What animals can I see in Antarctica?

A luxury expedition voyage to Antarctica will leave you in awe of the breath-taking scenery – with majestic snow-capped mountains, brilliant blue seas, cobalt-and-white icebergs and towering cliffs. But it’s really the wildlife and animals in Antarctica that people want to see as they sail around this vast white continent. Depending on the time of year will determine what wildlife and animals in Antarctica you will witness.

Penguins in South Georgia

Antarctic Animals

• Adelie Penguins
• Emperor Penguins
• Weddell Seals
• Leopards Seals
• Elephant Seals
• Crabeater Seals
  
• Penguin Rookeries
• King Penguins
• Chinstrap Penguins
  
• Killer Whales
• Albatross
• Dolphins
  

Penguins

Penguins are the kings of Antarctica, as they are perfectly adapted to live in the cold water and the extreme Antarctic habitat. Expect to see Rockhopper penguins in the Falkland Islands, Majestic King Penguins on the mountain slopes of rugged South Georgia, and Adelie penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula. You cans also see macaroni penguins in many locations as well as Gentoo penguins and Emperor penguins.

Seals

Antarctica is home to many different species of seal, however the Crab eater seal is by far the most common. You might be lucky to catch a sighting of the Weddell seals as well as Spotted leopard seals, fur seals and the massive Elephant seals, that weigh several tonnes.

Whales & Dolphins

The ships expedition teams will be constantly scanning the horizon for the tell-tell water spurts that announce the arrival of the everyone’s favourite wildlife encounter – whales. Expect to see humpback whales, blue whales, killer wahles and fin whales from the ships decks and even out on Zodiac excursions. Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins can also be spotted, especially towards the Falklands.

Bird life

Keep your eyes peeled and have those binoculars handy as you can expect to see Wandering albatross, snow petrels, Antarctic skua, blue eyed shags, giant petrels, cape pigeon, snowy sheathbill and arctic terns.

Chinstrap Penguins in Antarctica

Antarctic Animals Calendar

Wondering what wildlife and animals you will see in Antarctica and when? Read below for our guide on the best time to see your favourite Antarctic animals.

November

November see the return of the whales, and it is also the mating season, nest building and egg laying time for Adelie, rock hopper, macaroni, king and chinstrap penguins. Seals are cubbing at this time too, and it's the upbringing season for Gentoo penguins

December

December is the season for the Albatross to start breeding and laying their eggs, as well as cubbing season for the Antarctic fur seal. The penguin chicks are hatching now, so expect to see the young Adelie, chinstrap, macaroni and Gentoo penguins waddling about.

January

The seals give birth this month, so expect pups from the leopard seal and Antarctic fur seal. The wandering albatross and king penguin start breeding, and the chick continue to grow that were born in December

February

The albatross continue to breed in February, long with the Cape Petrel. The penguin chicks continue to grow as well as the seal pups. Great time for whale watching.

Humpback Whale, Antarctica

When is the best time to go to Antarctica?

The typical expedition ship season starts in November and goes through to February, with all ships operating between these times. This is the Austral summer and the best time to see wildlife and the best time of year for daylight!

November can be colder; however the landscapes are pristine with no penguin muck or its associated smell. The polar ice is still breaking up, however wildlife might not be as plentiful as in the later months. December to Early February sees up to 20 hours of daylight per day, and temperatures are at their warmest reaching as much as 34 degrees Fahrenheit or 1 degree Celsius. Most sea-ice would have melted by now too. From mid-February to March is the best time for whale spotting, however other animals may have left. Temperatures drop to about 29 Fahrenheit or -2 degrees Celsius, and most of the snow would have melted, leaving mud and exposed rocks to walk on.

What cruise lines /Expedition lines go to Antarctica?

Some mainstream large cruise ships will offer a "drive by" of Antarctica, which means cruising in the waters but not offering any landings. The expedition cruise operators below all offer zodiac landings with expert guides and expeditions leaders, with no more than 100 guests on the ice/landing at anyone time. All landings are included in your cruise fare.

• Aurora Expeditions
• Crystal Cruises
• G Adventures
• Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
• Hurtigruten
• Lindblad Expeditions / National Geographic
• One Ocean Expeditions
• Ponant
• Poseidon Expeditions
• Quark Expeditions
• Silversea Expeditions

Silversea Expeditions in Antarctica