Experience Antarctica in Every Season
Rugged, pristine, and full of surprises, Antarctica is a true bucket list destination. No two Seabourn Expedition voyages are the same—wildlife and experiences vary by season, so knowing the seasonal differences can help you make the most of your journey. Seabourn’s Antarctic Expedition season runs during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, and is broken into three seasons: early, mid and late. The experiences you’ll have and the wildlife you’re likely to see on your luxury Seabourn Expedition voyage will vary depending on which time of year you visit. Here’s what you need to know when planning your ideal Antarctic adventure.
Early Season – Between late October and early December, you’ll see more sea ice, increasing your chances of experiencing ice landings. During this season, penguins are especially active, as it is during this time of year that they engage in courtship and nest building. If you’re lucky, you may even catch sight of the rare emperor penguin. Turn your attention from land to sea to spot crabeater seals, the most common seal species in the region, and birds including Cape petrel, wandering albatross, Antarctic prion—all of which can be seen throughout the year.
Mid-Season – Between mid-December and early February, lower levels of ice and snow provide better conditions for shoreside exploration. You’ll also find the weather to be milder and the days longer—in January, you’ll experience almost 24 hours of daylight, giving plenty of time to explore. It’s also a great time to view penguins. Because this season follows their nesting phase, you’re likely to see penguin eggs and chicks. Whale sightings start to pick up during the mid-season, too. You may see killer whales beginning in December, as well as humpback whales, whose numbers will continue to increase until they peak in mid-February. Leopard, Weddell, and crabeater seals are also active during this time.
Late Season – Visitors to Antarctica during the later part of the travel season, between mid-February to late March, will enjoy peak whale activity. Humpback whales feed on the Southern Ocean’s abundant krill and small fish during the Antarctic summer, feeding with gusto before making the long trip to tropical waters to breed. Getting around on land in the late season is easier, as there’s minimal snow at landing sites. This means you can explore further south on both the east and west sides of the Antarctic Peninsula—sites that are often not accessible earlier in the season. It’s also a good time of year to keep an eye out for recently hatched penguin chicks as well as to see Weddell, crabeater seals and Minke whales.
No matter when you visit, you will be surrounded by the unique flora and fauna of this incredible destination. Seabourn's Expeditions are designed to make the most of the seasonal conditions, maximizing your opportunities to see the widest range of wildlife.
Ready to explore Antarctica? Seabourn Expeditions to the region include:
40-Day From the Amazon to South Georgia & The Antarctic
Seabourn Venture | Belem to Ushuaia | Oct 30, 202535-Chilean Fjords & Antarctica
Seabourn Pursuit | Buenos Aires to San Antonio (Santiago) | Feb 26, 202611-Day The Great White Continent
Seabourn Venture | Buenos Aires to Ushuaia | Feb 28, 202611-Day The Great White Continent
Seabourn Venture | Buenos Aires to Ushuaia | Mar 10, 202618-Day Chilean Fjords & Antarctica
Seabourn Pursuit | San Antonio (Santiago) to Ushuaia | Nov 4, 202621-Day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland
Seabourn Venture | Buenos Aires to Ushuaia | Nov 18, 2026
Included on all our Antarctic Expeditions are Zodiac® cruises and landings, hikes and nature walks, daily lectures and briefings from our Expedition Team, and cultural tours. Optional guided Expedition Experiences include submarine tours for greater ocean exploration and kayaking excursions to enjoy a unique vantage point on the seascapes of Antarctica.
Each day of your adventure and exploration, you’ll enjoy the Seabourn All-Inclusive Expedition Difference centered around offering authentic, personalized experiences, all facilitated by a world-class 23-person Expedition Team of academics, scientists, wildlife experts, and naturalists with a passion for providing you with a deeper understanding of the world's most remote regions.
To learn more and get additional details about the wildlife you’re likely to see during a trip to the White Continent read the entire Seasonal Sightings: Antarctic Wildlife Throughout the Year article in Current, our travel blog.
For more information about Seabourn Expeditions to Antarctica, contact a complimentary Seabourn
Personal Cruise Consultant,
your Travel Advisor or call Seabourn