Be inspired  by wildlife from all corners of the globe

With two Discovery Yachts, we will take you further than ever before, visiting over 500 extraordinary ports across 63 remarkable countries. From the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between, enjoy the voyage of a lifetime to discover some of the world’s most unique wildlife, in truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury on board Scenic Eclipse.

Antarctica wildlife

When embarking on your Antarctica expedition voyage, you’re no doubt anticipating the great untouched wilderness and the absolute beauty of this magnificent continent at the very end of the Earth.

From its unique history of heroic explorers - such as Ernest Shackleton and Sir Edmund Hillary, who paved their way across its breath-taking environment decades ago - through to its endless, photogenic landscape, Antarctica has a certain attractive element for every traveller.

Get close  to nature onshore
 

Whilst you won't see any polar bears in Antarctica - instead native to the Arctic - you will have the chance to see penguins of all varieties, shapes and sizes.

From the long-tailed Gentoo penguin, easily distinguished by its orange/red bill and the broad, white stripe that stretches across its head, to the chinstrap penguin with its black bill and dark ’chinstrap’ across its neck you’re never short of breeds to view in Antarctica. If you’re lucky, you might also see the Adélie penguin, which, existing on a diet of krill and fish, is native to the continent and can often be found waddling across the snow in a distinct fashion.
A penguin with a grey coat and striking yellow feathers on its head standing on a rock infront of vast ice. A penguin with a grey coat and striking yellow feathers on its head standing on a rock infront of vast ice.

Discover Antarctica marine life offshore
 

If you direct your line of sight away from the land and towards the sea, the characteristic, upward leap of the humpback whale can be seen as it comes up for air.

Meanwhile, the gentle, forward gliding of the blue whale drifts along the surface of the ocean. If the time is right, extra-lucky guests on board Scenic Eclipse just might catch the instantly-recognisable black and white pattern of the Orca.

Also, you might catch a glimpse of the large, earless elephant seals, as they gather on the rocks, congregating in unison. If you do happen to spot a slightly leaner, more athletic creature, that’ll be the leopard seal. Leopard seals have distinctive long, muscular bodies, large heads and short whiskers.
A whale in the water surrounded by ice covered mountains and people in a small boat nearby. A whale in the water surrounded by ice covered mountains and people in a small boat nearby.

Arctic wildlife

The serene and beautiful Arctic, which is a thriving polar region inhabited with a range of different animals and wonderful creatures, can often seem far away, out of reach and extreme. Despite this, the area is surprisingly accessible for those with a lust for exploration. In fact, its nearest neighbour is Scotland.

From stunning scenery through to amazing sea and land creatures, and colourful flora set against endless daylight – the Arctic is truly unlike any other place on Earth.

The beautiful Arctic reindeer
 

The beautiful and distinctive Arctic reindeer (or Caribou) are sadly decreasing in numbers thanks to climate change, but you may still be able to spot one or two in their luscious white coats against the snow.
A reindeer walking in the snow. A reindeer walking in the snow.

Witness polar bears in the Arctic
 

Possibly the most iconic of the Arctic's wildlife, you may be lucky enough to spot an ever-elusive polar bear. Beautiful and breath-taking in appearance, polar bears can be seen all year round in the Arctic. From swimming in the warmer months, to strolling along against the backdrop of the Northern Lights in the colder months, you’ll have the chance to witness the incredible polar bear 365 days a year.
Two polar bears walking in the snow with the sun shining in the background. Two polar bears walking in the snow with the sun shining in the background.

Cruises perfect for discovering unique wildlife

Choose an expedition voyage to Antarctica or the Arctic to uncover magical experiences with the fascinating wildlife that call these regions home.

Queenstown to Hobart

25 Days

SEASON: 2024

Mawson’s Antarctica: Along the East Coast

In the footsteps of explorers (and penguins)

From
GBP
£26,304*
Reykjavik

11 Days

SEASON: 2024/2025

Circumnavigating Iceland & Crossing the Arctic Circle

Exploring the Land of Fire and Ice

From
GBP
£9,187*
Buenos Aires

16 Days

SEASON: 2026

Antarctica and the Weddell Sea

Wonders of the Weddell Sea

From
GBP
£15,839*
Santiago to Buenos Aires

31 Days

SEASON: 2026

Ultimate Chilean Fjords, Glaciers & Antarctic Wildlife Explorer

Chile and Antarctic Wonders

From
GBP
£44,640*

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Luxury cruise ship docked on the edge of an ice sheet in Antarctica with groups of people leaving the ship to explore on the ice under sunny blue skies with a helicopter overhead. Luxury cruise ship docked on the edge of an ice sheet in Antarctica with groups of people leaving the ship to explore on the ice under sunny blue skies with a helicopter overhead.

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands

Experience the voyage of a lifetime in Antarctica - a world of exquisite natural beauty.

Baby Polar bear and its mother exploring a rocky ridge and looking our to the distance.    Baby Polar bear and its mother exploring a rocky ridge and looking our to the distance.

The Arctic

Redefining polar exploration, discover The Arctic, a vast wilderness that only very few can reach.

Two emperor penguins standing in the snow side by side with an ice shelf and clouded mountain in the background. Two emperor penguins standing in the snow side by side with an ice shelf and clouded mountain in the background.

The Ross Sea & East Antarctica
 

Picture Antarctica in its most spectacular form – this is the East Antarctica and Ross Sea region. One of the most remote areas in the world, only a few hundred travellers make it this far each year.

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