Antarctic Peninsula
Bucket-list adventurers seeking the world's most extraordinary wildlife experience in the last great wilderness
About Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula is the most visited part of Antarctica and one of the great wildlife spectacles on Earth. The peninsula stretches north towards South America, allowing expedition ships to make relatively accessible landings at penguin colonies, research stations, and pristine ice-covered coastlines. Wildlife encounters are extraordinary: chinstrap, Adélie, and gentoo penguins by the thousands, leopard seals, Weddell seals, orca, and humpback whales. From December to February (the austral summer), continuous daylight enables 20-hour days of activity. The aurora australis burns intensely in the polar winter months, but few expeditions run then due to extreme conditions. The summer expedition season is the practical window — these two months remain the most life-changing travel experience available on Earth.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -1°C | 4h | — |
| Feb★ Best | -2°C | 7h | Low |
| Mar | -5°C | 11h | Low |
| Apr | -8°C | 15h | Med |
| May | -11°C | 19h | Med |
| Jun | -12°C | 22h | High |
| Jul | -13°C | 22h | High |
| Aug | -13°C | 19h | High |
| Sep | -10°C | 15h | Med |
| Oct | -6°C | 9h | Low |
| Nov★ Best | -3°C | 5h | — |
| Dec★ Best | -1°C | 3h | — |
Activities
Getting There
Fly to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, then 2-day Drake Passage crossing by ship. Or fly direct to King George Island (shorter Drake). Expedition ships depart Nov–Mar.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Expedition Ships
- ✓Research Station Visits
- ✓Wild Camping
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $600/day in Antarctic Peninsula. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
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View all on Google Maps →Antarctica Travels
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Antarctica
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Antarctica
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Ushuaia
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