Finally, after an epic journey unlike any you’ve ever undertaken, the ship’s crew announces, “Folks, from the deck, we can now see the Antarctic Peninsula coming into view.” What excitement and adventure lies ahead? Well, this largely depends on when you have scheduled your trip to the polar region. Let’s look at how when you choose to make the journey determines what you’ll see and experience when you’re there. 


Early Expedition Season (November-mid-December)


Photo by Andrea Klaussner, Photographer on our Hurtigruten Voyage - January 2019


What you’ll see and do: 

  • Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking in polar waters, as well as Antarctic camping options onshore
  • Penguins and seabirds courting and mating
  • Humpback, minke, orca and other whales 
  • Weddell seals onshore molting and giving birth
  • Elephant seals
  • Incredible icebergs (they get their stunning aquamarine color from the air trapped inside), making this a great time for landscape photographers to visit

Mid-Season (mid-December-January)

Photo by Susan Tuckey, Penguins2PolarBears - January 2019


What you’ll see and do: 

  • More sunlight and slightly warmer temperatures - this is the peak of the Antarctic summer with 20+ hours of sunlight
  • Active wildlife, including penguins hatching and adults tending to their young
  • Icebergs transforming before your eyes from sun and saltwater
  • Whales in Wilhemina Bay 

Late Season (February-March)


Photo by Ashley Cooper, Antarctica21


What you’ll see and do: 

  • Truly stunning sunsets
  • Landings farther south to the Polar Circle as the pack ice melts
  • Calving icebergs 
  • Humpback, orca and minke whales
  • Fur seals
  • Young penguins learning to swim, hunt and rob pebbles from nearby nests

Deciding when to visit Antarctica is one of the most crucial parts of your planning. This is where I can help. We’ll talk through each month’s distinctive characteristics, from the temperature to the daylight to the wildlife you’ll likely see, and determine what feels right to you. Do you want to go sea kayaking, camping and snowshoeing? Or do you want to hang out with fluffy baby penguins? 

With such a high demand during the high season, it’s imperative that you start the planning and decision process at least a year ahead. Let’s chat.