Antarctica · Bucket List

Custom tours to Antarctica

The seventh continent, seen from a small expedition ship.

From 12,000/person·Best: November–March (austral summer)
Photo by Alex Bian on Pexels

What is a custom tour to Antarctica?

A custom tour to Antarctica is a private, fully personalized itinerary built around your dates, interests, and budget. Instead of following a fixed group schedule, you work with a local expert to choose experiences like Small-ship expedition ex-Ushuaia, Camping overnight on the ice, and Kayaking among icebergs. Travelers typically spend 7–10 days in Antarctica, visiting in November–March (austral summer), with custom tours starting from around €12,000 per person.

A custom tour to Antarctica is not the same trip as a package. It's designed around you — your pace, your interests, your dates — with a local partner who lives there and knows which streets are worth the walk and which are worth skipping. A custom Antarctica trip books a small ice-class ship ex-Ushuaia, schedules zodiac landings with a naturalist, and (for the committed) camps a night on the ice under a midnight sun.

Antarctica sits in Antarctica, and rewards travelers who go beyond the highlights. Our custom itineraries start with the icons — Small-ship expedition ex-Ushuaia and Zodiac landing with naturalist — then pivot to the kind of local moments that make a trip memorable: a morning with a private guide, a quiet hour at Penguin rookery private before the crowds arrive, and an evening chosen just for you.

Plan for November–March (austral summer) as the best window to visit. A one-week custom trip starts from €12,000 per person, including private guides, curated hotels, and flexible transport — peak weeks cost more, shoulder months less. Antarctica is a premium destination — expect upper-mid-range pricing and book early.

When is the best time to visit Antarctica?

Our recommended months are November–March (austral summer). Here's a month-by-month view with planning notes.

Jan
Low season — best availability and value.
Feb
Low season; quiet and often cheaper.
Mar
Recommended
Shoulder; weather improves.
Apr
Shoulder; ideal weather begins.
May
High shoulder; book early.
Jun
Peak; great weather, higher prices.
Jul
Peak; crowded but vibrant.
Aug
Peak; holiday month in much of Europe.
Sep
High shoulder; our favorite month.
Oct
Shoulder; lovely light and smaller crowds.
Nov
Recommended
Low shoulder; quiet and atmospheric.
Dec
Low season except Christmas and NYE.

Top experiences in Antarctica

Hand-picked moments from our local operators. Every custom tour includes a selection of these, or something better if we find it.

Experience 1
Small-ship expedition ex-Ushuaia
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Antarctica. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.
Experience 2
Zodiac landing with naturalist
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Antarctica. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.
Experience 3
Camping overnight on the ice
The best version of this experience happens after the day-trippers leave. Booked at the golden hour with a local.
Experience 4
Penguin rookery private visits
Reserved, not shared. A private expert guide, a pace that matches you, and access that group tours can't book.
Experience 5
Kayaking among icebergs
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Antarctica. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.
Experience 6
Historic whaling station at Deception
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Antarctica. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.

Sample itineraries

Two starting points — your real itinerary is custom. We build from here.

7-day classic

  1. 1
    Arrive in Antarctica
    Airport meet-and-greet, check-in, and a relaxed orientation walk in the evening. Welcome dinner at a local favourite.
  2. 2
    Small-ship expedition ex-Ushuaia
    Morning focus: Small-ship expedition ex-Ushuaia. Afternoon free — we'll suggest the best coffee spots, bookshops, or a spa slot nearby.
  3. 3
    Zodiac landing with naturalist
    A half-day on Zodiac landing with naturalist, with a long lunch stop built in and the rest of the afternoon yours.
  4. 4
    Camping overnight on the ice
    Full-day experience: Camping overnight on the ice. Evening at leisure — or we can arrange an off-menu dinner.
  5. 5
    Penguin rookery private visits
    Penguin rookery private visits — often the highlight day for most travelers. Private guide and transport throughout.
  6. 6
    Kayaking among icebergs
    Kayaking among icebergs, with an optional food- or culture-focused evening to round things off.
  7. 7
    Departure
    Late check-out, farewell breakfast, and a private transfer to the airport.

14-day deep dive

  1. 1
    Arrive in Antarctica
    Private airport transfer, check-in, welcome dinner at a curated restaurant.
  2. 2
    Small-ship expedition ex-Ushuaia
    Half-day on Small-ship expedition ex-Ushuaia. Afternoon free to settle in.
  3. 3
    Zodiac landing with naturalist
    Full day: Zodiac landing with naturalist, with a long lunch in a neighbourhood you'd never have found alone.
  4. 4
    Local pace day
    A slower day — coffee, markets, a cooking class, or a spa afternoon. Your call.
  5. 5
    Camping overnight on the ice
    Camping overnight on the ice, with time built in for photos and a leisurely stop.
  6. 6
    Half-day leisure
    Sleep in, breakfast slowly, and pick one short activity in the afternoon.
  7. 7
    Penguin rookery private visits
    A full day centred on Penguin rookery private visits.
  8. 8
    Regional extension — travel day
    Transfer to a nearby area chosen for your interests (coast, countryside, or another city).
  9. 9
    Regional extension — highlight
    The signature experience of your extension, with a local guide.
  10. 10
    Regional extension — free
    An open day in the extension — beach, hike, market, or just rest.
  11. 11
    Return to base
    Travel back to Antarctica. Afternoon free.
  12. 12
    Kayaking among icebergs
    Kayaking among icebergs — saved for later in the trip, now that you know the city.
  13. 13
    Historic whaling station at Deception
    Historic whaling station at Deception on your last full day, with a farewell dinner to match.
  14. 14
    Departure
    Private transfer to the airport. We stay in touch after you return.

Practical information

Visa
Same as Argentina (embarkation)
Currency
US dollar (USD) onboard
Language
English (ships)
Timezone
Ship time

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Antarctica?+

The best time to visit Antarctica is November–March (austral summer). These months offer the best balance of weather, availability, and pricing. Peak holiday weeks cost more and get crowded; shoulder months are often our favorite.

How many days do I need in Antarctica?+

Most travelers spend 5–8 days in Antarctica as a single destination, or 10–14 days when combining with nearby regions. A custom tour lets you stretch or compress based on what you want to see.

Do I need a visa to visit Antarctica?+

Same as Argentina (embarkation). Requirements change — always check with the local consulate or your country's travel advisory before booking flights.

How much does a custom tour to Antarctica cost?+

Mid-range custom tours to Antarctica start from around €12,000 per person for a 7-day trip including accommodation, private guides, and transport. Luxury and adventure packages scale from there.

What should I pack for Antarctica?+

Packing depends on season and activities, but always include comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for temperature shifts, a universal adapter, and respectful clothing for religious sites. Your custom itinerary comes with a tailored packing list.

People also ask

  • Is Antarctica safe for tourists?
  • What is the currency in Antarctica?
  • How much should I tip in Antarctica?
  • What is the local language in Antarctica?
  • What are the top things to do in Antarctica?
  • How do I get around in Antarctica?
  • What is the time difference with Antarctica?
  • Can I combine Antarctica with another destination?

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