ANTARCTICA SMALL SHIP EXPEDITIONS

‘Explorer II’ is rated one of the best cruise ships in the world
by readers of Conde Nast Traveler

If the thought of an Antarctic cruise holiday makes your teeth chatter, you might be surprised to know that, during A&K's November-to-March season, temperatures usually range between 20º and 45º F. Highs in the 50s are not uncommon. As a rule, the Falkland Islands are a bit warmer, with average highs in the 50s and lows in the 40s to high 30s. Weather on South Georgia Island is harder to predict. Its rugged topography makes for highly changeable weather patterns, with dull rain followed by fine sunny days. Tie your hat on! Sudden, intense katabatic winds and short-lived squalls known locally as "williwaws" are a fact of life on South Georgia.

Sights change rapidly during the austral summer season. Local flora and fauna must pack a lot of living into these few warm months, so each cruise departure is, in effect, travelling to a different Antarctica, Falklands or South Georgia Island. November to early December offer the spectacular courtship rituals of penguins and seabirds, wildflowers on the Falklands and South Georgia, and the highest level of research activity. Mid-December to January see the emergence of penguin chicks and seal pups, escalating whale sightings, and longer days creating incredible light conditions for photography. February to March bring whale sightings at their best, blooming snow algae, and increasingly numerous fur seals on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Though it isn't a passive destination, rest assured that travel to the Deep South doesn't require great physical exertion or feats of special fitness. Your guides know how to bring the incredible within reach for everyone on board, along the Antarctic Peninsula and on the Falklands and South Georgia too.

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To view other Antarctica Expeditions and cruise tours, visit our Antarctica dedicated website: www.escortedantarcticatours.com