Wildlife of Antarctica

A cruise to Antarctica is a wildlife watching paradise. Our expedition cruise takes place at Christmas, the summer season in Antarctica. The Antarctic Summer ensures bountiful sunlight and daylight, and the opportunity for a polar plunge into the icy waters of Antarctica. The journey to the Antarctic Peninsula includes guided hikes along large colonies of penguins, unforgettable kayak excursions and breathtaking scenery. Antarctica’s cold temperatures, strong winds and dry air create an extreme habitat for the wildlife. We explore the majestic wildlife of Antarctica and the natural beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Antarctica Cruise

A cruise to Antarctica is a marvelous adventure and a wildlife watching paradise. In the Southern Hemisphere lies Antarctica, the frozen continent and extraordinary natural reserve. Our cruise takes place aboard the National Geographic Orion, a luxurious cruise ship managed by Lindblad-National Geographic. An impressive fleet of cruise ships embarks on faraway journeys to the isolated continent, remote islands and protected nature reserves. The luxurious cabins, spacious lounge and stylish dining venue serving quality cuisine, ensure a comfortable journey. Our expedition cruise takes place at Christmas, the summer season in Antarctica. The Antarctic Summer ensures bountiful sunlight and daylight, and the opportunity for a polar plunge into the icy waters of Antarctica. The journey to the Antarctic Peninsula includes guided hikes along large colonies of penguins, unforgettable kayak excursions and breathtaking scenery.

Antarctica’s cold temperatures, strong winds and very dry air create an extreme habitat for the wildlife. Penguins, seals, whales and seabirds can withstand the cold climate of Antarctica. During our journey, we encounter three species of penguins: Chinstrap, Adélie and Gentoo. Chinstrap penguins have a white face with a thin black line under the chin. Adélie penguins create nests with pebbles and are fast swimmers. Gentoo penguins have red-orange beaks, light orange feet and long tail. Cruising in Zodiac boats, we spot diverse species of seals, resting on the glacier ice, swimming in the water or concealing in the ice caves. Weddell seals have a multi-colored coat, brown, grey or silver with patches. A waterway passage between the Livingstone Island and the Greenwich Island leads to Half Moon Island, a small protected bay with over 4,000 pairs of breeding Chinstrap penguins, congregating during the summer season. A landfall at Devil Island offers a chance to closely observe a colony of 10,000 Adélie penguins. The designated hike route runs along the colony of penguins and guides us to the lookout point overlooking the island. An excursion to Neko Harbour includes ample time to observe a colony of Gentoo penguins and a pleasant hike to the lookout point overlooking Andvord Bay. Neko Harbour is a natural habitat for various bird species, such as kelp gulls, skuas and snowy sheathbills. Paradise Harbour is a pristine embayment with magnificent views of glaciers and icebergs. We steer our Zodiac boats toward the massive glacier wall, observing Weddell and Crabeater seals.