1. How to visit Antarctica
2. How cold is Antarctica?
3. Is Antarctica a desert?
4. Most picturesque locations across Antarctica
5. Snow Hill Island
6. Lemaire Channel
7. Deception Island
8. Gold Harbour
9. Photography tips
10. Antarctica cruises with Scenic
11. Featured itineraries
12. Antarctica brochure
13. Explore videos

The ultimate way to experience an extraordinary journey to Antarctica is by ship in ultra-luxury. Scenic’s Discovery Yachts are specially designed for the journey, featuring state-of-the-art technology and a Polar Class 6-rating. Allowing Scenic Eclipse to effortlessly seamlessly navigate the Antarctic waters, including the formidable Drake Passage in safety and in comfort.

Relax in the comfort of your luxurious suite with butler service, perfect for watching the amazing wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes. Visit during the Antarctic summer, from November to March, when there’s plenty of daylight and the opportunity to see wildlife. This is the best time to see up a variety of different penguin species.

Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth and can experience extreme temperature drops. With its higher elevation, East Antarctica is notably colder than the West, creating a truly unique environment.

In 1983, Antarctica set the record for the lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth, plunging to a staggering -89.2°C. However, Scenic Eclipse voyages take place during the Antarctic summer, where temperatures are more moderate, averaging between -2°C to 5°C.

To keep you comfortable, guests on each Scenic Eclipse Expedition Voyage cruise receive a parka, which you can keep as a memento of your journey. Additionally, we equip you with specialised polar boots for all onshore excursions and dry suits for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, ensuring you are well-prepared to explore the stunning landscapes.

Antarctica, classified as a polar desert, is the largest desert on Earth, spanning an astonishing 5.5 million square miles. This vast area receives only 150 mm of water each year, mostly as snow, making it drier than the Sahara and one of the driest places on the planet.

One of the driest areas within this icy realm is the McMurdo Dry Valleys, where some areas have never recorded precipitation. You can reach these valleys only by helicopter^.

Experience the unparalleled beauty of East Antarctica with Scenic Eclipse’s exclusive helicopter^ excursions, letting you soar over these magnificent landscapes and see the McMurdo Dry Valleys from a bird’s-eye view in the months of January and February.   

Antarctica has an array of breathtaking locations that create unforgettable experiences. Here are some of our top must-see spots for your Antarctic cruise: 

Discover the charm of Snow Hill Island, a gem in the Weddell Sea. This island is celebrated for its pristine snow coverage and its status as a prime breeding ground for Emperor penguins.

In March, the Emperor penguins of Snow Hill Island begin their mating season. By the time the Antarctic cruise season starts in November, their adorable chicks have hatched and are at their cutest.

As a Scenic Eclipse guest, at the start of the season from October to early December, you can embark on a helicopter^ excursion and land on Snow Hill Island for an unforgettable experience. Witness the Emperor penguins and their chicks in their natural snowy habitat, creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

Get your camera ready for an amazing trip through the Lemaire Channel, also known as ‘Kodak Alley’ for its stunning views. As you sail through this 11 km-long icy passage between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful scenery.

Enjoy the dramatic cliffs and blue icebergs as you glide over calm waters – a rare sight in the often-stormy southern seas. Experience this incredible natural beauty and many other fantastic southern landscapes on your next Antarctica cruise.

One of the most remarkable highlights of an Antarctic expedition is the mesmerising Deception Island. This unique destination, with its distinctive horseshoe shape, is one of the rare places on Earth where ships can navigate into the heart of a submerged caldera of an active volcano.

Nestled within the Bransfield Strait, also known as the Fleet Sea, Deception Island offers a superb experience. As Scenic Eclipse glides into Port Foster, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking vistas of Mount Kirkwood and the striking Sewing-Machine Needles.

You can visit Deception Island as part of many of our voyages. 

As we approach the shores of South Georgia, get ready to be amazed by the beauty of Gold Harbour. Known as one of the most picturesque spots in the area, the glacier-covered peaks of the Salvesen Range surround it. For history enthusiasts, Gold Harbour offers a poignant connection to the past, being the final resting place of the legendary polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. This special place offers a unique mix of natural beauty and historical significance. 

You can capture the breathtaking landscapes and captivating wildlife with your camera or mobile phone. Here are some simple tips to help you get the perfect shot in the unique conditions of the White Continent:

Dry Bags: Protect your camera from water during your zodiac and kayak excursions, and from condensation caused by temperature changes between the ship and the cold outside.

Multiple Camera Bodies: With so much to see, you might be photographing a glacier one moment and a humpback whale the next. Switching lenses in freezing conditions can be risky, so we recommend bring multiple camera bodies, if possible, to capture every moment seamlessly.

Spare Batteries: Cold temperatures can drain your camera batteries quickly. Pack extras to ensure you get every shot.

Patience Pays Off: When photographing wildlife, staying still can get results. This ensures that you don’t startle the animals you’re trying to capture, plus a stable camera gives you a better chance of getting crisp photographs with no blur.

Using a Tripod: Tripods can be heavy and unnecessary in Antarctica’s great lighting. Travel light and focus on the moment. However, if you’re keen to capture the night sky or dramatic landscapes on your cruise, bringing a compact travel tripod to use on board may be beneficial.

Polarising Lens Filter: This is a must-have for reducing glare from the snow and sea and enhancing the vibrant colours of your surroundings.

Using your Phone: If you’re not planning to bring specialist camera equipment, your smartphone is a fantastic way to get plenty of pictures. Make sure you bring yours, and ensure it has plenty of storage space before you leave.

Here are some additional tips to help get the most out of your smartphone:

• Wipe the lens when taking out from your pocket, ensure you use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the lens  
• Tap the screen to focus the shot, and turn on the grid if available in your settings to easily align your subject matter
• Avoid shooting into the sun to reduce lens flare
• Get familiar with the ‘night mode’ setting if available on your smartphone, this is a great option for capturing stars and night sky 
• Take videos – nothing relives the moment like a video. Mix up capturing photos and videos so you have some beautiful moments to reflect on. Videos between 15-60 seconds are ideal to avoid taking up too much storage 

Set sail on a Scenic Eclipse Expedition Voyage and indulge in 6-star all-inclusive ultra-luxury. Marvel at breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife as you experience the journey of a lifetime to remarkable polar destinations.

Plan your ultra-luxury Expedition cruise today.