- An Explorer’s Expedition
Antarctic Peninsula Tour From Kolkata
Antarctic Peninsula
Drake Passage
South Shetland Islands
Encounter penguins
Antarctic Peninsula
Drake Passage
South Shetland Islands
Encounter penguins
Imagine sailing beyond the southern tip of South America into a world of towering icebergs, immense glaciers, snow-covered mountains and extraordinary Antarctic wildlife. An Antarctica tour is unlike any conventional holiday, it is an expedition into one of the most remote and spectacular environments on Earth.
Travelites brings you carefully selected Antarctic Peninsula expedition journeys designed for travellers who want to experience the White Continent through expedition cruising, wildlife encounters and immersive exploration.
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, one of the principal gateways to Antarctica, before crossing the legendary Drake Passage and sailing towards the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
Depending on your selected expedition, you can encounter penguins, seals, whales, massive icebergs and dramatic glacial landscapes while travelling aboard expedition vessels.
Overview of Antarctica Tour
| Tour Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Destination | Antarctica |
| Region | Antarctic Peninsula |
| Tour Type | Expedition Cruise / Polar Adventure |
| Main Gateway | Ushuaia, Argentina |
| Expedition Area | Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands |
| Typical Duration | 11–12 Days |
| Cruise Duration | 9–10 Nights On Board |
| Main Experience | Expedition cruising, wildlife, icebergs, glaciers and landscapes |
| Ideal For | Adventure travellers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and luxury expedition travellers |
| Best Travel Season | Antarctic summer: November to March |
| Departure | International departure; itinerary begins in Ushuaia |
| Available Expeditions | Explorer’s Expedition & Classic Voyage |
| Booking | Subject to cabin availability |
Note: The Antarctic expedition experience is inherently weather- and ice-dependent. Landing locations and daily activities can change according to local conditions and expedition decisions.
Why Visit Antarctica?
Antarctica represents one of the last truly remote wilderness destinations on Earth. Unlike traditional tourism destinations, there are no conventional cities, highways or large-scale tourist attractions here. Instead, the landscape itself becomes the experience.
An Antarctica expedition allows you to explore a world shaped by ice, ocean, wind and wildlife.
From watching penguins gather along rocky shores to sailing past enormous icebergs and glacial landscapes, every day can bring something unexpected.
Highlights of an Antarctica Tour
- Explore the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula.
- Cross the legendary Drake Passage.
- Visit the South Shetland Islands.
- Look for humpback and orca whales.
- Encounter penguins and Antarctic seals.
- Sail among enormous icebergs.
- Witness dramatic glaciers and snow-covered mountains.
- Experience expedition-style cruising aboard purpose-built vessels.
- Explore one of the world’s most remote wilderness environments.
- Capture exceptional polar photography.
- Experience the atmosphere of the world’s southernmost expedition destination.
Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most accessible regions of Antarctica from South America and is the focus of many expedition cruises.
Its dramatic landscape combines:
- Snow-covered mountains
- Glaciers
- Icebergs
- Sheltered bays
- Sea ice
- Rocky islands
- Penguin colonies
- Marine wildlife
The landscape can change dramatically as the expedition ship moves through the peninsula’s waterways and surrounding islands.
The Classic Voyage offers an additional day compared with the Explorer’s Expedition, allowing the expedition team greater flexibility to explore the South Shetland Islands or travel deeper into the Antarctic Peninsula when conditions allow.
Antarctica Expedition Wildlife
One of the biggest reasons travellers choose an Antarctica wildlife tour is the opportunity to observe animals in their natural polar environment.
Penguins
Penguins are among the most memorable wildlife encounters in Antarctica. Depending on the expedition route and landing conditions, travellers may encounter species such as:
- Gentoo Penguins
- Chinstrap Penguins
- Adélie Penguins
The South Shetland Islands are particularly associated with penguin encounters, while the wider Antarctic Peninsula provides numerous opportunities for wildlife observation.
Whales
Antarctic waters can provide opportunities to observe:
- Humpback Whales
- Orcas
- Other marine wildlife
Whale sightings are wildlife encounters and cannot be guaranteed, but the expedition environment offers opportunities to look for these remarkable animals.
Seals
The Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands are also home to several seal species, including:
- Elephant Seals
- Fur Seals
- Other Antarctic seal species
The exact wildlife encountered varies according to season, location and natural conditions.
Antarctica Icebergs & Glaciers
Few travel experiences compare with seeing an enormous iceberg floating in Antarctic waters.
The Antarctic Peninsula is characterised by dramatic ice formations, glaciers and snow-covered landscapes. Depending on the route and conditions, expedition ships may navigate through bays and channels surrounded by towering ice and mountains.
The changing light of the Antarctic summer can create spectacular conditions for photography, particularly around glaciers and icebergs.
Antarctica Tour Options
Travelites currently presents the following expedition options based on the supplied 2027–2028 departure information.
Option 1 – Antarctic Peninsula
Ship: Ocean Victory
Expected Arrival in Ushuaia: October or November 2027
Boarding: October or November 2027
Duration: 11 Days / 9 Nights On Board
The Explorer’s Expedition is designed as an immersive introduction to the Antarctic Peninsula, combining the journey across the Drake Passage with exploration of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctica.
Itinerary Overview
| Day | Experience |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia |
| Day 2 | Embarkation |
| Days 3–4 | Drake Passage |
| Day 5 | South Shetland Islands |
| Days 6–8 | Glorious Antarctica |
| Days 9–10 | Drake Passage |
| Day 11 | Disembarkation |
Available Cabin Categories
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| French Balcony | USD 8,105 net pp |
| Balcony | USD 8,970 net pp |
| Porthole | Not available |
Pricing note: Prices above are based on the rates supplied for this Travelites offering and are subject to cabin availability and final confirmation at the time of booking.
Option 2 – Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer’s Expedition
Ship: Ocean Victory
Expected Arrival in Ushuaia: October or November 2027
Boarding: October or November 2027
Duration: 11 Days / 9 Nights On Board
This second departure follows the same Explorer’s Expedition concept, offering travellers another opportunity to explore the Antarctic Peninsula during the Antarctic summer season.
Itinerary Overview
| Day | Experience |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia |
| Day 2 | Embarkation |
| Days 3–4 | Drake Passage |
| Day 5 | South Shetland Islands |
| Days 6–8 | Glorious Antarctica |
| Days 9–10 | Drake Passage |
| Day 11 | Disembarkation |
Available Cabin Categories
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Porthole | USD 8,350 net pp |
| French Balcony | USD 8,845 net pp |
| Balcony | USD 9,280 net pp |
French Balcony availability: 2 cabins available at the time the supplied rate information was provided.
Pricing note: Cabin availability and rates can change without notice and should be reconfirmed before booking.
Option 3 – Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage
Ship: Discoverer
Expected Arrival in Ushuaia: October or November 2027
Boarding: October or November 2027
Duration: 12 Days / 10 Nights On Board
The Classic Voyage offers an additional expedition day compared with the 11-day Explorer’s Expedition. This provides greater flexibility to explore the South Shetland Islands or potentially venture deeper into the Antarctic Peninsula depending on weather, ice and local conditions.
Itinerary Overview
| Day | Experience |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia |
| Day 2 | Embarkation |
| Days 3–4 | Drake Passage |
| Days 5–6 | South Shetland Islands |
| Days 7–9 | Immersive Antarctica |
| Days 10–11 | Drake Passage |
| Day 12 | Disembarkation |
Available Cabin Categories
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Porthole | USD 10,265 net pp |
| Balcony | USD 13,000 net pp |
| Navigator | USD 14,152 net pp |
Cabin note: Balcony Staterooms and Discovery Suites feature Juliet balconies, which guests can step onto but cannot sit out on.
Drake Passage – The Gateway to Antarctica
The Drake Passage separates the southern tip of South America from the Antarctic Peninsula and forms an important part of many classic Antarctica cruise itineraries.
During the expedition, travellers spend time sailing across the passage between Ushuaia and Antarctica.
The Drake Passage itself becomes part of the adventure, offering opportunities to watch seabirds and marine wildlife while experiencing the transition from Patagonia to the Antarctic environment.
Weather and sea conditions can vary significantly, so travellers should be prepared for changing conditions during the crossing.
South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands form an important part of many Antarctic Peninsula expeditions.
These islands provide opportunities to encounter Antarctic wildlife while experiencing dramatic volcanic landscapes, ice-covered terrain and surrounding polar waters.
The Classic Voyage may allocate two days to the South Shetland Islands, while the Explorer’s Expedition includes a dedicated day in the region in the itinerary supplied for this page.
Actual landing sites and activities remain subject to weather, sea conditions, ice and expedition decisions.
What Makes an Antarctica Expedition Different?
An Antarctica expedition is different from a conventional cruise holiday.
The focus is not simply on travelling from one port to another. Instead, the expedition is built around exploration, wildlife, landscapes and discovery.
Expedition Experience
Depending on the selected voyage and operational conditions, experiences can include:
- Zodiac-based exploration
- Wildlife observation
- Photography
- Shore excursions
- Expedition briefings
- Glacier and iceberg viewing
- Scientific and citizen-science activities
- Kayaking on selected departures
- Snowshoeing on selected departures
- Camping on selected departures
Best Time to Visit Antarctica
The main Antarctic tourist season generally falls during the Southern Hemisphere summer, when expedition voyages operate around the Antarctic Peninsula.
November – Early Antarctic Summer
November marks the beginning of the Antarctic expedition season.
Travellers can experience:
- Fresh seasonal snow
- Expanding daylight
- Early-season wildlife activity
- Dramatic ice landscapes
December – January
This is a popular period for Antarctic expeditions.
Long daylight hours and active wildlife make this an attractive period for photography and exploration.
February – March
Later-season voyages can offer excellent wildlife and landscape experiences, although conditions continue to vary throughout the season.
Important: Antarctica is highly seasonal, and expedition routes and landing opportunities depend on weather, sea ice and local conditions.
How to Reach Antarctica from India
For travellers booking an Antarctica tour from India, the international journey typically connects India with Argentina before the expedition begins in Ushuaia.
A broad travel structure can be:
India → International Gateway → Buenos Aires → Ushuaia → Antarctica Expedition
Travel planning should include sufficient buffer time before the ship’s scheduled embarkation.
For travellers from Kolkata, the journey would generally begin from Kolkata International Airport, followed by international connections to Argentina.
Travelites can assist with planning the broader journey around the expedition schedule, subject to the selected travel arrangements.
Antarctica Tour from Kolkata
For travellers searching for an Antarctica tour from Kolkata, the journey requires more than simply booking an expedition cruise.
A well-planned itinerary should consider:
- International flights
- Argentina entry requirements
- Buenos Aires accommodation, if required
- Domestic connection to Ushuaia
- Pre-expedition hotel stay
- Expedition embarkation
- Post-expedition travel
- Adequate buffer time
- Travel insurance
- Baggage requirements
- Polar clothing and equipment
Travelites can help coordinate the journey around the expedition dates so that travellers from Kolkata and other Indian cities can approach the trip as a complete international travel experience.
What to Expect on an Antarctica Cruise
An Antarctica cruise is generally more expedition-focused than a traditional cruise.
Instead of visiting conventional tourist ports every day, travellers spend time navigating remote polar waters and looking for opportunities to explore the surrounding environment.
Expect:
- Changing weather
- Remote landscapes
- Wildlife encounters
- Expedition briefings
- Flexible landing schedules
- Long periods at sea
- Cold conditions
- Early mornings
- Spectacular scenery
- Unpredictable daily plans
Flexibility is an important part of the Antarctic experience.
Is an Antarctica Tour Suitable for You?
An Antarctica expedition can be ideal if you:
- Love remote destinations.
- Enjoy wildlife and nature.
- Are interested in polar exploration.
- Enjoy photography.
- Prefer unique travel experiences.
- Want to experience a destination beyond conventional tourism.
- Are comfortable with changing weather and flexible expedition schedules.
- Want to experience the Antarctic Peninsula by expedition ship.
It may not be the right choice for travellers looking for a conventional resort holiday or a fixed sightseeing itinerary.
Antarctica Photography Experience
Antarctica is one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations for photography.
The combination of:
- Icebergs
- Glaciers
- Penguins
- Whales
- Snow-covered mountains
- Reflections
- Polar light
- Ocean landscapes
creates exceptional opportunities for photographers.
Travellers should keep cameras and batteries protected from cold and moisture and follow expedition guidelines when photographing wildlife.
Sustainable & Responsible Antarctica Travel
Antarctica is an exceptionally fragile environment.
Responsible travel is therefore an important part of the expedition experience.
Travellers should:
- Follow expedition staff instructions.
- Maintain appropriate distances from wildlife.
- Never feed animals.
- Avoid leaving anything behind.
- Respect protected areas.
- Follow landing-site guidelines.
- Avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Keep the Antarctic environment clean.
- Follow all applicable expedition and environmental regulations.
Important Things to Know Before Booking an Antarctica Tour
1. The itinerary can change
Antarctica is a remote and unpredictable environment. Weather, sea ice and wildlife conditions can influence the day’s activities.
2. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed
Penguins, whales and seals are wild animals. Sightings depend on natural conditions and location.
3. Cabin availability changes
The cabin categories and prices shown above are based on the information supplied for the Travelites offering and should be reconfirmed before booking.
4. International travel requirements apply
Travellers must check applicable passport, visa, transit, insurance and entry requirements for all countries included in their journey.
5. Antarctica is not a conventional cruise destination
Travellers should expect an expedition environment rather than a traditional resort-style holiday.
6. Buffer time is recommended
Travellers should consider additional time around the scheduled embarkation and disembarkation dates because of the complexity of international and regional connections.
Why Choose Travelites for Your Antarctica Expedition?
Planning an Antarctica expedition requires careful coordination because the destination involves multiple international travel components.
Travelites can help travellers with:
- Antarctica expedition planning
- International itinerary coordination
- Pre- and post-expedition travel planning
- Ushuaia travel arrangements
- Accommodation planning
- Cabin selection assistance
- Family and group travel coordination
- India-to-Argentina travel planning
- Customised travel arrangements around the expedition
Our objective is to make the journey from India to the Antarctic Peninsula as seamless as possible while keeping the expedition itself at the centre of your travel experience.
Book Your Antarctica Expedition with Travelites
Antarctica is not simply another destination to add to your travel list. It is an expedition into one of the world’s most extraordinary wilderness environments.
Cross the Drake Passage, sail towards the Antarctic Peninsula, watch penguins along remote shores, look for whales in polar waters and experience landscapes shaped by glaciers and ice.
Whether you choose the Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer’s Expedition or the Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage, Travelites can help you plan your journey from India to this remarkable corner of the world.
Start planning your Antarctica expedition with Travelites.
- FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Antarctica tour for first-time visitors?
The Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer’s Expedition is designed as an immersive introduction to Antarctica and is offered as an 11-day/9-night-on-board expedition. The Classic Voyage provides a 12-day/10-night-on-board option with an additional expedition day.
How many days do you need for an Antarctica tour?
The expedition options featured by Travelites are approximately 11–12 days, including the Ushuaia arrival and disembarkation schedule. The Explorer’s Expedition is 11 days, while the Classic Voyage is 12 days.
Where do Antarctica cruises usually depart from?
The expedition options featured on this page operate Ushuaia to Ushuaia, making Ushuaia, Argentina, the principal gateway for the journey.
What can you see on an Antarctica expedition?
Depending on the route and conditions, travellers may encounter penguins, seals, whales, icebergs, glaciers, snow-covered mountains and spectacular Antarctic landscapes.
Can I take an Antarctica tour from India?
Yes. Indian travellers can plan an international journey to Argentina and connect to Ushuaia for the expedition. Travel arrangements should be planned around the ship’s fixed embarkation schedule.
Can I book an Antarctica tour from Kolkata?
Yes. Travellers from Kolkata can plan an international itinerary connecting Kolkata with Argentina and Ushuaia before joining the Antarctic expedition.

