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Inspiring Vacations HX Expeditions

Antarctica

Experienced by those who dream it most,
and led by those who know it best.

Explore the planet's most remote continent on a purpose-built HX expedition ship, woven into an unforgettable South America adventure.

★★★★★  Over 4,800 5-star reviews · Australia's most highly awarded tour operator

Limited time Book an Inspiring Vacations HX Expeditions journey and enjoy an exclusive $250 onboard credit per person - yours to spend at the bottom of the world. Offer ends 24 July 2026.
Why Antarctica, why now

A continent that rewrites what travel can be

Towering ice cliffs, vast frozen horizons and wildlife found nowhere else. Antarctica isn't a place you simply visit, it's one you feel. Here's what makes the journey extraordinary.

Pioneers since 1896

HX Expeditions has led travellers to the planet's hardest-to-reach places for over 125 years.

Wildlife up close

Penguins, seals and whales in their natural habitat, met on daily Zodiac landings and shore hikes.

Two worlds, one trip

Pair the White Continent with Patagonia, the Galapagos and the wonders of South America.

Travel with experts

Scientists, naturalists and polar guides turn every day into a journey of genuine discovery.

Experts in exploration

HX Expeditions: 125 years at the edge of the map

Since 1896, HX Expeditions has been carrying curious travellers to the most extraordinary corners of the planet. As the pioneers of expedition cruising, they pair deep polar expertise with a genuine commitment to science, sustainability and responsible travel.

Aboard their purpose-built expedition ships, you're guided by an experienced team of scientists, naturalists and polar specialists. From Zodiac landings and guided hikes to onboard lectures and a dedicated science centre, every moment is designed to deepen your understanding of the White Continent.

1896Pioneers of expedition cruising
499Max guests · small-ship expedition feel
HX Expeditions ship cruising past Antarctic ice cliffs
Curated by Inspiring Vacations

The world's most remote continent, thoughtfully planned

Inspiring Vacations carefully curates Antarctica and South America journeys with HX Expeditions, seamlessly combining an expedition cruise with immersive land touring, a rare chance to experience far more of the world in a single, extraordinary trip.

With expert planning, exceptional value and trusted support, every detail is taken care of. You're free to make the most of your time at the bottom of the world, and savour the colour and culture of South America before or after your Antarctic adventure.

Book now and enjoy an exclusive $250 onboard credit per person, until 24 July 2026.

Map of the route from South America across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula
Choose your expedition

Antarctica & South America journeys

Four expertly crafted itineraries combining an HX expedition cruise with the best of South America, from a two-week highlights voyage to an epic 44-day grand exploration. Every booking includes a $250 onboard credit per person.

14 Days · Highlights14 Day Highlights of Antarctica Exploration Cruise

Highlights of Antarctica Exploration Cruise

  • Expedition-style cruise included
  • Oct 2026 to Mar 2028 departures
  • Classic group tour
+ $250 onboard credit View tour
31 Days31 Day Inspiring South America & Antarctica Exploration Cruise

Inspiring South America & Antarctica Exploration Cruise

  • Expedition-style cruise included
  • Oct 2026 to Mar 2027 departures
  • Small group: 4-20 travellers
+ $250 onboard credit View tour
38 Days38 Day Inspiring South America, Galapagos & Antarctica Cruise

Inspiring South America, Galápagos & Antarctica Cruise

  • Expedition-style cruise included
  • Oct 2026 to Mar 2027 departures
  • Small group: 4-20 travellers
+ $250 onboard credit View tour
44 Days · Grand Tour44 Day Inspiring South America, Patagonia, Galapagos & Antarctica

Inspiring South America, Patagonia, Galápagos & Antarctica

  • Expedition-style cruise included
  • Oct 2026 to Mar 2027 departures
  • Small group: 4-20 travellers
+ $250 onboard credit View tour

Ready to take the first step toward the adventure of a lifetime? Book online, or speak with our Travel Specialists, we'd love to help you plan your journey to the end of the world.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Browse all Antarctica tours
Find your fit

Which journey is right for you?

Every itinerary includes an HX expedition cruise and a $250 onboard credit. The difference is how much of South America you weave in, and how you like to travel.

JourneyLengthTravel styleBest forDepartures
Highlights of Antarctica14 daysClassic groupThe White Continent, focusedOct 2026 to Mar 2028 View
South America & Antarctica31 daysSmall group · 4-20Antarctica plus the SA classicsOct 2026 to Mar 2027 View
South America, Galápagos & Antarctica38 daysSmall group · 4-20Adding the Galápagos IslandsOct 2026 to Mar 2027 View
South America, Patagonia, Galápagos & Antarctica44 daysSmall group · 4-20Everything: Patagonia + GalápagosOct 2026 to Mar 2027 View

Still deciding? Request a call and we'll match you to the right voyage.

See it for yourself

What an HX Expeditions voyage really looks like

From the crossing of the Drake Passage to your first Zodiac landing among the penguins, press play and get a feel for life aboard an expedition to the White Continent.

Inspiring Travel Talk · Live online event

Meet Antarctica before you go

Spend an hour with our travel specialists at a free live online event, a dedicated Antarctica & Polar session covering the HX Expeditions experience, our South America journeys, and everything you need to know before you book.

  • A live Antarctica & HX Expeditions presentation
  • Must-see highlights and the best time to travel
  • How the expedition cruise and land touring fit together
  • Live Q&A, ask our specialists your questions on the spot
Free live online event

Inspiring Travel Talk

Date[Insert date]
Time[Insert time] AEST
WhereOnline, join from home

Presentations every hour, on the hour, plus every attendee goes into the draw to win up to $2,000 off their next trip.

Reserve my free spot

Can't make it? Register anyway and we'll send you the replay.

The Inspiring Edit

Explore Antarctica

Stories, guides and answers to get you ready for the White Continent.

When is the best time to visit Antarctica
Know Before You Go

When is the best time to visit Antarctica?

Cross the Drake Passage into a world ruled by nature. How to choose the right month for wildlife, ice and light.

Read full article →
My life at the Pole: meet Ralf Auer
Travel Stories

My life at the Pole: meet Ralf Auer

Meet one of the few people on earth to have spent two years living and working at the South Pole.

Read full article →
12 animals to look out for in Antarctica
Must See & Do

12 animals to look out for in Antarctica

It may be a frozen desert, but it teems with life. The penguins, seals, whales and seabirds you'll meet.

Read full article →
Visiting Antarctica: your questions answered
Travel Tips

Visiting Antarctica: your questions answered

From temperature to safety to what to pack, we answer the questions travellers ask most.

Read full article →
Scott's Hut and Shackleton's Hut
Destinations

Scott's hut & Shackleton's hut

Step inside the preserved time capsules of the great age of Antarctic exploration.

Read full article →
What to watch and read before your Antarctica trip
Destinations

What to watch and read before you go

The best films, books and documentaries to enjoy before you set sail for the White Continent.

Read full article →
Good to know before you go

Frequently asked questions

What's the exclusive $250 onboard credit, and how do I get it?
Until 24 July 2026, every Inspiring Vacations × HX Expeditions journey includes an exclusive $250 onboard credit per person. It's applied to your booking and can be spent on onboard experiences, amenities and indulgences during your expedition. Speak with our team for full terms and current departures.
When is the best time to visit Antarctica?
The Antarctic season runs roughly October to March, during the southern summer. Early season (Oct to Nov) brings pristine snow and dramatic ice; mid-season (Dec to Jan) offers the longest days and penguin chicks; late season (Feb to Mar) is prime time for whale watching. Our specialists can help you choose the departure that suits what you most want to see.
What is the Drake Passage like?
The Drake Passage is the stretch of ocean between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula, and crossing it is part of the adventure. Conditions vary, from calm ("Drake Lake") to lively ("Drake Shake"), but HX's purpose-built expedition ships are stabilised for comfort, and the crossing is your gateway to the White Continent.
What's included on an HX expedition cruise?
Your expedition typically includes shipboard accommodation, all main meals onboard, daily Zodiac excursions and shore landings, guided activities, and a programme of expert-led lectures and the ship's science centre. Specific inclusions vary by itinerary, so check each tour page or ask our team for the full detail on your chosen voyage.
What wildlife will I see?
Antarctica is alive with wildlife. Expect multiple penguin species (Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie among them), seals hauled out on the ice, and whales (humpback, minke and orca), particularly later in the season. Seabirds including albatross often follow the ship. Sightings are never guaranteed, but they're a daily highlight.
Why combine Antarctica with South America?
Expedition cruises to Antarctica depart from the tip of South America, so you're already perfectly placed to explore more. Our curated journeys let you add Patagonia, the Galápagos Islands, and the great cities and landscapes of the continent, turning a single trip into the adventure of a lifetime, before or after your time on the ice.
How fit do I need to be?
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. You'll be getting in and out of Zodiacs, walking on uneven and sometimes snowy terrain, and managing ship stairs. Excursions can usually be tailored to different activity levels, and the expedition team is on hand to assist. If you have specific concerns, talk to our specialists before booking.
Are flights and transfers included?
Inclusions vary by itinerary. Many of our journeys are structured as land-and-cruise packages with internal arrangements included, while international flights are usually separate. Our Travel Specialists can confirm exactly what's included on your chosen tour and help you arrange the rest.
Antarctica is calling

Begin the journey to the end of the world

Explore our expertly crafted tours with HX Expeditions and Inspiring Vacations, and take the first step toward the adventure of a lifetime, with $250 onboard credit per person until 24 July 2026.

Or speak with our Travel Specialists on 1300 88 66 88