What to Expect: Seasons in Antarctica
A peek into the southernmost continent's changing seasonal landscapes and wildlife.
Antarctica at Its Best—November & December
Learn what makes this time of year so special: cross-country skiing, fewer ships, pristine landscapes and a spectacular wildlife scene
""Hi! I’m Heidi, your dedicated travel advisor.
I believe every journey should be personal, seamless, and unforgettable. That’s why I take the time to truly understand your travel dreams and tailor each experience with care and expertise.
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Heidi Bocianowski
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While Antarctica’s wild majesty is on full display any time adventurous travelers choose to go, there are some unique differences between early season (the start of the austral summer) and late season that they’ll want to consider.
This is a wonderful introduction to the unique appeal of early season Antarctica—think virgin-white snow (the last time visitors set foot on the region was about eight months prior), massive ice, fewer ships, nesting penguins and very long days (with the summer solstice)—plus, the benefits of traveling with the leader in expedition cruising, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. I hope it sparks your interest and please do let me know if you have questions.
This is a wonderful introduction to the unique appeal of early season Antarctica—think virgin-white snow (the last time visitors set foot on the region was about eight months prior), massive ice, fewer ships, nesting penguins and very long days (with the summer solstice)—plus, the benefits of traveling with the leader in expedition cruising, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. I hope it sparks your interest and please do let me know if you have questions.
The Magic Months: November and December
November
Landscapes & Seascapes
November is a photographer's dream with shores blanketed in virgin snow and castles of ice bathed in orange and pink from the midnight sunset.
Wildlife Highlights
It’s mating season for gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins, and colonies are a flurry of courtship activity, with some individuals already incubating eggs. Elephant seals have come ashore to birth their pups.
Essential Experience
When conditions are right, the captain can “park” the ship in the fast ice and disembark travelers for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or hiking across the frozen sea.
December
Landscapes & Seascapes
The summer melt is in its earliest stages—icebergs are still massive, creating a seascape that resembles a natural sculpture garden.
Wildlife Highlights
Orcas and humpbacks abound, and penguin rookeries are bustling in preparation for chicks to hatch mid-month. Clear waters allow undersea specialists to document an array of surprisingly colorful crustaceans, anemones and other creatures.
Essential Experience
Kayaking amid towering icebergs.
Get Close to the Most Incredible Experiences
Take a "fast ice" walk
Get up close with Adélie penguins
Marvel at breaching humpbacks
Spot leopard seals sunning themselves on ice floes
No matter the early season experience, you're always in the front row
And to cap it off, experience life-changing sunsets
Icebreaker Ships: Explore Safely in Extreme Comfort
The powerful ice-class ships in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions polar fleet bring you directly—and safely—into the heart of Antarctica’s icy wilds. Each small, nimble vessel was designed to deliver the finest in polar exploration and is helmed by a veteran “ice master” captain who possesses extensive experience navigating Antarctic waters. This fusion of advanced technology and unrivaled expertise allows National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions to stay flexible, go further and ultimately deliver the most ambitious itineraries available at the bottom of the globe.
National Geographic Resolution
National Geographic Endurance
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