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 South Orkney Islands around 7:30am 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

An old ship rusts in a Falkland Islands harbor

Solar Eclipse, South Georgia and Antarctica

Ushuaia to Ushuaia
20 Days from $9,250

Let yourself enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime 20-day voyage boarding the Ocean Atlantic. 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.

Solar Eclipse in Antarctica

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

On this unique 16-day voyage aboard Sylvia Earle, you will visit Antarctica and experience the incredible white continent in its late spring regalia. Witness penguins busily building nests, keeping eggs warm and raising chicks, and gaze at gleaming icebergs, while you hope for fine weather, clear skies and an uninterrupted view of the solar eclipse.

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.

Antarctica Expedition - Eclipse

Port of Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
12 Days from $21,960

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.

Antarctica Solar Eclipse

Ushuaia to Port of Ushuaia
14 Days from $11,995

On December 4th 2021, a total solar eclipse will be viewable only from some of the Earth’s most southern latitudes – an exclusive and unique phenomenon. After sailing east to the eclipse zone, explore a less frequently trodden side of the Antarctic Peninsula, traversing the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Sound and visiting the historic Elephant Island before experiencing the sights and sounds of the Peninsula’s penguin-abundant north western shores.

Albatross cruising the Drake Passage to Antarctica

Solar Eclipse, South Georgia and Antarctica

Ushuaia to Ushuaia
15 Days from $14,000

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime 15-day voyage aboard the Ocean Victory. 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.

Solar Eclipse, South Georgia and Antarctica

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

Take advantage of this truly unique expedition to witness the second solar eclipse in Antarctica after 18 years! Enjoy the close-up encounters with the marine animals, nature and visit the historic sites and science stations on this 17-day expedition.

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.