How does this Antarctica trip address sustainability and responsible travel?

Our ecotours leave a small impression on the environment because of the accommodations, restaurants, small group size of 40, and the activities. The ship we use produces 60% less carbon emissions when compared to other ships in the same class. We limit single-use plastic onboard, use biodegradable products, and prioritize local suppliers and supply chain resources.

Antarctica: Penguins & Polar Frontiers

Length

14 Days

Departs

Jan

Capacity

As seen in...

Experience Antarctica and the southern edge of South America on a journey that combines exploration, wildlife, and some of the most striking scenery on Earth.

Journey from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, where you’ll board your expedition vessel. Set sail from the southern tip of South America, cross the legendary Drake Passage as the ship heads towards the remote, icy waters of the Antarctica.

Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, where towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs, and snow-covered peaks define the landscape. Step ashore to visit penguin colonies, historic sites, and embark on frequent Zodiac cruises through the iceberg-strewn bays rich with wildlife. Along the way, expert guides and naturalists share insights into the region’s wildlife, history, and ecosystems.

CROSS the legendary Drake Passage with your Gondwana group and expert Trip Leaders on a small expedition ship, keeping watch for albatross, petrels, and whales.

IMMERSE yourself in surreal marine landscapes during frequent Zodiac excursions, weaving among sculpted icebergs, towering glaciers, and dramatic coastlines, with each turn offering breathtaking views.

ENCOUNTER extraordinary wildlife: Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguins; Humpback and Minke whales; Leopard, Weddell, and Fur seals, and much more.

EMBARK on an optional sea kayaking excursion on the continent, gliding among icebergs and exploring Antarctica quietly from the water, surrounded by polar scenery.

EXPLORE one of the least-visited regions on Earth, sailing through waters first charted by early explorers and now studied by scientists, passing historic huts of past adventurers and remote research outposts.

ENJOY included excursions in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia with a Gondwana guide, local cuisine, and curated activities—a comprehensive experience few other cruises provide.

What's Included in Our Antarctica Adventure

Designed for travelers seeking depth, leadership, and meaning in one of the last truly wild places on Earth, this journey is crafted as a fully integrated expedition rather than a standalone cruise.

From arrival in Buenos Aires (complete with airport transfers, a hotel stay, guided touring, and a tango experience) through internal flights, curated time in Ushuaia, and a small-group Antarctic expedition led by Gondwana Trip Leaders, the experience is thoughtfully comprehensive.

In Antarctica, all landings, expert guides, crew gratuities, and an optional guided kayaking outing (one per guest), are included, allowing you to focus entirely on exploration and discovery, not logistics.

Two internal flights: Round trip Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Accommodations for 13 nights, including a boutique city hotel in Buenos Aires, the luxury Arakur Resort & Spa in Ushuaia, and 9 nights aboard a modern small-ship Antarctic expedition vessel
All your guides (24/7 Gondwana Trip Leaders and activity day guides) and all gratuities for guides and ship crew
Zodiac cruises and shore landings at penguin rookeries, secluded bays, wildlife-rich shores and more.
Unique experiences such as a tango show in Buenos Aires and an optional guided sea kayaking excursion.
Excursions and activities in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, from city tours to guided hikes in Tierra del Fuego National Park
Naturalist-led talks, photography workshops, and Citizen Science programs to enhance your understanding of the Antarctic environment
Insulated boots for use on the voyage, and a professional-grade, waterproof, expedition parka for you to keep
A $100 USD credit per person to spend on amenities such as Wi-Fi, alcohol, spa treatments, gift shop purchases, and more while aboard the ship
All meals throughout the itinerary and beer/wine/coffee/tea/soft drinks at lunch and dinner

If you're looking for departure dates, prices, and the full itinerary, please download the tour brochure using the form on this page.

Antarctica Tour Map Click to Enlarge

Download the brochure for dates, prices, & the full itinerary.

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BOOK THIS TOUR NOW

Gondwana tours is an outstanding organization that uses local businesses to create the perfect vacation. Excellent lodging, food, activities (and more) are included in the tour package. The guides are second to none with local insight and entertaining stories galore. The tour groups are so much fun and ideal in size. If you’re considering taking a tour I would highly recommend Gondwana Ecotours. A class act!

ANNA J.
Gondwana Adventurer

See The Tour Dates & Pricing

Antarctica: Penguins & Polar Frontiers Photo Gallery

Click each image below to see the full image and read the captions. You may also use the arrows in the gallery viewer to move from one image to the next. The photos were taken on this tour by Gondwana staff, guides, and/or guests. Enjoy!

Zodiac excursions bring you close to Antarctic ice, wildlife, and hidden coves, guided every step of the way.

With an on-site culinary team crafting each meal, every bite aboard the ship pairs fresh flavors with breathtaking Antarctic scenery.

Where ancient ice meets ocean, the sight of a whale’s tail is one of the many remarkable scenes you may encounter.

The itinerary includes two nights at the Arakur Resort & Spa in Ushuaia, on Night 2 and again on Night 13, bookending your Antarctic expedition in luxury and comfort.

Step into the rhythm of Buenos Aires with an optional tango show, fully included as part of your journey.

Spotting Antarctic fur seals in their natural habitat is one of the special moments that may unfold on this adventure.

Soak in the outdoor pool at Arakur Resort & Spa, with panoramic vistas of Ushuaia and Mount Olivia setting the scene for your journey.

Perched on an iceberg, penguins look on as one dives into the water, a glimpse of the wildlife encounters possible on this journey.

Life thrives at the foot of Antarctica’s glaciers—see penguins navigating a world of ice and sea during Zodiac excursions.

Kayaking past resting seals offers a rare, low-impact way to experience Antarctica’s wildlife.

Guided Zodiac outings may bring you alongside whales, offering an unforgettable perspective on Antarctic wildlife.

From the deck, enjoy sweeping Antarctic vistas—soak in one of two Jacuzzis, unwind in the sauna or spa, keep active in the gym, or explore multiple observation points around the ship.

Explore Buenos Aires with guided tours, tango, and authentic local experiences before heading south.

Experience Antarctica aboard a small expedition ship, on a personalized, intimate journey.

Designed for comfort and convenience, each cabin offers a peaceful haven amid Antarctica’s wild beauty.

Freshly prepared meals, inviting aromas, and stunning polar views—dining on the ship is a treat for all the senses.

From your kayak, the vastness of Antarctic waters comes alive as whales may glide past, fins breaking the surface just meters away.

In the open sea, the Zodiac becomes your front-row seat to the drama and scale of Antarctic wildlife.

With Mount Olivia as its backdrop, Arakur Resort & Spa sets the scene for your time in Ushuaia, both before and after your Antarctic adventure.

Stepping ashore on Antarctic ice, expert guides lead you to penguin rookeries, historic huts, active research stations, secluded bays, and more, bringing this extraordinary frozen world to life.

Step onto Antarctic beaches with expert guides, where penguins may appear for perfect photo opportunities and once-in-a-lifetime encounters.

BOOK THIS TOUR NOW

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Penguins & Polar Adventure FAQs

An Antarctica expedition like Antarctica: Penguins & Polar Frontiers offers guests an opportunity to explore the Earth’s most remote and pristine continent aboard a small expedition ship, where dramatic ice formations, towering icebergs, and sweeping polar seascapes create an environment unlike any other on the planet. This region supports abundant wildlife such as penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds—many species of which are adapted uniquely to extreme polar conditions—and each day brings a blend of Zodiac landings, wildlife viewing, and up-close encounters with truly wild landscapes that few people ever experience in person.

The best time to travel to Antarctica is during the Southern Hemisphere summer, typically from November through March. This is when sea ice retreats enough to allow expedition ships to reach the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. Early-season voyages offer pristine snow landscapes and active penguin courtship, while mid-season trips feature penguin chicks, increased seal activity, and excellent opportunities for whale sightings. Later in the season, wildlife remains abundant, and whale encounters often increase as feeding activity peaks. Each departure is timed to take advantage of seasonal conditions, with activities and landing sites selected by expedition leaders based on ice, weather, and wildlife patterns.

Wildlife encounters are a major highlight of this Antarctica expedition. Guests can expect to see multiple species of penguins, including Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins, often in large colonies along the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands. Seals such as Weddell, crabeater, leopard, and elephant seals are commonly observed resting on ice floes or along shorelines. Whale sightings are also possible, particularly humpback and minke whales, as they feed in Antarctic waters during the summer months. Wildlife viewing opportunities vary by location and season, with daily routes and landing sites selected by the expedition team to align with current conditions and animal activity.

Activities on this Antarctica expedition are designed to maximize time off the ship and immersion in the polar environment while remaining flexible to weather and ice conditions. Frequent zodiac landings allow travelers to step ashore on remote beaches and ice-covered landscapes to observe penguin colonies, seals, and dramatic glacial scenery up close. Zodiac cruises through icy channels and around towering icebergs provide opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing from the water. Onboard lectures and briefings led by the expedition team add scientific and environmental context, while daily plans are adapted in real time to take advantage of the best conditions Antarctica offers each day.

Travelers who join us on this Antarctica expedition are accompanied by Daniel Catania, our operations manager, who is an expedition professional based in Ushuaia, Patagonia, with more than 30 years of experience guiding in remote and wild environments. He worked as Expedition Staff for ten seasons on Antarctic voyages, supporting landings, guest safety, zodiac operations, and educational activities. Guests traveling with Dani to Antarctica can expect a personable, knowledgeable, and proactive guide who has a deep love for the polar regions. He combines safety, clear communication, and a passion for exploration to make every expedition meaningful, memorable, and connected to the true spirit of adventure. This expert-led approach ensures the journey is safe, environmentally responsible, and designed to make the most of each day in one of the world’s most remote regions.

Guests who join us on this Antarctica adventure travel aboard a small expedition ship designed specifically for polar environments. The vessel is built to navigate icy waters safely while offering comfortable accommodations, shared observation areas, and onboard spaces for briefings and educational talks. Its size allows for efficient Zodiac operations and flexible routing, enabling the expedition team to reach remote landing sites and adjust the itinerary based on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. This ship-based approach supports close access to Antarctica’s landscapes while maintaining safety and environmental standards throughout the journey.

The Antarctica journey takes place aboard a purpose-built expedition ship designed for safe navigation in polar waters. This small vessel is equipped to handle icy conditions while providing comfortable cabins, observation lounges, and shared spaces for daily briefings and expert-led talks. Its size allows for efficient Zodiac launches and landings, making it possible to access remote shorelines and ice-filled channels that larger ships cannot reach. Traveling on an expedition ship like this supports a flexible, responsive itinerary, with routes and landing sites adjusted daily to match weather, ice conditions, and wildlife activity. An English-speaking doctor will also be available on board. Medical services are available 24 hours a day, and a doctor will accompany guests on all shore landings.

Antarctica is a remote and highly regulated environment, and safety is a top priority throughout the expedition. Weather, sea ice, and wildlife conditions can change quickly, so daily plans are adjusted by the expedition team based on real-time assessments. Travelers receive briefings before landings and Zodiac excursions, covering safety procedures and environmental guidelines. All activities follow strict Antarctic conservation protocols designed to protect wildlife and fragile ecosystems. This careful approach ensures that travelers can explore Antarctica responsibly while remaining safe in one of the world’s most extreme natural environments.

Antarctica: Penguins & Polar Frontiers

Length

Departs

Capacity

As seen in...

Experience Antarctica and the southern edge of South America on a journey that combines exploration, wildlife, and some of the most striking scenery on Earth.

What's Included in Our Antarctica Adventure

Antarctica Tour Map Click to Enlarge

Download the brochure for dates, prices, & the full itinerary.

Other Tours

Argentina: Patagonia & Mendoza Adventure

Peru & Bolivia: From Salt Flats to Sacred Lakes Adventure

See The Tour Dates & Pricing

Antarctica: Penguins & Polar Frontiers Photo Gallery

More Alaska Tours

Alaska: Northern Lights Adventure

Alaska: Glaciers & Grizzlies Adventure

Penguins & Polar Adventure FAQs

What makes an Antarctica expedition such a unique travel experience?

When is the best time of year to travel to Antarctica?

What wildlife can I expect to see on an Antarctica adventure?

What activities are included during the Antarctica: Penguins & Polar Frontiers trip?

How is the Antarctica tour led and what expertise do the guides bring?

What type of ship or vessel will we travel on for the Antarctica expedition?

What should travelers know about safety and environmental conditions in Antarctica?

What is included in the tour price for the Antarctica voyage?

How does this Antarctica trip address sustainability and responsible travel?

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