Antarctica

Join us on a voyage of discovery to the spectacular Southern Continent. There are two major gateways to Antarctica, South America or New Zealand/Australia:

Departing from Tierra del Fuego, the “End of the World” at the southernmost tip of South America, on our 'Antarctic Peninsula' expedition, gaze in awe at the amazing collection of mountains, glaciers and icebergs found along the Antarctic Peninsula. This dramatic landscape provides an unforgettable backdrop to your nature experiences. Birds, including huge penguin colonies, rub shoulders with seal colonies while orcas and whales are often seen plying the icy waters. The longer 'Antarctic Classic' expedition provides even more opportunities for fabulous wildlife encounters, including certain species specific to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. At the same time, you will have the chance to appreciate the legendary exploits of explorers that so marked the history of these remote islands of the Southern Ocean. A team of experienced expedition leaders and lecturers will offer daily seminars to illustrate and explain all aspects of your Antarctic journey.

The New Zealand/Australia gateway is often referred to as the Historic Gateway because it was from here the great polar explorers like Scott, Shackleton and Mawson departed for Antarctica.  It is also the more challenging of the two gateways. Distances are greater and access is limited to just three months of each year when the fast ice breaks out. The greater distances mean longer expeditions. You will cross the Antarctic circle before reaching the continent where there are opportunities to visit the historic huts of the early explorers, spend time in some of the largest Adelie Penguin colonies, view emperor penguins on the fast ice and discuss Antarctic research with scientists at the research bases and just soak in the scenery of this amazing place. We have three expeditions departing New Zealand each Austral summer, one to 'East Antarctica' and the other two to the 'Ross Sea'. These expeditions are operated by our sister company in the Heritage Travel Group - Heritage Expeditions on its own ice-strengthened Expedition Vessel the 'Spirit of Enderby'.