POLAR SEASONS
FEBRUARY Whale spotting reaches its peak this month and cruises are simply exceptional in this regard. The skies will sometimes be crystal clear, as is the ice, and the starkness and richness of colours in Antarctica make for simply magical scenery. On the Peninsula, there are now more fur seals than at any other time. MARCH As the ice recedes, you’ll be able to explore further south than at any other time of the year and encounter groups of curious penguin adolescents plus the plethora of whales that are still in-situ. The days are getting shorter but if the weather permits, night sky gazing can be hugely rewarding. The scenery is always spellbinding and breathtaking in Antarctica, so if the last month of the cruising season is the only time you have to visit, rest assured your cruise crewwill do their utmost togiveyouaonce-in-a-lifetimeexperience. APRILTOOCTOBER As autumn and winter descend upon Antarctica, the world’s most awe-inspiring continent slowly descends into a dark, windy and freezing existence. Temperatures can drop to -60 degrees Celsius and nights can seemingly last forever.
ANTARCTICACRUISINGSEASON TheAntarctic cruising season starts in lateOctober and runs until March. These are the only months of the year when temperatures are known to reach above 0 degrees Celsius during the day on the Antarctic Peninsula, and though the east tends to be colder, it is still more tolerable at this time of year. Here are just some of the amazing highlights you can look forward to on your Antarctic trip, month by month. These may help you in planning the trip of a lifetime and deciding exactly when to travel to the world’s most astounding continent. LATEOCTOBER-NOVEMBER Penguins become somewhat ‘romantic’ at this time of year, and if you book your Antarctica expedition in November you maybeprivytosomeof themostendearingcourtshiprituals in the animal kingdom. Dressed in their Sunday best, suave male penguins strut their stuff, singing and bowing their heads in a most impressive manner. If you include a visit to one of the research stations you’ll be welcomed effusively and you may also spot the first detaching icebergs of the year. Midnight photo opportunities are simply spectacular from mid-November to early December, and you’ll see packs of elephant and fur seals starting to mark their breeding territories in the SubAntarctic Islands. Travelling
As waters start to freeze over, pack ice covers the entire periphery of the peninsula, for up to 600km, rendering this location out of bounds for tourists. Itching to discover this formidable wonder?Then check out all the incredible expeditionswe canorganise for you toEast and West Antarctica and start planning the adventure of a lifetime!
in late October, you’ll find landing areas pristine as you’ll be among the first to set foot on the White Continent for the season. If seeing dramatic ice formations is your absolute priority, then November’s definitely the month in which you should visit. DECEMBER December is arguably the month where Antarctica is at its enchanting best. Summer is in full swing and days here can, on occasion, be bright and sunny though still cold and crisp. One can expect to see soaring albatrosses and lazy leopard seals basking in endless hours of daylight. With at least 20 hours of sunlight, the Antarctic world is your oyster and the opportunity formore frequent landings is higher. JANUARY The warmest period of the year continues in Antarctica and you may spot numerous penguin chicks hatching or see adorably fluffy newly hatched chicks! You may also be privy to watching baby seals waddling about. With higher temperatures, the ice begins to recede and zodiac excursions to outlying icebergs are incredibly rewarding as they are shaped and sculpted by the warmer weather. As January is part of the high tourist season, booking early is absolutely essential!
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