The Ultimate Time to Visit Antarctica

Top reasons to visit Antarctica in 2025

1. Complimentary helicopter experience

2. Emperor penguins of Snow Hill Island

3. Mawson’s Huts

4. A magical white Christmas

5. Wildlife paradise

6. Featured itineraries

7. Exclusive offers

Helicopter experiences taking you beyond the horizon

In winter’s wake, the towering glaciers and shifting ice cliffs of the Antarctic coast are only part of the story. Take to the skies on one of the two state-of-the-art helicopters^ on board Scenic Eclipse and experience the awe-inspiring landscapes beyond the shoreline and into the heart of the White Continent.

“You cannot go to Antarctica and simply see it from the water,” explains Jason Flesher, Scenic Expedition Operations Director. “Until you experience Antarctica from above, you haven’t fully seen her come alive.”

For a limited time, guests on selected Scenic Eclipse Antarctica voyages in 2025 can enjoy a complimentary 30-minute helicopter flightseeing experience^≈. Weather permitting, witness Antarctica’s vast, icy wilderness and masses of huddled penguins from a breathtaking perspective. Glide over sculpted icebergs and unique wildlife in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity seamlessly included in your ultra-luxury Expedition Voyage.

See the Emperor penguins of Snow Hill Island

Located on the edge of the Antarctic Peninsula in the Weddell Sea, Snow Hill Island is home to around 4,000 breeding pairs of the most majestic animals on Earth – the Emperor penguin. The island is one of only two breeding colonies on the peninsula, and in the early season from late October to early December, the fluffy chicks are hard at work finding their feet.

Few get to witness these magnificent birds in their natural habitat, and with Scenic Eclipse’s expert Discovery Team and on board helicopters^, this rare opportunity is yours. Your Discovery Leader and expert ornithologist will act as your personal guides and take you further into your destination. After a short flight, you’ll land on the island and hike to the colony for a closer view of these adorable locals.

Discover the great Sir Douglas Mawson’s Huts

Step back in time with an exclusive complimentary helicopter shuttle to Mawson’s Huts, one of the most significant historical sites in East Antarctica. Built by Sir Douglas Mawson and his team over a century ago, these remarkably preserved structures stand as a testament to human resilience.

“Mawson’s Huts really show you the remoteness and uniqueness of East Antarctica,” Jason Flesher, Director of Discovery Operations says. “You can’t reach them by Zodiac anymore, so flying there is a very big deal. It’s life changing.”

There is only one more opportunity to witness this fascinating piece of Antarctic history. December 2025 marks Scenic Eclipse’s final visit to Mawson’s Huts. You can enjoy this experience with an included helicopter shuttle on the Mawson’s Antarctica: Along the East Coast Voyage while gaining deep insights from the expert Discovery Team, and the Mawson’s Huts Lead Conservator Dr. Ian Godfrey.

A magical Christmas unlike any other

Imagine celebrating Christmas or ringing in the New Year in truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury, surrounded by waddling penguins, gleaming icebergs, and stunning glacial landscapes. For a festive season to treasure for life, experience the magic of an Antarctic white Christmas on board Scenic Eclipse. Gourmet feasts, special events like themed markets, and your Discovery Yacht decorated in full festive style are just a few gifts worth waiting for.

Watch penguin chicks slide along the ice, sip champagne on the Observation Deck, and raise your glass to the ultimate end-of-year celebration at the edge of the world.

A wildlife paradise

The Antarctic spring is one of the greatest wildlife displays on Earth, and Scenic’s world-class Discovery Team gives you a front row seat. With Zodiac excursions and guided shore landings, witness thousands of Adelie, chinstrap, and Gentoo penguins in their rookeries, tending to their cute chicks amid dazzling white icescapes. From your spacious private verandah, spot humpback and minke whales making themselves at home and marvel at dramatic calving glaciers.

Additionally, the longer daylight hours of the season give you more time to experience nature in this beautiful environment.

Sail with the World’s First Discovery Yachts™

It’s more than an Antarctic cruise; it’s an unrivaled discovery experience. Whether you’re soaring over the ice by helicopter^, encountering Emperor penguins and their chicks at Snow Hill, taking a polar plunge, or celebrating a magical white Christmas in ultra-luxury, a voyage on Scenic Eclipse is truly in a class of its own.

Discover the Southern Continent and embrace the spirit of the great explorers. Secure your suite for 2025 to experience Antarctica at its very best on an unforgettable journey of a lifetime.