Cruises to Antarctica operate during the austral summer, early November to late March. There is no ‘best’ time to go within this period, although the different months do have unique characteristics.
November is the courting season for penguins and sea birds whilst spring wildflowers are in bloom on the Falkland Islands and the spring ice is breaking up, creating sculptured shapes. In December and January, the first seal pups and penguin chicks are born on South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, whales are starting to appear more frequently, and the days are at their longest. By February and March whale sighting is at its best and the penguin chicks are beginning to fledge, building up their strength for the long winter ahead.