The "best" time is different for everyone, Silversea gives you the choice of when—during the Southern Hemisphere summer months from October to March, each period offers unique opportunities, from breeding cycles to vibrant wildlife activity. Despite its' icy landscape, the Antarctica summer temperatures are surprisingly warmer than most winter temperatures experienced at the same time in the Northern Hemisphere.
As winter recedes, Antarctica is at its most pristine and the peninsula becomes more accessible. Always with safety as the number one priority, the earliest stage of the season can offer the highest likelihood of a landing on sea ice. From a wildlife perspective, witness penguin courtship rituals and nest building, seals basking in the sun, and migratory birds arriving. Explore spectacular snow-draped landscapes and icy waters.
Witness the arrival of penguin chicks and the rhythms of life in large colonies. Increased marine mammal activity spotting mother and calf humpback pairs as they migrate south to feed. This is the peak of the austral summer, offering your warmest temperatures and nearly 24 hours of light.
Experience peak activity at the rookeries as penguin chicks grow and explore, and whales are at their most abundant and active. The ice begins to retreat, revealing more of the rugged coastline and the days start to shorten, providing stunning sunrises and sunsets, marking the transition towards winter.
A 10–12-day journey, crossing The Drake Passage to witness giant glaciers, snow-covered mountains, deep blue waters and icebergs of every conceivable size and shape.
A 15–20-day deeper exploration to follow the great explorers to uncover more landscapes, unique vegetation, abundant wildlife, history and life at the end of the world.
This 6-day journey or 15-day exploration is your fast track to the Last Continent, flying you directly there and back to reduce the number of days spent travelling.
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Starting in 2026, guests embarking on an Antarctica Fly Cruise will begin their Expedition with the signature Silversea hospitality — at The Cormorant at 55 South. The new hotel offers 150 beautifully appointed rooms, inviting you to recharge before your most exciting adventure yet.
Peninsula & South Shetland Islands: Adelie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo Penguins; Leopard, Crabeater, and Weddell Seals
Falklands (Port Stanley & Outer Islands): Rockhopper, Magellanic Penguins; Black Browed Albatross
South Georgia: King, Macaroni, and Rockhopper Penguins; various species of Albatross; Fur and Elephant Seals; Grytviken gravesite toast to Sir Ernest Shackelton
Need help sorting through the many options?
Silversea's three ice-class ships give you privileged access to Antarctica with our industry-leading guide-to-guest and zodiac-to-guest ratios, which aim to provide simultaneous off-ship exploration and maximize time spent immersed in the heart of the destination.
Silversea includes everything from the operationally required pre- and post-cruise elements—hotels, charter flights, transfers—to all of your off-ship expedition activities, and essential gear like a parka, backpack and reusable water bottle, ensuring you are fully prepared for the adventure
Your every need anticipated and every wish fulfilled, thanks to the highest staff-to-guest ratio at sea including 24-hour butler service – ensuring you the most comfortable and memorable experience.
See the difference with a Silversea suite: more stylish, more sophisticated, more you. All with ocean views and most opening onto a private teak veranda, for a panorama of the splendid beauty.
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