Antarctica

Antarctica Tours and Adventures

Antarctica covers an area of 5.5 million square miles. That’s twice the size of Australia and larger than the United States of America and Mexico combined. On this expansive continent, there are hundreds of different animal species, including 46 species of bird, 10 cetaceans (including killer whales and humpback whales), six species of seal, and seven Antarctic penguin species. Ready to see and experience it all? When you sign up for one of Road Scholar's Antarctic cruises, you can! 

Can you imagine floating on a kayak far below the towering neon blue icebergs, where most people never even imagine going, or seeing thousands of curious chinstrap penguins? On our  Antarctica expedition, you’ll have an adventure camping on the frozen continent surrounded by silence.

Choose to be one of the lucky ones to explore this incredible polar region with Road Scholar on its Antarctica tour into the great expanse. We currently offer two unique Antarctica tours: our “Land Ho!” tour, which lasts two weeks, and our Beyond Antarctica tour, which lasts 24 days. Each of these Antarctic cruises will sweep you away into a world of ice and beauty that will create memories for a lifetime. 

Explore Antarctica 

Beyond Antarctica Tour

Sail to the Antarctic on a 24-day epic expedition starting in Buenos Aires and sailing from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage to Antarctica. Adventure travelers will visit the South Shetland Islands, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia, learning about the wildlife and geologic forces that shaped Antarctica.

Sail past towering icebergs and hop into a zodiac or kayak to get up close and personal with penguins waddling through the snow and seals snoozing on the sea ice. 

Road Scholar has chosen seasoned experts to navigate Antarctica — while you sightsee past whales feeding in rich waters, you'll enjoy lectures about geology, wildlife, and issues facing the Antarctic.

This amazing Antarctic trip includes visits to:

• Buenos Aires

• Ushuaia

• Tierra del Fuego National Park

• Drake Passage

• King George Island

• Antarctic Sound

• Antarctic Peninsula

• South Georgia Islands

• Falkland Islands

Otherworldly Antarctica

Road Scholar has created an amazing adventure in Antarctica on a 14-day tour that takes you on an afloat study cruise to a fascinating and faraway land. Journey on a ship to the planet's farthest reaches, where icebergs float in frigid waters and penguins waddle freely on the expanse of frozen land.

This Antarctica expedition will venture across the Drake Passage —travelers will see wandering black-browed and light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Prions, and Cap Petrels, among other species of seabirds.

Explore Antarctica and its volcanic islands and iceberg-filled bays of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Join Road Scholar’s seasoned naturalists and biologists as they explain the geological wonders and introduce you to the unusual wildlife that calls Antarctica home.   

This expedition includes visits to:

• Ushuaia

• Tierra del Fuego

• Drake Passage

• South Shetland Islands

• Antarctic Peninsula

Experience Travel With Road Scholar

At Road Scholar, we offer a wide range of trips through Antarctica, where our guests will enjoy a spectacular adventure; leave all the planning and work to us! Enjoy spirited conversations and educational lessons on Road Scholar tours that are perfect for seniors, families, and solo travelers.

Book your travel and learn more with Road Scholar today.

Antarctica Cruises FAQs

Are Antarctica cruises for seniors?

Absolutely! Our Antarctica tours are designed for all ages, including active senior citizens. Keep in mind that both tours include moderate-level activities, including walking up to two miles and over varied terrain. You’ll need to feel comfortable going up and down stairs to get on and off the boat.

If that sounds good to you, then welcome aboard! Our Antarctica cruises provide a great escape for older Americans who want to explore more of the natural world or travel off the beaten path.

What should I pack for an Antarctica trip?

Layers, layers, layers! Staying comfortable in Antarctica is all about bringing (and using) the right layers. As you can imagine, even in the summer, the temperature hovers around zero in this part of the world.

You’ll want to bring base layers, mid layers, and outer layers of clothing. It’s a good idea to spend a little more to invest in high-quality clothing. We strongly recommend good quality parkas and waterproof pants for your outer layer. Consider purchasing a parka with a removable liner, as you might be surprised at how warm you can feel during activities.

Other items you’ll want to bring include:

• Waterproof hiking boots

• Waterproof gloves

• Over-glove mittens

• Winter hats (Ear flaps are a good idea!)

• Sunglasses with UV protection

• Wool thermal socks

• Cold weather face masks

• Sunscreen (Yes, you can still get burned!)

• Moisturizer

• Chapstick

• Chargers for your phone and other devices

• Waterproof bags for your electronics

• Your passport

Finally, pack some ship wear, including sweaters, t-shirts, and comfortable pants. 

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on an Antarctica expedition?

Every trip to Antarctica is different. Some expeditions encounter more animals than others. That said, our Antarctic cruises often encounter penguins, seals, and whales, just to name a few.

Your experienced guides will bring you to the places where you’ll have the best chance to see wildlife in its natural environment. They'll answer your questions and tell you all about the amazing creatures that call the Arctic tundra home, and you’ll also get to see amazing geology and some of the planet’s most unique ecosystems.