Antarctica

The Antarctic Peninsula is an 800-mile (1,300 km) stretch of land and ice extending northward from the Antarctic continent towards South America. Visitors are humbled by the staggering beauty of the Antarctic: icebergs, glaciers, snow-covered mountain tops and incredible wildlife.

The Antarctic Peninsula is an 800-mile (1,300 km) stretch of land and ice extending northward from the Antarctic continent toward South America. Visitors are humbled by the staggering beauty of the Antarctic, with its icebergs, glaciers, snow-covered mountain peaks, and incredible wildlife.

People who dream of visiting the 7th Continent typically start on the peninsula, which is ice-covered and mountainous. The Bransfield Strait separates the peninsula from the South Shetland Islands to the North. Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost tip of South America, lies about 1,000 km (620 miles) away, across the Drake Passage.

To experience the Antarctic Peninsula is to witness minke and humpback whales at close range, and to gaze upon icebergs of every conceivable shape and size in the bays, fjords and inlets. The peninsula is blessed with diverse wilderness vistas, where visitors can observe penguin colonies on Danco Island, or stand in awe at the sight and sounds of mammoth glaciers calving in Neko Harbour.

There are two main ways to visit Antarctica: flying from Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales in Southern Chile, or more commonly, taking a cruise from Ushuaia in Argentina.

Antarctic itineraries typically start at 10 nights, covering the highlights of the white continent including the main peninsula and a few nearby islands —  perfect for spotting wildlife, icebergs and the vast icy expanse. For those seeking a more extensive adventurous, an epic 23-day Polar Circle expedition includes visits to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Islands.

The other alternative is to go on a fly and-cruise trip from Punta Arenas, flying from Chile to King George Island and then crossing by boat to Antarctica. This program starts at 7 nights and the departure dates start in early December.
These are not Caribbean type luxury cruises, but rather expedition boats which include all meals and daily excursions in Antarctica, along with lectures on glaciology, wildlife, and more.

Most of the specialised cruise lines offer fantastic service and an array of activities usually not featured on larger ships, including kayaking, zodiac tours, hiking, stand-up paddling, helicopter and submarine rides, and even the possibility of camping on Antarctic soil. Their boats range from 128 to 199 passengers, ensuring a highly personalised service. As members of Virtuoso we can offer additional complimentary amenities on board.
The best options include Silversea, Viking, Lindblad National Geographic, Quark, and Scenic, all of which offer fantastic alternatives for an unforgettable Antarctic experience.

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