There are places where time seems to stand still, where the landscape feels untouched, like the first mornings of the world. Travelling to Antarctica is stepping into a vast, silent white wilderness. From the shimmer of the sea ice to the deep blue of ancient glaciers, this last great frontier invites quiet discovery.
One of the first questions people ask is how to get there, as well as when to go and what can be seen at different times of the season. This is where our team comes in, offering guidance on the different ways to reach Antarctica and helping you find the right option, with the flexibility to choose the best expedition route.
Fly, Cruise or Both? How to Reach the White Continent
There are several ways to reach the continent, including fly-in and fly-out, fly/cruise, or cruise only. What sets each option apart is the experience it offers along the way.
- Fly-in & Fly-out
Antarctica sits high on many travel bucket lists, but stories of the rough Drake Passage can put some people off. With Silversea, travel is made easier, offering an alternative way to reach the region instead of flying to Ushuaia in Argentina and spending up to two days each way crossing the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula.
There’s no need to worry about that, as a domestic flight from Santiago to Puerto Williams is included, along with an overnight stay at Silversea’s new The Cormorant at 55 South. This is followed by a charter flight from Puerto Williams directly to King George Island, where you board the Silver Endeavour refreshed and ready to begin exploring.
From there, you can enjoy 6 days cruising through the Antarctic Sound, Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Discover icebergs, huge glaciers and impressive mountain scenery, with opportunities to see penguins, albatrosses and other wildlife. Choose from a range of excursions, including hiking or Zodiac cruises with the expert Silversea expedition team.
On board, everything is taken care of, with comfortable staterooms, attentive service and excellent dining throughout the voyage.
At the end of the cruise, a charter flight takes you directly to Puerto Williams for an overnight stay at The Cormorant at 55 South. The next day, a second charter flight returns to Santiago.
This is a truly special way to experience the destination. It’s still a relatively unknown option, offering an efficient journey that is still full of wonder and awe.
If you’ve dreamed of visiting Antarctica but crossing the Drake Passage puts you off, “King George Island to King George Island” could be the perfect option. Departures are available from 2026 to 2028.
For a longer Antarctica experience that includes crossing the Drake Passage, this journey offers a more in-depth experience with departures from Puerto Williams.
Our Ultimate Packages “Antarctic Sounds to Atacama Sands 2026” and “Antarctica to Atacama 2027” combine Antarctica with the highlights of Chile, with departures in December 2026 and February 2027.
Begin with incredible experiences in the Atacama Desert, from unwinding in the relaxing Hot Springs nourished by underwater thermal pools believed to have curative properties for rheumatic diseases, to exploring the spectacular Andean mountain range, Atacama Salt Lake, Lascar Volcano and Moon Valley, where martian-like rock formations and salt caverns create dramatic landscapes. Discover the Atacama Salt Plains and lagoons, home to roaming flamingos as well as the impressive Tatio Geysers and geothermal fields.
A domestic flight returns you to Santiago, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay before joining your Silversea group for a charter flight to Puerto Williams and boarding your ship. From there, embark on a 10-day expedition aboard the Silver Cloud, spending your days spotting wildlife, exploring with the expedition team and taking in the beauty of Antarctica.
At the end of the cruise, return to Santiago by charter flight for a final overnight stay before any onward travel plans.
For those looking for a different pace, Antarctica can also be reached by combining a flight, a stay and a cruise.
- Fly-in, Stay and Cruise
Another way to discover the White Continent, with a more classic approach, is through a combination of flights and expedition cruising.
Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, then board Le Boréal for an 11-day journey. From here, you’ll cross the Drake Passage and enter a world of ice in all its forms — from drifting icebergs to vast glaciers and distant sea ice. Along the way, expert naturalists share insights into this unique environment.
Spend six days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, with daily outings by Zodiac or kayak. You may see penguins, seals and a wide range of wildlife, all set against polar landscapes.
After the cruise, return to Buenos Aires for the second part of the journey. Enjoy six nights in the city, with a mix of guided experiences including a city tour, tango class, cooking class and visits to local highlights.
This package, “From Buenos Aires to the Antarctic Ice”, combines an all-inclusive expedition cruise with time to experience Argentina’s culture and energy. Departures are available from November 2027 to March 2028.
For a more traditional expedition experience, travelling entirely by sea is also the way to go.
- Cruise Only
For a more traditional expedition, travel entirely by sea with a round-trip journey from Ushuaia.
Sail across the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula on an 11-day expedition aboard Ponant ships such as L’Austral or Le Boréal. At the meeting point of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, you’ll experience the famous Drake Passage, known for its strong winds and powerful waves.
Longer itineraries are also available, including the Falkland Islands and the South Shetland Islands. Daily Zodiac outings bring you close to penguins, seals, whales and seabirds, while the landscapes range from towering glaciers to ice-filled bays.
For those wanting more time to take it all in, the “Emblematic Antarctica” itinerary is a great option, with selected departures in 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Knowing how to travel to the White Continent is one part of the journey, but another key question is when to go and what can be experienced at different times of the season.
Antarctica Through the Season: When to Go and What to See
Antarctica is open to visitors for about four months of the year, and each stage of the season offers something different. As the summer progresses, the landscapes, wildlife and light change constantly, revealing a new side of the White Continent.
- Early Season: October to November
At the start of the season, everything feels fresh and untouched. Snow is still pristine and the ice begins to break up, opening up the coastline. Wildlife returns in large numbers, with seals, penguins and seabirds becoming more active. Penguins start nesting and laying eggs, while whales and other marine life begin to appear in the surrounding waters. This is also a great time to visit subantarctic islands such as South Georgia, where wildlife activity begins to build and huge colonies come to life.
- Peak Summer: December to January
This is the height of the Antarctic summer. Days are long, temperatures are at their mildest, and wildlife is at its most active. Penguin chicks grow in the colonies, seabirds defend their nests, and seals rest along the ice and shorelines. Whales, including orcas and minke whales, are often seen feeding in rich waters. With calmer seas and open conditions, this is one of the best times to explore deep into the Antarctic Peninsula and even towards the Polar Circle.
- Late Season: February
As summer begins to fade, the landscape starts to open up even more. Ice levels drop, revealing hidden coastlines, mountains and volcanic terrain. Young wildlife prepares for life at sea, while whale sightings often peak before migration begins. Conditions can allow access to more remote areas, offering a sense of discovery as the continent feels quieter and more spacious.
- End of Season: March
By March, Antarctica becomes calmer and more reflective. Wildlife is still present, especially whales, and many young animals are now independent. Subantarctic islands remain a highlight, with large colonies of seals and penguins set against dramatic landscapes. The light softens, the air feels cooler, and the season slowly comes to an end.
Each Antarctic voyage is different and excursions are tailored to make the most of the moment depending on what wildlife viewing opportunities are available.
Whether by sea, air or a combination of both, how would you choose to experience Antarctica? All our ultimate Antarctica packages for 2026, 2027 and 2028 are available here.
