2025 Antarctica Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Getting There - spent 20ish days on a 100-ppl cruise to Antarctica. 3 islands. Landing Twice everyday if weather permits. Attractions - penguins. Saw 6 species. 🦭 seals. Elephant seals, whales, albatross, dolphins etc. Hotels - balcony room. Nice view. Waves were crazy. Higher than the window. Sauna and jacuzzi were nice. Food & Restaurants - luxury cruise food was good. Fancy meals everyday. Gained weight. Shopping - the shop was already closed. #antarctica #penguin #glacier #iceberg #argentina #Drakepassage

This year, we embark on an immersive journey into the glaciers—exploring the power of life. A trip to the Antarctic glaciers is undoubtedly a fascinating adventure to uncover the wonders of nature and the mysteries of life. Here, you can not only marvel at the towering glaciers but also actively participate in thrilling and challenging activities, experiencing the allure of this enigmatic continent firsthand. 🌟 Zodiac Boat Cruise Cruising through the stunning waters of the Antarctic Peninsula on a Zodiac boat is an unforgettable experience. You can weave between icebergs, feeling the waves crashing against the boat. The speed and excitement of the Zodiac make you feel like you're in an action movie. During this time, you might even get a close-up view of Antarctic wildlife like seals and sea lions, whose adorable antics are sure to bring a smile to your face. 🌟 Kayaking Adventure For a deeper exploration of these waters, kayaking is the perfect choice. As you paddle across the calm surface, you can hear the sound of ice cracking and feel the tranquility and power of nature. The flexibility of a kayak allows you to easily navigate between icebergs, capturing breathtaking moments along the way. 🌟 Polar Plunge If you're up for a challenge, the polar plunge is an experience you can't miss. Standing at the edge of a glacier, take a deep breath and dive into the icy waters. The thrill and exhilaration are unforgettable. This activity not only lets you feel the magical charm of nature but also tests your courage and resilience. These activities are just the tip of the iceberg in an Antarctic glacier adventure. You can also visit research stations to learn about scientific studies in Antarctica, take a helicopter ride to view the glaciers from above, marveling at nature's craftsmanship, or gaze at the starry sky during Antarctic nights, finding your own constellation. In summary, an Antarctic glacier journey is a remarkable adventure combining visual feasts, soul-stirring moments, and thrilling experiences. Here, you'll gather unforgettable memories and insights, becoming a braver, more confident, and compassionate person.

#cruiseholiday Location 📍 Worldwide – Swan Hellenic cruises explore Antarctica, the Arctic, Mediterranean, Africa, and beyond! Ticket Price 💵 Starting from around 4,000 – 10,000 USD depending on destination, length, and suite type. Cruise Duration 🛳️ Typically 8 – 21 days, offering deep exploration voyages to remote and fascinating places. Trip Highlights ⭐ Small Ship Luxury – Boutique ships like SH Minerva, SH Vega, and SH Diana with less than 200 guests! ⭐ Immersive Expeditions – Led by expert guides: think zodiac landings, wildlife spotting, and cultural immersions! ⭐ Elegant Comfort – Spacious suites with private balconies, fine dining, libraries, and a full spa onboard! ⭐ Breathtaking Destinations – Remote islands, polar landscapes, ancient ruins, and hidden coastal villages! ⭐ All-Inclusive Experience – Shore excursions, lectures, gourmet meals, and even parka jackets included! ⭐ Exceptional Crew – Warm, knowledgeable, and ready to turn every day into an adventure! How to Reach ✈️ Fly to Departure Ports such as Ushuaia (Argentina), Longyearbyen (Svalbard), Athens (Greece), or Cape Town — Swan Hellenic often arranges pre-cruise hotel stays and transfers! My Favorite Moment Standing on deck under a sky full of shimmering stars in Antarctica, while glaciers cracked softly in the distance — it felt like I was on another planet! ❄️✨ #citydaytours #myitinerary #travel #localfood #couplestrip #beachlife #staycation #naturalwonders #seascapes #familytravel #poolhotel #resorts #museums #buffets

#cruiseholiday This was a full charter expedition on ATLAS’ World Voyager, and here’s everything you need to know — from the itinerary to the ship experience! 📍Itinerary Overview: • Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, check in to the complimentary hotel provided by the cruise company • Day 2: Flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, board the ship • Day 3–4: Cross the Drake Passage • Day 5–7: Explore the Antarctic Peninsula • Day 8: Visit the South Shetland Islands • Day 9: Disembark at King George Island, fly back to Punta Arenas 🧊 Highlights & Review: 1️⃣ Cruise-In, Fly-Out Route = Smart Combo • More budget-friendly than round-trip fly cruises • You get to experience the dramatic Drake Passage by sea on the way in • Then skip the seasickness with a smooth return flight over the Drake — the best of both worlds! 2️⃣ Near One-to-One Service • The ship accommodates 200 passengers, but the Antarctic chartered flight can only carry 76 guests per plane • Only around 140 guests onboard (plus crew), which means incredible service and lots of space • Feels like personalized, private travel on a premium ship! 3️⃣ Spacious Comfort • Balcony rooms start at 25㎡, making them among the largest in the Antarctic expedition category • Each room includes a free mini bar, water bottle, binoculars — everything you need for polar exploration • Very hotel-like comfort while still being adventure-ready 4️⃣ Antarctica = Eat Well, Eat Often • 1 full-service restaurant (3 meals/day), 1 snack bar (24/7 food), and 2 lounges — all free • Buffet-style breakfast & lunch, and multi-course à la carte dinner (order as much as you like) • Never go hungry, even in the icy wilderness! 5️⃣ Free-Flow Alcohol on Board • All alcohol is complimentary, including wine, spirits, and cocktails • Exception: No alcohol during lunch on landing days, to ensure safety during excursions • Otherwise? Enjoy your whiskey with a view of floating glaciers 6️⃣ Professional Expedition & Enrichment • During the Drake Passage sailing, the crew hosts engaging lectures on landings, birds, penguins, photography, and the Antarctic Treaty • Provided gear includes expedition jackets, life vests, and waterproof boots • Daily landings and zodiac cruises, weather permitting — one of each per day Final Thoughts: The ATLAS World Voyager offers a well-balanced mix of comfort, value, and true polar exploration. With fewer guests than capacity, an ideal route structure, and tons of inclusions — it’s one of the most cost-effective luxury expedition cruises to Antarctica right now.

#cruiseholiday 🇦🇶 Just got back this month from an epic journey to Antarctica! We sailed on the Aurora Expeditions’ Sylvia Earle, one of the few science-equipped expedition vessels sailing to the White Continent. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ship and experience while it’s all still fresh! 🚢 Onboard Experience – Highlights by Category: [1] Rare Find: Citizen Science Centre • Located on Deck 5, fully equipped with microscopes, plankton nets, filtering tools, Secchi disks, etc. • Guests can join real science projects during the voyage — feel like a field researcher in Antarctica! • Less than 10% of Antarctic vessels offer this — truly unique! [2] Smooth Landings: 4 Zodiac Loading Zones + 15 Zodiacs • Compared to other ships that only have 1–2 access points, Sylvia Earle has 4 • Faster landings, smoother zodiac cruises, no long queues, and more time exploring [3] Top-Notch Facilities • Deck 6 Library: Huge windows and great natural light — cozy, quiet, and scenic • Deck 8 180° Observation Lounge: Soak in panoramic glacier views in warmth • Deck 7 Sauna: Sweat it out while watching icebergs float by — absolutely surreal • Heated outdoor pool + hot tub: Soaking in steaming water in the icy wild? Pure luxury! [4] Hardcore Expedition Team • Experts onboard include specialists in marine biology, glaciology, ornithology, history, oceanography, whales/dolphins, and medicine • There’s even a Questions Box to drop your curiosities in — answers are shared during briefings. Fascinating and educational! [5] Dining & Bars • 2 restaurants + 2 cozy bars • Breakfast & lunch: buffet style with salads, cheeses, and hot dishes • Dinner: plated à la carte menu with an elegant presentation • Dining with Antarctic scenery? Dreamy. [6] Thoughtful Service • Crew members remember guests’ names within a day • Restaurant staff even remembers your birthday and surprises you with a cake! • Very personal, warm atmosphere onboard [7] Free Starlink Wi-Fi • Yes, you read that right — complimentary Starlink internet onboard! • Stay connected, post your penguin selfies, or video call family from the bottom of the world [8] Comfortable Cabins • We stayed in a Balcony Stateroom (approx. 20㎡) — spacious with hotel-level comfort • Bathroom: separated wet/dry zones, with eco amenities from Aurora’s own line • Outlets: Chinese-style, no adapters needed • Complimentary: 3-in-1 expedition jacket with removable down inner layer + thermal bottle

——Break into the secret polar regions that 95% of tourists miss, a heart-pounding guide to glaciers! The Weddell Sea is located in the northeast of Antarctica, on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is famous for its giant icebergs, pristine ecology and abundant wildlife, attracting countless explorers. This place is not only an important destination for Antarctic expeditions, but also a dream place for polar enthusiasts. 📍Do you think there are only penguins in Antarctica? The Weddell Sea is the "hidden boss" of the Antarctic Circle! The ghost ice shelf that NASA satellites cannot capture, the ultimate birthing room for emperor penguins This sea of ​​demons is called the "Devil's West Wind Slaughterhouse" Sending aurora signals to the lucky ones—— 💎【Why is it called the "rebellious child" of Antarctica? 】 ▪️Icebound: Still 100% covered by sea ice in summer ▪️Hell-level copy: The ice shelf collapses a football field every hour ▪️Whale world ceiling: Humpback whales hunt with bubble nets (it looks like underwater ballet when viewed live) ▪️Penguin Aristocracy: 200,000 pairs of emperor penguins go on blind dates here (the kind in tuxedos!) 🔥【Correct opening posture of the magic sea】 ⏰ Time Metaphysics: ▫️January - Ice maze unlock period (speedboat drifting in the blue ice canyon) ▫️February - Whale courtship season (males sing and shatter icebergs!) ▫️Late night only: Aurora reflected on black icebergs (magic index MAX) 📸 Photographer’s special skill: ✔️Lie on the ice to take photos of the "Milky Way Under the Ice" (the bubbles in the sea ice look like frozen meteors) ✔️Waiting for the "Ice Shock Moment" (20-story ice cliff collapses) ✔️Sneak shot of a leopard seal yawning (pink gums hidden in its bloody mouth) ⚠️【Survival rules in the human restricted area】 ▪️When choosing a ship, look for PC6 class ice-resistant ships! (Ordinary cruise ships can't squeeze into the ice array at all) ▪️Wearing wool inside a down jacket dries quickly! (Snot will freeze instantly at -30℃) ▪️Beware of the "Weddell Trap"! GPS failure is the norm (it all depends on the captain's metaphysical positioning) 🌌 Standing in the last absolute silence on earth Hearing the sound of the first drop of water melting from the glacier that has melted for thousands of years, this journey where even the oxygen carries blue light is the real "Interstellar Alternative".

I tried the Antarctic polar diving After bungee jumping, skydiving, and free diving The coolest sport . With the determination to live up to this life and this journey Although my heart is trembling to death Still determined to go After all, the retired aunts and grandmothers on the ship Everyone is trying this activity Climbing snow-capped mountains without stopping It's a courageous act to jump into the ice sea . Before diving I still didn’t dare to wear a bikini because I was afraid of the cold👙 So I put on a diving suit Put on the hotel bathrobe Results went to the scene I found that many aunts are wearing bikinis Suddenly I found myself weak . During the queue I've been warming up. Trying to ease the fear while staying warm Standing on the edge of the diving platform Suddenly I thought of my bungee jumping in New Zealand and Macau Tower. Then tell yourself Why live on the edge, when you can jump off? So stride forward Jumped bravely . After two flutters, he climbed onto the boat Shivering with cold It feels so refreshing. The cold air attacks my heart, hahahaha I put on my bathrobe and drank a glass of vodka prepared by the ship driver. Wow~nice! #Antarctic #New Year's Destinations 2025

At the end of the world, there is a mysterious and pure white continent - Antarctica, a place that seems to come from another planet. When I set foot on this frozen land, I was greeted by endless silence and shock. Huge icebergs glistened blue in the sunlight, in various shapes, like castles in a dream. Penguins waddled in the snow, the masters of this place, indifferent to us visitors, busy with their own lives. Some were incubating eggs, some were playing, and their adorable appearance made people smile. Seals lay lazily on the ice, occasionally stretching and yawning. Seabirds soared in the sky, their cries echoing in the vast world. Sailing in an expedition ship in the icy sea, huge ice floes drifted slowly by, as if time had stopped. Every breath, you can feel the extremely pure air penetrating your heart and lungs. At night, the gorgeous aurora danced in the sky, like a dreamlike dance, intoxicating people and making them forget all their troubles. The Antarctic trip is not only a journey, but also a baptism of the soul. Here, I felt the greatness of nature and the insignificance of human beings, and I also understood the importance of environmental protection. This is an unforgettable journey, and the beauty of Antarctica will always remain in my heart.

Day 4 Sailing Log ⭐ Enter Paradise Bay, land at Brown Station Stepping into Paradise Bay is like being in a fairyland forgotten by time. The sea of Paradise Bay is like a huge, deep blue satin. The blue of this sea is so rich that it cannot be dissolved. It contains the depth and mystery of the sea. Icebergs are the eternal protagonists of Paradise Bay, and they come in all shapes and sizes. When the gentle sea breeze blows, the silence of Paradise Bay is broken, and the ice floes collide and squeeze each other, making a low roar. ⌚️ 16:00 Land at Brown Station There are several huts on the shore of Paradise Bay, which is the "Admiral Brown" research station established by Argentina in 1951. Antarctic Paradise Bay, this dreamland sealed by ice and snow, will always remain in the depths of memory, becoming the purest and most beautiful corner of the heart, allowing people to have a spiritual pure land to rest in the noisy world! 📢 Although this year's Antarctic cruise season has ended, if you are interested, you can contact us in advance to book next year's Antarctic tour. After all, the Antarctic tour cycle is long, involving visas, booking ships and tickets, etc., and there are early bird prices waiting for you!

Day 3 Sailing Log ⭐Record your first Antarctic landing When you first set foot on the Antarctic continent, the feeling is as moving as landing on the moon! No wonder some people describe this land as not belonging to Earth! When the bright red five-star flag flies on the Antarctic continent, a warm current makes every pore exude pride! Every time you return, you must carefully wash yourself clean, not taking a trace of impurity or leaving a trace! The glaciers of Antarctica, like the marks of time, carry the past and future of the Earth. In this frozen world, you can see the cute penguin family up close, standing or walking, playing and frolicking, lively and interesting! And the occasional humpback whale leaping out from under the blue iceberg is even more amazing~ 📢 Although this year's Antarctic cruise season has ended, if you are interested, you can contact us in advance to book next year's Antarctic tour. After all, the Antarctic tour cycle is long, involving visas, booking ships and tickets, and other issues, and there are early bird prices waiting for you!

Today, we landed at Port Lockroy British Post Office and Jougla Point. Port Lockroy was a station established by the British during World War II, primarily for meteorological purposes, while also monitoring enemy aircraft, ship supplies, and other functions. Now, it is managed by a foundation dedicated to animal and heritage preservation, which has set up a museum, gift shop, and post office. The post office is one of the main attractions for visitors to Antarctica, as they can send postcards from here, which is also why it is so famous. Jougla Point is located next to the British Post Office and is connected to it. It is home to thousands of Gentoo penguins (white-browed penguins) that nest here. There are also black and white skuas, blue-eyed shags, and more. We walked on relatively gentle glaciers, where penguin footprints and dedicated paths were everywhere, and deep crevices were also visible on the ice fields. The expedition team members set up markers along the way, and we had to follow the designated routes set by the expedition team. Otherwise, sometimes a single step could sink several dozen centimeters deep. The expedition team members also stood guard at the intersections of penguin paths and human paths. When they saw penguins coming and going, they would stop human traffic, allowing the penguins to pass before we could move and cross the penguin paths. These adorable creatures are very sensible. When they see people approaching, they stop walking. When they see people stop, they continue on their way. The little penguins are so cute that we can't get enough of taking pictures and watching them. 📢 Although this year's Antarctic cruise season has ended, if you are interested, you can contact us in advance to book next year's Antarctic tour. After all, Antarctic tours have a long cycle, involving visas, booking ships and tickets, and more. Plus, there are early bird prices waiting for you!

Entering Antarctic exploration is the ultimate dream for many "explorers"! Touch the blue ice from 100,000 years ago, watch seals sleeping soundly on floating ice, observe whales over ten meters long swimming under the zodiac, and be chased by fearless penguins 🐧... 👉 Now, tickets for the Antarctic cruise for the 2025 Spring Festival are on sale, and many popular time slots are already sold out‼️ Those planning to rush to Antarctica this year must hurry! If you miss it, you'll have to wait another year. - 🚢 Since Antarctica became accessible, it has only been reachable by cruise ships 🛳️! Therefore, choosing the right cruise is the key to the entire trip! 💓 Whether it's from the landing point, the way of playing, or the service, small cruise ships are the best option for the experience! Currently, there are 32 cruise companies and 53 cruise ships available on the market! Among them, Silversea, Quark, and Ponant are the leaders in polar exploration! Whether it's from the adventure attributes, service level, or itinerary, they are the top-notch cruises! - 【Antarctic Cruise Options】 🚢 Quark Expeditions: Ocean Diamond, Polar Adventure, World Explorer; 🚢 Ponant Cruises: Commandant Charcot, Le Boreal, Le Soleal, L'Austral 🚢 Silversea Cruises: Silver Endeavour, Silver Cloud, Silver Origin - 🏔️ Destination Itineraries 1⃣️ Classic Antarctic Peninsula Route 📅 Duration: Generally 8-14 days 💎 This is the classic route of Antarctic cruises and the basic way to explore Antarctica. Here you can see the Antarctic ice and snow scenery and various penguins! 2️⃣ Antarctic Peninsula + Crossing the Antarctic Circle 📅 Duration: Generally 11-17 days 💎 In addition to the classic Antarctic Peninsula route, a few extra days are added to cross the Antarctic Circle. The Antarctic Circle is near the Antarctic Peninsula. Generally, after the cruise enters the Antarctic Circle, there will be a celebration ceremony, and certificates will be issued to passengers. Suitable for those who value a sense of ceremony! 3️⃣ Antarctic Three Islands 📅 Duration: 20 days+ 💎 The three islands refer to the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), and South Georgia Island! This is the route with the most animal sightings in Antarctica, and it is also the best route to see millions of king penguins! Suitable for those who want to see various animals and the spectacular scene of millions of king penguins. 🎫 Highlights ✅ Get up close with penguins, whales, seals, and other wildlife! ✅ Zodiac cruising, landing adventures, glacier hiking, kayaking, Antarctic diving challenges, and other rich activities ✅ Lectures by expedition team members, sharing exploration experiences and professional polar science ✅ Many ships also prepare special Spring Festival activities and meals for Chinese tourists For charter or more routes, leave a comment in the comment section ✉️

the expedition starts in Ushuaia, Argentina where I board the ship for a 12 days journey to the coldest, windiest and driest continent of Earth. After crossing the Drake Passage (never seen so high waves!) finally I get to see the first iceberg, so excited! From now on the ship will move every day to a different location as close as possible to 12 strategic places to let me land and visit penguins colony, seals, hike a vulcano, and enjoy the breeze! I was also lucky to see a group of whales just under my dinghy….not to mention was really cold!!! Has been the most remote place on earth I have been and an unforgettable experience. #2023travelwish

The Weddell Sea was first discovered by British sailor James Weddell in 1823 and named after him. This sea area, including the Weddell Gyre, is part of the Southern Ocean. It is located on the east side of the Antarctic Peninsula, with an area of ​​about 2.8 million square kilometers. It extends to the Antarctic Peninsula in the northwest and to Cape Norway on the Princess Martha Coast in the east. Much of the southern Weddell Sea is permanently covered by large ice shelves such as the Filchner-Rohne ice shelf. The Weddell Sea is located in the Antarctic Territory of Argentine Antarctica, British Antarctic Territory, and partly in the Chilean Antarctic Territory. The ice shelf covering the Weddell Sea, which covered an area of ​​about 10,000 square kilometres, completely disappeared in 2002. Although this is insignificant compared to the total area covered, it is enough to attract people's attention. On October 13, 1986, researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, based in Bremen, Germany, discovered a visible disk used to measure water clarity at a depth of 80 feet, and determined that the clarity of the water in the Weddell Sea is comparable to that of distilled water. The Weddell Sea is also the most worthwhile sea area to visit in the Antarctic itinerary. The French Ponant "Etoile" cruise ship specially arranged for all passengers to land on the ice floes in the Jonville Islands, and provided champagne on the ice floes as a surprise for everyone. #Antarctica #floating ice #champagne #Antarctic cruise #speedboat #beauty