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Flowing between Kiev Peninsula and the mainland’s Graham Land and the 3,000 metre cliffs of Booth Channel, the Lemaire Channel is one of Antarctica’s top destinations.

Just 1,600 metres wide at its narrowest point, the Channel is an 11 kilometre strait off Antarctica leading to a jigsaw of jewel like islands, and passing through it makes for an unforgettable journey, upon which orca or humpback whales may be seen.

Filled with icebergs and hemmed in by steep glacial cliffs, the passage is not only extremely scenic, but the protected waters are usually as still as a lake, creating wonderful reflections of the surrounding landscape.

View suggested itineraries

Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: Adélie penguin, hourglass dolphin, humpback whale, macaroni penguin, orca, crabeater seal, Antarctic minke whale

Wildlife trips

This wildlife location is featured in the following itineraries:

Classic Antarctic Fly-Sail

This trip takes the easiest way to Antarctica and flies from Punta Arenas in southern Chile, to save time and enjoy an aerial view of the Drake Passage. This active adventure involves daily landings by Zodiac inflatable, and with ever-changing ice and weather conditions, each voyage is unique. Find out more about Classic Antarctic Fly-Sail

  • Price (exc. flights): 8 days from £11,125
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

Classic Antarctica

This voyage is a perfect introduction to the Antarctic, visiting prime wildlife sites along the Peninsula and in the nearby South Shetland islands. Encounter huge rookeries of gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguins, beaches adorned with wallowing elephant seals, and whales and dolphins along the way. Find out more about Classic Antarctica

  • Price (exc. flights): 10-13 days from £5,645
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

Crossing the Polar Circle

An extraordinary opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle, a polar achievement few have the privilege to experience. Discover a rarely seen, isolated world, littered with gigantic icebergs, snow-clad mountains and swathes of pack-ice, whilst being followed by an array of seabirds and several whale species. Find out more about Crossing the Polar Circle

  • Price (exc. flights): 11-15 days from £7,480
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

Polar Circle Fly-Sail

Flying to the South Shetlands over Cape Horn and avoiding the rough waters of the Drake Passage, this itinerary offers the easiest way to travel to Antarctica. Sailing down the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, the voyage passes spectacular icebergs in the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Find out more about Polar Circle Fly-Sail

  • Price (exc. flights): 9-11 days from £14,570
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

Wildlife Wonders of South Georgia & Antarctica

This exclusive expedition to the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica offers unparalleled biodiversity and stunning landscapes, showcasing thousands of king penguins, wandering albatross, and hulking elephant seals. Explore towering peaks, glaciers, and pristine fjords from a small-ship. Find out more about Z) Wildlife Wonders of South Georgia & Antarctica

  • Price (inc. flights): 20 days from £22,745
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • N
Recommended cruise vessels:

Greg Mortimer

Greg Mortimer LUXURY VESSEL

The Greg Mortimer introduces an exciting new generation of ship for cruising in the Polar regions. Purpose-built for expedition cruising with a uniquely designed ice-strengthened hull to provide a more comfortable voyage, this small ship can venture into remote areas that larger vessels cannot reach. Find Out More about Greg Mortimer

Ocean Albatros

Ocean Albatros LUXURY VESSEL

The Ocean Albatros is a state-of-the-art expedition vessel designed for exploring the polar regions in comfort and style. With its innovative X-BOW design, this modern ship offers enhanced stability for smoother sailing. Fully equipped to navigate remote icy waters, she can accommodate up to 175 passengers. Find Out More about Ocean Albatros

Ocean Nova

Ocean Nova EXPEDITION VESSEL

An extremely comfortable and well-equipped Polar expedition vessel, Ocean Nova is one of the leading vessels classified to operate in ice-filled waters. Accommodating around 60 passengers, cabins are outside facing and there is an excellent glass-enclosed forward observation lounge on the top deck. Find Out More about Ocean Nova

Ocean Victory

Ocean Victory EXPEDITION VESSEL

The Ocean Victory is a state-of-the-art expedition vessel, purpose-built for exploring polar regions in comfort. Launched in 2021, this modern ship combines innovative design with a commitment to sustainability, offering an exceptional base for adventure in some of the world's most remote, pristine environments. Find Out More about Ocean Victory

Ortelius

Ortelius EXPEDITION VESSEL

The ice-strengthened Ortelius is an excellent vessel for expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic. With the highest ice-class notation, it offers possibilities to travel to remote locations such as the Ross Sea and Franz Josef Land. Flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities. Find Out More about Ortelius

Plancius

Plancius EXPEDITION VESSEL

The Plancius accommodates a maximum of 108 passengers in cabins ranging from triple to superior, all with outside view and private facilities. She offers a range of itineraries in Antarctica and the Arctic, and the large open deck spaces offer excellent opportunities to watch wildlife. Find Out More about Plancius

Polar Athena

Polar Athena MICRO VESSEL

Polar Athena is a beautifully refurbished micro expedition vessel designed for wildlife encounters and true polar exploration. With just 44 guests, generous deck space, a strengthened ice-class hull, and swift Zodiac operations, she combines comfort, agility, and adventure to reach remote regions. Find Out More about Polar Athena

Ultramarine

Ultramarine LUXURY VESSEL

Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters plus 20 quick-release Zodiac boats, Ultramarine offers passengers the next level in polar exploration. The opportunity to view frozen landscapes from above and to take impromptu wildlife viewing excursions speedily and efficiently, set it apart from other polar vessels. Find Out More about Ultramarine

Janssonius

Janssonius EXPEDITION VESSEL

The M/V Janssonius exceeds all requirements set out in the Polar Code for ice-strengthened cruise ships, making her arguably one of the most advanced vessels on which to explore the polar regions. The latest sustainable technology also ranks her alongside the most environmentally friendly ships in the world. Find Out More about Janssonius