The seventh continent

Expedition cruise Antarctica

Antarctica is not a destination you just visit. It is a place that touches you as soon as the first icebergs appear on the horizon. Silent, rugged and almost unreal beauty. A world of endless white plains, deep blue hues and animals that are completely at home here.

A luxury trip to Antarctica is for travellers who really want to experience nature. Not from a distance, but in the middle of the landscape. Among penguins, seals, whales, ice floes and impressive silence. It is a trip to one of the most remote areas on earth, but also one of the most exclusive travel experiences in the world.

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The end of the world

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Discover the highlights of Antarctica

Most trips to Antarctica start in Ushuaia, all the way in the south of Argentina. From there, you will sail by expedition ship towards the Antarctic Peninsula. On the way, you will cross the Drake Passage, a notorious stretch of ocean where the power of nature is immediately felt. Prefer not to sail across the Drake Passage? Then there are also trips where you fly from Punta Arenas in Chile to Antarctica. That way you avoid the crossing and come face to face with the white continent sooner.

Whatever itinerary you choose, your trip can be largely customised. Yet certain experiences are almost always part and parcel of a trip to Antarctica. You will see imposing icebergs, sail along rugged coastlines, learn more about the continent's history and science, and meet wildlife in an environment where nature is fully in the lead. And perhaps that is the most special thing about Antarctica. The feeling that you have arrived at the end of the world. Far away from everything familiar, but closer to nature than ever.

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Adventure discovery full of authenticity

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Small-scale, comfortable & charming

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Avila Travel Antarctica King penguin with young

The sky is not the limit, it's just the beginning!

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Sample itineraries for Antarctica

Antarctica voyage | Expedition cruise National Geographic Expeditions: Voyage to Antarctica

13 days

from €13,495 p.p.

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Signature

Luxury Antarctica trip | Expedition Cruise Ponant: Iconic Antarctica

14 days

from €12,165 p.p.

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Boutique

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Expedition cruise | Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica

23 days

from €27,895 p.p.

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Signature

Avila Travel Falkland Islands Saunders Island penguin

Antarctica trip | Expedition Cruise Quark Expeditions: Antarctica Explorer

13 days

from €13,650 p.p.

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Adventure

Avila Travel Antarctica Quark Expeditions penguins on land

Antarctica trip | Expedition cruise Silversea: Fly and cruise Antarctica

7 days

from €15,150 p.p.

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Signature

Antarctica trip | Expedition Cruise Ponant: The Great Austral Loop

18 days

from €16,255 p.p.

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Boutique

Avila Travel South Georgia South Sandwich Islands penguins and sea lion pup

Antarctica trip | Cape-to-Cape Antarctic expedition with Hapag Lloyd

23 days

from €15,990 per person

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Boutique

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Well-groomed trip to Antarctica

A trip to Antarctica requires good preparation. The destination is remote, conditions are variable and each day may turn out differently than planned. That is why we make sure your trip is carefully and tailor-made.

With Avila, you will travel to Antarctica on comfortable and atmospheric expedition ships. Depending on your preferences, you choose a suitable cabin or a luxury cabin on board. You will travel at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time to really take in the scenery. Not a standard round trip, but an exclusive expedition where nature, comfort and experience come together.

During the trip, you will explore pristine landscapes, make zodiac landings and experience moments that are hard to put into words. Think of a penguin colony up close, a whale slowly emerging from the water or the cracking of ice in an otherwise quiet bay.

Country information on Antarctica

Best travel time Antarctica

Sights around Antarctica

Frequently asked questions about Antarctica

A continent of ice, silence and natural wonders
Antarctica is a continent of extremes. It is cold, rugged and largely untouched. At the same time, it is one of the most impressive places on earth. Vast ice sheets, huge glaciers and jagged icebergs combine to form a landscape that is constantly changing. It is precisely this combination that makes Antarctica so special. It feels empty and grand, but at the same time it is alive everywhere. In the air, in the water and along the coast, you will see animals that have fully adapted to this extreme region.

Coastlines and icy landscapes
Along the coast you will find penguin colonies, seals and whales. These are not isolated highlights, but parts of a bigger picture. Everything here hangs together. The ice, the sea, the weather and the wildlife determine the rhythm of each travel day. The interior consists of endless snow plains and high ice formations. Although most trips focus on the Antarctic Peninsula and coastal areas, even there you will already get a good idea of the grandeur of this continent. No two days are the same. The light is constantly changing. Fog can give way to clear visibility within minutes. A bay that looks subdued in the morning can be brightly lit by sun on ice later in the day.

For travellers with a love of adventure
Antarctica is a destination for people who love nature in its purest form. Unpolished, unpredictable and for that very reason so special. You sail along fjords, step ashore in places where few people go and experience an exclusive travel experience away from the crowds. Depending on the trip, you can also kayak among icebergs, take short walks on the ice or sail past glaciers in zodiacs. The interpretation will be tailored to the itinerary, conditions and your personal wishes. Everything is accompanied by experienced guides, ensuring you experience Antarctica in a safe and responsible way.

A travel experience to remember
Antarctica is difficult to compare with other destinations. It is not only about what you see, but also what you feel. The silence. The space. The cold on your face. The awareness that you are in a place where nature still has complete control. This is what makes a trip to Antarctica so special and exclusive. For photographers, nature lovers and adventurous travellers, Antarctica is a destination that sticks around for a long time. Not as an ordinary holiday, but as an experience you will retell many times.

Avila Travel Antarctica Willem van Eck 15

Avila Travel Antarctica boat at huge iceberg

Travelling to Antarctica is only possible in a limited part of the year. The best travel time depends mainly on what you would like to see and experience

Summer: November to February
Summer is the most popular period for a trip to Antarctica. Temperatures are relatively mild then, often around or just above freezing. The days are also long, allowing plenty of time for landscape and wildlife viewing. You will see penguins, seals and, later in the season, whales more often. The ice landscape is impressive and conditions are best suited for expeditions by ship.

Spring and autumn: October and March
October and March are short transitional periods. They are less often chosen, but can actually be very special. In October, life slowly returns after the dark winter. In March, things get quieter and the landscape takes on a different atmosphere. For travellers who like to experience special light conditions, these months can be interesting. However, flexibility remains important, as Antarctica's weather is always a determining factor.

Winter: April to September
In winter, Antarctica is virtually inaccessible to travellers. The cold is extreme, the days are dark and the weather conditions are harsh. Expeditions and cruises do not take place during this period.

Those travelling to Antarctica would do well to keep space in their planning. Weather can affect itineraries and landings. This is part of travelling in this part of the world and makes every expedition unique.

Avila Travel Antarctica Willem van Eck 16

Antarctica is not about cities, museums or classic sights. Here, it is nature, ice and animals that define the trip. Still, there are a few places and experiences that are often among the highlights.

The Antarctic ice cap:
The Antarctic Ice Sheet is the largest ice surface in the world. The landscape seems endless and is constantly changing due to light, wind and movement of the ice. For many travellers, this is the image that makes Antarctica so unforgettable.
The South Pole:
The geographic South Pole is one of the most remote places on earth. Not every trip to Antarctica takes you here, but it remains an iconic place where adventure, science and extreme conditions come together.
Penguins in their natural habitat:
Penguins belong to Antarctica. Depending on the route and season, you may encounter different species, including Adélie penguins and emperor penguins. Seeing colonies in their own habitat is particularly impressive.
The Lemaire Channel:
The Lemaire Channel is a narrow passage with steep mountain walls, calm waters and impressive ice formations. In good weather, it is among the most beautiful cruising routes in Antarctica. It is also a popular spot for photography.
Ross Ice Shelf:
The Ross Ice Shelf is one of the largest ice shelves in the world. The huge ice front clearly shows how impressive and powerful the Antarctic landscape is.
Whales and seals:
The waters around Antarctica are home to several species of whales and seals. Especially later in the season, you are more likely to see whales. An encounter from the deck or from a zodiac is an absolute highlight for many travellers.

1. Do I need a visa for Antarctica?
Antarctica has neither its own government nor its own visa policy. The continent is managed through international treaties. You usually travel via countries such as Argentina, Chile or New Zealand. However, these departure countries may be subject to visas or in travel requirements. It is therefore important to check in advance what rules apply to your itinerary.

2. What is the best trip duration for Antarctica?
A trip to Antarctica usually lasts between 10 and 21 days. This gives you enough time for the crossing, the stay at the Antarctic Peninsula and various landings or excursions. Shorter trips are sometimes possible, especially when a flight is combined with an expedition. Longer trips often offer more variety in routes, areas and wildlife. Our travel specialists will be happy to advise you on a trip length that suits your needs and way of travelling.

3. How do I travel through Antarctica?
Travelling in Antarctica is usually done by expedition ship. For landings and short trips, zodiacs are often used. These are small, sturdy boats that take you closer to the ice, coast and wildlife. There are no regular roads or regular tourist airports on the continent. Some trips do use dedicated flights to or around Antarctica.

4. Is Antarctica easy to combine with another travel destination?
Yes, Antarctica is easy to combine with Argentina or Chile. Many cruises depart from Ushuaia, making a visit to Patagonia or Buenos Aires a logical fit. Punta Arenas in Chile is also a common departure point for trips combining flying and cruising.

5. Will English be OK in Antarctica?
Yes, English is the most commonly used language on board expedition ships. Guides, crew and expedition leaders usually speak English. This allows you to follow explanations, safety instructions and lectures well.

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