10 Reasons to Visit Antarctica in Spring

As our summer ends and fall begins, it always brings our thoughts to what is happening in the Southern Hemisphere. Down in Antarctica, the austral winter is ending, and that means spring is on its way!

Spring in Antarctica is one of our favorite times of year – the mountains are covered in pristine snow; wildlife is migrating and feeling amorous, and new icebergs materialize in the icy waters as the region bursts back to life.

Our first two voyages of the season include stops in the Falkland Islands/Malvinas, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula to provide plenty of opportunity to take in every aspect that this lively new season has to offer.

Here are our top 10 reasons why a cruise during Spring in Antarctica is so special:

Spring on South Georgia

1. Wildlife Viewing

Spring in Antarctica offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. Many species are returning from warmer, northern climes to begin mating. Seals arrive every day, penguins head back to their rookeries, and Orca sightings are not uncommon.

2. Penguins, Penguins, Penguins!

We visit Penguin rookeries with hundreds of thousands of birds as they start nesting. Watching Gentoo Penguins build their nests or a King Penguin care for their young is a remarkable experience you’ll never forget.

3. Glorious Mountains

The snow-covered backdrop of South Georgia’s pristine mountain ranges stirs extraordinary emotions when first sighted.

4. Beach Masters

Massive Elephant Seals return to King Edward Point ready for the austral summer and start staking their claims to the beach. Watching the ‘beach masters’ in action will astonish and amaze you (and make you feel small!)

5. The Mighty Albatross

A visit to South Georgia takes us to the legendary breeding spots of the famous Albatross.

A male elephant seal vies for Beach Master

6. Gliding in a Kayak

Sea kayaking with our expert guides allows you to explore the beauty of Spring in Antarctica from a completely different angle.

7. Pristine Snow

Take your photography skills to the next level with our onboard Photographer-in-Residence. You’ll have plenty of subject matter as the wildlife is very active at this time of year and the untouched conditions are very bright and white!

8. First Voyages of the Season

The beginning of the season always marks our renowned Falkland Island, South Georgia and Antarctica itineraries. This is how we kick off the season each year, and you can feel our excitement and enthusiasm to get back to the white continent.

9. Following in the Footsteps of Great Explorers

Our onboard Historians help you dive in and explore the fascinating history of the area, particularly the expeditions of Sir Ernest Shackleton, who is buried on South Georgia alongside his right-hand man Frank Wild.

10. Best of the Southern Hemisphere

With our unprecedented 21- and 22-day itineraries, you get plenty of time to explore the thrilling paradise of South Georgia, as well as the beautiful countryside of the Falkland Islands/Malvinas before you set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula.

A visit to Sir Ernest Shackleton’s grave