Sub-Antarctica Cruises

With its raw beauty, abundant wildlife and rich history, the remote Sub-Antarctic Islands region is an incomparable destination for adventurous travellers.

Here you’ll find the dramatic frozen landforms typical of Antarctica – rugged ice-capped mountains, glaciers and fjords – along with windswept beaches and historic harbours crowded with a staggering variety and abundance of wildlife.

Encounter enormous seabird and mammal colonies in South Georgia, Macquarie Island, Campbell Island and the Falklands, and discover rich maritime history as you retrace Shackleton’s ill-fated Endurance expedition. Practice your photography skills on majestic wildlife and dramatic landforms and marvel at the scale and beauty of some of Earth’s most pristine wilderness.

Our range of polar adventures travel lightly aboard small vessels with a core focus on sustainability and minimal environment impact. Your shipmates will be research scientists and wildlife experts, photographers and fellow travellers with a shared interest and respect for these pristine environments.

Take a look at our broad program of Sub-Antarctic itineraries and discover the stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife and intriguing history of this remote polar region. Join us on for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure out into the Sub-Antarctic islands!

King Penguin parade on South Georgia  | Richard I'Anson

Find your Sub-Antarctic Islands adventure

Sub-Antarctic Islands highlights

 

Why travel with us

Exploratory voyages, not cruises

We use vessels that carry no more than 198 passengers, giving us access to areas that are unavailable to the larger cruise ships. We focus on spending time ashore to enjoy the spontaneity of wildlife encounters, hearing from experts in research stations and observing sculptured ice formations from our zodiacs. No two trips are the same.

Widest choice of voyages

We have a diverse selection of voyages and departures to choose from. Don't want to travel the Drake Passage in both directions? Take one of our voyages that fly to King George Island. Sit amongst a million king penguins on South Georgia or sail south to the Antarctic Circle.

Expert guides, lecturers and crew

Our staff are the best in the business - passionate individuals who have dedicated decades to polar exploration and tourism. From our Russian captains and crew to our expert naturalists and lecturers, their combined knowledge will truly enhance your polar experience.

Real interaction with the Polar regions

With us you can fully savour the spectacular landscapes of the Polar regions by getting active. Cross South Georgia on foot, camp out on the ice for a night or try your hand at a range of activities including kayaking, diving or snow shoeing on one of our base camp voyages.

Leaders in responsible travel

The Polar regions are pristine natural environments. Preserving them for future generations is not just important, but essential. We are an associate member of The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators.

Responsible travel

 

Environmental protection

The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) was formed in 1991 to promote environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica, and World Expeditions is proud to be an Associate B2 Member of IAATO. We operate within the parameters of the Antarctic Treaty System, including the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on the Environment and Annexes and IAATO guidelines.

Minimal impact

Our voyages have a maximum of 198 passengers on board, ensuring to ensure minimal impact to the environment.

Traveller education

We provide educational lectures and experiences on board to ensure our travellers understand the natural elements of Antarctica, including the environmental code of conduct and the scientific explanations behind them.

Accommodation

Comfortable vessels

Our vessels are specifically designed with expedition cruising in mind. Cabins range from quadruple berths right through to spacious suites, accommodating all budgets and tastes. Most cabins have private bathrooms, however some share a bathroom between a small number of other cabins. Public areas include dining quarters, lecture theatres, a bar and a library and some of our ships also have spas and gymnasiums aboard.

Leaders in the field

Expedition Staff

Our polar expedition leaders and crew are specialists in wilderness environments with years of experience in the field. Your Expedition Leader will be highly skilled in communication and decision making, along with wilderness first aid and safety. It will be their job to ensure the expedition runs smoothly and that as many of our itinerary objectives are met whilst ensuring all participants safety and wellbeing. Your tour leader will be assisted by an expedition team, which may include a variety of polar specialists including geologists, ornithologists, marine biologists, naturalists and historians. There is also a resident medical officer on board each voyage. During the trip all of the team will impart their knowledge of the environments, as well as acting as zodiac drivers, lecturer’s, dinner companions and all round great travel buddies!

Custom made itineraries

A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.

Trip reviews

Country information

Currency

Payment of incidental expenses aboard most ships can be paid for with US dollars cash or with Visa and Mastercards.

International Dialing Code

+500

Electricity

We recommend taking a universal adapter.

Visas

Whilst visa's are not required to visit South Georgia or Antarctica many passport holders may require visa's for countries they transit en-route to the voyage. Passengers travelling to Macquarie Island (AUS) or Campbell, Auckland or The Snares Islands (NZL) may require visa's to enter Australia and New Zealand. Please check with your reservations consultant or travel agent to determine if visa's are required for your journey.