Weddell Sea Antarctica Cruises & Tours for 2025-2026

As you round the Antarctic Sound in the northeastern corner of the Antarctic Peninsula, huge tabular icebergs announce your arrival to the Weddell Sea, where Shackleton’s ship Endurance was famously trapped and crushed. Late summer cruises have the best chance of charting a safe course through the ice-clogged Weddell Sea, and if the ice flow is too thick, cruises may be diverted to clearer waters around the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. In the Weddell Sea, you'll spot Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals as you hike and kayak along the icy coastline. Camping is available on some cruises and sites are decided based on prevailing ice and weather conditions. Explore the islands of Dundee, James Clark, and Ross. On Devil Island, you will see a large Adélie penguin rookery and, if you are lucky, a view of Mount Erebus.

Top 10 Weddell Sea Cruises for 2025-2026

Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea: In Partnership with New Scientist Discovery - Fly/Sail

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia
13 Days from $20,395

Join a 13-day Weddell Sea Fly/Sail expedition on Sylvia Earle with New Scientist Discovery Tours, exploring Antarctica's remote regions rich in ice, wildlife, and history tied to Shackleton's Endurance expedition. Encounter seals, discover ancient fossils, and observe migrating whales while delving into polar science and the unique ecosystem.

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Pinnacle shaped icebergs floating in Andvord Bay near Neko Harbour, Antarctic Peninsula

Weddell Sea Discovery

Roundtrip Ushuaia
13 Days from $11,380

Join the SH Vega on this 13-day Weddell Sea cruise roundtrip in Ushuaia and encounter Antarctica like never before. Cross the notorious Drake Passage, marvel at colossal tabular icebergs, observe penguins up close, and discover the history of Shackleton's Endurance, its incredible survival, and its rescue tale.

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Antarctica - Weddell Sea Explorer

Ushuaia - Ushuaia
11 Days from $9,600

Board MV Plancius in Ushuaia for an 11-day Antarctic adventure, sailing through the Beagle Channel and across the Drake Passage. Explore historic sites like Point Wild and the Weddell Sea, spot whales, seals, and seabirds, and witness stunning landscapes, including Antarctic Sound, Brown Bluff, and Devil Island, before returning to Ushuaia.

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Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill

Buenos Aires - Buenos Aires
14 Days from $22,095

Join this 14-day cruise expedition aboard Ultramarine and sailed past masses of dense ice and thick, tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to experience the legendary rookery, which now numbers 8,000 breeding pairs of emperor penguins.

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Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands

Roundtrip Buenos Aires
12 Days from $14,195

Join a 12-day expedition to the remote east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the Ultramarine. This helicopter-focused adventure offers rare views of icebergs, mountains, and remote landscapes, with two heli-flightseeing excursions, a heli-landing, and Zodiac trips through the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Sound.

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Quest for the Weddell Sea

Ushuaia Roundtrip
13 Days from $11,795

Embark on a 13-day Quest for the Weddell Sea cruise roundtrip from Ushuaia aboard the Ocean Albatros. Cross the Drake Passage, explore the Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea, and Antarctic Peninsula, and enjoy Zodiac excursions, penguin sightings, whale watching, and historic sites.

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3 Best Luxury Weddell Sea Cruises & Tours for 2025-2026

Trip Name	From	Days	Summary
The Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea	$30,850	14	Embark on a 14-day expedition to the Weddell Sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot and explore its pristine beauty and wildlife. Encounter glaciers, icebergs, and diverse wildlife while enjoying activities like kayaking, hiking, and snowshoeing. Expert guides lead you through this adventure. 0
Christmas in Antarctica	$12,965	12	Celebrate the Christmas season and explore the majestic white continent. Enjoy abundant wildlife encounters and the striking panoramic landscape of the Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea, and Antarctic Peninsula aboard the MS Seaventure on this 12-day cruise. 0
Journey to Austral Lands and Valdes Peninsula	$18,610	20	Embark on a 20-day cruise from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires aboard L'Austral. Explore Antarctica’s icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife, from penguins to whales. Visit South Georgia, home to king penguins and elephant seals, then the Falkland Islands with rugged shores and seabirds. End at Valdes Peninsula, where orcas hunt and guanacos roam. 0