Land of snow and ice

Explore the Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula, renowned for its majestic ice cliffs and expansive glaciers, is home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. Its relatively temperate climate and extended daylight during the Antarctic summer render it a prime destination for explorers eager to immerse themselves in one of the planet’s most untouched and pristine environments. This region epitomizes Swan Hellenic’s ethos of offering transformative journeys that delve beyond the ordinary, fostering authentic connections with nature and culture.

Discover South Georgia’s untamed beauty

South Georgia, a remote and nearly inaccessible island in the southern Atlantic, is celebrated for its majestic glaciers and abundant wildlife. Despite its isolation, it hosts thousands of penguins and seals, remnants of early 20th-century whaling expeditions. It stands as an unspoiled sanctuary for polar exploration.

Immerse yourself in the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands, positioned in the South Atlantic, are recognized for their rugged terrains and rich birdlife. Hosting vast colonies of Magellanic, Gentoo, and Rockhopper penguins, alongside albatrosses and diverse seabird species, these islands provide exceptional birdwatching opportunities. This remote archipelago offers an unparalleled experience for ornithological enthusiasts.

Witness wildlife

Diverse, unique and undeniably beautiful, Antarctica’s awe-inspiring range of marine wildlife and birds has to be seen to be believed. There’s no other place on Earth where you can witness the majesty of breaching minke and humpback whales, glimpse leopard seals lounging on ice, and watch thousands of penguins nesting in their natural habitat.

Penguins

Antarctica is home to around 12 million penguins, with seven species thriving in the region. On the Antarctic Peninsula, visitors can spot Chinstrap, Gentoo, and Adélie penguins, all uniquely adapted to the harsh environment. South Georgia and the Falklands boast even greater diversity, including Magellanic, King, Macaroni, and Rockhopper penguins, making every encounter unforgettable.

Birds

Bird enthusiasts will find the Southern Ocean teeming with life – over 45 bird species, from terns and petrels to skuas and shearwaters. Albatrosses, with their impressive 3.35-metre wingspans, are a highlight. In Antarctica, you’ll encounter sheathbills and various petrels, while South Georgia and the Falklands offer even more diversity, including albatrosses, prions, gulls, blue-eyed shags, and terns.

Seal

Seals are a highlight of Antarctic wildlife, with Weddell, crabeater, leopard, fur, and elephant seals all present in the region. South Georgia and the Falklands stand out for their large populations of fur and elephant seals, as well as South American sea lions, adding to the diversity of marine life.

Whales

From mid-December to mid-February, humpback whales return to Antarctica, where temperatures hover around 40°F (5°C) and daylight extends up to 22 hours. Whether from the comfort of your expedition vessel or a Zodiac boat at water level, witnessing whales in Antarctica is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime experience, providing an unparalleled opportunity for intimate encounters with nature.

Engage in expedition activities

Remote, wild, and endlessly exhilarating, our expedition activities bring you closer to Antarctica’s breathtaking landscapes. Cruise through icy waters by Zodiac, hike across pristine terrain, or glide in silent awe by kayak or snowshoe. Onboard, deepen your experience with hands-on Citizen Science, expert-led lectures, and fascinating discoveries in our Expedition Laboratory.

Zodiac Cruising

Our fleet of small, open-air Zodiac boats provides safe, sturdy access to Antarctica’s dramatic coastlines, ice formations, and wildlife. Specially designed for harsh conditions, these nimble vessels let you experience the region up close, with expert guides interpreting the wonders around you.

Land on new shores

Landing ashore by Zodiac in the Antarctic or sub-Antarctic is always thrilling. Weather can be unpredictable and rides may be lively, but our expert expedition team ensures a safe arrival, bringing you close to incredible wildlife, ice, and mountains.

Explore on foot

Hiking in Antarctica is rare due to rugged terrain and snow, but whenever conditions allow, we make the most of it. There are no marked trails, but our expert guides lead the way and share their insights to enhance your experience.

Trek on snowshoes

When conditions allow it, our guides lead snowshoe walks across snow-covered Antarctic landscapes. The crisp air and crunch of snow underfoot create a truly memorable adventure.

Kayak the waters

Experience the serene silence of Antarctica by kayaking among icebergs and wildlife, guided by an expert for an intimate and tranquil adventure.

Expand your knowledge

Your Swan Hellenic voyage offers true immersion, with expert-led lectures and daily briefings that deepen your understanding of each destination’s history, culture, wildlife, and landscapes. Recaps after each outing let you share experiences and insights with fellow explorers in a relaxed environment.

Join citizen science

Climate change poses major challenges to the polar regions, making research crucial. By joining our onboard Citizen Science Programme, you can help collect valuable data and support climate and wildlife studies – contributing directly to real science and the protection of these precious environments.

When the field becomes the lab

This is where Citizen Science truly comes to life. Step into our Expedition Laboratory to engage with esteemed guest researchers, delve into the significance of pioneering scientific endeavors, and actively participate in hands-on research that advances our understanding of the polar regions.

Unlock our library, a gateaway to discovery

Browse a curated collection spanning history, geography, biology, and travel – an inspiring space to dive deeper into the world around you.