Here it continues as a mainly sub-marine ridge, the Scotia Ridge, until it comes above sea-level at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.
The peninsula consists of an 800 kilometres (500 mile) long mountain chain, the highest peaks rising to approximately 2,800 metres (9,186 feet), and numerous off-lying islands. The Peninsula offers the most dramatic scenery and biggest variety of wildlife in Antarctica. Visitors are easily overcome by sensory overload by the huge amount of ice-bergs.
Cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species!
OTL21-23 A cruise to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula. Visit some of the most beautiful arrays of wildlife on Earth. This journey will introduce you to at least 6 species of penguin and a whole lot of Antarctic fur seals!
m/v Ortelius
Cruise date:
21 Oct - 10 Nov, 2023
Price:
13350 USD
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species!
HDS21-23 A cruise to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula. Visit some of the most beautiful arrays of wildlife on Earth. This journey will introduce you to at least 6 species of penguin and a whole lot of Antarctic fur seals!
m/v Hondius
Cruise date:
24 Oct - 13 Nov, 2023
Price:
13350 USD
Weddell Sea - In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters
Searching for the Elusive Emperor Penguins
OTL22-23 A true expedition, our Weddell Sea cruise sets out to explore the range of the Emperor Penguins near Snow Hill Island. We will visit the area via helicopter and see a variety of other birds and penguins including Adélies and Gentoos.
m/v Ortelius
Cruise date:
10 Nov - 20 Nov, 2023
Price:
12100 USD
Antarctica - Basecamp
The best activity voyage in Antarctica
HDS22-23 The Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the Antarctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, go mountaineering, and even camp out under the Southern Polar skies.
m/v Hondius
Cruise date:
13 Nov - 25 Nov, 2023
Price:
9100 USD
Weddell Sea - In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters
Searching for the Elusive Emperor Penguins
OTL23-23 A true expedition, our Weddell Sea cruise sets out to explore the range of the Emperor Penguins near Snow Hill Island. We will visit the area via helicopter and see a variety of other birds and penguins including Adélies and Gentoos.
m/v Ortelius
Cruise date:
20 Nov - 30 Nov, 2023
Price:
12100 USD
Video Antarctic Expedition
Fan(tastic) photo
Customer story
Basecamp Plancius: A True Antarctic Adventure
It was New Year’s Eve, and I was dressed in a full-body penguin suit, making my way to the buffet. We were three days in
Blog
Guide’s Choice for Binoculars: Swarovski Optik
Our guests often ask us what they should pack when it comes to the more optional polar travel gear, such as cameras or b
Highlights
See the highlights you may experience:
Wildlife
See the highlights you may experience:
Map of
Antarctic Peninsula cruise reviews
Geoff hondius Feb 23
The Crew & Activities could not have been better. Outdoor activities perfect & staff knowledgable , helpful & friendly. Food & Cabins top class ( & we had 2 single beds but so much room ). I my only suggestion
Read full review »
Memorable Ross Sea Expedition
Celebrating my 7th continent in MV Ortelius with a very experienced and knowledgeable staff and crew made this 33-day expedition one of the top vacations of a lifetime!
Across The Drake to beyond the Antarctic Circle
This was the most fabulous trip on MV Hondius. The Expedition Leaders were terrific, the on-board lectures great. I learned so much about all things wildlife and ice. Thanks for an amazing educational program.
Read full review »You have to be there to really SEE it
I have seen pictures and clips on youtube before I went to Antarctica, but it does not compare closely to really being there. The experience of being there in person is so overwhelming and satisfying, its truly
Read full review »Amazing trip
There is so much to say, but the best word I can use is "amazing". The food was amazing, the guides were amazing, the guests were amazing, the nature was amazing! And may I also add - very dedicated guides! It
Amazing company and trip!
Loved my expedition cruise with Oceanwide. 11/10 rating!!!! Everything was amazing from activities to the expeditions guides , to staff and food. It was truly a trip of a lifetime. The only minor weakness is th
Read full review »Antarctic Peninsula FAQ
What is the Time in the Antarctic Peninsula?
The Antarctic Peninsula follows Coordinated Universal Time -3 (UTC -3). This means that if it is 18:00 UTC-3 (6 p.m.) during your expedition cruise trip to the Antarctic Peninsula , it would be 17:00 (5 p.m.) in New York City, USA and 22:00 (10 p.m.)
Read more »What is the Temperature and Weather Like in the Antarctic Peninsula?
The climate in the Antarctic Peninsula is much milder than most people would imagine because it is located near the most northerly part of Antarctica. If you travel to the Antarctic Peninsula during January, which is summertime, you can expect an av
Read more »What Wildlife Can I See in the Antarctic Peninsula?
Animal lovers who take their holiday in the Antarctic Peninsula will be treated to a diverse list of wildlife that is especially suited to the area’s cold climate. It is common to encounter several penguin species such as the Gentoo penguins. O
Read more »What Unique Features Does the Antarctic Peninsula Have?
The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most beautiful regions of the entire continent. Your cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula will reveal the most diverse mixture of wildlife throughout Antarctica. The scenery in this region is dramatic, filled with
Read more »What happens if we cannot camp?
Our expedition leaders always do their best to ensure the camping activity is carried out, but sometimes this is impossible due to unsafe environmental conditions. If such is the case, we may offer camping on the outer decks of the ship.
Read more »What equipment is needed to make photos of the solar eclipse, and do passengers have to bring that equipment themselves?
That depends on whether they only want eclipse photography or also pictures of wildlife and landscapes. Advise the passengers to look at the photography pages on our website. We avoid saying what specific equipment they might need, as this is very su
Read more »
About
Antarctic Peninsula Weather
The weather patterns on the Peninsula can vary significantly depending on where you are. The west coast of the Peninsula down to about 68°S are actually fairly mild with the local summers averaging around 0°C and the winters only dipping down to around -10°C.
Moving below 63°S along the west coast the averages drop to -15°C in the winter.
Facts about the Antarctic Peninsula
- The Peninsula is the only part of the Antarctic that extends out beyond the border of the Antarctic Circle. It is the part of the continent that is the furthest out from the South Pole.
- The only flowering plants on the continent (the Antarctic Pearlwart and the Antarctic Hair-grass) are found on the Peninsula.
- The Peninsula is about 2000 km long.
- The Peninsula was originally named the Palmer Peninsula by the U.S., named after an American explorer who journeyed to the area in November of 1820. Other countries later gave it different names – Graham Land and Trinity Peninsula (Britain, 1832), San Martin Land (Argentina, 1940), and O’Higgins Land (Chile, 1942). It didn’t gain the name of the Antarctic Peninsula until 1964 when an international agreement was reached.
- The Peninsula is regulated under the international Antarctic Treaty System which promotes use of the area for scientific study (especially in regards to environmental safety). There are currently 28 research posts stationed along the Peninsula.
- The Peninsula is actually a continuation of the Andes Mountains which run down almost the entire west coast of South America
- There are 28 countries currently contributing to the scientific research conducted on the Peninsula.
Travel to the Antarctic Peninsula
An Antarctic Peninsula cruise carries you into a world of beautiful stark landscapes and a surprisingly vast array of animal life. Embark on one of our Antarctic Peninsula expeditions and use our ice strengthened cruise ships as a home base as you explore the region while snowshoeing & hiking, kayaking, bird watching, mountaineering, or even camping overnight onshore.
Your Antarctic Peninsula holiday will introduce you to 5 seal species, 37 flying seabird species, whales, and more penguins than you can count.
