Antarctica in October & November

It's all about having the opportunity to see and experience different things during the different seasons. Traveling to the southern oceans anytime between October - March will be a spectacular adventure. During October and November, you'll have the unique opportunity to see the wildlife in their winter habitat. The penguin nest building and courtship displays are more prominent, and the rookeries are cleaner and more picturesque at this time, as you typically have more snow. The wildlife is a bit more static as they hold to their nest site. Later in the season, the rookeries are more dispersed.

While there is never a guarantee to see particular wildlife, if there are emperor sightings, your best chance may be in the Weddell Sea at Snow Hill Island early in the season, but ship routes are dependent on the sea, weather, and ice floes, so there is no way to know in advance if you will have the opportunity to visit. Anytime we are able to reach this area, or in the deep south on the western side, we focus on searching for the emperors.

Yes, there are opportunities to see whales during October and November. Orcas and minke whales are year-round residents, and fin whales and blue whales can be present in early November.

October-November is one of the best times of year for elephant seals. Their numbers are at their peak at this time, as are their mating, fighting, and pupping behavior. It is a sight to behold to see the beach filled with mass numbers of elephant seals and then watch the king penguins wade through the mayhem and wildness to get to and form their own colonies. You will get a chance to see king penguins in the pristine snow and ice, which is usually gone by December. This contrast makes them look even more like their southern cousins, the emperor penguins, and often provides cleaner backdrops with more contrast for photography. During October and November there is more courtship among the magestic albatross species as well as that of the rockhopper, macaroni, gentoo, king, and chinstrap penguins.

Only during October and November in Antarctica, you are more likely able to cross-country ski and snowshoe. Due to the increased sea ice this time of year, you may have more 'into the ice' opportunities where you can get out on the frozen ocean and walk, hike, and explore. The light and the prolonged hours of twilight during this time of year will contribute to stunning photographic opportunities.

Guests that travel to Antarctica with us have varying photography skills, and by no means is there a skill requirement. One of the great benefits of traveling with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is having Certified Photo Instructors and National Geographic Photography Experts on hand to ask questions and get tips on how to make the most out of your photography whether you have professional equipment or just a smartphone. Also, you have the added benefit of our partnership with OM System which provides rental equipment at your disposal in our onboard photo locker.

We target landings in at least 3 different spots on the Antarctic continent, which is the same as our later season voyages.

Our plan is to visit both the east and west sides of the Antarctica peninsula; however, the Weddell Sea (east) can be very different from year to year and can be highly variable from year to year. Some years it doesn't open at all, and other times not until January.

National Geographic Resolution and National Geographic Endurance both have dedicated solo cabins available, and National Geographic Explorer has cabins that are available for solo travelers.

We will provide you with your very own brand new parka that you will be able to have as a keepsake. Additional gear including boots and waterproof pants can be rented through our partners at Ship2Shore; you can access the rental site through your reservation portal once you confirm a booking. Rental gear and clothing must be reserved at least 30 days prior to departure.

The Peninsula and the South Georgia archipelago are quite mountainous and heavily glaciated; as such, the highest elevation we can expect to gain on any given excursion is no more than 1000 feet (usually much less). The Falklands are largely flat but with a few longer and steeper hikes available at some stops. Overall elevation is under 1000 feet of gain.

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