The Best Antarctica Cruise Excursions

Planning the best Antarctica expedition cruise takes some effort - from selecting the perfect itinerary to working out when to go, there’s nothing more fun than researching for your upcoming Polar adventure! However, it’s also worth considering the best Antarctica cruise excursions to participate in.

Almost all Antarctica excursions are included in your expedition cruise fare, other than several paid optional activities. Unlike traditional cruising, daily activities like onboard lectures, zodiac cruises, and guided shore landings are included. Expedition ships offer an array of activities though, so you can easily personalise your trip to suit your interests and activity level.

To help inspire you with your trip planning, here are the best Antarctica cruise excursions that you might get to enjoy on your voyage!

Antarctic zodiac cruising

One of the absolutely best things to do on your Antarctic cruise is zodiac cruising! Zodiacs are small, inflatable boats with outboard motors. They’re used not only for taking passengers from the ship to shore, but also for educational sightseeing cruises, led by your expedition guide.

You’ll cruise through quiet bays and inlets, observing wildlife, listening to the crackle of sea ice, and observing Antarctica from the water level, providing an immersive experience like no other.

As long as the weather permits, your crew will aim for two zodiac cruises or shore landings each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. 

Cost: Included in all Chimu Antarctic expedition cruises

Antarctic shore landings

There is nothing like setting foot on the Antarctic continent for the first time! Shore landings may vary in length, from around 90 minutes to several hours, and are an opportunity to explore the landing site, observe wildlife, and take photos and videos.

Before each Antarctic landing site visit, your expedition team will let you know what to expect and what wildlife you may see. They’ll also use poles to mark out where it is safe to walk and where to avoid, ensuring all visitors remain a safe distance from any wildlife or fragile historical places.

Cost: Included in all Chimu Antarctic expedition cruises

Citizen science programs

Antarctic citizen science programs allow travellers to contribute to scientific research by collecting vital data and sharing that knowledge with researchers. Chimu’s operating partners contribute to the Polar Collective, a non-profit organisation that connects researchers with travellers through a range of citizen science activities. 

Through projects like collecting water samples, observing cloud patterns, and photographing whales, you can help scientists better understand Antarctica.

Your expedition team will let you know which citizen science programs are being done onboard, along with all of the details on how you can join in.

Cost: Included in all Chimu Antarctic expedition cruises

Guided nature walks or hikes

Depending on the landing site, one of your expedition guides may offer a hike or nature walk. This is a fun opportunity to learn from a Polar expert about the place you’re visiting and is often tailored to the guide’s background.

For example, if there is a geologist onboard, they may offer a short walk to learn about the rock formations on a cliffside.

Even if a formal nature walk isn’t scheduled, your expedition crew will be stationed throughout the landing site you’re visiting and are always happy to answer any questions or provide more details about the location and wildlife.

Cost: Included in all Chimu Antarctic expedition cruises but limited places available, your crew will let you know how you can sign up.

Fortuna Bay to Stromness hike and the Alpine Crossing

Follow in the footsteps of renowned Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton on the 6km Fortuna Bay to Stromness hike within South Georgia. Over rugged coastline and windswept beaches, you’ll retrace part of the path taken by Shackleton and some of his crew as they sought help after their ship was crushed in sea ice in 1916.

If the weather is suitable, this hike may be offered during your time in South Georgia.

Sometimes, special cruises to South Georgia will offer the chance to undertake the complete Alpine Crossing taken by Shackleton. This covers approximately 35.5 km and takes 2-3 days, an incredible opportunity for hiking and history enthusiasts.

Cost: Fortuna Bay to Stromness is included (weather permitting) on cruises that visit South Georgia. The Alpine Crossing is only available on select departures and is an additional cost.

Research station visits in Antarctica

Some Antarctic cruises may visit a research station, which may be currently in operation or closed. These may include Vernadsky Station (Ukraine), Almirante Brown Antarctic Base (Argentina), and Gabriel de Castilla Station (Spain).

Depending on the base and whether or not it’s currently staffed, there may be a chance to go inside and meet some of the occupants, who are there to conduct scientific research for their country.

Cost: Included in all Chimu Antarctic expedition cruises, but may not be available on all cruises.

Polar kayaking

Kayaking through the icy Antarctic waters is often a highlight for many Polar visitors. Generally, there are two options when it comes to kayaking in Antarctica: you can sign up for a comprehensive sea kayaking program, which will allow you to kayak daily (weather permitting), or a one-off kayaking session, allowing you to kayak once on your journey.

Kayaking is extremely popular, with limited places available per voyage, so it’s best to book in advance. With both kayaking options, you’ll be provided with a dry suit to wear and your guides will give instructions on how to dress.

Cost: Kayaking is available at an additional cost, approximately $350 USD for day paddle and $1,195 USD for the comprehensive kayaking program. Some voyages may offer a complimentary day paddle.

Ice camping

If you just can’t have enough time on the ice, camping may be your top Antarctic activity! Antarctic camping gives you the once-in-a-lifetime chance to spend the night outside in Antarctica, wrapped up in a very warm sleeping bag and bivy bag.

Whether you want to try and get sleep or want to stay awake as much as you can, taking in the sights and sounds of Antarctica, there’s truly nothing like it.

Cost: Antarctic camping is available at an additional cost of approximately $395 USD per person but may not be available on early or late season voyages.

Polar Plunge

One of the time-honoured traditions of visiting Antarctica is taking the Polar Plunge! Jumping into the icy-cold Antarctic waters will invigorate you like nothing else, plus will create some epic photo memories.

Most expedition cruises offer the chance to take the Polar Plunge during your journey — we highly recommend warming up afterwards with some time in the sauna.

Cost: Included in all Chimu Antarctic expedition cruises.

Antarctic snorkelling or scuba diving

It isn't something offered by all Antarctic cruise operators, but a few Antarctic operators offer the chance to either snorkel or scuba dive in Antarctica. You’ll see the pristine blue waters of the Antarctic Peninsula in a completely different light, popular with underwater photographers as well.

Dry suit experience is required and scuba divers need a minimum of advanced open water certification.

Cost: Snorkelling and scuba diving is available at an additional cost, approximately $800 USD for snorkelling and $1,200 USD for scuba diving.

Port Lockroy

Affectionately known as the Penguin Post Office, Port Lockroy is the first permanent British base in Antarctica. It’s managed by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust and has several staff members who spend the summer season there.

It’s one of the most popular places to visit on an Antarctic cruise, currently operating as a living museum and functional post office - it may take some time to arrive, but yes, you can mail a postcard back home!

The base was originally built in 1944, and a visit offers interesting knowledge on the history of Antarctic research and exploration. Oh, and it’s home to a huge colony of gentoo penguins as well.

Cost: Included in your Chimu expedition cruise, but due to daily visitor limits, not all cruises will be able to visit Port Lockroy.

Stanley, Falkland Islands

If you’re on an Antarctic cruise that visits the Falkland Islands, you’re likely to spend a day in port in the lovely town of Stanley. This small capital city feels very British, complete with red phone booths and a fish and chips shop.

You’ll have free time in town, or you may enjoy a guided tour of the town with a guide. Highlights include the Falklands War Memorial, Anglican Christ Church Cathedral, and a few local pubs.

Just a few miles from Stanley is Gypsy Cove, home to a breeding colony of Magellanic penguins.

Cost: Included in your Chimu expedition cruise to the Falkland Islands, but you may want to bring some spending money (in GBP) for any shop or restaurant purchases.

Grytviken, South Georgia

On your South Georgia expedition cruise, usually combined with time in both Antarctica and the Falkland Islands, a visit to Grytviken is a wonderful introduction to South Georgia’s history.

Originally established as a whaling base, it’s also the final resting place of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can also visit the gorgeous Norwegian Lutheran Church and the South Georgia Museum.

Wildlife can be found all over South Georgia, including around Grytviken, so keep your eyes peeled for seabirds, whales, seals, and penguins.

Cost: Included in your Chimu expedition cruise to South Georgia

St. Andrews Bay & Salisbury Plain, South Georgia

Two of the most popular places to see wildlife on your South Georgia cruise include St. Andrews Bay & Salisbury Plain. Both are home to huge breeding colonies of king penguins, along with elephant seals and fur seals.

Whether explored on land or via a coastal zodiac cruise, the variety and abundance of wildlife in South Georgia is unlike anywhere else. Both also feature iconic black sand, a result of ancient volcanic activity.

Cost: Included in your Chimu expedition cruise to South Georgia

Gold Harbour, South Georgia

One of the most beautiful South Georgia expedition excursions is Gold Harbour, a small bay surrounded by the Salvesen Mountains. You can view the Bertrab Glacier here, but this location is also a fantastic place for observing wildlife, including king penguins, a smaller colony of gentoo penguins, and elephant seals.

Cost: Included in your Chimu expedition cruise to South Georgia

These are just a fraction of some of the best Antarctica expedition excursions out there! There are many more stunning landing sites and locations that you may have the opportunity to visit. The nature of expedition cruising means that each day’s plans may vary at the last minute, but keep an open mind - your crew will ensure each day is maximised and will come up with the best plan based on weather conditions, wildlife sightings, and consultation with the ship’s captain.

Please note that all pricing listed above is approximate as of the 2026/2027 season but is subject to change and availability is limited.

If you have questions about planning your expedition cruise and where it might visit, please get in touch!

Our experienced team of Destination Specialists are here to help you plan your perfect Antarctic cruise.