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 - Birding
Meet at least six penguin species!
OTL21-21 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:
25 Oct - 14 Nov, 2021
Price:
12600 USD
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species!
HDS21-21 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:
6 Nov - 26 Nov, 2021
Price:
12600 USD
Antarctica - Basecamp
The best activity voyage in Antarctica
PLA22-21 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 Plancius
Cruise date:
11 Nov - 23 Nov, 2021
Price:
8500 USD
Weddell Sea - In search of the Emperor Penguin incl. helicopters
Searching for the Elusive Emperor Penguins
OTL22-21 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:
14 Nov - 24 Nov, 2021
Price:
11300 USD
Falkland Islands – South Georgia – SOLAR ECLIPSE – Antarctic Peninsula
A riveting cosmic event only fully experienced along a narrow terrestrial pathway
PLAEC-21 Though you can see the total solar eclipse along a few key path locations around the globe, none of them offers as unique a “venue” as Antarctica. Combine that with everything else you’ll enjoy during this voyage and you end up with one truly exceptional...
m/v Plancius
Cruise date:
23 Nov - 12 Dec, 2021
Price:
16400 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
The Mesdag Phenomenon: Interview with a Polar Camp Guide
Polar expedition guides come in many form. Some are temporary seasonal workers who enjoy the freedom of the job in their
Highlights
See the highlights you may experience:
Wildlife
See the highlights you may experience:
Map of
Antarctic Peninsula cruise reviews
IT DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN THIS
Congratulations to everyone at Oceanwide for providing a superbly well run expedition on a marvellous ship. The Hondius is a world-leader in its eco credentials and superb for its operating environment. Ever
Read full review »A memorable trip
This was dream trip of a lifetime. We are very please that we chose the Hondius. The hotel staff were superb , friendly and very helpful , the food was excellent and the facilities appropriate for an expedit
Read full review »A Superb Antarctic Trip
An outstanding trip which was everything we hoped for and more. The passionate Oceanwide Expedition leader who , with his team epitomised the spirit of expedition by ensuring, (whether permitting!) we landed
Read full review »Amazing Antartica Adventure
The Oceanwide Expeditions Basecamp Antartica Cruise was amazing on every level! I couldn’t have asked for a better Antarctica experience. The expeditions, lectures, meals and excursions were outstandin
Icebergs, Penguins, and Unforgettable Experiences
Our mother/daughter trip to Antarctica truly was one of the most unique, fantastic experiences of my life. The guides, excursions, wildlife sightings, and meals surpassed my expectations. The expedition guid
Read full review »So Very Grateful
I can't properly express to you my gratitude (and those of my fellow shipmates) at the care the Plancius crew (and the Home Office) took of us during our extended Antarctic cruise (March 9-26). The state
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.
