ANTARCTICA

Discover the White Continent and its legendary southern waters.

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AntarcticaAfrica

South Atlantic Cruise: from South Africa to Antarctica

Cape Town

Ushuaia

23.10.26 - 12.11.2620 nights

SH DianaD2826102320

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Antarctica

Antarctic Wonders: roundtrip cruise from Ushuaia

Ushuaia

11.11.26 - 20.11.269 nights

SH MinervaM3026111109

Explore

Antarctica

Antarctic Wonders: roundtrip cruise from Ushuaia

Ushuaia

12.11.26 - 21.11.269 nights

SH DianaD2926111209

Explore

What Awaits You

Antarctica is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Sail past cathedral sized icebergs and glacier carved bays, step ashore by Zodiac, and meet a world ruled by penguins, seals, and whales. Add in the stories of explorers and early polar science, and every day feels like a first.

Your Bespoke Voyage

Cruising Antarctica with Swan Hellenic rewards travelers who want both comfort and real exploration. Between landings, you return to Nordic calm on board, with expert context, warm service, and front-row views from the open decks.

Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Sail beyond 66°33′S and feel the true scale of the far south, where daylight, ice, and weather set their own rules.

King Penguin Colony

Cruise along South Georgia’s dramatic coastline to St. Andrews Bay, home to the world’s largest king penguin colony, where up to 500,000 "locals" gather in an extraordinary natural spectacle.

Legacy of Polar Exploration

Antarctica carries the legacy of early exploration, where figures such as Sir Ernest Shackleton are part of a wider story shaped by endurance, discovery, and the unknown.

South Atlantic Outposts

Touch islands few ships reach, from Tristan da Cunha style settlements to lonely volcanic coasts on the way to Antarctica.

Drake Passage

Sail the Drake Passage, following in the wake of explorers across one of the world’s most legendary sea crossings, where the meeting of oceans creates a dynamic seascape alive with seabirds and the promise of Antarctica ahead.

Connect With Nature

In Antarctica, wildlife does not feel like a sidebar. Penguins march past your landing site, seals rest on the ice at arm’s length, and whales surface without warning in calm bays. The best moments often happen in the space between plans.

Penguin Colonies

Meet king, gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins up close.

Whales in Polar Waters

Watch for humpbacks feeding in nutrient-rich channels, often right beside the ship.

Seals of the Southern Ocean

Look for fur seals, Weddell seals, and the unmistakable leopard seal lounging on floes or patrolling the shallows.

Albatross

Along the rugged coastlines of the Falkland Islands, immense albatross colonies gather, shaping one of the most impressive seabird landscapes in the South Atlantic.

Expedition Activities

Your days are built around getting off the ship and into the landscape. Zodiacs take you through ice filled channels to landing sites and wildlife hot spots, while the expedition team shapes each outing with briefings, guided walks, and optional adventures for those who want more time on the water.

Zodiac cruising

Cruise through ice-filled channels and along glacier fronts, reaching coves and landing sites that ships cannot access, with opportunities to observe wildlife at a respectful distance in line with IAATO guidelines.

Hiking

Step ashore for short hikes on snow-covered landscapes, icy shores, and coastal trails, paced for the group and shaped by conditions on the day.

Kayak through the ice

Optional paddling in calm polar bays for a quiet, close to the water perspective of ice and wildlife.

Expert-led Talks

Daily briefings and talks from the expedition team, adding context to every landing, channel, and historic site.

Become a Citizen Scientist

During your trip, join Swan Hellenics Citizen Science programs and contribute to real-world environmental research.

Take the Polar Plunge

Ready to test your bravery? Swan Hellenic's polar plunge invites you to jump into the icy waters of the Southern Ocean.

Snowshoeing

Explore the Antarctic landscape on foot with a different kind of traction — snowshoes open up terrain beyond the shoreline, from snow-covered slopes to quieter corners away from the landing sites.

Guest Reviews

Each Swan Hellenic journey is designed to inspire curiosity, broaden horizons, and create lasting memories. Our guests' experiences bring to life the spirit of cultural discovery and exploration that defines our voyages.

What elevates Swan Hellenic above competitors is the expedition team and the dedication to immersive travel. The expert lecturers, naturalists, and guides are world-class, offering fascinating lectures and ensuring safe, intimate excursions.

Rachel TaylorAustralia

Everything was absolutely perfect! There was not a single thing to complain about. It was incredibly fun, and that fantastic atmosphere was maintained by the entire crew from the very first to the very last minute of our stay!

Alexander KorneevFinland

A terrific expedition trip! Small number of guests, very attentive staff, very interesting ports of call. Excursions were varied & fun!

Katie BrownCanada

I highly recommend Swan Hellenic! Every single aspect of my cruise was outstanding. The food was fantastic and the ship is awesome. The crew supported my every need in an excellent manner.

Robbie AsherUnited States

From the captain to the expedition guides, from the service staff to housekeeping. 100 out of 100 points!

Annette ClavinDenmark

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Journal

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DESTINATIONS

Where Oceans Meet Ice – Sailing the South Atlantic

Feb 10, 2026

Sail the South Atlantic where oceans meet ice—explore remote islands, wildlife and polar frontiers on a Swan Hellenic expedition.

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DESTINATIONS

Antarctica Expedition Cruise: Discover the Last True Wilderness in Luxury

Jan 11, 2026

An Antarctica expedition cruise offers an extraordinary journey unlike any other. It’s a chance to explore the planet’s most remote and pristine wilderness in unparalleled comfort. For travelers cravi

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GOOD TO KNOW

How to Choose the Best Antarctica Cruise

Dec 28, 2025

Tips for picking the right Antarctica cruise—compare itineraries, seasons, ship size and experiences for your ideal polar adventure.

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DESTINATIONS

Sea Roads to the Edge of Wonder

Dec 17, 2025

Sail from Ushuaia through Patagonia’s wild fjords and glaciers to vibrant Valparaíso on an unforgettable expedition adventure.

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GUEST STORIES

Love, ice, and emperor penguins: a honeymoon like no other

Oct 18, 2025

Celebrate your honeymoon amid icy wilderness and majestic emperor penguins with Swan Hellenic’s romantic expedition experience.

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EXPEDITION ACTIVITIES

Snowshoeing excursions: adventures in the snow

May 11, 2025

Experience Antarctica like never before with Swan Hellenic’s guided snowshoeing excursions—explore untouched landscapes, encounter wildlife, and embrace true polar adventure.

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GOOD TO KNOW

How to Visit Antarctica: Information and Useful Tips

Mar 27, 2025

Explore our in-depth guide on how to visit Antarctica, featuring essential travel tips, best times to go, packing advice, and insights into the unique experiences awaiting you on the White Continent.

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EXPEDITION ACTIVITIES

Zodiac adventures in Antarctica

Jan 13, 2025

Discover the thrill of Zodiac expeditions on your Antarctic cruise. Explore icy waters, encounter incredible wildlife, and experience safe, guided adventures in the heart of Antarctica's pristine wilderness.

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EXPERIENCES

Christmas Cruise: A Magical Experience

Jan 4, 2025

Experience an unforgettable holiday season aboard Swan Hellenic's boutique expedition ships. Explore the pristine beauty of Antarctica, encounter unique wildlife, and enjoy festive celebrations in a truly extraordinary setting.

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EXPERIENCES

Discover the Drake Passage on your Antarctica cruise

Dec 17, 2024

Crossing Drake Passage is a must during an Antarctic cruise. Here is plenty of useful information to enjoy the experience!

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