Discover the Seventh Continent

The Origins of Antarctica

We explore all facets of this wild continent during an Antarctica expedition – from origins to the present day. About 250 million years ago, Antarctica was in the subtropical band of the planet, covered with abundant forests and inhabited by reptiles and amphibians. It was part of the supercontinent of Gondwana. Subsequently, it permanently separated 65 million years ago and began to drift towards the South Pole. Following its gradual cooling, ice formed, making it the world’s most extreme and inaccessible land.

The Antarctic ecosystem results from prolonged and complex evolutionary processes where we see life forms adapt to the extreme polar environment. As a result, it produced a system composed of a limited number of species that depend directly on each other and the habitat in which they live. Notably, there are various penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds in the Antarctic ecosystem.

On the continent, there are five species of penguins: the Adelie, Chinstrap, Emperor, Gentoo, and the Macaroni penguins. Penguins in Antarctica typically have a diet of squid, fish, and crustaceans.

Thanks to their warm blubbery bodies and fantastic swimmers, seals are perfectly adapted for life in the Antarctic ecosystem. There are up to four species of seals that you could see on your visit: the Elephant, Leopard, Crabeater, and the Weddell seals.

Additionally, during your Antarctica expedition, you could see several species of seabirds, including Albatross, Blue-Eyed Shag, Snowy Sheathbill, and more. The Antarctic seas have seasonal visitors. Alongside many others, the three species of whales most frequently sighted in Antarctica every year are Orca, Humpback, and Minke whales.

Today, the Antarctic continent, without a doubt, is the most mysterious place on the planet. Its permanent ice sheet covering and almost wholly hiding its topography. In addition to being an ecological wonder, it has bewitched explorers, scientists, and voyagers alike for centuries.

Antarctica

Destination Highlights

Wildlife Encounters

Discover among most resilient species on the planet.

Exploring Antarctica

Breathtaking Landscapes

Antarctic landscapes are like no other places on Earth.

Intimate Connection

Incredible adventure activities for an intimate connection with nature.

Destination Facts

Did you know?

Climate

Antarctica has the coldest climate, with temperatures ranging from -70°C to 5°C.

Discovery

The Greeks guessed Antarctica's existence in 400 B.C.; explorers mapped it over centuries.

Geography

Antarctica spans 14 million km², divided into two sectors, mostly ice-covered.

Wildlife

Antarctica is one of the last great sanctuaries for wildlife on Earth.

Learn more about life in Antarctica

Wildlife in Antarctica

Penguins are the heart of Antarctica’s wildlife, each species showcasing remarkable adaptations to the icy environment.

With their majestic presence, whales grace the Antarctic waters as they navigating icy seas in search of krill.

Seals are masters of survival in Antarctica, thriving in frozen waters and on floating ice with their unique adaptations.

Seabirds bring life to the Antarctic skies.

Places You Could See on the Antarctic Peninsula

Sites of interest

Start Exploring

Our Antarctic Expeditions

Our Antarctica expeditions include air-cruises and sea voyages.

Air-Cruises
Our air-cruises offer travelers a comfortable alternative to the 2-day sail across the rough seas of the Drake Passage. Our boutique-style wilderness Antarctica expeditions include a 2-hour flight to and from Antarctica and skipping the Drake Passage. Once there, you board your expedition ship and where your Antarctic adventure begins. Quickly immerse yourself in the 7th Continent—no stormy crossing or seasickness.

Sea Voyages
Our sea voyages to Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands are high-end wilderness adventures. Think expedition cruises! All of these trips are onboard our small vessels, feeling like a private yacht. Our small expedition ship gives you privileged access to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands.

Savings

Take Advantage of our promotions

Time Limited-Savings
Sea voyage

2025-26 Patagonia & Chilean Fjords Early Booking

8 Days / 7 Nights

Save $1,000 USD per person on your Patagonia & Chilean Fjords sea voyage on board Magellan Explorer.

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Time-Limited Savings
Sea voyage

2025-26 Air-Cruises Early Booking Promotion

8 Days / 7 Nights

Save $1,500 USD per person on selected Classic Antarctica air-cruises on Magellan Explorer.

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Time-Limited Savings
Sea voyage

2026-27 Sea Voyages Early Booking Promotion

8 Days / 7 Nights

Save up to $1,500 USD per person on our Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic sea voyages! Book before June 30, 2025.

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Next scheduled trips

Upcoming Departures to Antarctica

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Itinerary at a glance

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Day 1

Start of the Air-Cruise

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Day 2

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Day 3

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Experience the Extraordinary

From dramatic landscapes to close wildlife encounters, every journey to the White Continent is unique. Let's start planning yours together.

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