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Antarctic Expeditions

Tailored travel to the frozen continent

"Antarctica has this mythic weight. It resides in the collective unconscious of so many people, and it makes this huge impact, just like outer space. It's like going to the moon." ― Jon Krakauer, writer and mountaineer.

"The land looks like a fairy tale." ― Roald Amundsen, first explorer to reach the South Pole

"Antarctica still remains a remote, lonely and desolate continent. A place where it's possible to see the splendours and immensities of the natural world at its most dramatic and, what's more, witness them almost exactly as they were, long, long before human beings ever arrived on the surface of this planet. Long may it remain so." ― Sir David Attenborough, broadcaster and naturalist.

"In the soft glamour of the midsummer midnight sun, we were possessed by a rapturous wonder--the rare thrill of unreality." ― Douglas Mawson, explorer and geologist

Indepth Wildlife Experiences

Small ship cruising offers the opportunity to explore parts of the world that are often otherwise inaccessible. Small ship expeditions often visit wildlife rich destinations including Antarctica, the Subantarctic Islands, the Galapagos Islands and Madagascar, to name just a few. 

Our small ship cruises follow responsible travel procedures to minimise impacts on the environments that you will visit. You'll be advised to keep at least 5m away from all wildlife, however, you'll often find that if you sit quietly a respectful distance away, inquisitive wildlife will ofter come to you, making for the most memorable encounters. 

The team at Wild Earth Travel have experienced, and worked in many wildlife lovers' favourite destinations, so we are happy to share with you our knowledge and tips including the best time of year to visit to see certain species.

 

Prices on this page are indicative rates

Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.

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Antarctica - Beyond the Polar Circle - Whale Watching Cruise

Hondius

12 days from
$1,165 NZD per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
This Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula cruise passes through waters travelled by Humpback, Minke and Fin whales. …
Next departure on 20 March, 2026

Itinerary (click to show)

  • Day 1: End of the world, start of a journey
  • Day 2 - 3: Path of the polar explorers
  • Day 4 - 9: Sights of late summer Antarctica
  • Day 10 - 11: Familiar seas, familiar friends
  • Day 12: There and back again
See Cruise

Expedition Antarctica - The Great Penguin Adventure

Ocean Nova

21 days from
$1,298 NZD per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
Join PolarQuest on a magnificent Antarctica cruise with the possibility of sighting seven different species of penguins! …
Next departure on 09 November, 2025

Itinerary (click to show)

  • Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
  • Day 2: The expedition cruise begins
  • Day 3: At sea
  • Day 4: West Falkland
  • Day 5: Stanley, East Falklands
  • Day 6 - 7: Southern Ocean
  • Day 8 - 11: South Georgia
  • Day 12 - 14: At sea
  • Day 15 - 18: The South Shetland Islands & the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Day 19 - 20: Drake Passage
  • Day 21: Ushuaia, Argentina
See Cruise

Giants of the Southern Ocean: Whale Watching Antarctica Voyage

Ocean Albatros

9 days from
$1,325 NZD per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
This is our fantastic 9-day sunset voyage to the Great White Continent. Experience incredible whales, stunning mountain …
Next departure on 12 March, 2025

Itinerary (click to show)

  • DAY 1 ARRIVAL USHUAIA, EMBARKATION
  • DAY 2-3 AT SEA - CROSS DRAKE PASSAGE, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
  • DAY 4 SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
  • DAY 5-6 ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
  • DAY 7-8 DEPART ANTARCTICA - AT SEA
  • DAY 9 BACK IN USHUAIA AND DISEMBARKATION
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Weddell Sea - In Search of the Emperor Penguin incl. Helicopters

Ortelius

11 days from
$1,875 NZD per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
A true expedition, our Weddell Sea cruise sets out to explore the range of the Emperor Penguins …
Next departure on 10 November, 2024

Itinerary (click to show)

  • Day 1: End of the world, start of a journey
  • Day 2 - 3: Path of the polar explorers
  • Day 4 - 7: Entering Antarctica
  • Day 8: Drake via Deception Island
  • Day 9 - 10: Familiar seas, familiar friends
  • Day 11: There and back again
  • Day 5 - 6: (Alternate program if the route to Snow Hill Island is free of multi-year pack ice – less than 50 % probability)
See Cruise

Whale Season in Antarctica - Ushuaia to Ushuaia Expedition

Seaventure

11 days from
$1,572 NZD per day
* Current p/p indicative rate.
Every voyage into Antarctica is a wildlife lover’s dream journey. And this trip will certainly be no …
Next departure on 15 March, 2026

Itinerary (click to show)

  • Day 1: Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia
  • Day 2: Embarkation
  • Day 3-4: Drake Passage
  • Day 5: South Shetland Islands
  • Day 6-8: Antarctica
  • Day 9-10: Drake Passage
  • Day 11: Disembarkation
See Cruise