Antarctic Cruises

For that ultimate soft adventure experience, Antarctica is best visited by a small passenger cruise ship.

Most of the expedition cruises will be led by expert naturalists in geology, botany, and wildlife, who will take you ashore aboard Zodiacs.

Each of the Antarctic cruises listed below are known to practice responsible travel and offer soft adventure cruises with light or moderate physical activity for travelers 12-80 years of age who are in good physical condition.

The listing of cruise operators is provided for our viewers Information. We have no business relationship with any of the listings and do not receive any income from having their listing appear on our web site.

Viewers are also advised to carefully check out their programs to ensure they are still viable entities and will meet your needs before contracting with them.

The Top Soft Adventure Antarctic Cruise Operators

Abercrombie & Kent
888 785 5380
A&K has operated over 150 Antarctica expeditions in more than 20 years. They employ very experienced crew and naturalist tour guides with expert knowledge of Antarctica's hardy wildlife and striking landscapes. On shore, activities vary depending on terrain, but your naturalist tour guide will be able to explain and de mystify every sight you see. Encounter diverse and hardy wildlife native to your destination

Adventure Center
1311 63rd Street, Suite 200
Emeryville, CA 94608
USA Toll Free 1-800-228-8747
(510) 654-1879

With the ships as floating bases, you choose the level of adventure that suits you: explore exquisite, desolate beaches by Zodiac inflatable boat; visit remote communities; or walk ashore into stunning wilderness areas and world-class cities alike. The expedition staff and crew have hundreds of voyages between them. Their expertise, combined with the exceptional maneuverability and comfort of these ships, means voyages can be flexible, adjusting to changing conditions and participant interests. It also means you can access remote wildlife colonies and isolated backwaters.

Antarpply Expeditions
Gobernador Paz 633 - 1st Floor , 9410,
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
+54 (2901) 433636 / 436747
e-mail: info@antarpply.com

Specializes in small ship expedition cruises to Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. Antarpply is based in Ushuaia and specializes in taking small groups and individual passengers to some of the most spectacular, remote and pristine parts of the world on board the USHUAIA --- Originally built for the United States agency NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), the USHUAIA has been refurbished to accommodate a maximum of 84 passengers in 41 comfortable twin cabins and suites. The ice-strengthened polar vessel USHUAIA is very well appointed and provides ample deck space and an open bridge policy. The full complement of inflatable landing craft ensures superb landings and wildlife viewing opportunities on the otherwise inaccessible coastline.

Lindblad Expeditions
96 Morton St.
New York, 10014
212/765-7740
800/397-3348

An alliance with National Geographic specializing expedition travel to remote, unsoiled territory without sacrificing comfort.

They offer a journey to the beautiful Antarctic Peninsula where you will experience the huge tabular icebergs, hillsides covered with gentoo, Adelie or chinstrap penguins, whales and abundant marine life, a passage through the famed Lemaire Channel between towering blue bergs, and more.

A fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks further your ability to examine this remote wilderness. You'll travel safely with an experienced Antarctica cruise expedition staff: Naturalists, Ornithologists, Marine Biologists, Polar Historians, an Undersea Specialist, National Geographic Photographer and more.

REI Adventures
800-622-2236

Their Antarctica cruises to the White Continent and include many of the wildlife and scenic highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. They are designed to include as much wildlife viewing as possible but also incorporate visits to scientific bases and allow plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of ice waterways, glaciers, icebergs and rugged mountains. All voyages take place aboard ice-strengthened vessels, include multiple shore landings via Zodiac landing craft and are accompanied by world-class naturalists whose insightful lectures enhance our explorations.