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Antarctica Wildlife & Polar Travel Guide

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It's time to break the ice (literally) on that long-awaited trip to the white continent, Antarctica! Here, you'll find some helpful information for planning your trip, including everything from where to start planning to the more specific Antarctica travel FAQs & which ship to choose. The highlight of most Antarctica tours is seeing the tough Antarctic wildlife like penguins, seals, seabirds, and a variety of other whale species, among others. Of course, a trip to Antarctica could also feature stops in South Shetland Island & the Falkland Islands or even Chile and Argentina, and our staff has put together some great resources for those destinations as well. 
All Antarctica Travel Articles

Wildlife & Animals of Antarctica

Antarctica is a continent of extremes. It holds the title of coldest, driest and windiest location on Earth. Temperatures have been recorded as low as -129 degrees F, with winds blasting along the coastline at speeds up to 200 mph. Its average interior precipitation is less than a couple of inches per year, making Antarctica a peculiar and brilliant frozen desert of snow.

But even in such harsh conditions, Antarctica remains the home of a large variety of extraordinary wildlife.

Wildlife in Antarctica is most active in the austral summer months. During this time, seals, whales, penguins, and a large diversity of other seabirds migrate to the continent to breed and feed on the virtually unlimited supply of krill, crustaceans, and fish. Each summer month has its own unique wildlife viewing opportunities that are not to be missed. 
 
Antarctic Wildlife Fun Facts
  • You will see wildlife everywhere, yet Antarctica is the least biodiverse continent on the planet.
  • Antarctica is the coldest and driest continent and all creatures that venture upon land are considered extremophiles due to the extreme climate.
  • Very few animals or plants live on land, and most that do are partially terrestrial and heavily dependent upon the ocean for food.
  • The only truly terrestrial animals are tiny invertebrates like nematodes (tiny worms), microscopic mites, and lice. The largest is a flightless midge measuring 6mm (1/4 inch).
  • Only primitive plants like algae, fungi, mosses, lichens, and liverworts have evolved to survive in the cold, dry climate.
  • Only 0.34% of its area is ever free of ice or snow, leaving a tiny amount of soil for terrestrial ecosystems. No or limited light during the winter months puts further stress upon plants.
  • Marine life is rich and abundant, fueled from a food web based on phytoplankton, krill, squid and fish.
  • 90% of the world's ice, which represents 70% of the world's fresh water, is on the Antarctic continent, yet one of the major factors limiting life here is lack of water.
  • The ice depth averages 1 mile (1.6km) thick, and if the Antarctic ice shelf melted, the world's oceans would rise approximately 200 feet (60 meters)!
Penguins

Penguins spend over 75% of their lives as sea where they are most comfortable, as their bodies are designed for swimming, or more precisely, flying through the water. Powerful paddle muscles and a compact hydrodynamic body shape allow penguins to swim up to 25 mph. By contrast, penguins awkwardly waddle and hop once ashore.

Seventeen species of penguins can be found in the subantarctic regions, although only four types of penguins breed on the continent itself: emperor, Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins.

Read more about the penguins of Antarctica.
Antarctic Whales

Whales are divided into two main groups: toothed and baleen. The only toothed whales found in the Antarctic are orcas and sperm whales, while a variety of baleen whales are regularly sighted: blue, fin, humpback, minke, sei, and southern right whales. Southern bottlenose whales, Arnoux's beaked whales, and even southern hourglass dolphins are also present, but rarely spotted.

Unlike the other wildlife of Antarctica, whales do not breed in the region. However, they do take advantage of the nutrient-filled waters in the austral summer, traveling great distances from their temperate breeding waters in the north. Like seals, several species of whales were hunted until near extinction in the mid-1900s. While regulations have been placed on whaling activities, these magnificent giants have not seen their populations recover as well as the seals. Today, the entire area surrounding Antarctica is recognized as a whale sanctuary.

Read more about whales in Antarctica.
Antarctic Birds

Millions of seabirds breed along the coast and offshore islands of Antarctica. To survive in the biting environment, Antarctic birds have waterproof plumage and large compact bodies with a dense layer of fat under their skin.

There are 46 species of birds that inhabit Antarctica, including penguins, albatrosses, cormorants, petrels, bitterns, shearwaters, herons, egrets, ducks, geese, swans, sheathbills, skuas, jaegers, and gulls.

There are 19 species of seabirds that breed along the continent. Due to the shortage of snow-free nesting regions, most seabirds tend to procreate in large, impressive concentrations, making for ideal viewing conditions for bird enthusiasts. The birds will migrate north as the summer months come to an end, spending the winter in more temperate climates.

Read more about Antarctic birds.

 
Antarctic Seals

Six species of seals live in the Antarctic: Weddell, Ross, leopard, crabeater, fur, and giant elephant seals, which weigh up to 4,000 kg -- almost 9,000 pounds! 

Much of the early exploration of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean was in search of new seal communities. During the 19th and 20th centuries, many seals were hunted for their valuable skins and oils. Whole populations were driven to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, today the seals are protected by a number of agencies and their numbers have continued to thrive.

Because of the nutrient-rich feeding regions, and the lack of polar bears, the Antarctic has a much larger seal population than the Arctic. Most of the their life is spent in the water, but seals must return to land to breed. The best locations to view their breeding grounds are on the pack ice surrounding Antarctica, or along the coastal shores of the northern islands.

Read more about Antarctic seals. 
 

Arctic vs. Antarctic - Differences and Similarities

Differences Between the Arctic and Antarctica

The term "Polar Opposites" surely originated from the North Pole and South Pole, but besides being on opposite sides of the planet, there are many other less-obvious differences between the poles.

Geography - Antarctica is a land mass, a continent. Whereas the Arctic is an ocean surrounded by continents.

Climate - OK, they're both cold, but Antarctica is much colder, windier, and much, much drier. 

Travel - Both the Arctic and Antarctic are accessed by expedition cruises. Antarctica is accessed primarily from the southern tip of South America, while North America and Europe have quicker access to Arctic cruise ports.

Read more about the differences between the Arctic & Antarctica here.



 
Evolution & Migration Between the Poles

Over 235 marine organisms live in both Arctic and Antarctic polar regions. How did these creatures bridge a distance of 12,000 km (7,450 miles) across the equator between the poles?  

Some large animals like whales and birds make the round trip every year, but sedentary sea cucumbers that dwell on the ocean floor, for example, how did they get on opposite poles?

The answer may lie in the surprisingly slight variation of deep sea temperatures between the poles and the equator of only about 5°C. In the Galapagos Islands, for example, sea cucumbers thrive right on the equatorial line. Additionally, the major ocean currents have been shown to act as a marine conveyor belt transporting eggs and larvae over vast distances. 

Antarctica Travel Guide

Antarctica Travel FAQ's

What is the cheapest way to get to Antarctica?

The cheapest way to get to Antarctica is by flying from Punta Arenas (PUQ airport), Chile, to St. George Island (TNM airport) one way, then the opposite way taking a cruise over five days. The minimum total cost from Punta Arenas is about USD$5000 on the Antarctica Express Air Cruise.

Do you need a passport to go to Antarctica?

Yes, you need a passport to enter Antarctica in addition to the country from which you access Antarctica. Most travelers pass through Argentina or Chile before arriving at the Antarctic continent, and you will likely need a visa to enter these countries in addition to your passport, depending on your nationality.

Can I travel to Antarctica?

Yes, you can. About 90% of all travelers arrive in Antarctica by cruise ship, and the remaining 10% arrive by air. The vast majority of travelers arrive in the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia, Argentina, aboard a ship designed for polar travel. Only a few highly privileged individuals have the opportunity to visit the White Continent. There were 122,072 visitors in the 2023-24 season, with the majority coming from the United States, followed by China, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

How do I decide which ship to choose?

If you have specific departure dates in mind, these may guide your decision, as availability for Antarctica cruises can be quite limited. If not, you may want to consider the following factors, among others:

Ship size - Some travelers prefer the intimacy of small group travel, which often means more time with the guide, more efficient embarkation/disembarkation, and a cozier feel on board. Ships with fewer passengers also tend to offer more adventure options such as scuba diving, kayaking, and camping. Other travelers prefer the relative spaciousness (cabins still tend to be small on most boats!) and added facilities (Jacuzzi, gym, pool, etc) of the larger boats. Often, though not always, the larger ships tend to have more luxury amenities.

Itinerary - Many of the ships offer a similar range of itineraries. However, some offer more variety than others. If you have a special interest such as visiting South Georgia, crossing the Polar Circle, or traveling to the Falkland Islands, let our trip coordinator know.

Cost - The cost of Antarctica voyages varies tremendously. If you are working within a specific budget, let our trip coordinators know so we can match you with the best cruise. Cabin size, itinerary length, ship amenities, etc. can all affect the cost. Once we know your priorities, we can help you choose from the best Antarctica cruises!

Special interests - Some ships offer special Antarctica cruises for divers, kayakers, climbers, campers, photographers, etc. If you have a special interest, please let us know.

Do I need a converter/adapter for the electricity?

Each Antarctica ship has its own type of electrical outlets, depending on the country where it was built. Many of the ships are originally from Russia and use 220 volts, 50 cycle electricity with two round prongs. Ask your Trip Planner for details on the vessel you are taking once you have booked.

What are the fitness/health requirements?

Although you do not need to be in excellent physical condition to join an Antarctica cruise, you do need to be in overall good health. These remote areas do not have access to modern medical facilities. You should not join an Antarctica cruise if you have a life-threatening condition or one that requires extensive medical attention. However, a cruise to Antarctica does not need to be physically demanding. You need to be able to balance on a vessel in rough seas, and get in and out of Zodiacs if you wish to participate in shore excursions. You may opt-out of the shore excursions and choose instead to view the wildlife and landscape from the deck. Onshore, most ships offer at least one easy walk that allows participants to experience the destination without going far from the landing site.

What are the typical demographics of other passengers on board?

Travelers come from all over the world, although most speak English fluently. They may range in age from children to seniors, with most travelers in their 30s to 60s. Some cruises to Antarctica do not permit children under the age of 12, and families should not expect many children on any of the departures.

Are these trips suitable for kids?

It depends. Some ships have a minimum age requirement ranging from 8 to 12. Other ships leave it up to the parents to decide if the cruise would be appropriate. The dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife can be fascinating for children. However, the long voyages at sea can become tiresome for even the best child travelers. It is unlikely that there will be other children on board for your kids to play with, so be sure to bring plenty of entertainment options. You may also want to consider upgrading to a larger room or suite on your cruise to Antarctica to give your kids more room to spread out. Since there is no access to medical facilities, children with chronic conditions such as severe asthma, diabetes, etc. are not advised to travel.

Are these trips a good choice for solo travelers?

Absolutely! Most cruises to Antarctica have special single rates or can arrange a shared room at no additional cost. The majority of Antarctica visitors still travel as couples or families, so these trips can be a bit lonely for some solo travelers. However, the relatively small groups and long voyages on board allow travelers to easily meet others with similar interests. Solo travelers should also take a look at our exclusive Solo Traveler Departures.

Do tour rates include international flights?

Tour rates do not include international flights unless indicated. We find that it is usually less expensive for travelers to book these separately, and this also gives you the flexibility to choose the schedule and routing that is most convenient for you. You are welcome to book these on your own, or we can certainly help you arrange these flights with an airfare consolidator who specializes in South America flights.

More Antarctica Cruises

Live It! Our 8 Favorite Antarctic Wildlife Cruises for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea - Fly/Sail $20,095 13 Feb 17, 2026 Join a 13-day expedition cruise on the Sylvia Earle to explore the Weddell Sea in Antarctica, famous for its icebergs and historical significance. Experience the breathtaking wilderness as you navigate pack ice and encounter stunning tabular icebergs.
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Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea: In Partnership with New Scientist Discovery - Fly/Sail $20,395 13 Mar 02, 2027 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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Antarctica: Through the Lens - Fly/Sail Expedition $20,895 12 Jan 25, 2027 Join a 12-day Antarctic Explorer Fly/Sail Expedition from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia aboard the Sylvia Earle. Discover stunning wildlife, majestic glaciers, and pristine landscapes as you cruise through the Antarctic Peninsula's icy bays.
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Antarctica - Polar Circle - Deep South Discovery $10,950 13 Mar 06, 2027 Join the Ortelius on this 13-day deep south cruise to the Polar Circle round trip from Ushuaia. Experience stunning Antarctic landscapes and encounter incredible wildlife like penguins, skuas, leopard seals, and whales. Get up close to incredible wildlife such as Gentoo and Adélie penguins, and leopard seals.
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Antarctic Peninsula - Weddell Sea with Long Hikes $9,600 11 Feb 03, 2027 Embark on an 11-day Antarctic voyage aboard MV Hondius to explore the remote Weddell Sea, icy waters, and wildlife-rich islands. Encounter glaciers, penguins, whales, and seals while experiencing breathtaking landscapes and exciting shore visits.
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Antarctica - Weddell Sea Explorer $9,600 11 Mar 02, 2027 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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Antarctica - Whale Watching Discovery and Learning Voyage $7,750 11 Mar 18, 2027 Set sail from Ushuaia on an 11-day Antarctic Peninsula cruise aboard Ortelius, crossing the Drake Passage to explore glaciers, icy bays, and wildlife-rich sites like Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, and Port Lockroy. Spot whales, seals, and penguins, and enjoy Zodiac cruises and possible snowshoeing in this polar wonderland.
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Snow Hill to the Peninsula: Emperor Penguins and the 7th Continent $30,195 18 Oct 30, 2025 Set sail on this 18-day Snow Hill to the Peninsula aboard Ultramarine Buenos Aires roundtrip. Begin in the vibrant Buenos Aires, explore Ushuaia, cross the Drake Passage, and marvel at Emperor penguins and glacial wonders. Enjoy expert-led excursions, Zodiac cruises, and breathtaking wildlife encounters.
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