Antarctica
Explore our expedition voyages to the Antarctic region, all designed to engage your heart, mind, and spirit through the duration of the journey.
Antarctica, the southernmost continent, is the South Pole's geographical location, situated almost entirely south of the Antarctic circle. It is a practically uninhabited, ice-covered landmass, almost twice the size of Australia.
The name "Antarctica" originates from the Middle French "antartique" - opposite to the Arctic and the Latin "antarcticus" - opposite to the north.
Our cruises are visiting the Antarctic Peninsula, the northernmost part of mainland Antarctica, stretching toward South America.
Area of Antarctica
14.2 million km²
Population of Antarctica
1,000 to 5,000 people (seasonal)
Facts about Antarctica
- That Antarctica holds 60-90% of the world’s fresh water in the largest ice sheet on Earth, covering about 14million km²?
- That if you Stand on the South Pole, the southernmost point on Earth, then every direction you look is the North?
- That the largest ice shelf in the world is the Ross Sea ice shelf. It encompasses more than 510,000 square kilometres. That is almost the size of France!
- That there are actually volcanoes in Antarctica. Mount Erebus is the southern-most active volcano in the world, and the second-highest in Antarctica. Despite the cold it has a lava lake in its inner summit crater.
- Antarctica
Countries and Currencies of Antarctica
While there are no borders in Antarctica, seven nations claim different parts: Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Hence, there is no capital as such since Antarctica does not qualify as a country but rather a collection of territorial claims from various other countries.
The Antarctic dollar is used throughout the Federated States of Antarctica. It's also known as an Emp in honour of the Emperor Penguins that call Antarctica home. Nevertheless, it's not what you'd call a 'real' currency, as it's not considered legal tender.
Geography and Weather of Antarctica
One single ice sheet nearly completely covers Antarctica; at its thickest, the ice is over 4 km wide. Beneath the ice sheet, you would find a hidden landscape of peaks, valleys, and flats.
The Antarctic Peninsula's coasts have the mildest climate on the continent; the moss and lichen-covered rocks are free of snow during the summer months. The wildlife, including krills, whales, seabirds, seals, and penguins, prefer warmer coastal temperatures that can reach a maximum of between -2°C and 8°C during the summer months
Other parts of the continent are more extreme; the average temperature throughout the year is about -57°C, with the minimum temperature being -90°C during the winter season.
Our Antarctica Expeditions
Join us on our classic 10-day voyage to the Great White Continent and experience the incredible wildlife, stunning mountain scenery, and gigantic icebergs in the action-packed days.
Our extraordinary 19-day voyage follows the courageous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's trail to Antarctica and the South Shetlands. Sailing between Elephant Island and South Georgia offers a small glimpse into the passage made famous by him 100 years ago. He and his men first floated on an ice floe through the Weddell Sea to Elephant Island. He then navigated the 1300 km course from Elephant Island through the open seas of the Drake Passage to reach Stromness whaling station on the island of South Georgia.
South Georgia is one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Wildlife-packed beaches, active research stations and former whaling stations are on our agenda.
Zodiac cruising and shore landings are an important part of the planned itinerary, enabling all expedition guests to set foot several times on the Antarctic continent, as well as the many surrounding sub-antarctic islands.
Off the map: Antarctica, The Southern Ocean and South Sandwich Islands  New 23 day expedition cruise Next departure: Dec. 18, 2024
Join us on a 23-day Southern Ocean expedition voyage, where you'll discover captivating and remote places, from the rugged beauty of the Falkland Islands to the rarely seen South Sandwich... Antarctica |
Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica  New 18 day expedition cruise Next departure: Nov. 19, 2024
On this extraordinary 18-day voyage, explore the fascinating Falkland Islands and mind-blowing South Georgia before heading to the South Shetlands Islands and the Antarctic peninsula. All the... Antarctica |
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula  10 day expedition cruise Next departure: Oct. 30, 2023
Storied and sought for centuries, the great White Continent beckons intrepid modern-day explorers from all over the world. Experience incredible wildlife, stunning scenery and gigantic icebergs in... Antarctica |