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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

South Georgia's breathtaking scenery and huge numbers of wildlife make it a 'must see' | Richard I'Anson
5.0/5 (1 review)

South Georgia, Falkland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula aboard Ortelius

Trip Grading
1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Operated by:

Antarctica, Argentina

19 days

from $15100 USD

A pair of King Penguins, South Georgia, Antarctica | Alan Levy
New Trip

Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands Odyssey

Trip Grading
1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Operated by:

Antarctica

23 days

from $17195 USD

Adelie Penguins take the plunge in Antarctica | K Ovsyanikova
Special Offer
New Trip

Ross Sea - Footsteps of Scott & Shackleton

Trip Grading
1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Operated by:

Antarctica, New Zealand

28 days

from $30400 USD

The raw beauty and abundant wildlife make South Georgia unforgettable
New
New Trip

South Georgia in Depth

Trip Grading
1 / 10

Adventure Touring

Operated by:

Antarctica, Chile

15 days

from $22500 USD

Female New Zealand hooker sea lion enjoying the sunshine | Rachel Imber
Special Offer
5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Macquarie Island Adventure - Galapagos of the Southern Ocean

Trip Grading
1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Operated by:

New Zealand, Australia

12 days

from $11050 USD

The raw beauty of South Georgia's landscape is breathtaking | Alan Levy
On Sale
New Trip

South Georgia, Falkland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula

Trip Grading
1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Operated by:

Antarctica

19 days

$15050 USD
  

from $13545 USD

Large King Penguin colony, Salisbury Plain, South Georgia | Diana Watts
On Sale
New Trip

Remote Weddell Sea Explorer

Trip Grading
1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Operated by:

Antarctica, Argentina

28 days

$27700 USD
  

from $24930 USD

Grytviken, South Georgia | Dietmar Denger
New Trip

Falkland Islands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula

Trip Grading
1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Operated by:

Antarctica, Argentina

19 days

from $16450 USD

Cape Evans, Antarctica | R Young
5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Ross Sea Explorer - In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton

Trip Grading
1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Operated by:

Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand

28 days

from $33075 USD

Royal Penguins waddling up the beach | Rachel Imber
5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Macquarie Island Expedition - Galapagos of the Southern Ocean

Trip Grading
1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Operated by:

New Zealand, Australia

12 days

from $10490 USD

Large King Penguin colony, Salisbury Plain, South Georgia | Diana Watts
New Trip

Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands and South Georgia Explorer on Ortelius

Trip Grading
1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Operated by:

Antarctica, Argentina

19 days

from $18200 USD

Carved iceberg, Antarctica | Peter Walton
5.0/5 (1 review)

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Trip Grading
1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Operated by:

Antarctica

21 days

from $26195 USD

About Sub-Antarctic Islands

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.

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!

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.

Reviews (0)

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Useful Sub-Antarctic Islands Info

Encounter enormous seabird and mammal colonies in South Georgia, Macquarie Island, Campbell Island and the Falklands

Discover rich maritime history as you retrace Shackleton’s ill-fated Endurance expedition

Explore the dramatic frozen landforms typical of Antarctica—rugged ice-capped mountains, glaciers and fjords—along with windswept beaches and historic harbours crowded with an abundance of wildlife

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

A king penguin on South Georgia&#160;-&#160;<i>Photo:&#160;Peter Walton</i>

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is -2 hours behind GMT/UTC. Macquarie Island is +10 hours ahead GMT/UTC. Campbell Island is +12 hours ahead GMT/UTC.

English

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

+500

We recommend taking a universal adapter.

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.

Guaranteeing A Great Sub-Antarctic Islands Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Enjoy Patagonia's extraordinary glaciers |  Lachlan Gardiner

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People and Culture First

Travel with purpose, placing local communities at the heart of your adventure.

Led by experienced local guides and supported by regional crews and partners, your trip helps sustain livelihoods, build skills and strengthen long term partnerships.

Every adventure is designed to encourage respectful cultural exchange and ensure the benefits of tourism are shared with the communities you visit.

Our Sustainability Commitment

Multi Award Winning Adventures

Responsible Travel

Adventure Experts Since 1975

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