Let's find trips that move you!
Travelstride climate
"The gladdest moment in human life, me thinks, is a departure into unknown lands."
Sir Richard Burton
Exploring the ice waters of Antarctica on a cruise
Large Emperor Penguin colony gathered on snow in Antarctica

Best Things to Do in Antarctica

Iconic Attractions & Hidden Gem Travel Experiences

Antarctica

The White Continent, a vast icy wilderness at the bottom of the world, may be cold and remote, but it may also top more bucket lists than any other destination. That’s partly because only about 30,000 tourists a year get to visit Antarctica. For those travelers who do get to go, it’s typically a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so you want to be sure to navigate confidently through all the options – and Stride is here to help steer you safely across the ice.

Top Antarctica Experiences

Stepping out of your Zodiac and setting foot on the world’s most remote continent, something only a tiny percentage of people worldwide can claim.

Spotting a humpback or minke whale breaching a few hundred yards from the deck of your ship.

Marveling at the aggressive tactics of elephant seals and fur seals during mating season on South Georgia Island.

Kayaking through near-frozen waters, making sure to steer clear of passing icebergs.

Visiting one of the Antarctic research bases staffed by scientists from around the world.

Standing on your expedition cruise ship’s deck after dark, basking in the solitude of the world’s

last wilderness.

Training your lens on an albatross as it soars overhead while en route to Antarctica.

Trekking, skiing or just going for a walk across a vast white landscape.

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together
Travel better together
  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
    ...and much more

Things to do in Antarctica - Expert’s guide

1. Drake Passage

Drakes Passage in Antarctica

To reach Antarctica, one of the only ways is sailing through the famed Drake Passage. The passage is the body of water between South America and the South Shetland Islands that Sir Francis Drake sailed in the 1600s. The body of water has a unique makeup of warm and cold water that creates a paradise for biodiversity. While sailing you can see humpback whales, dolphins, and seabirds flying above you. 

The Drake Passage may be a beautiful waterway, but is also considered one of the roughest seas in the world. Not every cruise to Antarctica goes through the Drake Passage, but most do as it is the quickest way to reach the White Continent. If your tour takes you through the passage make sure to bring some seasickness pills just in case! 

2. South Shetland Islands 

The South Shetland Islands are islands of Antarctica just north of the continent. They are usually the first stop for Antarctica cruises and expeditions. The archipelago is a combination of islets, outcroppings, and rocky islands. Historically, the islands have played a major role in the research of the South Pole with multiple research stations located on the islands. 

Visitors to the islands can hike around the skerries (rock islands) or catch a view of the sleeping elephant seals nearby. The South Shetland Islands are also where you can go on a Zodiac cruise of the waters. 

3. Deception Island

Appearances can be deceiving, just ask Deception Island. Deception Island is one of the main South Shetland Islands and is actually a caldera of a massive volcano. The island received its name from its outward appearance of being a solid rock island until you come across Neptune’s Bellows, the entrance to the caldera and the harbor. 

Deception Island was once used as a whaling port, but is now predominantly a research and tourist island. The rocky and seemingly inhospitable island is the home and breeding grounds to 100,000 penguins, a resting place for seabirds, and where you can find 18 different species of moss. 

4. Paradise Bay

Arriving on the Antarctica Peninsula, you’ll find Paradise Bay. Formerly a whaling station, Paradise Bay is now a research station on the island and typically included on any Antarctica cruise.

Paradise Bay is one of the best spots for travelers to go on a Zodiac cruise. These are cruises on inflatable boats that allow you to get up close and personal with the icebergs and passageways you wouldn’t be able to see on a larger ship. 

5. Port Lockroy 

Port Lockroy in Antarctica

Port Lockroy is a harbor on Wiencke Island. The port was first a British military base in 1944 until 1962. The United Kingdom converted the base into a museum and a tourist shop where visitors can learn about the research and early expeditions of Antarctica.

The port is also where you can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Port Lockroy is home to the southernmost post office in the world. You can mail a postcard from their office, but don’t expect it to arrive quickly, letters can take weeks to reach their destination from Antarctica. 

6. Lemaire Channel 

Considered one of the most beautiful areas of Antarctica, Lemaire Channel is almost 7 miles long and is the corridor to reach the far south of the continent. Towering snow-covered mountain peaks rise above you on either side while humpback whales and orcas swim the channel alongside you. 

7. Petermann Island

Penguins on Petermann Island in Antarctica

Located near the Lemaire Channel, Petermann Island is the small rocky home to Antarctica’s most well-known inhabitants, penguins. The island is a breeding ground for gentoo penguins and also where you can find adelie penguins and shags. If you climb the 650-foot trek to the top of the island, you’ll be rewarded with views of the Lemaire Channel and the cold, blue waters. 

8. Observation Hill 

Observation Hill is a steep hill on Antarctica near McMurdo Station, a U.S. research station. The hill is a lava dome and was created by one of the many volcanoes that make up Antarctica and surrounding islands. Photographers will love Observation Hill as the summit provides an amazing 360 degree view of Antarctica and the Ross Ice Shelf. 

9. Ross Ice Shelf

The Ross Ice Shelf is the largest ice shelf in Antarctica covering over 188,000 square miles. The stunning feature of the ice shelf is the sheer ice edge that rises in some places over 160 feet high above the icy waters. The shelf is created by ice flowing from the other nearby glaciers. You can capture pictures of the shelf from Observation Hill or Zodiac tours. 

10. Tierra del Fuego, Argentina 

Tierra del Fuego in South America

While not part of Antarctica, Tierra del Fuego is a major destination on any tour of Antarctica. Almost every cruise to Antarctica begins in Ushuaia, a city in Tierra del Fuego on the Beagle Channel that leads out into the Drake Passage. For those looking to extend their vacation of the Southern Hemisphere, exploring around this enigmatic and diverse landscape of Argentina is unlike any other. 

11. Camping in Antarctica

Only for the brave, camping in Antarctica is an experience you’ll likely only do once. Many cruises offer the opportunity to camp on the island underneath the stars. Campers don’t sleep in tents, but in sleeping bags that are waterproof, insulated, and allow you to see the starry sky above. This isn’t for everyone. Those who wish to camp must pass a safety test and you are not allowed any food on the island to preserve the environment.

How well do you know the world?
Play the game
Compare your travel trivia knowledge with friends. How many can you get right in 1 minute?

Top Antarctica Tours See all

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Travel better together
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Antarctica Tours Reviews & Ratings

Write a review
Excellent
72
Great
14
Average
2
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
Trusted Customer
·
2024-03-13
Written on
Classic Antarctica - M/S Ocean Endeavour
Antarctica is a spectacular destination and the expedition team and the ship's crew worked hard to make the experience as special as possible.
Show more
Trusted Customer
·
2024-02-14
Written on
Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia - M/S Ocean Endeavour
penguins, whales and seals
Alison
·
2024-02-09
Written on
Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia - M/S Ocean Endeavour
Awesome and mind-blowing. A trip of a lifetime.
Ian
·
2024-01-31
Written on
Classic Antarctica - M/S Ocean Endeavour
Adrian
·
2024-01-30
Written on
Antarctic Circle - Expedition
Trusted Customer
·
2024-01-30
Written on
Classic Antarctica - M/S Ocean Endeavour
Geez, so many to choose from, every day a special day, but the camping experience a highlight for me and get up close and personal with the penguins!
Show more

Travelstride featured in

The Newyork Times
AFAR
Chicago Tribune
Travel Pulse
Los Angeles Times
Frommers

Practicalities & Logistics

Useful Links

Visa Information

  Visa Needed? Link
US  N (excpetion may exist for transit countries) Visas to Antarctica for United States citizens
UK  N (excpetion may exist for transit countries) Visas to Antarctica for United Kingdom citizens
CA  N (excpetion may exist for transit countries) Visas to Antarctica for Canadian citizens
AU  N (excpetion may exist for transit countries) Visas to Antarctica for Australian citizens
NZ  N (excpetion may exist for transit countries) Visas to Antarctica for New Zealand citizens
IN   Visas to Antarctica for Indian citizens

Why Travelstride

Find your perfect trip
A vast selection of trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from hundreds of trusted travel companies.
Save time
Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics -- travel providers plan for you.
Save money
Book directly with the operator. Find inclusive packages for the best value and get access to amazing deals.
Travel confidently
Read unbiased user reviews, pick the company that fits your style, and connect with them directly. No worries, just memories.
×
×
×
Sign in to Save Trips
Welcome back! We're so happy to see you. ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
  • Bookmark trips you like
  • Share with your travel companions
  • Track price changes
  • Access private discounts on trips you save
×
Sign in to see your results

TripFinder is a member-only feature. Don’t worry, it’s free!

With a membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
Activate your free Travelstride membership

Just use the email address and password provided in the email we sent.

? Forgot Password?

With your free membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
To Follow, sign in or sign up (it's free) ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
member benefits

By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

First name is required!
Last name is required!
First name is not valid!
Last name is not valid!
This is not an email address!
Email address is required!
This email is already registered!
Please enter valid email address
Password is required!
Enter a valid password!
Please enter 6 or more characters!
Please enter 32 or less characters!
Passwords are not the same!
Terms and Conditions are required!
Email or Password is wrong!
Please select the captcha checkbox!
Please select the valid captcha!
Something went wrong! Try again later!