnight causes ice to re-freeze. End of January to March, the chances of seeing whales – including humpback, orca, and minke – are greater. Penguin chicks and seal pups are in abundance at this time of year, too. As the Austral summer progresses, you will experience almost 24-hour daylight.

Do you offer kayak excursions in Antarctica?

Yes! Our kayak excursions are a wonderful way to experience the polar regions from water level. Kayaking in the world’s last great wildernesses is a unique opportunity that few people experience. You’ll be able to observe scenery, coastlines, ice formations and polar wildlife from the comfort – and almost complete silence – of your kayak. Conditions permitting, your Expedition Leader and Kayak Guide will ensure you’ll be kayaking as often as possible throughout your Antarctic voyage. While some kayak excursions are designed to allow you to disembark and explore on land, most of your kayak adventures will focus on connecting with your icy surroundings from the water level. Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours

Are my Expedition itineraries final and can changes be expected during the cruise?

As almost all Antarctica and Arctic cruises are designed as expedition-type cruises, we need to understand that flexibility is one of the main characteristics that best describe the planning, itinerary, and execution of such a voyage. Any itinerary given is only a broad idea, the realization of which depends on several factors that neither Swan Hellenic nor the captain or the expedition team can predict in advance. Weather conditions such as ice conditions, drift, wave height, wind direction, and visibility can not only have a significant influence on the planned Zodiac tours but can also change the itineraries in such a way that ad hoc rescheduling may be necessary. In this respect, we ask for your understanding that the pre-planned routes are not guaranteed and that the actual route may deviate at any time. Furthermore, medical emergencies or official restrictions on visiting individual landing points can also influence the route at any time. Rest assured, however, that your captain and the expedition team are very familiar with such conditions and, therefore, always have a solution or alternative at hand to offer you a fantastic polar adventure. Of course, this also applies to other cruising areas that are just as remote as the polar regions in the same way.

I’ve been to the Arctic, would I enjoy Antarctica?

If you enjoy immersing yourself in pristine, off-grid wilderness and seeing extraordinary wildlife in its natural habitat, then there’s no reason you won’t enjoy both the Arctic and Antarctica. The two destinations share several characteristics and our itineraries to these places emphasize scientific appreciation and historical understanding. The wildlife is surprisingly different in both places – you’ll only see penguins in the Antarctic, not the Arctic. However, extreme temperatures aren’t for everyone, and the journey to Antarctica (around two days in total, passing the well-known Drake passage each way) needs to be considered. Also, life on board will follow similar patterns, combining informative and engaging talks, expert-led excursions, fine dining, and relaxation time.

Should I worry about Avian Flu?

Avian Flu is currently present in South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. It is an ever-changing disease and highly monitored by IAATO. Our expedition staff work closely with IAATO and government/industry associations to monitor the remote wilderness areas visited by expedition cruises. Our staff reports any indication of the disease to these agencies. Prior to expedition activities, our team scouts an area. If there are signs of the disease, it is reported and an alternate location is scouted for expedition activities. To prevent the spread of the disease, in certain areas, guests may need to adhere to certain distance and viewing regulations (i.e. no sitting on the ground to view wildlife, stay 5 meters from wildlife, etc.) In the worst case, if avian flu is present in an expedition activity area, guests may be restricted to zodiac cruising rather than landing in an affected area.

SHV-04-Jan-2028 -In Shackleton's Footsteps: Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula

Day 3. West Point Island
Birdlife is the big draw on this lush sheep-farming island, where thousands of rams and ewes roam. Settled by British explorers in 1765, the island’s unique scenery includes golden sand beaches filled with the cacophony of rockhopper, gentoo and Magellanic penguin colonies, and the pillar-shaped nests of black-browed albatross. Nine of the Falklands’ 14 endemic plants, including silvery buttercup and hairy daisy, grow here and are a real treat

Day 3. Saunders Island
Black-browed albatross grace the skies over this remote Falkland Island, while Commerson’s dolphins play in its waters. With a sparse population of people and sheep, the island is also a sanctuary for fur seals, rockhopper penguins, Magellanic penguins and imperial cormorants, nesting amid its cliffs and the impressive Cliff Mountain. Hiking through the moss-covered terrain unveils beautiful wildflowers like pink-petalled Felton’s

Days 4. Port Stanley
Anyone familiar with Britain’s trademark red post boxes might spot a resemblance in this British outpost. Port Stanley, on East Falkland, is the tiny capital of the Falkland Islands and is small enough to get around on foot. The Historic Dockyard Museum is devoted to maritime history and exploration. Magellanic penguins gather on the beach at nearby Gypsy Cove, and sea lions and dolphins frolic in the harbour

Days 5-6. Day at sea
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers

Days 7-10. South Georgia
Often called the ‘Galapagos of the Poles,’ South Georgia has a number of landing sites with tens of thousands of King Penguins and gentoo penguins, making up some of the largest populations in the world alongside harrumphing elephant seals. Among its remarkable sites is Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) is laid to rest

Days 11. Day at sea
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers

Days 12-16. Antarctic Peninsula

Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent live their Antarctica dream. It’s the most accessible part, with scientific bases and incredible scenery, like the photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Mikkelsen Harbour, where among gentoo penguins, snowy sheathbills and skuas, Antarctic Weddell seals haul out

Optional Activities:
Snowshoeing in Antarctica

Day 17-18. Day at sea
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers

Day 19. Ushuaia
Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range in Argentina’s Patagonia region, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. Often described as ‘the End of the World’, the city carries the reputation well – the moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help