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The seventh continent

Expedition cruise Antarctica

Antarctica is a white world, a rugged world and an almost mythical world. This travel destination is easily the wildest continent on our earth and boasts a wilderness unlike any other. Antarctica is home to many species of animals that provide a spectacular show of nature. A tour to this very remote continent offers every visitor an absolute highlight in nature experience.

View our Antarctica sample trips

Discover the highlights of Antarctica

A round trip to Antarctica usually starts from Ushuaia in Argentina. Your expedition ship (ranging from simple cabins to luxury cabins on board) will take you across the Drake Passage (the wildest stretch of ocean in the world) before arriving at the Antarctic Peninsula. There are several routes but some ingredients will always be part of your itinerary; the wildlife, ice floes, a bit of science and history, and finally the unmistakable feeling of having arrived at the end of the world. If you prefer not to cross the 'Drake Passage', you can also fly across the stretch of ocean from Punta Arenas in Chile. One thing is for sure, a round trip to Antarctica is an adventurer's dream and we would love to help make your dream come true.

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Sample trips from Antarctica

Well-groomed trip to Antarctica

Your trip to Antarctica will be organised by us down to the last detail. Travelling to Antarctica with Avila means staying in comfortable and atmospheric expedition ships, travelling at a leisurely pace and discovering the highlights of this unique continent in a special way. Experience unforgettable encounters with special animals, explore pristine nature and go off the beaten track to experience hidden gems of Antarctica. Antarctica is the perfect destination for adventurous explorations and impressive nature experiences.

Country information on Antarctica
Best travel time Antarctica
Sights around Antarctica
Frequently asked questions about Antarctica

Land of ice and natural wonders
Antarctica is a continent of extreme contrasts and unprecedented beauty, where vast ice caps, gigantic glaciers and mystical icebergs converge in pristine wilderness. This remote land of cold and silence offers a unique habitat for extraordinary animals and breathtaking scenery that travellers cannot find anywhere else.

Coastlines and icy landscapes
Along the rugged coastlines are impressive penguin colonies, seals and majestic whales. The interior consists of endless snow plains and high ice sheet formations, where nature has developed undisturbed. Each season brings changing light and weather conditions that make this continent a fascinating backdrop for explorers.

A destination for the true adventurer
Antarctica is perfect for travellers who love adventure and nature in its purest form. From ship expeditions along hidden fjords to hikes across the ice and kayaking between icebergs, you will experience impressive wildlife encounters and spectacular views here. Despite the extreme conditions, the good organisation of trips ensures a safe and comfortable experience.

Unique travel experience
Whether you go for spotting rare animals, photographing spectacular landscapes or simply experiencing absolute peace and quiet, Antarctica offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, nature and discovery. It is a destination that every nature lover should experience at least once in a lifetime.

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Avila Travel Antarctica boat at huge iceberg

Antarctica is a unique destination where climate and conditions differ greatly from other continents. The best travel time depends mainly on what you want to experience during your visit. Below is an overview by season:

Summer (November - February): This is the best and most popular period to visit Antarctica. The weather is relatively mild, with temperatures just above freezing, and the days are long thanks to the midnight sunlight. This is the time to spot animals such as penguins, seals and whales, and to admire the landscape in all its glory.

Spring and autumn (October and March): These periods are short and less visited, but actually offer a special atmosphere with changing light conditions. In early spring (October), you will see the first animals returning after winter, while in late summer (March) nature slowly settles down.

Winter (April - September): Antarctica is then virtually inaccessible due to extreme cold, darkness and severe weather conditions. Expeditions and cruises are not possible during this period.

Note: Antarctica is an extreme continent with variable and often unpredictable weather conditions. Make sure you are flexible in your planning for travelling to this remote region.

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Antarctica is a land of extremes, where pristine nature, extraordinary landscapes and unique wildlife alternate. Each region offers an unforgettable experience.

Discover the highlights of Antarctica:

  • The Antarctic ice cap: The largest ice surface in the world, forming a magical white landscape as far as the eye can see.
  • The South Pole: The most remote and extreme point on earth, where adventure and scientific discovery converge.
  • Adélie penguins and Emperor penguins: Iconic species you can admire in their natural habitat here.
  • The Lemaire Channel: A spectacular fjord with high, steep mountains and calm waters, perfect for impressive boat trips.
  • Ross Ice Shelf: One of the largest ice shelves in the world, where ice juts out over the ocean.
  • Whales and seals: The waters around Antarctica often see various species of whales and seals that support the ecosystem.

Whether you love pure nature, wildlife or the ultimate adventure, Antarctica offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience you will not find anywhere else in the world.

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Avila Travel Antarctica whale tail

1. Do I need a visa for Antarctica?
Antarctica does not have its own government or visa policy as it is governed by international treaties. Access to Antarctica is through Avila Travel with expeditions or cruises from countries such as Chile, Argentina or New Zealand. However, specific visa or entry requirements may apply to these departure countries. Therefore, always check the requirements of the departure country before travelling.

2. What is the best trip duration for Antarctica?
A typical trip to Antarctica lasts between 10 and 21 days. This is sufficient to combine both travelling across the Southern Ocean and exploring the Antarctic continent. Shorter trips are possible, but longer trips offer more opportunities to visit different areas and spot wildlife.

3. What is the best way to travel through Antarctica?
Travel in Antarctica is almost always by expedition ship, often with small boats (zodiacs) for landings. There are no roads or airports for regular tourism on the continent itself. Some trips combine air travel to the ice or use special planes to get to remote places faster.

4. Is Antarctica easy to combine with another travel destination?
Antarctica is easy to combine with a visit to Argentina or Chile. Most cruises depart from Ushuaia, making a visit to Patagonia or Buenos Aires a perfect match for an expedition to the white continent.

5. Will English be OK in Antarctica?
Yes, English is the most commonly used language on expeditions and on most expedition ships. Guides and crew usually speak English, which makes communication easy during your trip.

Our travel specialists are happy to help with any questions you might have about a trip to Antarctica.

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Your travel specialist

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Avila travellers about the trip to Antarctica

"Antarctica was a dream come true. The pristine nature and spectacular wildlife remain with us." - Visser family

Our customers give us a 4.6/5 Calculated from 97 reviews.
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Why travel to Antarctica with Avila Travel?

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