Lately, many friends have been asking Summer: Is it still possible to visit Antarctica in February and March?
What can you see in Antarctica during these months?
Whales! A variety of whales!
February and March are the ideal months for whale watching. You’re almost guaranteed to spot humpback whales. What’s more, humpback whales tend to become more curious in March. But what does that mean exactly?
The Zodiac boat Summer was on at the time was surrounded by two incredibly curious humpback whales. They kept circling our boat, almost as if they were playing with us!
An Italian lady on board was completely astonished by this close encounter and kept shouting, “Mamma mia!” .
Before long, the guide’s radio crackled with the call for us to return to the ship. We were all getting ready to leave, but the humpback whales clearly weren’t ready to say goodbye yet!
If you’re lucky, witnessing a humpback whale breaching out of the water is far from rare.
What types of whales can you see in Antarctica?
- Humpback Whales
The most commonly spotted whales during Antarctic trips. They’re highly curious and love to “play” with visitors.
- The Fiercest: Orcas
Summer remembers attending a lecture on the ship in Antarctica that detailed how orca families work together as a team to hunt. Compared to other whales, orcas have highly developed brains and exceptional teamwork skills. Even more impressive (and a bit scary), they know how to train each other!
They may look goofy on the outside, but orcas—why are you so powerful?
- Blue Whales
The largest animals on Earth. Unfortunately, Summer wasn’t lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one during the trip to Antarctica.
- Other Whales You Might Spot With some luck, you could also encounter minke whales, sperm whales, or right whales.
Most Antarctic expeditions include lectures about whales, offering fascinating insights into their behavior and ecology. In February and March, the chances of spotting these magnificent creatures significantly increase.
For those traveling to Antarctica during these months, stay alert and ready! Even if you’re resting in your cabin, the moment you hear an announcement, throw on your coat and head straight to the reported location—you won’t regret it. If you happen to bump into the expedition team members along the way, consider it your lucky day. They’ll identify species you’re unsure about and share interesting facts on the spot. And chances are, you’ll run into them frequently, as most members aboard Antarctic cruises have a deep, enduring passion for the region’s wildlife！
Can you still see penguins in February and March?
Of course!
Traveling to Antarctica in February and March gives you the chance to witness large numbers of penguin chicks, along with their busy parents feeding them. Entire slopes can be covered with these adorable creatures.
Besides eating, the chicks gradually become more active, even venturing into the icy waters for their first swims! (And yes, Antarctic waters are freezing—don’t ask me how I know!) If you’re lucky, you might encounter a couple of curious penguin chicks. Some travelers in Summer’s group had baby penguins mistake them for their parents, circling them nonstop. It’s a perfect opportunity for amazing photos!
February: The Best Time to Enter the Antarctic Circle!
Why is that? Because February marks the height of summer in Antarctica. After an entire summer of melting, the sea ice has significantly reduced. If you’re planning to cross into the Antarctic Circle, this is the ideal time to do it!
Are Antarctic cruise tickets cheaper in February and March?
Generally speaking, February is still considered the tail end of the peak season, so prices don’t drop significantly.
However, by March, prices begin to fall. For example, itineraries to the Antarctic Peninsula in March can drop to as low as $6,000–$7,000 per person, with some deals even hitting the $5,000 range! When Summer saw those prices, she seriously considered going back for another trip.
If you need more details on Antarctic and South American itineraries or sailing schedules, feel free to message Summer!
