Any total solar eclipse is a rare, special event, but the December 4, 2021 eclipse will be nothing short of extraordinary for the very few human beings fortunate enough to experience it. You'll need to be in the perfect spot, on the deck of an expedition ship between the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia Islands near the South Orkney Islands around 7:30 am as the world plunges into darkness for 1 minute and 54 seconds. What also makes this eclipse exceptional is that it will move from east to west, instead of west to east, which can only happen on the poles. If you miss this eclipse, you'll only need to wait 75 years to see one next time one crosses the Antarctic. There are very few cruises that will take passengers to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event, and we have listed them below. Contact one of our Antarctica specialists for assistance.

Antarctica 2021 Eclipse Cruises

All Antarctic Eclipse Cruises

Solar Eclipse, South Georgia and Antarctica

Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
17 Days from $16,995

Experience the first solar eclipse in Antarctica in 18 years set for December 4, 2021! Enjoy the close-up encounters with the marine animals, nature and visit the historic sites and science stations on this 17-day Antarctic expedition cruise on the World Explorer, an exclusive small expedition ship with only 176 fortunate passengers.

Solar Eclipse, South Georgia and Antarctica

Ushuaia to Ushuaia
15 Days from $14,000

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime 15-day Antarctic cruise aboard the Ocean Victory to see a total solar eclipse in December 2021. Follow the path of the courageous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton – just in the opposite direction: From Ushuaia to the wildlife paradise of South Georgia. From here to the eclipse path and onwards to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

A group of penguins in the Falkland Islands

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica - Solar Eclipse Voyage

Port of Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
23 Days from $18,395

A total solar eclipse occurs only every 1-2 years, and to witness it in Antarctica is, without doubt, a rare occurrence. Board the Sea Spirit and experience an adventure like no other! Discover the unique beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula, sail to South Georgia for incredible wildlife opportunities and admire the landscapes all along the Falkland Islands.

Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula - Solar Eclipse Voyage

Port of Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
20 Days from $16,400

Board the MV Janssonius for an adventure like no other! This extended expedition encompasses the wildlife paradise of South Georgia, the remote Falkland Islands, as well as the extraordinary beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula. To top it off, you'll experience the once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the exact moment where the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth during the spectacular 2021 Solar Eclipse.

Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula - Solar Eclipse Voyage

Port of Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
20 Days from $16,400

Enjoy the exact moment where the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth during the spectacular 2021 Solar Eclipse. Board the MV Plancius and experience an adventure like no other! Discover the unique beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula, sail across South Georgia and admire the landscapes all along the Falkland Islands.

Antarctica Expedition - Eclipse

Buenos Aires to Punta Arenas
23 Days from $37,700

Follow in the footsteps of the great Antarctic explorers and visit sites that Byrd, Charcot, Fiennes, de Gerlache, Shackleton, and Weddell visited. Watch for Commerson’s and Peale dolphins in the Falkland Islands and southern right whales close to the Valdes Peninsula. Identify different species of albatross as well as shearwaters and petrels.

Antarctica Expedition - Eclipse

Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas
12 Days from $22,600

This 12-day expedition leads you to one discovery after another. Fully experience the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland islands with a complimentary programe of unique, small-group shore experiences, led by a team of expert guides and lecturers.

Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula - Solar Eclipse Voyage

Port of Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
20 Days from $16,400

This extended expedition encompasses the wildlife paradise of South Georgia, the remote Falkland Islands, as well as the extraordinary beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula. To top it off, you'll experience the once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the exact moment where the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth during the spectacular 2021 Solar Eclipse. Board the MV Hondius for an adventure like no other!

Our Favorite Cruise Ships for Seeing the Eclipse

Guide to Viewing the 2021 Antarctica Eclipse

What to Expect

NASA advises: "Good weather is the key to successful eclipse viewing - better to see a shorter eclipse from clear sky that a longer eclipse under clouds."

Your ship's captain and crew will watch the weather forecasts in the days leading up to the eclipse and choose a location with the best chance of a cloud-free sky during the time of the eclipse. That said, weather is unpredictable everywhere, and even more so in the Antarctic, so there is no guarantee of clear skies. See this map showing the total eclipse route and average cloud cover

When and Where

On the morning of December 4, 2021, a total solar eclipse will first be visible starting at about 6:16 am local time between the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island. The path traversed by the eclipse passes just east of the South Orkney Islands and roughly parallels the Antarctic Peninsula heading south. The place where the total eclipse will be of the greatest duration (1m, 54s) is just north of Berkner Island before moving over the Antarctic continent.

See NASA's excellent map of the predicted route of the eclipse.

Reserving Your Spot to See the Eclipse

The Antarctic eclipse of 2021, and trips to see it have been in the press a lot, so demand to see the eclipse has been very strong, even more than two years before the event.

There are very few ships that have announced special routes focusing on the eclipse, so it is highly recommendable to reserve your spot as far in advance as possible.

Please contact an Adventure Life Antarctica travel planner for help finding the perfect option for you.