Polar & Pacific

Antarctica

The Most Extreme Continent

Find Your Adventure

Destination Overview

About Antarctica

Of the world’s seven continents, Antarctica is the coldest, the driest, the windiest, the highest (average elevation), and not surprisingly, the least populated.
Its massive scale and surreal land, sea, and ice scapes will leave you at a loss for words.

Until recently, the main access to Antarctica was by way of a two-day voyage by ship across the Drake Passage, the 600 mile-wide expanse of ocean between South America and the northern-most tip of Antarctica. But now, visitors have the choice of flying to and from Antarctica and bypassing the Drake altogether.

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Antarctica
 
Antarctica
 

Thomson Experiences in Antarctica

Active
Most trips to Antarctica are by ship, so activities typically take place along the shoreline, and passengers return to the ship after each landing. However, for those who seek more adventure or wish to explore farther inland, additional options include camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, kayaking, and a “polar plunge”.
MULTI-GENERATIONAL
Prior to the recent introduction of air travel to and from the continent, the only way to cross the 600 miles of ocean between South America and Antarctica was by ship, a two-day voyage that some children found a bit too long. But now, Antarctica is closer than ever and easily accessible to everyone, regardless of age!
PHOTOGRAPHY
The grandeur of Antarctica almost defies description. Words just seem to fall short. Once you’ve been there yourself, you’ll understand: you have to see it to believe it! And the expression, “a picture is worth a thousand words” has never applied more fully to a place on Earth than it does to Antarctica. Bring lots of batteries and storage cards; you’ll need them all!
WILDLIFE
Only one species of animal is capable of surviving on the continent of Antarctica in winter: Emperor Penguin, the star of the documentary, “March of the Penguins”. Even in the summer, relatively few species can make a go of it there. But, what it lacks in species diversity, it makes up for in sheer numbers. Those species that can live there, do so on a staggering scale. Imagine wandering through a nesting colony of Adelie Penguins that numbers over two million individuals! Throughout the trip, whether on land or on the ship at sea, you’ll be in nearly constant company of seabirds, seals, dolphins, and whales.

Favorite Properties

In various destinations around the world, we have highlighted examples of exceptional accommodations that set new standards for aesthetics and responsible tourism. These properties reflect our own company values by emphasizing community involvement and the preservation of cultural heritage, protection of natural resources, and sustainability, both in practice and design. They also combine outstanding comfort and service, natural beauty, and functionality. Where you stay along the way can greatly enhance any journey. Options abound, but these are some of our favorites.

Quark Expeditions
 

Quark Expeditions

Antarctica

Taking the lead in polar exploration has allowed for balancing the spirit of great explorers, while preserving one of the last unspoiled places on earth. With a wide-range of ships, you can have an intimate experience with 77 of your closest friends, or board a former Soviet Icebreaker and explore Antarctica like never before. With active adventures as a hallmark, you can camp, kayak, snowshoe, and even ski through this untamed wilderness. From observation decks and lounges to movie theatres, spas, and ample land-based activities, Antarctica is at your fingertips. The passion for ensuring each guest has the experience of a lifetime is no less than top priority.

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
 

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

You’re ready to explore King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula—and no Drake Passage crossings are required! With a spectacular aerial view, included charter flights between Punta Arenas and Antarctica have you experiencing the majesty of the 7th continent before transferring you to your ship in no time. Keep your camera ready as you cruise in a Zodiac in search of whales, seabirds and astounding icebergs. Beaches dotted with leopard seals and penguins give way to icy plateaus, with snow- capped mountain peaks looming behind. You’ll find yourself thankful for the near-constant sunlight by which you can continue to take it all in.

From: $12,295 per person

Detailed Itinerary

Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings
 

Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings

This is a truly epic adventure through the remote Falkland Islands, the wildlife paradise of South Georgia and the extraordinary landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll enjoy unforgettable encounters with untamed wildlife in a vast, dramatic and spectacular setting; you’ll take a step back in time at historically significant sites; and you’ll be mesmerized by the rich diversity and contrasts that make these regions so captivating and unique. Watch a wild, isolated and extreme world come to life as scores of penguins dive for food, herds of elephant seals bathe in the sun, and pods of orcas pass you by. You’ll be transported to your own wildlife documentary, staged in a magnificent setting of mountains, sea and ice.

From: $22,995 per person

Detailed Itinerary

Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle
 

Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

A short, comfortable flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in Antarctica has you with boots on the ground in no time, overtaken by the sheer magnitude of the 7th Continent. Fully immersed in the Antarctic environment, you’ll experience a roller coaster of emotions, from excitement to exquisite solitude to incredible gratitude for the wonder of it all. You may go in search of whales and find yourself bearing witness to a glacier calving. Or you may plan to climb one more peak for a better vantage point and find yourself in a rookery of curious penguins. Antarctica will leave you in awe, but it won’t leave you unchanged.

From: $22,995 per person

Detailed Itinerary

It was SPECTACULAR. It had everything: beauty, simplicity, adventure, education, environmental responsibility, and the tranquility of nature in its purest form. Penguin highways, sea ice, the voluminous sounds of whales' breath, slothy seals by day, icebergs and glaciers that are too much for the eye to behold. This trip was so much for us in so many ways, individually and relationally!!! Simply Perfect.
Donna J - Antarctica